YouTube media franchise Spy Ninjas and Scholastic signed a three-year publishing deal in the U.S. and Canada, brokered by the brand’s licensing agent Surge Licensing.
Expected to start rolling out in fall 2021, Scholastic’s Spy Ninjas publishing program will launch with an official guidebook for the brand, followed by a range of graphic novels and activity books. Each book is interwoven with narratives from the YouTube series and allows fans to decode messages, solve clues, and find hints to help the Spy Ninjas team complete their missions.
“Scholastic is the largest publisher and distributor of children’s books in the world, helping young readers to explore their imaginations and become lifelong lovers of books, and we couldn’t be more excited that they are our North American partner for the brand,” said Surge’s VP, Elan Freedman. “The publishing line will provide myriad ways for the series’ huge fanbase to further connect with Chad and Vy and their Spy Ninjas team as they demonstrate loyalty, discipline, respect, and courage on their mission to save the world.”
On YouTube, the show attracts over 400 million monthly views and over 38 million subscribers. It centers on characters Chad Wild Clay, Vy Qwaint, and their team who use detective work and martial arts to try to save the world from an evil hacking group called Project Zorgo.
“We loved how the Spy Ninjas show has action and comedy, as well as a ravenous fan base who are excited to directly participate with the content and creators,” said Scholastic global licensing director Lynn Smith. “Our range of books, including graphic novels and interactive Spy Guides, will allow fans to engage in a new way, expanding on the interactivity of the brands’ values.”
Spy Ninjas recently extended the brand with the launch of a Roblox game, Spy Ninjas vs. Project Zorgo Hackers ROBLOX.
Additionally, Playmates Toys introduced a master toy program in October 2021 at Walmart.com, Target.com, and Amazon.com; Target also carries the line in-stores, with more brick-and-mortar retailers to follow this year. The first wave of the toy rollout features spy gadgets that include secret electronic spy ninja gear, decoders, ninja weapons, a new Project Zorgo mask, and spy activity kits from the series.
Event Merchandising also established the official Spy Ninjas eCommerce global store in December, Spyninjasstore.com.