Anime and manga distributor VIZ Media is expanding its kids imprint with a slew of new DVD, download-to-own and graphic novel licenses for such brands as Mr. Men and Little Miss and Voltron Force.

VIZ will be adapting the popular Mr. Men and Little Miss characters for original graphic novels. The first Little Miss Sunshine, Mr. Bump, Mr. Strong and Little Miss Daredevil-inspired books will be available next spring.

Nickelodeon’s new animated series, Voltron Force, is also getting the graphic novel treatment. The original novels will be based on the revamped series, which is making its debut on Nicktoons this summer. The books will follow in spring 2012.

Other VIZ Kids franchise acquisitions include Cartoon Network’s HERO 108 brand. VIZ will be distributing DVDs of series and will make the episodes available for download through iTunes.

VIZ Kids will also release a graphic novel based on the Mameshiba brand entitled Mamashiba: On the Loose! as well as a character guide, Meet Mameshiba, in July.

Also in the works is a new manga based on the most recent incarnation of the Pokemon video game franchise, Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version. The first and second volumes of the manga will be available in July.

The acquisitions join a growing manga and anime VIZ Kids library, which includes The Legend of Zelda, Panda Man, Taro, Beyblade and Dinosaur King.