Smurfs graphic novels to be published

THE WOODLANDS, Texas, Aug. 3 (UPI) -- The first two graphic novels in a series about the Smurfs are due to be released next month, the Texas-based publishers Papercutz said Tuesday.

Papercutz also publishes the popular Bionicle, Classics Illustrated, Disney Fairies, Geronimo Stilton, Hardy Boys, Nancy Drew and Tales from the Crypt comic books.

"Not many people realize that the Smurfs originally appeared in comics starting in the late 1950s," Papercutz Publisher Terry Nantier said in a statement. "This is a classic of children's comics that has sold over 50 million books worldwide in many languages."

"Papercutz is dedicated to publishing the very best comics and graphic novels for audiences of all ages, and (we) are thrilled to be publishing one of the best-loved series of graphic novels ever created," added Papercutz Editor-in-Chief Jim Salicrup.

After an animated movie in 1976, the Smurfs starred in their own Saturday morning TV series on NBC starting in 1981 and lasting nine seasons. The shows are still running on Cartoon Network's Boomerang channel and are also now available on DVD.

A new Smurfs movie, combining live-action and computer-animated Smurfs, is now in production and set for release in August 2011.