At the World Book Fair New Delhi on 9 February 2025, Hachette India released thematic, omnibus collections of Classics Illustrated and Classics Illustrated Junior titles for sale in India. This was made possible by a license agreement reached with First Classics, Inc., the rights-holder to Classics Illustrated, as well as the generous support of Classic Comic Store in the UK, another CI licensee. The series will see a national release on 25 February 2025.
“This license is an exciting opportunity to introduce stories from classic literature to a new, young audience in India,” said Bradford Berger, president of First Classics, Inc. “We are very pleased that Hachette India will be bringing their passion and outstanding publishing expertise to the Classics Illustrated family of books. It is also gratifying that Classic Comic Store have brought their affection for Classics Illustrated, including their attention to detail, to assist with the technical aspects of producing the books.”
Thomas Abraham, MD of Hachette India who curated the list said, “The Classics Illustrated were a staple part of Indian reading a few decades ago and we are delighted to acquire rights for India to reintroduce them to both nostalgia buffs as well as a new generation of readers who—as the series originally envisioned—will hopefully find this the first step to reading the classics. The art is as timeless as ever and we’re happy to publish them in curated durable omnibus editions.”
The released books include five volumes of Classics Illustrated titles, each with titles grouped into themes such as adventure, myths and legends, science fiction, and the famous stories of William Shakespeare and Charles Dickens. Three volumes of Classics Illustrated Junior titles will introduce young readers to classic fairy tales and other stories.
