Papercutz (publisher)

Papercutz Graphic Novels
Company type	Private
Industry	Publishing
Predecessor	NBM Publishing (founder Terry Nantier)
Founded	2005; 21 years ago
Founder	Terry Nantier
Fate	Acquired by Mad Cave Studios in 2022
Headquarters	New York City, United States
Area served	Worldwide
Key people	Jim Salicrup (editor-in-chief), Stefan Petrucha (writer), Michael Petranek (associate editor)
Products	Family-oriented comic books and graphic novels, licensed franchises (Nancy Drew, Hardy Boys, Lego Ninjago), classic Golden Age comics, translated Franco-Belgian comics
Owner	Mad Cave Studios (since 2022)
Parent	Mad Cave Studios
Website	papercutz.com

Papercutz Graphic Novels is a U.S.-based publisher that focuses on producing family-oriented comic books and graphic novels, predominantly featuring licensed franchises such as Nancy Drew, the Hardy Boys, and Lego Ninjago. The company also issues new editions of classic Golden Age comics, including Classics Illustrated and Tales from the Crypt. More recently, Papercutz has ventured into translating European all-ages comics, mainly from the Franco-Belgian tradition, with titles like The Smurfs and Asterix published under their Super Genius imprint.

Company history

In 2005, Terry Nantier, the founder of NBM Publishing, launched Papercutz with seasoned comics professional Jim Salicrup serving as editor-in-chief. Their goal was to address the scarcity of comics suitable for children. Early on, writer Stefan Petrucha joined the team, contributing to series such as Nancy Drew and Papercutz Slices. Associate editor Michael Petranek became part of the staff in 2008.

Papercutz underwent a significant change in 2022 when it was acquired by Mad Cave Studios, which strengthened its organizational framework and broadened its international reach.

Publication history

Papercutz debuted in 2005 by releasing two limited comic series of three issues each: Nancy Drew: The Demon of River Heights and The Hardy Boys: The Ocean of Osyria, both later compiled into graphic novels. The Nancy Drew series, scripted by Stefan Petrucha with manga-inspired illustrations by Sho Murase, reimagines the teenage detective with a contemporary and appealing style. The Hardy Boys series initially featured contributors such as writer Scott Lobdell and artist Lea Hernandez, followed by a 2010 reboot that brought in writer Gerry Conway and illustrator Paulo Henrique.

In 2006, Papercutz issued an English-language edition of the Italian nonfiction graphic novel The Life of Pope John Paul II.

After securing the license for Classics Illustrated in 2007, Papercutz combined reprints with fresh adaptations of timeless children's literature, collaborating with acclaimed artists including Rick Geary, Kyle Baker, and Jill Thompson. They also introduced Classics Illustrated Deluxe, showcasing work by French illustrators.

Between 2007 and 2010, Papercutz produced a new run of original Tales from the Crypt comics, featuring prominent horror authors like Joe R. Lansdale. This series attracted attention due to a provocative 2008 cover depicting U.S. vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin. The publisher released 13 individual issues (compiled into 9 graphic novels) before concluding this line in 2010.

In 2009, they unveiled Papercutz Slices, a parody series satirizing popular culture phenomena such as Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Harry Potter, Twilight, and The Walking Dead, created by Stefan Petrucha and Rick Parker.

Starting in July 2010, Papercutz expanded into English translations of well-known Franco-Belgian comics like The Smurfs, which significantly increased their share within the all-ages graphic novel market. This success paved the way for additional translated titles such as Benny Breakiron, Dance Class, and Sybil the Backpack Fairy.

Since 2010, Papercutz has broadened its licensed catalog to include properties like Disney Fairies, Lego Ninjago, Garfield, Power Rangers, Rio, and Stardoll, catering to various segments within the youth demographic.

In 2024, Papercutz announced a strategic alliance with The Walt Disney Company to publish graphic novels based on Disney and Pixar intellectual properties including Turning Red, Inside Out, Encanto, Phineas and Ferb, and Frozen, among others—strengthening its position in the licensed content arena.

