Exclusive: Cartoon Network’s ‘Amazing World of Gumball’ to become a graphic novel

Good news for “The Amazing World of Gumball” fans looking for more adventures featuring the Watterson siblings.

An “Amazing World of Gumball” original graphic novel is on the way, meaning fans will get to read a full-length adventure starring Gumball, Darwin, Anais and others.

For those unfamiliar with the Cartoon Network series, “The Amazing World of Gumball” follows Gumball Watterson, a 12-year-old cat, and his adoptive brother and best friend Darwin, a goldfish.

Set in the fictional city of Elmore, Gumball and Darwin’s adventures also often involve a variety of other residents of the town including their family -- their more intellectual younger sister Anais (a rabbit), workaholic mother Nicole (a cat) and stay-at-home father Richard (also a rabbit).

The upcoming graphic novel, “The Amazing World of Gumball Vol. 1: Fairy Tale Trouble” written by Megan Brennan and illustrated by Katy Farina, will be published by KaBoom!, the all-ages imprint of Boom! Studios.

“I love how weird and unexpected the show gets,” said Brennan of the animated series. “It can take one simple premise for an episode and then veer off into really wild directions that you don’t see coming. And I like that even with all the bizarre sight-gags going on, the show also has a really positive, warm heart to it.”

As for what readers can look forward to in the book?

“Sword fights, silly costumes, magic tricks and maybe a dragon,” said Brennan.

“If you like giant turkey legs, weird magical frog-guys, and costume-changing card tricks, you’re in for a treat,” added Farina.

“All three kids go to a Renaissance Faire,” Brennan explained. “But Gumball gets into some trouble with a stage magician and gets the whole town cursed into becoming a fairytale world. You know, the usual Saturday-afternoon outing.”

Of course, those familiar with the TV series are aware that “Gumball” has a distinct animation style that utilizes a multimedia approach, with traditional 2D characters sharing scenes with CG characters and puppets.

“I really love how fluid all the animation is,” said Farina. “‘Gumball’ never feels disjointed, even though it uses so many different animation styles. Each character has such a wide range of motion that really supports the storytelling in a way few other shows can accomplish.”

Farina said they definitely took advantage of that creative freedom.

“Working with this huge range of visual styles has been an absolute blast,” said Farina. “When you draw these particular characters, there’s no limit on the way they can move their faces or bodies, so you can create some pretty wild (and hilarious) scenes! There were more then a few times while working that I would have to stop and laugh at the fun faces I’ve drawn. We have some gags that take advantage of the comics medium, too!”

It looks like fans who enjoy everything that is fun about the animated series can look forward to it carrying over in the upcoming graphic novel.

“We had a lot of fun bringing these characters to life in this oringal graphic novel, and I think it really shines through,” said Farina. “Megan hit a lot of the comedic notes that makes ‘Gumball’ so unique, and has really stayed true to the feel of the cartoon. [Colorist] Whitney [Cogar] has taken the unique visuals in ‘Gumball’ and masterfully made this graphic novel feel like it’s in a world of its own.”

“The Amazing World of Gumball Vol. 1: Fairy Tale Trouble” will also feature a short written and illustrated by Jeremy Lawson. The original graphic novel is due to be released in November. Check out the cover by Farina above.

Twitter: @tracycbrown