Bantam to Publish Fiction Series Based on Alias

Posted on June 27, 2002

Random House Children's Books' Bantam Books imprint has acquired the rights to publish original novels and the official companion based on the hit ABC television show Alias. Alias is the number one ranked show in its Sunday night time slot for women ages 18-54, and the second ranked among teenagers and male viewers ages 18-54. Both Alias: Declassified, the official companion, and Alias: Recruited, the first book in the fiction series will have initial print runs of 100,000. The nationwide on sale date for both titles will be October 8, 2002, during which the second season of the show will be underway.

Alias: Declassified is a 224-page trade paperback that offers fans a look at the making of the television show. The book, written by Mark Cotta Vaz, carries a suggested retail price of $16.95. The first print run of the companion will also include a DVD containing exclusive Alias materials, such as cast interviews and a link to an online Alias game. In addition, Bantam Books is launching the publication of an original prequel book series with Alias: Recruited, which takes readers back to Sydney Bristow's college days, where she was first recruited by SD-6. All novels are a collaborative effort with Alias creator/Executive Producer J.J. Abrams. Recruited is a 208-page mass-market paperback that carries a suggested retail price of $5.99, and is geared toward teenage fans. Additional books in the series are scheduled for release in 2003.

"Secret lives, cliffhanger endings, pulsating intrigue, non-stop action, and the amazing Jennifer Garner as kick-ass Sydney -- what's not to love?" said Wendy Loggia, editorial director of Media & Series at Knopf Delacorte Dell Publishing Group. "We're thrilled to have the Alias publishing program on our list here at Bantam, and to have the opportunity to explore Sydney's early days at SD-6." Loggia acquired the books in cooperation with Touchstone/ABC, and will edit both the companion and the series titles.

Alias received a 2002 People's Choice Award for Favorite New Television Drama, and was nominated for a 2002 Golden Globe Award in the same category. Its star, Jennifer Garner, received the 2002 Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Television Drama. Garner has received much media attention since the series debut, gracing the covers of such publications as Seventeen, TV Guide, Rolling Stone, Entertainment Weekly and Self, and appearing on television talk shows and news programs.



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