Titles released

101 Dalmatian Street (2024–ongoing)
Annoying Orange (2012–2015)
Barbie (2016–2019)
Bionicle (2008–2010)
Breadwinners (2015–2016)
Disney Fairies (2010–ongoing)
Encanto (2024–ongoing)
Frozen (2024–ongoing)
Garfield & Company (2011–2013)
Geronimo Stilton (2009–ongoing)
Gumby (2017–ongoing)
The Hardy Boys Graphic Novel series (2005–ongoing) — initially created by Scott Lobdell; relaunched in 2010 with Gerry Conway and Paulo Henrique
Inside Out (2024–ongoing)
Lego Ninjago (2011–2014) — penned by Greg Farshtey and Paulo Henrique
The Loud House (2016–ongoing)
Melowy (2018–2022)
Nancy Drew series (2005–ongoing) — includes titles such as The Nancy Drew Diaries and Nancy Drew and the Clue Crew, authored by Stefan Petrucha
Nickelodeon Magazine series (2015–2016) — a revival of the original 1993–2009 publication
Papercutz Slices (2009–ongoing) — featuring works by Stefan Petrucha and Rick Parker, including titles like Diary of a Stinky Dead Kid, The Hunger Pains, among others
Phineas and Ferb (2024–ongoing)
Power Rangers (2012–2014)
Rabbids Invasion (2014–2015)
Rio (2013–ongoing) — created by Stefan Petrucha and Paulo Henrique
Sanjay and Craig (2015–2016)
Stardoll (2013–ongoing) — developed by JayJay Jackson
Tales From The Crypt (2007–2010)
Thea Stilton (2013–ongoing)
The Three Stooges (2012–ongoing) — includes collections such as The Best of The Three Stooges
Totally Spies! (2006–2007)
Trolls (2016–2018)
Turning Red (2024–ongoing)
Winx Club (2023–ongoing)
WWE Slam City (2014–2015) — by Mathias Triton and Alitha E. Martinez
Zorro (2005–2007) — authored by Don McGregor and Sidney Lima

Classics Illustrated

Classics Illustrated (2008–2014) — reissues of literary classics adapted by illustrators including Rick Geary, Steven Grant, and Gahan Wilson. Featured works include Great Expectations,, The Invisible Man,, Hamlet,, Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde,, The Count of Monte Cristo,, Wuthering Heights,, among others.

Classics Illustrated Deluxe (2008–2014) — premium editions presenting adaptations of renowned classics such as:
- vol. 1: The Wind in the Willows
- vol. 2: Tales from the Brothers Grimm
- vol. 3: Frankenstein
- vol. 4: The Adventures of Tom Sawyer
- vol. 5: Treasure Island
- vol. 6: The Three Musketeers
- vol. 7: Around the World in Eighty Days
- vol. 8: Oliver Twist
- vol. 9: Scrooge's A Christmas Carol alongside "Mugby Junction"
- vol. 10: "The Murders in the Rue Morgue" plus additional stories
- vol. 11: The Sea-Wolf
- vol. 12: The Monkey God

These selections exemplify the company’s deliberate emphasis on capitalizing on well-established franchises and timeless literary works to strengthen its position in graphic novels and licensed properties, thereby fostering continuous growth and diverse revenue opportunities.

Reprints and Translations

Ariol — created by Emmanuel Guibert
Asterix — authored by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo
Benny Breakiron — developed by Peyo
Dance Class — crafted by Béka (Bertrand Escaich & Caroline Rogue) alongside Crip
Ernest & Rebecca — produced by Guillaume Bianco and Antonello Dalena
High Moon (October 2017) — by David Gallaher and Steve Ellis
Monster — created by Lewis Trondheim
Pussycat — by Peyo
The Smurfs (from 2010 to present) — authored by Peyo
Sybil the Backpack Fairy — developed by Michel Rodrigue and Antonello Dalena
Toto Trouble — by Thierry Coppée

External links