Woq1-Rev-FrontAmong the more interesting news items at the BEA was the trade show debit of Yen Press. While almost every major publishing house is launching a graphic novel or two, most of the efforts have been absorbed by existing editorial units. But along with First Second, Yen Press is a rare example of a stand alone graphic novel imprint within a larger house. (Del Rey Manga should also be mentioned, although they started as a reprint house until very recently.)

Like First Second, Yen also draws attention for being run by People Who Really Know What They Are Doing, in this case Rich Johnson and Kurt Hassler, formerly of DC and Borders, respectively. They’ve already announced two titles, and the third, which is a licensing/animation tie-in based on the webcomic “The World of Quest,” which was previously published by Komikwerks.

Among its many efforts to publish across a wide spectrum of the graphic novel market, newly-established imprint Yen Press has announced the fall launch of The World of Quest (ages 9 up; 144 pg; $9.99). Scheduled for publication this November, the graphic novel series will also premiere as an animated series this fall on the Kids WB! block of The CW – the No.1 rated Saturday morning kids’ broadcast.

What started in 1995 by Jason T. Kruse as a weekly comic strip in his Ohio University student newspaper, “The Post”, is now a double-threat to graphic novels and Saturday morning cartoons alike, once school is back in session. The adventures of a spoiled young prince who teams up with the planet’s greatest warrior to battle evil and save the world, is sure to be the perfect combination of action and comedy for the 9 and up set. And now, after the show is over, kids can continue the reading adventures of Prince Nestor and Quest in the land of Odyssia whenever they want.

To date, Kids’ WB! has six of the top 10 rated shows among broadcast networks on Saturday mornings. The World of Quest is scheduled to air along with three other new adventure shows ( Eon Kid, Magi-Nation and Will & Dewitt ) and previous shows that have been picked up for another season ( Shaggy & Scooby-Doo Get a Clue!, Tom and Jerry Tales , Legion of Super Heroes, The Batman ).