MARVEL ENTERTAINMENT & ABC STUDIOS ANNOUNCE "CASTLE" HARDCOVER GRAPHIC NOVEL

All-New Original Graphic Novel Brings Star Studded Talent To World of ABC Primetime Hit Series

Marvel Entertainment and ABC Studios are proud to announce Castle: Richard Castle's: Deadly Storm, an all-new hardcover graphic novel inspired by the popular "Castle" television series. This 112-page hardcover hits comic shops and bookstores everywhere in September 2011. Fans can get a first look at the upcoming graphic novel when Richard Castle (Nathan Fillion) reveals the cover on "Knockout," the Season Finale of "Castle," airing MONDAY, MAY 16 (10:01-11:00 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network.

When viewers first met Richard Castle, he had reached celebrity author status with the success of his Derrick Storm mystery novels. In an unprecedented collaborative effort between Marvel, ABC Studios and the producers of "Castle," the adventures of Derrick Storm will be chronicled in an all-new graphic novel from some of the most accomplished creators in the industry. "I am honored and humbled to see Derrick Storm join the ranks of some of the greatest heroes of all-time," said Richard Castle. "Being a part of the Marvel family is a childhood fantasy come true for me."

Castle: Richard Castle's Deadly Storm brings together a star studded cast of the best creators in the industry, including co-writers Brian Michael Bendis (Avengers, Ultimate Comics: Spider-Man) and Kelly Sue DeConnick (Captain America and The Secret Avengers); interior artist Lan Medina (Fables); and cover artist Carlo Pagulayan (Planet Hulk).

"We are incredibly excited to be partnering with marvel to bring Richard Castle's early literary works to life," said Andrew W. Marlowe, "Castle" creator/executive producer. "It's a great way to expand the 'Castle' universe for all our fans."

The release of Castle: Richard Castle's Deadly Storm marks the first adaptation, in any medium, of the Derrick Storm novels by New York Times best-selling author Richard Castle.

"It's exciting to bring the Derrick Storm novels to life for the first time ever" said Axel Alonso, Marvel Entertainment Editor in Chief. "Whether you're new to the world of 'Castle' or a long time fan, there's something for everyone in Deadly Storm�and it's the kind of book that reaffirms Marvel's commitment to creating new fans of comic books."

CASTLE: RICHARD CASTLE'S DEADLY STORM HC
Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS & KELLY SUE DECONNICK
Art by LAN MEDINA
Cover by CARLO PAGULAYAN
Rated T+...$19.99
ON SALE IN SEPTEMBER 2011

"Castle" stars Nathan Fillion as Richard Castle, Stana Katic as NYPD Detective Kate Beckett, Susan Sullivan as Martha Rodgers, Molly Quinn as Alexis Castle, Ruben Santiago-Hudson as NYPD Captain Roy Montgomery, Tamala Jones as Medical Examiner Lanie Parish, Jon Huertas as NYPD Detective Javier Esposito and Seamus Dever as NYPD Detective Kevin Ryan.

"Castle" is produced by ABC Studios. Andrew Marlowe is the show's creator/executive producer, along with executive producers Rob Bowman, David Amann, Laurie Zaks and Armyan Bernstein.

ABOUT ABC STUDIOS

ABC Studios, part of ABC Entertainment Group develops and produces compelling programming for both broadcast network and cable television as well as digital platforms. ABC Studios has delivered some of the most successful, talked-about and evolutionary series on television, including "Desperate Housewives," "Grey's Anatomy," "Lost," "Criminal Minds," "Army Wives" and "Brothers & Sisters."

ABOUT MARVEL ENTERTAINMENT

Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world's most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of over 8,000 characters featured in a variety of media over 70 years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in entertainment, licensing and publishing. For more information visit www.marvel.com

For more information on "Castle," visit www.ABC.com/Castle and www.RichardCastle.net. Viewers can also follow the show via http://facebook.com/Castle and Twitter: Castle_ABC