Little Tiger is working with the author and illustrator duo behind its bestselling STITCH HEAD series on at least two graphic novels featuring the much-loved hero. Guy Bass and Pete Williamson are bringing their unforgettable creation back to almost-life in glorious full-colour. World all language rights in Bass’s adaptation of the text were bought from Isobel Gahan at Curtis Brown by Associate Publisher Jane Harris. Art Director Charlie Moyler acquired World Rights in Williamson’s art from Alice Williams at Alice Williams Literary. The deal covers two volumes, adapting the first two novels in the original series.
The original STITCH HEAD novel was first published in 2011. Over 260,000 copies have been sold across the six books in the series in the UK alone. The books have been published in 16 languages and Little Tiger is relaunching the original novels in North America through their US-based Tiger Tales imprint, with the first two books publishing in April 2023.
An animated feature film adaptation of the first book is currently in production with Gringo Films. The voice cast is led by Asa Butterfield (Sex Education) as the eponymous hero. Butterfield is joined by a stellar line-up including, Joel Fry (Cruella) as the Creature, Rob Brydon (Gavin & Stacey) as Professor Erasmus, Alison Steadman (Gavin & Stacey) as Nan, Tia Bannon as Arabella, and comedians Fern Brady and Jamali Maddix voicing members of Fulbert Freakfinder’s sideshow.
Deep in the maze-like dungeons of Castle Grotteskew, a young Professor Erasmus created Stitch Head, a small, almost-human creature. His experiments continued, filling the castle with creations so fabulously monstrous that Stitch Head was long cast aside. But loyal Stitch Head did not forget their promise to be friends forever, and thus spends his days wrangling a long line of the professor’s rampaging monsters, in an effort to protect both his home and his beloved master. Until a travelling circus ringmaster knocks at the castle door, promising to make Stitch Head a star. Is this Stitch Head’s chance to venture beyond the castle walls? Or could he be making a terrible mistake…?
Guy Bass said:
“As a life-long fan of comic books, I couldn’t be more excited to be working with Little Tiger to give Stitch Head the graphic novel treatment. It could only have happened with Pete Williamson, who illustrated the novels, and I’m ecstatic that he’s on board to help bring Stitch Head to almost-life all over again. I can’t wait to introduce this adaptation of Stitch Head to readers old and new – and in full colour, no less!”
Pete Williamson said: “It’s been wonderful to collaborate with Guy and the folk at Little Tiger once again, and it’s particularly exciting to apply our shared love for, and excitement about, the comics/graphic novel medium to Stitch Head. It’s a perfect fit – Guy’s brilliant storytelling and my artwork really open up the world of Stitch Head in a completely new way. This is the most fun I’ve ever had in illustration.”
Jane Harris said: “After welcoming Stitch Head to our list twelve years ago, I’m utterly delighted to see this best-selling creation step out of the shadows into a brand-new format. Guy and Pete have worked tirelessly to distil Stitch Head’s darkly comic world into a stunning full-colour graphic novel, and I couldn’t be prouder of the book they’ve created. It’s sure to delight Stitch Headfans and introduce his monstrous adventures to a whole new legion of readers.”
Little Tiger will publish Stitch Head: The Graphic Novel in February 2024 with Stitch Head: The Pirate’s Eye: A Graphic Novel following in February 2025.