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NEW YORK, NY, June 22, 2005 -- America Online's KOL(tm) service for kids has signed a new licensing deal with DC Comics to develop comic books based on its original "Princess Natasha" webisode series, it was announced today during the 2005 International Licensing show. Through this deal, DC Comics, the largest English-language publisher of comics in the world, will publish a four issue mini-series to be released in 2006.
Developed by Animation Collective for the KOL service, the "Princess Natasha" webisode series will also extend to television, books and DVDs/videos through partnerships with Cartoon Network, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers and Anchor Bay Entertainment.
"We are excited be leading the area of original online programming and are thrilled that a strong web series like Princess Natasha could have so much appeal beyond the Web," said Malcolm Bird, AOL's Senior Vice President and General Manager for Kids and Teens Programming. "With millions of fans already following the escapades of Princess Natasha, we are confident that the new DC Comics comic book will also be extremely successful."
"AOL has a powerful reach to a broad audience of kids," said DC Comics President and Publisher Paul Levitz. "We're pleased to help bring Princess Natasha to life offline."
Throughout the first season, millions of kids have followed the escapades of the strong heroine through original webisodes jam-packed with action, adventure and humor. Season two's ten weekly webisodes continue to follow Princess Natasha's adventures as she captures the invisibility spray, finds Zoravia's stolen national treasure and discovers a double agent. In addition to the webisodes, KOL launched a series of Princess Natasha online games and a web-based comic book series.
About "Princess Natasha"
Princess Natasha, the student secret agent, who came from the beautiful, friendly country of Zoravia, inspired the quaint town of Fountain Park , Illinois to change its name to Zoravia. As the real Zoravian Princess, she has been charged to go to Zoravia , IL to find the evil Lubek and stop him from destroying her home country. Watch Princess Natasha through her zany adventures as she becomes an exchange student while doubling as a spy.
About DC Comics
DC Comics, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, is the largest English-language publisher of comics in the world and home to such iconic characters as Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman and the Sandman. These DC super heroes and others have starred in comic books, movies, television series (both animated and live-action) and cyberspace, thrilling audiences of all ages for generations. DC Comics' Web site is located at www.dccomics.com.
About KOL(tm) Service for Kids
Winner of the 2004 National Parenting Seal of Approval, The KOL service is the first version of the America Online(tm) service designed entirely for kids. Combining exclusive content from industry leading kids' brands and original programming, the KOL service is fully integrated with AOL 's award-winning Parental Controls, offering kids a safer and more secure online environment.
About America Online, Inc.
America Online, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Time Warner Inc. Based in Dulles, Virginia, America Online is the world's leader in interactive services, Web brands, Internet technologies and e-commerce services. |
