Summary

  • Monster High is expanding into comics with IDW Publishing in 2024 due to increased fan demand after the franchise went on hiatus.
  • The new comic series will be accompanied by a free preview comic on Free Comic Book Day 2024, providing fans with new Monster High stories.
  • IDW's addition of Monster High to its lineup is a great move for both young and older fans, giving them more all-ages titles to enjoy.

After an increase in demand for Monster High stories, the franchise will expand into comics with IDW Publishing in 2024. Monster High: New Scaremester will provide new stories thanks to a partnership with Mattel. The toy company is returning to publishing thanks to fans wanting more of the franchise since it had gone on hiatus.

Monster High began as a doll franchise in 2010, before it expanded into television, film, a book series by Lisi Harrison, and a few graphic novels. In 2018, it was discontinued after a failed reboot, but didn't go away for long. It had a resurgence in 2020 and is now expanding into comic publishing.

Monster High Returns With Its First Monthly Comic Series

Monster High Titan Comics FCBD cover from 2017

coming from IDW Publishing. Thus far, a creative team has not been announced, but fans can see a peek of it when Free Comic Book Day 2024 arrives. IDW will be offering a free 32-page comic that features a new Monster High story, as well as an extended preview of Monster High: New Scaremester. As of yet, a plot has not been revealed, but fans of the franchise will be excited to see so many new stories coming in the near future.

According to Ryan Ferguson, Mattel's global head of publishing, "Even when Monster High was on hiatus, we were hearing from fans constantly who, simply put, wanted more Monster High. As the desire for more publishing content that expands the Monster High universe has been a common request, we're particularly excited about today's news."

Monster High Expands From Graphic Novel Only History

Monster High: Hopes and Screams graphic novel cover

Previously, Little, Brown and Company - a subdivision of Hachette Book Group USA - was the primary publisher of Monster High titles. This included both major novel lines as well as two graphic novels: Hopes and Screams and I Only Have Eye For You. The first graphic novel featured the creative team of Heather Nuhfer, Josh Howard, Caravan Studio, and Ching Nga Chan. The creative team of the second graphic novel included Heather Nuhfer, Kellee Riley, Ching Nga Chan, and Caravan Studio. They were both published in 2014, making it ten years between graphic novel/comic projects. Given the fan demand and return of the franchise, this return will be a very welcome one.

Monster High has proven to be a rather long-lasting franchise and with its addition to IDW Publishing, the company has several all-ages titles for its readers. My Little Pony, Sonic the Hedgehog, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. The publisher has also produced several Transformers comics before the end of its licensing contract in 2022. Adding Monster High to its lineup is a great move for young readers, as well as older fans ready to share it with a new generation of comic fans. An official release date has not been revealed, but fans should keep an eye open for more news about Monster High: New Scaremester, particularly when Free Comic Book Day rolls around in May.

Source: Publishers Weekly