Scholastic and Tezuka Productions Unite to Reimagine Five Manga Classics for a New Generation

Graphix secures exclusive rights to develop new children’s graphic novel series inspired by Princess Knight, Three-Eyed One, Triton of the Sea, Zero Men, and Atom Cat/Astro Cat

One of the most influential legacies in manga history is about to reach an entirely new generation of readers.

Scholastic, the global children’s publishing, education, and media powerhouse, has announced a major partnership with Tezuka Productions Co., Ltd. to reimagine five classic properties created by the legendary Osamu Tezuka. Through its acclaimed Graphix imprint, Scholastic has secured exclusive rights to develop new children’s graphic novel series based on Three-Eyed One, Princess Knight, Triton of the Sea, Zero Men, and Atom Cat/Astro Cat. Yeah, mi gente, this is a big one.

Often celebrated as the “God of Manga,” Osamu Tezuka helped ignite Japan’s modern manga and animation industries. Across his extraordinary career, he created more than 700 stories, including worldwide favorites such as Astro Boy, Princess Knight, Kimba the White Lion, Black Jack, and countless others. His influence can still be felt across comics, animation, film, and pop culture decades after his passing.

Now, Scholastic and Tezuka Productions are opening the gates to that incredible library and inviting young readers to discover these timeless worlds through a fresh creative lens. The partnership builds upon the success of UNICO: AWAKENING, Scholastic and Tezuka Productions’ first major collaboration. Launched in August 2024, the reimagined series is written by bestselling, Eisner-nominated author Samuel Sattin and illustrated by Eisner Award-winning Japanese art duo Gurihiru.

Since its debut, UNICO: AWAKENING has become a national bestseller and reached readers in more than 17 countries. The complete series is planned to span eight volumes, ultimately completing the story arc Tezuka left unfinished during his lifetime. Bringing an unfinished vision across the finish line while introducing Unico to a global audience? That is legacy work with some serious heart behind it.

Following that success, Samuel Sattin will once again take the creative lead in developing the five newly announced properties alongside Japanese artists. The upcoming projects will honor Tezuka’s original storytelling while reshaping the material into accessible adventures created specifically for today’s children.

“Working with Tezuka Productions and Samuel Sattin on the UNICO AWAKENING series has been a dream come true and I’m thrilled that we’ll be working together to create more reimagined series for children based on the brilliant storytelling of Osamu Tezuka,” said David Saylor, Creative Director and Senior Vice President of Graphix at Scholastic.

Hirotaka Ishiwata, Publishing Manager of the Content Division at Tezuka Productions, also expressed excitement about expanding the collaboration.

“We are thrilled to partner with Scholastic and Graphix to bring more of Osamu Tezuka’s beloved stories to global readers. Following the incredible success of the UNICO AWAKENING series in over 17 countries, we have immense trust in Samuel Sattin and his fellow talented artists who will reimagine these five classic titles for children. We look forward to the day when children everywhere discover these timeless worlds,” Ishiwata said.

Sattin understands the importance of stepping into Tezuka’s universe and the responsibility that comes with introducing these characters to a new audience.

“Working with Scholastic and Tezuka Productions to create modern reimaginings of Osamu Tezuka’s work is at once a dream come true and a responsibility I don’t take lightly. Writing UNICO AWAKENING has been an immeasurable honor, and I look forward to bridging art and stories across Japan and the US to bring a new generation of readers to Tezuka’s world, a world I’m deeply excited to continue creating in,” said Sattin.

The five properties offer Scholastic and its creative teams a massive playground of fantasy, science fiction, mythology, adventure, and superhero storytelling. Princess Knight remains one of Tezuka’s most influential creations, while Triton of the Sea delivers sweeping underwater mythology. Three-Eyed One dives into supernatural mysteries and ancient civilizations, Zero Men explores science-fiction conflict and identity, and Atom Cat/Astro Cat brings playful feline-powered adventure connected to the spirit of Astro Boy.

Specific creative teams, formats, publication dates, and release schedules have not yet been announced. Still, the strength of UNICO: AWAKENING gives readers a strong idea of the care and ambition Scholastic, Graphix, Tezuka Productions, and Sattin are bringing to these adaptations.

Tezuka’s stories helped build the foundation for modern manga. Now, some of his most imaginative creations are getting another opportunity to inspire children around the world. New artwork, new creative voices, and a new generation of readers are joining the adventure, but the beating heart of Tezuka’s storytelling remains right where it belongs.

The God of Manga’s universe is expanding again, Crusaders. Get ready.

About Graphix

Graphix is Scholastic’s groundbreaking graphic novel imprint for early, middle-grade, and young adult readers. Launched in 2005 with Jeff Smith’s acclaimed BONE series, Graphix has become an innovative force in global publishing.

Its bestselling and award-winning catalog includes Dav Pilkey’s Dog Man and Cat Kid Comic Club, the works of Raina Telgemeier, Kazu Kibuishi’s Amulet, Alice Oseman’s Heartstopper, the Sunny series by Jennifer L. Holm and Matthew Holm, Twins by Varian Johnson and Shannon Wright, Allergic by Megan Wagner Lloyd and Michelle Mee Nutter, and graphic novel adaptations of The Baby-Sitters Club and Wings of Fire.

Graphix also publishes manga for young readers, including the bestselling UNICO series by Osamu Tezuka, Samuel Sattin, and Gurihiru, as well as Mai Matsuda’s American Manga Award-nominated Hikaru in the Light!

Learn more at Scholastic.com.

About Tezuka Productions Co., Ltd.

Tezuka Productions Co., Ltd. is a Japanese multimedia company founded by Osamu Tezuka. Established in 1986, the company manages and operates Tezuka’s copyrighted manga and animation properties while continuing to produce animated projects.

The studio is associated with iconic works including Astro Boy, Jungle Emperor Leo, also known as Kimba the White Lion, Dororo, and Black Jack.