Robin Hood and King Arthur from Tony Lee and Sam Hart

Last year, Walker Books and their US distributor Candlewick Press initiated the "Heroes and Heroines" imprint and published a graphic novel inspired by the story of Robin Hood, Outlaw: The Legend of Robin Hood (look inside at Amazon), written by Tony Lee and illustrated by Sam Hart and Artur Fujita and marketed for middle-school-aged readers. An Arthurian book, Excalibur: The Legend of King Arthur, from two of the same creators will be released in March 2011 and it also sounds to be a completely original story. Both books can be found at Amazon.com, though only the Robin Hood book can be found at Walker's and Candlewick's sites. Details on both books from Amazon follow.

Outlaw: The Legend of Robin Hood

Tony Lee (Author), Sam Hart (Illustrator), Artur Fujita (Illustrator)

Hardcover $21.99 (978-0763643997).

Paperback $11.99 (978-0763644000).

How did Robin of Loxley become Robin Hood? Why did he choose to fight injustice instead of robbing for his own gain? Expressive and gritty, this graphic novel whisks readers back to Crusades-era England, where the Sheriff of Nottingham rules with an iron fist, and in the haunted heart of Sherwood Forest, a defiant rogue--with the help of his men and the lovely Maid Marian--disguises himself to become an outlaw. Lively language and illustrations follow the legendary hero as he champions the poor and provokes a high-stakes vendetta in a gripping adventure sure to draw a new generation of readers.

Excalibur: The Legend of King Arthur

Tony Lee (Author), Sam Hart (Illustrator)

Hardcover $21.99 (978-0763646448).

Paperback $11.99 (978-0763646431).

In a dramatic and moving tale of trickery and betrayal, forgiveness and hope, the legend of King Arthur, his loves and losses, the fall of Camelot, his Knights of the Round Table, the secrets of his past and mysteries of his future, all come to bear in this visually stunning portrait of a man. Before Arthur's father, Uther Pendragon, was murdered by Ulric, as a final act, Uther thrust his sword, Caliburn, into a rock. Only a man true of heart would be able to draw and wield the weapon once more. Until that time, Ulric would become King of the Britons, raining terror over all the land. And the people of Albion would wait for a beacon of hope. The wizard Merlin knows just who that person is destined to be. If Ulric is to be overthrown, then it is Arthur, son of Uther, who must pull out the sword and become the rightful leader of the Britons. So, until Arthur comes of age, Merlin hides the future King - in so doing he strikes a dangerous bargain with the dark Unseelie Fae. As the day approaches when Arthur will come of age, there are strong powers at play. Not everyone wishes for Arthur to succeed - for it was Morgana, Arthur's half-sister, who Merlin traded to the Unseelie, in place of her brother, all those years ago. And now the witch has a vengeful score to settle.

Tony Lee has been a writer for over twenty years. He has worked for a variety of publishers including Marvel Comics, IDW Publishing, Markosia, Rebellion, Panini and Titan. He has contributed to many popular and high-profile properties such as X-Men, Doctor Who, Spider Man, Starship Troopers, Wallace & Gromit and Shrek. In 2008 Tony was nominated in the category for "Best Newcomer Writer" at the prestigious Eagle Awards. He lives in London. Sam Hart is a comic book artist and magazine illustrator, having worked on Starship Troopers and Judge Dredd and for publishers Markosia and DC Comics, amongst others. Born in England, he now lives and teaches comic art in Brazil. Artur Fujita is an illustrator and colorist who has colored sequential art for Markosia and Marvel Comics. He lives in Brazil.