Marvel has granted licenses to four major book publishers for mass market books based on Marvel characters, with initial products slated for release in Q1 2005.  The companies involved are DK Publishing, Harper Collins, Meredith Books, and Simon & Schuster's Pocket Books. 

 

DK Publishing will produce children's and all-ages non-fiction titles, including titles in DK's 'Ultimate Guides' series.  Spider-Man, Fantastic Four, Iron Man, X-Men, and the Avengers will be the initial characters featured.

 

HarperCollins has been granted a license to produce books targeting kids 5-12 based on Marvel movie releases, including Fantastic Four, X-Men 3, and Spider-Man 3.  Proudcts will include junior novelizations, picture story books, chapter books and 'manga' story books. 

 

Pocket Books will produce adult paperback novels based on Marvel characters including Spider-Man, Fantastic Four, X-Men, Wolverine, and Marvel Ultimates.   

 

And Meredith Books will produce children's books including sound storybooks, coloring books, and picture story books.  Characters featured will include Spider-Man, FF, Incredible Hulk, X-Men, Iron Man, Captain America, and Spider-Man & Friends.