As kids gear up for a frightful Halloween weekend, Classic Media is gearing up to ring in the spooktacular anniversary of Casper the Friendly Ghost this fall.

It’s launching the new CGI animated series Casper’s Scare School on major nets, including TF1 (France), Cartoon Network (US, Europe, Asia and Latin America), ZDF (Germany), YTV (Canada) and Brazil’s TV Globo in March 2010.

Dark Horse Comics has a hardcover graphic novel featuring a reprint of Casper’s first-ever comic book Casper the Friendly Ghost from 1949 in the works, while Ardden Entertainment will debut a new comic book series, Casper And The Spectrals, this Halloween. It includes three comic book issues and a graphic novel compilation.

New Casper apparel lines will also be hitting US retail for Halloween from licensees Local Celebrity (juniors) and Mad Engine (men’s and boys’) with printed tees and tops at fine department stores, specialty stores, boutiques and online outlets. Online retailer Zazzle is offering a limited-edition glow-in-the-dark t-shirt available only on Halloween weekend. Briefly Stated has also refreshed its apparel line with new Casper inspired juniors loungewear, daywear and sleepwear.

Meanwhile, Casper’s Scare School and the first two volumes of the classic Casper collection (Casper: Trick-or-Treat Classic Collection Volume 1 and Casper & Wendy: Scare Up Some Fun Classic Collection Volume 2) are getting a re-release. Classic Media and Vivendi Entertainment will also re-release Casper’s Haunted Christmas on DVD this holiday season.

American Greetings’ line of Casper greeting cards will be available this Halloween with new designs. Lionel trains is also debuting a collectible Casper-themed model car, and events production company Milestone Productions will bring Casper and Wendy to meet their fans through costume characters, mini-shows, and appearances at retail, fairs, festivals, zoos and art centers.