Disney forms graphic novel division

BURBANK, Calif., May 28 (UPI) -- Walt Disney Studios said Wednesday it has begun a new venture for developing graphic novels that could lead to new film projects for the U.S. company.

Walt Disney Studios said it has signed a multiyear deal with Ahmet Zappa, Harris Katleman and Christian Beranek to oversee the newly christened Kingdom Comics.

The division is expected to announce shortly which graphic novelists and artists plan to collaborate on upcoming projects.

"We're very excited to be working with Harris, Ahmet and Christian in developing this new business devoted to creating stories and properties for the graphic novel audience, as well as for moviegoers," Oren Aviv, president of Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Production, said in a statement. "They are three of the top talents in their respective fields and together they have the knowledge, expertise and instincts to create great publications and film properties. Some of these exciting publications will be inspired by films and characters in the vast and storied Disney library, while other original graphic novels are sure to spark great ideas for future Disney classics."