Penguin Random House (PRH) and Disney have expanded their partnership, bringing a treasure trove of Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, 20th Century Studios, and National Geographic stories to fans in a variety of formats, including manga. Effective May 1, 2025, this agreement promises a delightful mix of beloved tales and original content for readers of all ages.
A Magical Partnership Continues
For over two decades, Penguin Random House and Disney have collaborated to share iconic stories with audiences worldwide. Since 2023, PRH has managed the sales and distribution of Disney’s print books for both adults and children. This expanded licensing agreement signifies a deepening of that relationship, paving the way for even more enchanting content.
Christopher Angelilli, SVP and Editor-in-Chief, Licensed Publishing, Random House Children’s Books, expressed excitement about the collaboration, stating that the properties of Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, and 20th Century Fox offer numerous opportunities to engage young readers with entertaining content. He also noted the anticipation surrounding the collaboration with National Geographic Kids to educate the next generation about the wonders of the world.
Scott Shannon, President, Random House Worlds, added that this partnership will appeal to lifelong Disney fans seeking more stories about their favorite characters. He also mentioned the creation of content, such as reference guides and behind-the-scenes books, to offer readers a glimpse into the magic of The Walt Disney Company.
Tonya Agurto, SVP, Publisher, New IP & Global Business Development, Disney Publishing, emphasized Disney’s commitment to storytelling and creating characters for every age. She believes that these agreements with PRH will allow them to reach even more fans and extend the adventures of cherished characters.
What to Expect: A Universe of Stories
Under the new agreement, Penguin Random House will license content from a wide array of Disney-owned properties:
- Disney: Classic animated films and original stories.
- Pixar: Heartwarming tales of friendship and adventure.
- Marvel: Superhero sagas and thrilling adventures.
- Star Wars: Epic space operas and galaxy-spanning conflicts.
- 20th Century Studios: Diverse stories for all audiences.
- National Geographic: Educational content about our world.
This content will be available in various formats, including:
- Children’s books
- Middle grade novels
- Young adult novels
- Adult novels
- Manga
- Reference books
- Print, ebook, and audio formats
Manga Magic: A New Chapter for Disney
The inclusion of manga in this licensing agreement is particularly exciting for fans of Japanese comics and Disney properties. Manga offers a unique visual storytelling style that can bring a fresh perspective to beloved Disney characters and stories.
Currently, other publishers like Viz Media, Dark Horse Comics, and Tokyopop also publish manga licensed through Disney Publishing. Viz Media publishes titles such as Ultraman: Along Came a Spider-Man, Spider-Man: Kizuna, and various Star Wars manga adaptations. Dark Horse Comics has released The Art of Star Wars: A New Hope – The Manga, based on Hisao Tamaki’s adaptation. Tokyopop publishes a wide range of children’s titles based on Disney properties.
It remains to be seen how this new agreement will affect existing licenses or if PRH’s licenses will focus on a previously unaddressed segment of the market. However, the inclusion of manga suggests a desire to expand Disney’s reach within the manga community.
Existing Disney Manga: A Glimpse of What’s Possible
While we await details on PRH’s upcoming Disney manga releases, let’s take a look at some existing Disney manga titles to get an idea of what to expect:
- Disney Twisted-Wonderland: The Manga: This series is based on the popular mobile game and features characters inspired by Disney villains.
- Disney Manga: Alice in Wonderland: A manga adaptation of the classic Disney film, with art by Jun Abe.
- Disney Manga: Beauty and the Beast – Belle’s Tale: This manga explores Belle’s inner thoughts during her time in the Beast’s castle.
- Disney Manga: Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas – Zero’s Journey: A manga series that follows Zero, Jack Skellington’s ghost dog, on his own adventure.
- Disney Manga: Pixar’s Finding Nemo: A manga adaptation of the beloved Pixar film.
- Disney Manga: The Pixar Collection: A box set featuring manga adaptations of Toy Story, Finding Nemo, Wall-E, and Monsters, Inc..
These existing titles showcase the diversity of Disney manga, ranging from adaptations of classic films to original stories featuring beloved characters. With Penguin Random House now entering the Disney manga scene, fans can anticipate a new wave of exciting and imaginative stories.
The Future of Disney Storytelling
The expanded licensing agreement between Penguin Random House and Disney marks an exciting chapter for both companies and Disney fans alike. With a vast catalog of beloved properties and a commitment to creating content for all ages, this partnership promises to deliver a wealth of new and engaging stories in various formats, including the captivating world of manga. As we eagerly await the release of these new titles, one thing is clear: the magic of Disney storytelling is set to continue for years to come.
