IDW Partners With Mattel For New American Girl Graphic Novels

[PopGeeks]

You’re no doubt familiar with the American Girl line, a cast of characters from various time periods in American history who have their own dolls and book novels at the same time. Whether you were the type who got ravenously into the American Girl world, or the type who sneered at it from afar as something for your sister, it’s an unshakeable part of modern childhood (at least within this country — a gag in Ted Lasso pointed out that something like “British Girls” wouldn’t exactly work). I had assumed American Girl had ventured into the graphic novel business already, but it tuns out they’re just now experimenting with that. IDW and Mattel (owners of American Girl) have just announced a partnership to produce book-length AG comics, starting with Julie and the Blue Guitar: An American Girl Mystery set to release next month. It’s the first book to follow two American Girls at once! Emma Dhillon (from 2024) discovers the journal of Julie Albright (from 1977) and collaboratively, the pair

 

[PJ]

There is an upcoming movie so it makes sense for them to try introduce these girls to audiences outside the doll collectors. IDW already did stuff for female targeted IPs like Gem and the Holograms and My little ponies so it will work.

 

[Carly]

I believe this is a great development for American Girl. It's always exciting to see cherished characters and stories transformed into new forms, and graphic novels are ideal for bringing these historical tales to life in a visually appealing manner. I'm particularly intrigued about Felia Hanakata's artwork; it sounds like her pictures will bring the story to life. Furthermore, the mystery element provides another dimension of intrigue.

 

[Skipper]

I grew up with American Girl dolls and books, so hearing about this new graphic novel series brings back a lot of memories. I’m excited to see how these beloved characters are adapted into a new format. The idea of combining characters from different time periods to solve a mystery is such a fun twist and could make for some really interesting stories. I can’t wait to see how Julie’s world from 1977 blends with Emma’s from 2024. This might be aimed at a younger audience, but I’ll definitely be reading "Julie and the Blue Guitar" and reliving some of that American Girl magic!