IDW will produce comics based on Cartoon Network's stable of shows later in 2013.

Cartoon Network is certainly no stranger to comics. Whether it's Ryan North's ongoing "Adventure Time" series at BOOM! Studios or a long history with DC Comics, many of Cartoon Network's shows have been adapted for comics and graphic novels. Today, IDW Publishing has announced a partnership with Cartoon Network to produce a new line of comics based on some of the network's most popular shows throughout history including fan-favorites like "Samurai Jack," "The Powerpuff Girls," "Dexter's Laboratory," "Ben 10" and more. The comics are set for release later in 2013.

"Many of these Cartoon Network shows have only grown in popularity since they originally aired," IDW's Chief Creative Officer/Editor-in-Chief Chris Ryall said via press release, "and we're excited to be able to offer new iterations of the characters in comic-book form alongside both our planned reprint material and also some new animated ventures Cartoon Network has planned, too. There's a wealth of fun properties to play with here, and we've already got some unique things in mind for them."

Cartoon Network is owned by the Turner Broadcasting System, a Time Warner company, and the network's comic adaptations have understandably been mostly published by DC Comics. An ongoing "Cartoon Network Presents" series was published between 1999 and 2001 as part of DC's Johnny DC line that featured one-shot stories from across the network's cartoon lineup. "Cartoon Network Action Pack" followed in 2006 and lasted for 67 issues before its end last March.

Check out the official press release below.

Official Press Release

IDW Publishing and Cartoon Network Enterprises today announced that the two companies have forged a partnership to produce and release comics based on many of the network's popular and iconic classic characters!

"Many of these Cartoon Network shows have only grown in popularity since they originally aired," said Chris Ryall, IDW's Chief Creative Officer/Editor-in-Chief, "and we're excited to be able to offer new iterations of the characters in comic-book form alongside both our planned reprint material and also some new animated ventures Cartoon Network has planned, too. There's a wealth of fun properties to play with here, and we've already got some unique things in mind for them."

Beginning in 2013, fans can look forward to seeing the returns of beloved characters from classic Cartoon Network shows includingTHE POWERPUFF GIRLS, BEN 10, DEXTER'S LABORATORY, SAMURAI JACK, JOHNNY BRAVO, GENERATOR REX, and many more.

Not only will IDW be teaming with high-caliber creators from the world of comics to publish new adventures featuring tons of Cartoon Network's characters, but fans can also look forward to a variety of reprints of previous incarnations of Cartoon Network comics.

"We are excited to partner with IDW to bring some of our most beloved and iconic brands and characters to life for fans of all ages," said Pete Yoder, Vice President of Consumer Products, North America for Cartoon Network Enterprises. "It will be a great opportunity to revisit and expand many of these great stories told in comic-book form, and we're excited to see what the creative team at IDW comes up with."

While details have yet to be announced on the specific titles and creative teams, IDW and Cartoon Network are thrilled to be heading into 2013 with this new partnership and great new comics hitting comic shops soon!

About Cartoon Network Enterprises

Cartoon Network Enterprises (CNE) is responsible for building consumer products and merchandising programs for a wide range of brands by securing and supporting long-term licensing partnerships across all categories. As the global branding and merchandising arm of Cartoon Network and Adult Swim, the division manages the consumer product programs for the networks' award-winning original programming, brands and characters including Ben 10, Generator Rex, Chowder, The Marvelous Misadventures of Flapjack, Adventure Time, Adult Swim and more. CNE also serves as the exclusive global licensing agent for the full portfolio of brands from Spin Master Ltd., as well as Nelvana Enterprises and Spin Master for the award-winning Bakugan brand and the PGA of America for the youth marketplace.

Cartoon Network (CartoonNetwork.com) is the #1 U.S. television network among boys 6-11. Currently seen in 99 million U.S. homes and 168 countries around the world, Cartoon Network is Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.'s ad-supported cable service now available in HD offering the best in original, acquired and classic entertainment for kids and families. In addition to Emmy-winning original programming and industry-leading digital apps and online games, Cartoon Network embraces key social issues affecting families with solution-oriented initiatives such as Stop Bullying: Speak Up and the Move It Movement. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company, creates and programs branded news, entertainment, animation and young adult media environments on television and other platforms for consumers around the world.

Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company, creates and programs branded news, entertainment, animation and young adult media environments on television and other platforms for consumers around the world.