In an interesting little turn of events, I found this in my email late Thursday evening.

The Hasbro Properties Group (HPG), the intellectual property development arm of Hasbro, Inc. (NYSE: HAS), intends to license its popular TRANSFORMERS brand to IDW Publishing for the introduction of a new line of TRANSFORMERS comic books. Adding to the successful TRANSFORMERS comic book library that currently includes more than 30 titles, IDW would re-launch a much-anticipated new line of TRANSFORMERS comics. The first comic, a special introductory “0″ issue, would debut in October 2005. The next comic in the series would debut in January 2006. The comic books are expected to include the classic Generation One (G1) storyline, as well as new plotlines and new series, and would be distributed to a wider audience through comic book outlets, trade bookstores and mass retailers.

“This year, the TRANSFORMERS property will gain greater exposure among both core supporters and new fans of the brand, as the comics are distributed at mass market for the first time,” said Tom Klusaritz, vice-president of global publishing for the Hasbro Properties Group. “We’re excited that IDW plans to publish the TRANSFORMERS comics, as well as expand upon the storyline by utilizing the best TRANSFORMERS writers and illustrators globally.”

No info on specific creators, though the press release does mention “For the TRANSFORMERS series, IDW plans on using a mix of well-known and up-and-coming illustrators, inkers and writers to bring the property to new heights.” I guess we’ll see what that means soon enough.

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