By Allison Watkinson
TLL Reporter
MERRYMAKERS, INC. has been named the exclusive licensing agency for John Patrick Green’s best selling graphic novel InvestiGATORS.
MerryMakers will lead licensing strategy, retail development, and brand partnerships globally for the popular series, published by First Second, an imprint of Macmillan.
The appointment marks a strategic expansion for InvestiGATORS’ consumer products program, as the laugh-out-loud mystery series continues to captivate young readers with its humor, inventive storytelling, and unforgettable cast of crime-solving agents and villains.
MerryMakers is tasked with overseeing the development of a robust line of products inspired by the world of InvestiGATORS and its signature blend of mystery, gadgets, and adventure.
“We are thrilled to represent InvestiGATORS and work alongside John Patrick Green to expand this exceptional property into consumer products,” said Clair Frederick, President of MerryMakers, Inc. “The series has cultivated an incredibly passionate fanbase, and its humor, heart, and inventive spirit create exciting opportunities across categories.
“We see enormous potential to bring the characters to life through products that encourage creativity, imagination, play, and problem-solving.”
Frederick says the licensing program will span a wide array of categories designed to extend the reading experience into everyday play and discovery. The initial launch will focus on board games, video games, toys and gadgets, collectibles, apparel, and more, she added.
Frederick says InvestiGATORS is one of the most beloved graphic novel properties in children’s publishing today, earning worldwide acclaim for Mango and Brash’s engaging mysteries, and John Green’s highly visual storytelling.
The bestselling series is ideal for kids aged 5-12, and has garnered acclaim from educators, librarians, and families alike, inspiring repeat readership and generating lasting enthusiasm.
The publishing program has been translated into almost 30 languages and has enthusiastic fanbases in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany, The Netherlands, Australia, and China, among others.
The series now has more than four million copies of InvestiGators in print.
MERRYMAKERS, INC., established in 1994, represents PETE THE CAT, BISCUIT THE PERFECT PUPPY, ESCARGOT, and TINY T.REX, in addition to InvestiGATORS. MerryMakers also designs, manufactures and distributes a gift line based on bestselling and classic children’s books, museum collections, and historical figures.
Any parties interested in licensing opportunities can see more at www.merrymakersinc.com.