Pocket Books, a division of Simon & Schuster, will enter the teen graphic novel market this fall with Degrassi High: Extra Credit, a series of graphic novels written by J. Torres (Teen Titans Go, Batman, Black Panther) and illustrated by Ed Northcott (GURPS, Silver Age Sentinels).  The first two Degrassi High: Extra Credit graphic novels will ship to retail in October.

The graphic novels will not simply reiterate the stories from the popular teen series, Degrassi High: The Next Generation, which is produced in Canada and also popular here in the States where it is seen on cable.  Writer J. Torres is working with the writing staff of the TV series to produce new side stories that fill in the gaps in the characters' home lives, what they do after school and over the summer break, so while the characters of Emma, Jimmy, Craig, Paige, Ellie and Manny will be the same readers will gain new insights into their lives and problems

Film director and comic book writer Kevin Smith's devotion to Degrassi High is well known.  Last November, FUNimation, which releases the Degrassi High series on DVD, put out a DVD featuring Kevin Smith's appearance on the show (see 'Jay and Silent Bob Do Degrassi').  The Smith connection may help move the Degrassi High: Extra Credit graphic novels in the direct market, but the TV series itself should really drive sales in the bookstores.