HarperCollins Publishers and Fox Atomic Announce Graphic Novel Publishing Imprint; Four Graphic Novels Planned for Release in 2007 Based on Fox Atomic Theatrical Releases and Original Content

SANTA MONICA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 19, 2006--Fox Atomic, the youth focused entertainment unit of Fox Filmed Entertainment, announced today a partnership with leading publisher HarperCollins to publish and distribute branded graphic novels from Fox Atomic Comics. Up to four graphic novels are planned for release in 2007, with content tied to Fox Atomic theatrical releases as well as original content.

The structure of the deal allows all creative direction to come from Fox Atomic Comics, with all publishing rights to graphic novels being handled exclusively by HarperCollins. In addition, HarperCollins will concentrate their marketing efforts on in-store merchandising, while Fox Atomic Comics will extend awareness via online, regional, media and theatrical-based promotions.

“Through this deal, we look forward to expanding our brand in the rapidly growing graphic novel market and within the core demographic of 16-34 year old male genre fans.”

"With a focus on high-quality, creative product, we hope to make Fox Atomic Comics a destination for top-tier writers, artists, filmmakers and content creators to develop and publish high-end graphic novels through the brand," said Peter Rice, President of Fox Atomic. "Our creative strengths coupled with HarperCollins' publishing expertise will enable us to effectively establish ourselves in the marketplace."

"Fox Atomic Comics has put together a truly impressive group of creative minds to establish an exciting slate of graphic novels for release in 2007," said Jane Friedman, President and CEO of HarperCollins Publishers Worldwide. "Through this deal, we look forward to expanding our brand in the rapidly growing graphic novel market and within the core demographic of 16-34 year old male genre fans."

Fox Atomic Comics plans on releasing four graphic novels in 2007, based on upcoming theatrical films as well as original content. The first title slated for release is "28 Days Later: The Aftermath" (due out Spring 2007), written by Steve Niles ("30 Days of Night," "Criminal Macabre," "Wake the Dead," "The Creeper") and edited by Jimmy Palmiotti (Publisher/Editor of Event Comics and Marvel Knights), which bridges the gap between the original film and its sequel, "28 Weeks Later." Next up will be "The Hills Have Eyes: The Beginning," inspired by Wes Craven's film "The Hills Have Eyes" and the upcoming sequel "The Hills Have Eyes 2." Due out fall 2007 is "The Nightmare Factory," adapted from the anthology series by Thomas Ligotti, which will be a recurring anthology series of one to three separate horror tales per novel. Additional title(s) will be announced shortly.

About Fox Atomic

Fox Atomic is a culturally branded entertainment company that produces and markets theatrical movies and digital content targeting the 17-24 year old demographic across all media platforms, with a goal to produce and acquire eight films per year focusing on a mix of genres. Fox Atomic has its own production and marketing operations, while films are distributed by Twentieth Century Fox. Fox Atomic was created in 2006 as a unit of Fox Filmed Entertainment.

About HarperCollins Publishers

HarperCollins is one of the leading English-language publishers in the world and is a subsidiary of News Corporation (NYSE:NWS, NWS.A) (ASX:NWS, NWSLV). Headquartered in New York, the company has publishing groups in the U.S., Canada, the U.K. and Australasia. Its publishing groups include the HarperCollins General Books Group, HarperCollins Children's Books Group, Zondervan, HarperCollins UK, HarperCollins Canada, HarperCollins Australia/New Zealand and HarperCollins India. You can visit HarperCollins Publishers on the Internet at http://www.harpercollins.com.