Tokyopop and Nickelodeon have teamed up to create a new Cine-Manga series based on The Fairly Oddparents animated cartoon series created by Butch Hartman.  The first Fairly Oddparents Cine-Manga, composed of digital images taken directly from the animation is slated to debut in March 2004.  The Fairly Oddparents animated series airs several times per day on Nickelodeon, where it is nearly as popular as Spongebob Squarepants, averaging 2.4 million kids 2-11 to Spongebob's 2.5 million.  A 90-minute Fairly Oddparents movie is slated for next summer, and a theatrical feature film in 2005 is a distinct possibility.  The Fairly Oddparents is the third Nickelodeon property Tokyopop has adapted as a Cine-Manga (Spongebob and Jimmy Neutron are the others, see 'Tokyopop Does Nickelodeon').

Unlike many cartoon series, The Fairly Oddparents is written like a sitcom by a group of writers headed by standup comedian (and former Madisonian) Steve Marmel.  The result is a blend of clever dialogue and slapstick comedy with the ten-year-old protagonist Timmy on the receiving end of wishes granted by his two fairy godparents, who 'help' him deal with his clueless parents and the evil teen babysitter, Vicky.  Although The Fairly Oddparents hasn't reached the cult status of Spongebob Squarepants, the two series are clearly Nickelodeon's top offerings.  Just 2 weeks ago Spongebob and The Fairly Oddparents occupied eight out of the top 40 spots for sponsored cable offerings.  The popularity of the series should help Tokyopop expand the venues for its Cine-Manga offerings (see 'Tokyopop Expands Chain Presence').