NEW YORK, March 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Scholastic,
the world's largest publisher and distributor of children's books,
and internationally acclaimed game developer and publisher Blizzard
Entertainment today announced a collaboration on a new book series
for kids ages 8-12 based on Blizzard's popular World of
Warcraft® game franchise. World of Warcraft:
Traveler will launch simultaneously in the U.S., the U.K.,
Australia, New Zealand, and Canada, with the first hardcover book
scheduled for release in November
2016, followed by the second title in November 2017. Set in the breathtaking land of
Azeroth, this epic action-adventure series features a young cast of
Warcraft characters discovering the mysteries and majesty of the
world around them. Written by celebrated comic book author and
animation writer Greg Weisman, the
first book will include full-page sketches created by Blizzard
artist Samwise Didier, and a full-color cover illustration by
Blizzard artist Stephane Belin.
"World of Warcraft is a captivating fantasy universe that
lends itself to many imaginative and innovative storytelling
possibilities. When Blizzard initially approached us about creating
an original series for kids, we were not only intrigued but
immediately mesmerized," said Debra
Dorfman, Vice President and Publisher, Global Licensing, and
Media Consumer Products, Scholastic. "This has truly been a
fantastic collaboration and we look forward to sharing this
thrilling adventure with boys and girls everywhere."
"We're excited to be collaborating with Scholastic on a series
that will bring Azeroth to life for a whole new audience," said
Chris Metzen, Senior Vice President
of Story and Franchise Development at Blizzard Entertainment. "And
Greg Weisman is an accomplished writer who's really gotten to the
heart and soul of Warcraft with the characters he's developed
here—we're thrilled with the work he's done on World of
Warcraft: Traveler."
About World of Warcraft: Traveler
It's been years
since twelve-year-old Aramar Thorne, a clever boy who is never
without his precious sketch book, has seen his father. So when
Captain Greydon Thorne comes ashore
and asks his son to join him at sea, it feels as if someone has
redrawn Aram's entire world. Before he knows it, Aram is aboard the
Wavestrider with Lakeshire fading to a distant dot on the
horizon. But the thrill of adventure quickly fades, as Greydon
relentlessly schools Aram on how to handle his cutlass and how to
relate with the strange and diverse creatures of Azeroth. In
addition, Aram struggles to get along with the Wavestrider's
crew—especially second mate Makasa, a tough teenaged girl
who has been reluctantly placed in charge of him. Just as Aram
starts to get his head above water, a band of vicious pirates
attack the Wavestrider, turning his world upside down once
again. As Aram tries to find his way home with his father's compass
in hand, he'll travel across Azeroth's beautiful and hostile
terrain, encountering creatures both terrible and wondrous. He'll
seek to understand Azeroth's denizens as he draws them in his
sketchbook, forming unlikely friendships along the way. But the
journey is hindered by Greydon's compass, which never points north.
If the compass isn't leading Aram and Makasa home--to safety--to
what destiny is it leading them?
About Greg
Weisman
Greg
Weisman has been a storyteller all his life. He's best
known as the creator of Disney's Gargoyles and as a
writer-producer on multiple animated series, including
Young Justice, Star Wars
Rebels, and W.I.T.C.H., and Marvel's The Spectacular
Spider-Man. He's written multiple comic book series and two
young adult novels, Rain of the Ghosts and Spirits of Ash
and Foam. Greg lives in Los Angeles,
California.
About Blizzard Entertainment
Best known for
blockbuster hits including World of Warcraft® and
the Warcraft®, StarCraft®, and Diablo® franchises, Blizzard
Entertainment, Inc. (www.blizzard.com), a division of Activision
Blizzard (NASDAQ: ATVI), is a premier developer and publisher of
entertainment software renowned for creating some of the industry's
most critically acclaimed games. Blizzard Entertainment's track
record includes nineteen #1-selling games and multiple Game of the
Year awards. The company's online-gaming service,
Battle.net®, is one of the largest in the world, with
millions of active players.
About Scholastic
Scholastic Corporation (NASDAQ: SCHL) is the world's largest
publisher and distributor of children's books, a leading provider
of print and digital instructional materials for pre-K to grade 12,
and a producer of educational and entertaining children's media.
The Company creates quality books and ebooks, print and
technology-based learning materials and programs, classroom
magazines and other products that, in combination, offer schools
customized solutions to support children's learning both at school
and at home. The Company also makes quality, affordable books
available to all children through school-based book clubs and book
fairs. With a 95 year history of service to schools and families,
Scholastic continues to carry out its commitment to "Open a World
of Possible" for all children. Learn more at
www.scholastic.com.
Video - http://youtu.be/QESzTP6_in4
Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160329/348855
Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160329/348856
Logo -
http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100907/SCHOLASTICLOGO
Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160329/348891LOGO
To view the original version on PR Newswire,
visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/scholastic-and-blizzard-entertainment-announce-world-of-warcraft-traveler-a-new-book-series-for-children-based-on-the-global-bestselling-game-franchise-300242681.html
SOURCE Scholastic