Building on the success of such titles as March and They Called Us Enemy, IDW Publishing will expand its range of non-fiction offerings with a new line of educational books created in partnership with the Smithsonian Museum.
Although details of the releases remain under wraps, IDW intends to publish graphic novels, picture books and coloring books as part of the new arrangement, with releases drawing on existing Smithsonian concepts, including the video series Time Trials. No titles were revealed as part of the announcement of the partnership.
“The most energizing thing about working with the Smithsonian’s curators, researchers and zookeepers is that these are not just experts in their fields: They’re storytellers,” Chris Ryall, IDW’s president, publisher and chief creative officer, said in a statement to The New York Times, which first reported the news. “Together, we’ll use the unique power of comics to entertain, inspire and educate readers of all ages about the wonders of history, science, technology, culture and more.”
Added Smithsonian Enterprises president Carol LeBlanc: “We’re excited to work with the IDW team and share the full breadth of the Smithsonian’s extraordinary collections and research with readers around the world. We can’t wait to see world-class writers and artists bring the Smithsonian mission to diverse audiences in innovative, accessible and engaging new ways.”
This won’t be the Smithsonian’s first comic book outing; the museum previously worked on three middle grade titles for Penguin Random House under the banner The Secret Smithsonian Adventures.
The new IDW line is set to launch in the fall.
