Legendary Comics Adapting Detective Pikachu Into Graphic Novel

Slash Film has brought word that following the success of the 2016 video game and in anticipation of the near-guaranteed hit of the film adaptation, Legendary Comics is adapting Detective Pikachu into a graphic novel to hit shelves this summer after the film hits the big screen.

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Legendary delivered the announcement at the Emerald City Comic Con that the graphic novel, written by Brian Buccellato (Injustice: Gods Among Us) and illustrated by Nelson Dániel, will be inspired by the film’s story and, though it doesn’t have a set release date, it is planned to arrive in stores sometime after the film’s May release.

“We are thrilled for the opportunity to work with The Pokémon Company International,” Robert Napton, Senior Vice President of Legendary Comics, said. “Pokémon is a globally-adored brand, and we absolutely loved expanding the story of POKÉMON: Detective Pikachu onto the page with the help of Brian’s words and Nelson’s art.”

The Detective Pikachu movie’s eclectic cast consists of Golden Globe nominee Ryan Reynolds (Deadpool) as the titular talking Pokemon with Justice Smith (Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom), Kathryn Newton (Big Little Lies), Oscar nominee Ken Watanabe (The Last Samurai), Suki Waterhouse (Assassination Nation), Rita Ora (Fifty Shades Freed) and Golden Globe winner Bill Nighy (Gideon’s Daughter). Smith will star as a teen whose father is kidnapped which leads him to Reynolds’ Pikachu and Kathryn Newton as a young journalist who team up in order to find him.

Goosebumps helmer Rob Letterman is on directing duty while Mary Parent (The Revenant) and Cale Boyter are producing the film for Legendary Entertainment. The screenplay was written by Letterman and Nicole Perlman.

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Pokémon has delighted fans of all ages around the world for over two decades. With more than 300 million video games sold worldwide, 23.6 billion Pokémon TCG cards shipped to 74 countries, and an animated series spanning 20 seasons, Pokémon is one of the most successful entertainment properties in the world.

Warner Bros. Pictures’ upcoming first live-action Pokémon movie will arrive in theaters on May 11.