Tokyopop and Mattel have signed a new agreement to produce manga-style graphic novels featuring two Mattel properties, Barbie and Hot Wheels, targeting readers aged 8 to 12.  Both series are set to launch in 2026, but no other details were announced.

This is far from the first foray into graphic novels for these iconic brands.  Dell Comics published the first Barbie comics in the 1960s and Marvel followed suit in the 1990s; in the modern era, Papercutz published Barbie comics and graphic novels starting in 2016 (see “Papercutz Launching ‘Barbie’ Graphic Novel Series”).  While the only comic series featuring Hot Wheels appears to be the six issues DC Comics released in 1970-71, Amazon lists two Hot Wheels graphic novels, rated for ages 6-9, that Mattel will publish under its own name in May 2025.