Created by writer Rob M. Worley, Scratch9 features the adventures of a rascally house cat who gains the ability to summon any of his eight other lives to his side to aid him in his adventures. 

"I've seen what today's cats are reading and frankly I'm concerned. They're all walking around saying, 'LOL,' and, 'I can has cheezburger,' when they don't even know how to spell 'cheeseburger,'" said Worley, author of the critically-acclaimed junior novel Heir to Fire. "It's about time we put forth a positive role model for cats. That's what we're doing with Scratch9."

Illustrating the book is Harvey Award nominee Jason T. Kruse, creator of the graphic novel series The World of Quest which has gone on to become a cartoon airing on CW4Kids, Teletoon and Cartoon Network UK.

The four-issue series features covers by Eisner-winning artist Mike Kunkel, creator of Herobear & the Kid and artist on DC Comics' Billy Batson and the Magic of Shazam!

"The second that co-publisher Brent Erwin and I saw 'Scratch9,' we knew it was a hit in the making," said Ape Entertainment Co-Publisher David Hedgecock. "Perfect premise matched by an outstanding creative team. We can't wait to get this into the hands of young readers!"

The book is the second announced offering in Ape Entertainment's KiZoic line, following Mecha-Nation. KiZoic specializes in content aimed primarily at young readers.

"I couldn't be more excited to be doing this book with Ape. They've been doing kids comics since day one and I knew Scratch9 would fit right in," Worley said. "And there are some huge things coming from KiZoic. My little cat is going to be keeping some amazing company there."

Current plans are to solicit Scratch9 in the Diamond Previews catalog early next year with the book arriving in comic shops in the summer.

For up-to-date information on Scratch9 please visit http://scratch9.com

For the latest on Ape Entertainment's KiZoic line, please visit http://kizoic.com

For more information about Ape Entertainment, please visit http://apecomics.com