Example - Owly

'Owly' - created by Andy Runton is an ongoing graphic novel series, with it's own set of teaching materials and lesson plans based on the the novels. Aimed at a younger audience, (although the teaching materials state they can be used for adults also), Andy Runton and Owly have gone on to win multiple awards including the 2006 Eisener award for 'Best Publication for a Younger Audience.' Owly is an excelent example of how an IP can be developed from a form of entertainment, such as a comic, but expanded into a full franchise.

See Owly Here