Toy giant Mattel is partnering with TOKYOPOP, a renowned manga and anime media brand, to launch a series of original graphic novels inspired by the iconic Barbie and Hot Wheels franchises. This collaboration aims to introduce these beloved brands to a new generation of fans through the dynamic and engaging medium of manga. The first titles are slated to debut in 2026, promising a fresh and innovative take on these enduring classics.
A New Chapter for Iconic Brands
This partnership marks a significant step for both Mattel and TOKYOPOP. For Mattel, it’s an opportunity to expand the storytelling universe of its most popular brands and connect with a new audience. Ryan Ferguson, Global Head of Publishing at Mattel, highlighted the brands’ long-standing role as “symbols of storytelling, creativity, and inspiration” and expressed excitement about this new venture. TOKYOPOP’s COO and Publisher, Marc Visnick, echoed this sentiment, stating that Barbie and Hot Wheels are “two of the world’s most adored toy and entertainment brands,” and that they are thrilled to develop these new graphic novels.
The graphic novels will be designed for children aged 8 to 12, but the companies anticipate that fans of all ages will be drawn to these new stories. This move capitalizes on the growing popularity of manga and anime, which have been gaining mainstream traction in recent years.
Manga-Style Adventures
The upcoming graphic novels will feature original storylines and artwork, bringing the worlds of Barbie and Hot Wheels to life with a manga-inspired aesthetic. The first titles will include a western-inspired manga series based on Hot Wheels and new stories featuring fan-favorite Barbie characters. The books will be printed in the traditional right-to-left reading format, mirroring authentic Japanese manga.
This is not the first time these brands have been adapted into graphic novels. Barbie has a rich history in comics, with Dell Comics publishing the Barbie and Ken comic book series in 1962, and Marvel releasing Barbie and Barbie Fashion in 1991. Prior to this upcoming release, TOKYOPOP has also produced Barbie Cine-Manga, which were storybooks using screenshots from TV cartoons. Similarly, Hot Wheels had a six-issue series with DC Comics in 1970. However, the new collaboration with TOKYOPOP will be the first time both series will feature manga-style graphic novels.
Hot Wheels: Racing into Manga
The Hot Wheels graphic novel series will feature an original story with a western-inspired manga art style. Fans can anticipate high-octane action, thrilling races, and innovative car designs that reflect the brand’s legacy. The stories will aim to capture the spirit of competition and adventure that the Hot Wheels brand embodies. A “Mad Manga” car was released in the past as part of the Hot Wheels franchise, showing that they are not new to the manga aesthetic.
Barbie: Anime Dreamhouse
The Barbie graphic novels will present new and original stories featuring beloved characters in a manga style. The stories are expected to explore themes of friendship, empowerment, and imagination, aligning with the positive message the Barbie brand has promoted for decades. The new graphic novels promise an exciting, fresh take on Barbie’s world for a new generation.
Distribution and Global Reach
The Hot Wheels and Barbie manga-style graphic novels will be distributed globally by Penguin Random House, ensuring that fans around the world can access these titles. This partnership leverages Penguin Random House’s extensive distribution network to reach a wide audience. TOKYOPOP itself has a new multi-year sales and distribution agreement with Penguin Random House, which began on January 1, 2025.
Expanding Mattel’s Publishing Efforts
This new manga endeavor is part of Mattel’s broader strategy to expand its publishing imprint, which launched in 2024. This initiative reflects the company’s commitment to bringing its iconic brands to life through various storytelling mediums. Mattel has released several books through its partnership with Simon & Schuster, which serves as their sales and distribution partner. The company has been releasing activity books, board books, and coloring books featuring other properties, like Masters of the Universe. The manga graphic novels are a push to continue expanding their brand and create new storylines that go beyond children’s imagination.
TOKYOPOP’s Manga Expertise
TOKYOPOP is well-known for its extensive experience in producing and publishing manga. Founded in 1997, the company has pioneered the publication of “unflipped” manga, maintaining the original right-to-left reading format. They have previously partnered with companies such as Square Enix and Disney, adapting popular video games and movies into manga. Past collaborations include successful series such as Kingdom Hearts, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Stitch and the Samurai. This expertise positions TOKYOPOP as the ideal partner to bring the Barbie and Hot Wheels manga graphic novels to life.
The Future of Mattel’s Iconic Brands
The collaboration between Mattel and TOKYOPOP represents a significant move in the world of children’s entertainment. By introducing Barbie and Hot Wheels to the manga genre, both brands can engage with a wider audience and appeal to new generations of readers. The new graphic novels will feature unique stories and artwork, appealing to both loyal fans and newcomers.
The first titles from this partnership are highly anticipated, and their release in 2026 is expected to generate considerable excitement. This move highlights the ongoing evolution of these timeless brands and their ability to adapt to new and engaging formats. With their rich histories and devoted fan bases, Barbie and Hot Wheels are well-positioned to make a splash in the world of manga, creating a new chapter in their already storied legacies.
