Stan Lee & New Age?

October 14, 2011-New York--- Paris Kasidokostas Latsis and Terry Dougas, founders of the graphic novel and comic book company 1821 Comics (www.1821comics.com), Comic legend Stan Lee, Founder, Chairman and Chief Creative Officer of POW! Entertainment and his producing partner, President and COO of POW! Entertainment Gill Champion announced today that they are teaming up to launch a new family-friendly multi-platform imprint called STAN LEE’S KIDS UNIVERSE. With the announcement, STAN LEE’S KIDS UNIVERSE will release a series of new books, characters, and interactive games---all created for children.



The announcements were made during a special presentation at New York Comic Con where Dougas and Lee unveiled a sneak peak at the company’s slate of first five books. Lee and Dougas showcased a number of giant posters and images from the new imprint for fans and media. Lee and Dougas also revealed plans for STAN LEE SAVES THE WORLD a new interactive game that they are co-producing with Cosmic Ray Gun Creative Design Studio for the iPad/iPhone platforms. This marks the first in a series of games that they will be releasing under the STAN LEE’S KIDS UNIVERSE banner. STAN LEE’S KIDS UNIVERSE will release its first two books in spring 2012, both projects are from acclaimed illustrator, writer, and comic creator Dani Jones, and are titled MONSTERS VS. KITTENS and ONCE UPON A TIME.



Dani Jones’ MONSTERS VS. KITTENS tells the story of a giant monster and a tiny kitten who are best friends. Her second book ONCE UPON A TIME tells the tale of a little pig who wants to tell a story but keeps getting interrupted by a cast of eclectic animals.





During the presentation Lee and Dougas also showcased characters from three additional books that STAN LEE’S KIDS UNIVERSE is currently developing in association with Viper Comics and their founder Jessie Garza:



• “The Fuzz Posse,” a group of mischievous police dogs featuring an evil porcupine villain

• An untitled book based on an assorted animal rock band with a cool cast that includes a rooster, a parrot, a hippo, a rabbit, a pig and a monkey

• “Reggie The Veggie Crocodile,” a crocodile who loves vegetables and encourages kids to eat a well balanced diet



Commented Stan Lee: “Our main purpose is we feel that there aren't enough comic books or books for kids that really hit the target, that gives them excitement and humor together and are filled with surprises. We have a whole new group of new characters that the kids can call their own, just as the teenagers called Spider-Man their own so many years ago."


Paris Kasidokostas Latsis of 1821 Comics commented: “Our goal at 1821 Comics since we launched the company has always been to create high quality books for all audiences and it’s always been a dream to create our very own kids’ brand, we couldn’t be happier to be making this a reality with Stan Lee. With today’s digital distribution opportunities, our imprint is in a prime position for tremendous growth.”



Added Terry Dougas of 1821 Comics: “It’s a pleasure and an honor to be launching this new imprint with Stan Lee today at New York Comic Con. After years of working together, Stan, Paris and I identified a place in the market for a new fun family brand for children and we are looking forward to filling this void with STAN LEE’S KIDS UNIVERSE. This imprint will be releasing a slate of books, games and characters.”

Its nice to see Stan Lee take on another type of audience. Its always a welcome challenge to doing something new and different with respect to past work.

~Kaye Beeh