Activision changed the gaming landscape when it introduced integrated collectible action figures with Skylanders. The combination of digital and plastic content has netted the publisher, by my calculations, all of the money. Today, a press release from IDW reveals that the Skylanders brand will now spread to paper with a line of Skylanders comics.

Print and digital versions of Skylanders #0 will debut at the San Diego Comic-Con, featuring a 16-page original story as well as character guides and additional back-up information. Veteran comic writer Ron Marz, best known as the man who made Green Lantern Hal Jordan a cosmic-level mass murderer, will pen the book, while art will be handled by Mike Bowden of the World of Warcraft comic series, and David Baldeon, penciler of Nova and Young Allies for Marvel.

Serving as a prequel to the game’s next expansion, Skylanders Trap Team, the comic will offer an inside look at the origins of many of the game’s characters and introduce new Skylanders from Trap Team. Ashley Maidy, Activision’s VP of global licensing and partnerships explained, “The comic-book series will offer fans a glimpse into the backstories of their favorite Skylanders characters, expanding on the universe that they’ve embraced so enthusiastically in the franchise’s short history. To explore the world of Skylands beyond the game is an opportunity we know our fans have long been awaiting, and we couldn’t be more excited to see this manifested through a comic series.”

In addition to digital and standard print versions, Skylanders will also be available in IDW’s Micro Fun Packs; 5.75” x 3” comics that include a poster, a sticker, and other collectible content.

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