Kids graphic novel specialist Papercutz marked yet another leap upward in the endless popularity of the Lego brand, announcing a 425,000 copy first printing of vol. four of its Ninjago graphic novel line. Ninjago Vol. 4: Tomb of the Fangpyre by Greg Farshtey and Jolyon Yates will be published in hardcover ($10.99) and paperback ($6.99) in August.
Papercutz marketing director Jesse Post called it “the biggest print run ever for a Papercutz book.” Originally launched in November of 2011, the Ninjago graphic novel series has always been popular, debuting with a 200,000 copy first printing that sold out. The second and third volumes of the series opened at #1 on the New York Times bestseller list. The series features a line of now-iconic Lego toy products, this time in the form of ninjas that practice the art of Spinjitzu, a martial arts tradition found only in the world of Lego.
Papercutz publisher Terry Nantier said demand for the graphic novels has “only gone up” since they were introduced, and he praised the art of Jolyon Yates, “we can’t wait for Lego fans to see it.” Yates will be on hand as a special guest of Papercutz at this year’s San Diego Comic-Con International. He’ll be doing sketches at the publisher’s booth (#2546) on Sunday 10 am to 11 am.
The publisher will also handout a 1000 copies of a show-exclusive print created by Yates that will be given out free along with a purchase. The print is a Ninjago-themed promo movie poster created by Yates in homage to “Enter the Dragon.”
