IDW Comics, which is known for its line of licensed comic books, has announced today that they have partnered up with Activision to bring to life the first comic-book series based on the wildly popular video game/toy line, Skylanders.

The first issue will be a prequel to the Skylanders: Trap Team storyline. The issue, which is written by acclaimed comic book writer Ron Marz with art by Mike Bowden and David Baldeon, will delve into some of the franchise's most popular characters and introduce new characters from the upcoming game.

Ashley Maidy, vice president of global licensing and partnerships at Activision had this to say:

We are thrilled to be combining Skylanders, the pioneer of the toys to life video game genre, with IDW, one of the industry’s leading comic-book publishers in the U.S. The comic-book series will offer fans a glimpse into the backstories of their favorite Skylanders characters, expanding on the universe that they’ve embraced so enthusiastically in the franchise’s short history. To explore the world of Skylands beyond the game is an opportunity we know our fans have long been awaiting, and we couldn’t be more excited to see this manifested through a comic series.

The comic-book series will make its debut this July during San Diego Comic Con with Skylanders #0. This issue will be 16 pages long and serve as an introduction to the characters and world. It will also contain character guides and additional background information. It will be launched both digitally and in print during the weekend of SDCC.

The Skylanders comic book series will hit comic book stores and mass market retailers in October. It will be distributed in the United States, Canada, France, Italy, United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, Spain, Portugal, Australia and New Zealand.

Make sure to check out my hands-off preview of Skylanders: Trap Team.