The Prince of Persia Scrolls

It's been quite a week so far - posters, magazine features, promises of lego, t-shirts, graphic novels and all with ten months still to go. The Prince of Persia rollercoaster ride is well under way - and I wouldn't be surprised if it culminates in a very real ride in Disney World in the not too distant future.


The Prince of Persia posters have created quite a buzz around the net and, despite the difficulty of pleasing gamers, Gyllenhaalics and those who want proof that PoP will not be Pirates of the Caribbean on sand, the consensus is pretty good. Except for the font... some people don't like the posters' font. I've not yet reached the stage where I even notice the font. I found this perspective interesting.


And today there's more! Never mind one graphic novel, you can expect to fill your shelves with books. We've not had all this before. First, the graphic novel by Prince of Persia creator Jordan Mechner: 'The 128-page graphic novel, a full-color action-adventure anthology featuring six original stories, is a prequel to "Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time," the feature film to be released by Walt Disney Pictures and Jerry Bruckheimer Films on May 28, 2010. The Prince of Persia graphic novel anthology will publish in April 2010 simultaneously in hardcover and paperback with a 125,000 first print run.'

But Disney announced today more treats await us: "We have developed a fantastic publishing program for the Prince of Persia film release and this graphic novel is an incredible cornerstone." So, what's on the way?


1. The Making of Prince of Persia (13 April, 176 pages) 'When Walt Disney Pictures and Jerry Bruckheimer Productions unite to create a movie, the result is bound to be epic, magical, and full of adventure. In Prince of Persia: Sands of Time, Oscar-nominated actor Jake Gyllenhaal (Brokeback Mountain, Rendition, Zodiac, Jarhead, Donnie Darko) stars as a young prince who must prove his innocence with the reluctant help of a conquered princess. As he searches for a dangerous artifact that has the potential to prevent the unleashing of an Earth-shattering sandstorm, he'll face deceit, betrayal, and treacherous, black-cloaked Hassasins. This beautifully designed narrative will describe in detail every aspect of the movie-making process, from casting to costumes to computer graphics.'


'Author Michael Singer takes readers on an extraordinary journey, recounting the links in the Prince of Persia chain-from the wildly popular video game to a film project spearheaded by one of the world's most successful producers, Jerry Bruckheimer. A veritable oasis of exclusive photos and insider information, the book includes information on the production, makeup, location filming, stunts, and special effects, as well as profiles on the films' incredible stars!' (note to Santa - I need have no other gift for the next 15 years...)


2. Prince of Persia: Young Dastan (published 13 April, 256 pages). 'Dastan, the reluctant hero of the upcoming film Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time, was not always a prince. He was once a mischievous petty thief, who knew the streets and rooftops of Persia better than any other street urchin. This is the story of young Dastan, before he was adopted by the king and became Prince of Persia!'


3. Prince of Persia: Movie Storybook (13 April, 48 pages). 'A young prince (Jake Gyllenhaal) is framed for the murder of his beloved father, the king of Persia. Now he must prove his innocence with the reluctant help of a conquered princess (Gemma Arterton) and a magic dagger that can reverse time. A 48-page retelling featuring dozens of action-packed pictures from the soon-to-be-hit, Prince of Persia.' Admittedly, this book is aimed at 4-8 year olds but who's counting?


4.The Art of Prince of Persia (13 April, 176p). 'The Art of Prince of Persia presents a definitive, exclusive look into the preparation and production of the epic movie. Overflowing with hundreds of full-color images, the book showcases concept drawings, set designs, and costume sketches, as well as the intricate props, set pieces, and even special effects that contribute so much to the Persia mythology. For Persia fans everywhere, this oasis of art and design is a visual feast that promises hours of endless browsing pleasure.' Never mind Persia fans...


5. Prince of Persia: You are the Princess (13 April). 'In the film, The Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time, a young prince (Jake Gyllenhaal) must prove his innocence with the reluctant help of a conquered princess (Gemma Arterton) and a magic dagger that can reverse time. In this book, the reader is the main character. The books are written in second person and allow the reader to choose the protagonist's path-- for good, or ill!'


6. Prince of Persia: Junior Novel (13 April, 144 pages). 'When a young prince (Jake Gyllenhaal) is framed for the death of his beloved father and the king of Persia, he must prove his innocence with the reluctant help of a conquered princess (Gemma Arterton) and a magic dagger that can reverse time. The junior novel is a retelling of the film and will include an eight-page full-color photo insert with pictures from the film.'

7. Prince of Persia Ultimate Sticker Book (Ultimate Sticker Books) (15 March). I'll take a dozen of these.


8. Prince of Persia: Beaneath the Sands of Time (13 April). 'Dr. Morgan is about to journey into the hidden world of Persia. On an archeological dig, he uncovers a hidden side of Persia that leaves him breathless. Lucky for us, he has written it all down. Now with this handy guide, including maps, interactive elements, and all the essential information fans can take their own trip to the mythical land of Persia. Find out how the sands of time originated; learn how our hero went from a poor street urchin to Prince Dastan; find out the mythical and wonderous world known as Persia . . . and more! Full of astonishing and amazing information, The Hidden World of Prince Dastan offers fans an intimate glimpse into this magical and adventurous world!'


9. Prince of Persia: You are the Prince (13 April). 'In the film, The Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time, a young prince (Jake Gyllenhaal) must prove his innocence with the reluctant help of a conquered princess (Gemma Arterton) and a magic dagger that can reverse time. In this book, the reader is the main character. The books are written in second person and allow the reader to choose the protagonist's path-- for good, or ill!' (I'll go for good - with a little bit of naughty).


10. Prince of Persia: The Adult Guide to the Prince. 'Go beneath the armour to bathe the wounds of the heroic prince in a scented pool, whilst being gently fanned by eastern silks, buffeted by a soft desert sunset breeze.' This book will be available (when I've written it...)


And surely there'll be a Pop-Up PoP? No?

Includes pictures from IHJ, Empire and ComingSoon. Plus a camel.