Viz Media has announced the expansion of its Viz Kids imprint for younger readers and viewers. Starting in May Viz Kids will be distributing DVDs of the Cartoon Network series Hero: 108, and beginning in June it will offer downloads of episodes via iTunes. In July Viz Kids will release the previously announced Pokemon: Black & White manga (see “Viz Preps Game-Related Manga for 2012”) and Mameshiba (see “Mameshiba, Toys, Books”).

 

Starting in 2012 Viz Kids will publish original graphic novels starring the lovable Mr. Men and Little Misses characters. Little Miss Sunshine, Mr. Bump, Mr. Strong, and Little Miss Daredevil will each get their own graphic novel adventure book.

 

Also in the spring of 2012 Viz Kids will publish original graphic novels based on the new Voltron Force cartoon series that is set to debut on Nicktoons this summer (see “Dynamite Lands Voltron Comics License”).

 

Hero: 108 is an American-produced animated series about humans and animals battling for peace in the Hidden Kingdom. It is loosely based on the classic Chinese novel, The Water Margin.