Papercutz debuted the first issue of their rebranded Nickelodeon Magazine this past weekend at Book Con 2015. First announced back in February, the magazine takes its name from the children’s publication that ceased production in 2009. While that version of the periodical focused on celebrity interviews and other textual content, Papercutz’s version of Nickelodeon Magazine will bring original comics based upon Nickelodeon titles to a mass market audience. According to company publisher Terry Nantier, circulation numbers will begin at 125,000.
The publication of Nickelodeon Magazine as a monthly periodical marks the arrival of an expansive new era for Papercutz, which has focused on graphic novels in the past. The magazine will not only be featured in local bookstores, but in big box chain stores such as Wal-Mart and Target. The first issue debuts content based upon the popular Nickelodeon properties Sanjay and Craig and Breadwinners, with Harvey Beaks and Pig Goat Banana Cricket comics to follow in subsequent issues.
Papercutz plans to collect and release the comics featured in Nickelodeon Magazine in trade editions on a triannual basis. The first trade edition of Sanjay and Craig will arrive in September, followed by a trade version of Breadwinners in November and Harvey Beaks in January 2016.
I’m very excited to see Papercutz putting out a magazine. Throughout the majority of my childhood years, I had a subscription to Disney Adventures magazine. It was filled with all sorts of content, but I would always skip to the comics section in order to read about my favorite animated characters like Buzz Lightyear and Lilo and Stitch. It was my favorite time of each month, and the new Nickelodeon Magazine seems poised to fill the void left by Disney Adventures when it ended production in 2007.
The all-ages market often feels neglected by major comic book publishers, which is unfortunate given how important that market is to the development of the comics industry in general. Having a monthly comic magazine that is kid friendly and readily available at prolific department stores seems like a great way to attract and create a new generation of comics readers.
Disclaimer: Alex worked as an editorial intern at Papercutz in 2014. His words and opinions are his own.
