Jakks Pacific Inc. on Thursday announced a strategic partnership with Japanese animator Dentsu Inc. to produce a TV series called Monsuno, a first-ever project created by Jakks to launch a line of boys toys.

The Monsuno story, created by Jakk’s creative staff, involves re-awakened monster DNA that finds its way into the unsuspecting hands of adventure-seeking boys. The property envisioned as 52 animated episodes, with Jakks creating action figures and other products targeted to boys ages 6 to11. The company plans a 2011 launch in North America, Europe and Asia.

“This new venture is an exciting new direction for Jakks Pacific into owning our own entertainment and leveraging it into the toy line,” said Co-Chief Executive Stephen Berman. “We believe Dentsu is the perfect partner, given their production expertise and global leadership position in developing children’s television.”

Jakks, which is better known for licensing brands to create toys, will be working with Tokyo-based Dentsu’s Santa Monica subsidiary, DCI-LA. The series creative director will be Mitsuharu Inoue, former producer of the popular animated series Bakugan Battle Brawlers on Cartoon Network. Bakugan Battle also has its own toy line.

Jakks shares were up 2 cents, or less than 1 percent, to $12.59 in midday trading on the Nasdaq.