Ananova:

The Backstreet Boys have been turned into comic book superheroes to star in their own online cartoon adventures.

Episodes of "The Backstreet Project" featuring band members AJ, Howie, Brian, Nick and Kevin can be viewed on the Backstreet Boys' own website.

The idea for the internet comic came from the band's Nick Carter, who is a big comic book fan.

Nick's elaborate idea's have been adapted for a one-issue special now showing at www.backstreetboys.com, with more episodes to follow in the future.

The boys have recruited Marvel Superheroes comic creator Stan Lee to oversee The Backstreet Project, which sees the boys discover their superpowers and use them to protect the Earth.

The Backstreet Boys' new album, Black & Blue, is set for worldwide release on November 20, but it will be preceded by a single, Shape Of My Heart, out in late October.

The boys are due to shoot a video for the single with director Matthew Rolston in the coming weeks.

Black & Blue is the follow-up to The Backstreet Boys' Millennium album, which has sold more than 30 million copies worldwide.

The band is soon to announce details of a world tour in early 2001.