The Smurfs began as Les Schtroumpfs in a Belgian comic strip in October 1958 and quickly gained popularity, launching comic books and classic figurines. But it wasn’t until the NBC cartoon that American audiences fell in love with the Smurfs. The show ran from 1981–1989, and fans can still watch episodes twice a day on Cartoon Network’s Boomerang channel. And now, the Smurfs are back in town, thanks to Columbia Pictures & Sony Pictures Animation’s upcoming star-filled live-action/CGI-hybrid movie premiering in summer 2011. The World of Smurfs will delve into the history of the series’ characters and profile Smurf village residents. It includes a biography of the creator, Peyo, a look back at the popular Hanna-Barbera–produced cartoon, and behind-the-scenes photos from the upcoming movie. Everything will be topped off with seven unique interactive elements, including stickers and an original mini-comic. This will be the first and only book to chronicle Smurf history for fans of all ages.

Praise for World of Smurfs:

“The newly-released World of Smurfs book from ABRAMS is a must-have . . . not just some book tied-in to the movie of the moment in order to cash in; rather this hardcover coffee-table book is lovingly assembled and written from the heart.”

—MTV.com


“detailed and entertaining read for those interested in the blue creatures three apples high”

—Deseret News

 

Matt. Murray is the country’s leading Smurfologist and runs smurfology.blogspot.com. He was previously the executive director of the Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art. He lives in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.