Backbone Entertainment, a division of Foundation 9 Entertainment, announced today that it is collaborating with Seven Seas Entertainment to produce an all-new original manga based on the hit Death, Jr. entertainment franchise. Death, Jr. began its life as a successful video game for the PSP (PlayStation Portable) system and critically-acclaimed comic series, and has since built up a vibrant franchise, including a forthcoming sequel for the PSP system game called Death, Jr. 2: Root of Evil, a new game for the Nintendo DST called Death, Jr. and the Science Fair of Doom, a second comic book series, and an assortment of other collectible merchandise.

"We're excited to see DJ, Pandora, and all of the unforgettable Death, Jr. characters come to life in such a popular format," says Mike Mika, studio head of Backbone Entertainment's Emeryville location. "Seven Seas has helped create a great visual concept and storyline for the manga that will attract long-time DJ fans, and will really appeal to a new audience."

Written and drawn by Hai (Blade for Barter), Seven Seas' Death, Jr.: Pandora manga will feature the franchise's first break from convention as the spotlight is shone on a force as powerful as the son of Death himself-his girlfriend! The story will follow Pandora as she discovers a secret portal that sends her to the future and into the body of her teenage self. Besides having to grapple with teenage angst, she must save the future DJ from his greatest enemy yet-a snake-haired foreign exchange student with a deadly gaze and even deadlier intentions!

"A big driving force behind manga is the female audience, so it's the perfect opportunity to put a shoujo manga spin on Death, Jr, " says Seven Seas' president Jason DeAngelis. "The Death, Jr. universe is one of those unique sandboxes that's a blast to get in and play, and we'll be taking these characters along a wild ride the likes of which they've never seen."