Steve Harvey's Roopster Roux Heads to Bluewater

Many know Steve Harvey as one of the Original Kings of Comedy, but he is also the face and narrator of the children’s book series, Roopster Roux. Now this series is being adapted by Bluewater Productions into an original graphic novel.

The series chronicles the adventures of a sports-loving rooster who enjoys reading, and whose heroic deeds are due in large part to the knowledge Roopster gains through various books. Aided by his super-charged skateboard, Roopster delivers positive educational messages while keeping readers entertained with action-packed adventures.

Harvey will serve as the on-page narrator for the comic adaptation. The graphic novel is scheduled for release in 2010. The graphic novel with be written by Ryan Burton (Female Force: Stephenie Meyer, Flying Saucers vs. the Earth) and drawn by Erik Thompson (Steve Lawlis, Atlas).

"I'm pleased and excited to partner with Bluewater Productions," said series creator, Lavaille Lavette. "Bluewater has a proven success record in the graphic novel universe. The Roopster Roux graphic novel series will be full of exciting adventures, destined to take [Roopster Roux] new heights."

The new adventures look to draw on the series' core audience of children, ages 6-12, and will incorporate Steve Harvey as an interactive character, in the same vein as the 1970's animated ,Bill Cosby series, Fat Albert.

"I really like Roopster Roux," said Harvey. "The series is fast-paced. Roopster is a hero to kids and a lot of adults as well. Readers from all walks of life identify with Roopster Roux."

The four The Adventures of Roopster Roux books and tapes series (Slammin Slim , Escape From Vultures Roost, Surfing The Net, and Monster All Stars) have sold over 1/2-million units. The series has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, Reading is Fundamental (RIF), and school districts and government entities at the local and national levels. Eighteen major cities have proclaimed Roopster Roux Day to promote reading and literacy, including the four largest cities in the United States.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to present quality storytelling in a comic format to a younger audience,” said Bluewater president Darren Davis. "If it gets just one more kid to start reading, then it’ll be a great success. I was one of those kids and comics helped me to become a better, more engaged, reader."

© C Harris Lynn, 2009