The “Backstories” series delves into the lives of of superheroes and villans.
“It came about when we were having a brainstorming meeting,” Debra Dorfman, v-p and publisher at Scholastic, said, reports Publishers Weekly. “We thought, we should do a biography series of fictional characters. How fun would that be?”
The first three titles of the line focuse on Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman, and will be published in March, right in time for the release of the Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice.
“We’re using writers that are already immersed in these worlds, and we’re getting to dive into the archives of these characters,” Dorfman said.
It’s also noted more DC titles are in the works including Harley Quinn and Super Girl. Plans are also underway to produce Disney/Lucasfilm’s Star Wars Princess Leia and Darth Vader.
Book info:
Batman: Gotham City’s Guardian
What was Bruce Wayne’s childhood like? Why does he dress up like a bat? What compels him to protect Gotham City? How did he become the world’s greatest detective? Who are his most trusted allies and fearsome foes? In this biography–complete with black-and-white illustrations, timelines, and fact boxes–young readers will delight in learning the complete history of Gotham’s fearless protector.
Superman: The Man of Tomorrow
How did a child from another planet named Kal-El become farm boy Clark Kent? What happened to his planet and family? What powers does he possess and what are his weaknesses? Who are his most trusted allies and fearsome foes? In this biography–complete with black-and-white illustrations, timelines, and fact boxes–young readers will delight in learning the complete history of Metropolis’s fearless protector.
Wonder Woman: Amazon Warrior
Wonder Woman: Amazon Warrior takes the traditional digest biography series format and shakes it up for a new generation. Just in time for the new Batman vs. Superman movie, featuring Wonder Woman. Who is Wonder Woman? How did she become a powerful super-hero? What abilities does she use to fight for what is right? In this biography – complete with black-and-white illustrations, timelines, and fact boxes – young readers will delight in learning the complete history of the awesome Amazon princess.
“Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” has a March 25, 2016 release starring Ben Affleck as Batman, Henry Cavill as Superman, Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman, Amy Adams as Lois Lane, Laurence Fishburne as Perry White, Diane Lane as Martha Kent, Jeremy Irons as Alfred, Jesse Eisenberg as Lex Luthor, Ray Fisher as Cyborg with Callan Mulvey, Holly Hunter as Senator Finch and Tao Okamoto as Mercy Graves. Justice League is to follow directed by Zack Snyder as well.
Synopsis:
Fearing the actions of a god-like Super Hero left unchecked, Gotham City’s own formidable, forceful vigilante takes on Metropolis’s most revered, modern-day savior, while the world wrestles with what sort of hero it really needs. And with Batman and Superman at war with one another, a new threat quickly arises, putting mankind in greater danger than it’s ever known before.