Young Adult fantasy brand The Red Harlequin lands audiobook, graphic novel, and TV partners

The Young Adult fantasy brand, The Red Harlequin has secured a trio if multimedia deals, spanning an audiobook agreement, a new graphic novel publishing deal, and a TV development partnership.

The tranche of new partnerships arrive as Pantomimus Media – brand owners of The Red Harlequin IP – looks to build out a further reaching licensing programme for the fictional fantasy brand.

Under the deal, Dreamscape Media LLC will develop an audiobook series, Broken Icon Comics will deliver a series of graphic novels, and Omnifilm Entertainment will begin developments of a new action adventure fantasy series for television.

Dreamscape Media offers distribution, marketing, and production services for audiobooks, eBooks, film, and documentaries.

Releasing in May 2020, all five books in the series will be available everywhere audiobooks are sold including Amazon, Audible, Recorded Books, iTunes, Google, Overdrive, and dozens of other digital audiobook resellers.

The Red Harlequin audiobook collection will be also available on hoopla digital to over 5 million registered library patrons, Midwest Tape’s mobile and online service for public libraries. The YA Fantasy novels will join hoopla digital’s collection of more than 750,000 eBooks, audiobooks, albums, movies and television shows.

Meanwhile, Broken Icon Comics – one of the fastest growing independent comic companies in the industry – has acquired US print rights to the brand. The first two volumes will make up BIC’s tentpole summer releases with media blitzes leading up to their launch at San Diego Comic Con, the largest comic convention in the world.

The books will be available for bookstores to order through BIC’s partner printer and the wholesale book registry, and to comic stores through their direct distribution channels.

“The Red Harlequin Volume I sets up a world riven with war, and the political and religious elites that control the fates of all men and women,” said Nick Wentland, creative coordinator, Broken Icon Comics.

“Fast paced and driven by the struggles of society, identity, and what it takes to survive,The Red Harlequin is a tale so powerful, one cannot help but be drawn into the world from the very first page. A perfect blend of fantasy world-building, religion and magic, political intrigue, and character driven stories, it’s a must read for those who love unique and dramatic graphic novels.”

Finally, the development agreement with Omnifilm will work towards creating a high-end action adventure fantasy series. Scriptwriter and showrunner Robert Butler, recent BAFTA winner for Creeped Out, and Rick Porras (co-producer of The Lord of the Rings) are attached to the project.

Brian Hamilton, principal and executive producer, Omnifilm, stated: “Audiences are hungry for stories which connect epic fantasy and escapism with the issues of today. The Red Harlequin book series was made for television and has serious international potential. Omnifilm is honoured to be working with such a talented team.”

Roberto Ricci, creator and director, Pantomimus Media, concluded: “I am very excited to partner with companies that not only excel in their field, but also share our creative vision for developing The Red Harlequin as a global entertainment property.

“With its established track record, Omnifilm is perfectly positioned to forge a solid TV platform for the series, and Dreamscape is on the cutting edge of audio/video storytelling which – together with Broken Icon’s comic readers – opens up new avenues to reach new fans: a truly multi-platform approach.”