Since it launched a graphic fiction division in 2006, ABDO Publishing has found a lucrative niche publishing library editions of graphic novels that feature many of the world's most famous comic book characters. Through its Spotlight division, ABDO Group has released more than 100 library edition graphic novels featuring such Marvel characters as Spider-Man and the Hulk, as well as 10 Transformers titles in partnership with IDW Publishing. Now, in a new deal with Dark Horse Comics, Spotlight will release library editions of six Indiana Jones graphic novels and another 14 all-ages manga titles licensed through Tokyopop.
“Graphic novels are huge now,” said ABDO publisher Jim Abdo, who, with his six siblings, co-owns the ABDO Group. The educational publisher is headquartered in suburban Minneapolis and has published books for the school/ library market since 1987. “I wanted to bring high-profile characters to children who were aware of them through movies and video games,” he explained. “It used to be, a kid would read a book, then see the movie. Now, it's the opposite, a kid will see the movie first, and then find out there's a book. It generates excitement, especially among boys.”
Abdo launched the Spotlight division in 2006 specifically to produce library editions of graphic fiction after noticing his four-year-old son, Joe, going off to preschool “covered from head to toe in Spider-Man merchandise.”
After signing a licensing deal with Marvel to publish library editions of Marvel Age comics through Spotlight, ABDO released 30 Marvel titles its first year. Spotlight averages 40—60 graphic novels a year and will publish about 40 in 2008. Abdo said he is also working to finalize a deal this summer with DC Comics to publish Superman and Batman graphic novels through Spotlight. The division publishes approximately 150 titles each year, including library editions of chapter books licensed from Nickelodeon, Disney, Simon & Schuster and Penguin. The ABDO Group publishes a total of 450 titles per year through its four divisions: ABDO Publishing Co., Magic Wagon, ABDO iBooks and Spotlight.
Unlike comic books published for the consumer market, Spotlight's graphic novels are printed on high-quality, 80-lb. glossy paper and bound with reinforced library bindings. An adjusted page layout ensures that none of the art is lost in the book's gutter. “I wanted to retain the high quality of the original product,” Abdo explained. Prices average $21.35 at list and $14.95 for the school/library market.
Susan Carr Brown, children's and teen selector for the Minneapolis city libraries of the Hennepin County public library system, orders most Spotlight titles and describes them as very popular with patrons, particularly reluctant readers. “They've got the great Marvel art,” she said. “Everyone is getting onto the graphic novel bandwagon, but they're not all successful. If you can provide or replicate the Marvel look, it'll be popular.”
