The cover of the first Warriors book.

TOKYOPOP and HarperCollins Set to Bring Erin Hunter's Bestselling Children's "Warriors" Series to Manga Format

Manga Trilogy Marks First Release in Companies' Co-Publishing Deal - Chronicles Never-Before-Told Tale of Beloved Character 'Graystripe' - Series Launch Features Erin Hunter's Special Note to Readers

TOKYOPOP, the self-described "leader of the Global Manga Revolution" and HarperCollins Publishers, one of the top English-language publishers in the world, have announced the May 2007 release of Warriors: The Lost Warrior, the first graphic novel series to be launched under the two companies' co-publishing deal (announced in March 2006).

The new manga series will be adapted from the best-selling Warriors books.  The manga adaptation, entitled Warriors: The Lost Warrior, is a trilogy.  The Warriors book series is written by Erin Hunter - apparently the pen name of the writing team of Kate Cary and Cherith Baldry.  The manga adaptation will be written by Dan Jolley (DC Comics' Firestorm comic book series) and drawn by James Barry.

A juvenile fantasy series, Warriors follows the adventures of the cats in the Clan ThunderClan.  In the world of Warriors, wild (or feral) cats live in four "Clans" and share the forest according to laws laid down by their warrior ancestors.  Into this world comes a house cat, Rusty, and the ThunderClan invites him to live with them and learn what it means "to live as a real cat."  However, the peaceful existence of the wild cats is threatened by the more aggressive ShadowClan, and Rusty is drawn into the conflict.

Thus far, the Warriors book franchise comprises three series.  The first series began in 2003 with the book, Into the Wild, and continued for five more books.  The second series, published under the title, Warriors: The New Prophecy, comprises six books.  The third series, Warriors: The Power of Three, is scheduled to begin in April with the publication of The Sight.  Two other Warriors books are also planned for a 2007 publication.

According to TOKYOPOP, Warriors:  The Lost Warrior will feature "a very special note" from the author to Warriors fans.  Warriors: The Lost Warrior manga series, created by Dan Jolley and James Barry, tells the untold tale of the feline hero Graystripe: his life with humans and his ultimate quest to be reunited with his clan.  Graystripe's story in the manga series bridges the gap between Hunter's "The New Prophecy" (the second series) and the next installment of the Warriors novel series Power of Three, the beginning of the third series.

TOKYOPOP reports that Erin Hunter wrote to Warriors fans: "Manga brings out the best in Graystripe.  The drawings are so powerful and so direct.  Alongside the punchy dialogue, they speak volumes.  I love them, and I am so proud of the all-new action Graystripe.  Well done, Graystripe!  Well done, manga!"

TOKYOPOP Publisher Mike Kiley stated, "It is truly an honor to bring such a wonderful children's series to manga form. Dan Jolley and James Barry have reveled in the Warriors universe I think the end result does this very special story proud."

The second book of the trilogy is scheduled for release in December 2007.

Thanks to barnesandnoble.com for the cover image.