Trapeze acquires graphic novel from YouTuber ComedyShortsGamer

Trapeze has acquired a high-energy graphic novel from YouTuber Deji Olatunji, aka ComedyShortsGamer, about a Kung Fu hero who saves the world.

Anna Valentine, publisher of Trapeze, Orion Publishing Group, bought World Rights, all languages, to Kung Fu Hero and the Forbidden City from Liam Chivers, OP Talent. It will be published by Trapeze on 2nd November 2017.

The premise for the adventure story begins when a prank video sees ComedyShortsGamer mistaken for a Kung Fu hero - which in turn leads to him accidentally stealing a mystical goblet and having to fight off ancient statues brought back to life if he is to prevent the resurrection of an evil Emperor and the end of the world. 

Olatunji has over 8 million YouTube subscribers and amasses an average of 85m views per month. He is working on the book with writer James Leighton, who co-wrote bestsellers by KSI and The Sidemen, and illustrator Mike Love.

Olatunji said: "To say I’m excited about splattering the crazy thoughts in my brain all over the page is an understatement. For a long time now I’ve had some pretty sick ideas that were just too big and wild for a video so I'm psyched I can finally unleash them in comic book form. To be honest, I was afraid that my idea for a comic book story might be a bit too much but the good people at Trapeze got me straight away and encouraged me to be as crazy as I like. So, you all better brace yourselves for one sick ass joyride this coming November! I can’t wait to get this bad boy out and meet all of my fans."

Valentine said: "Deji is one of the brightest new media stars online today, with an infectious sense of humour and tonnes of creative ideas. His debut graphic novel is a riot of mishaps and misadventures, and offers a different yet equally entertaining experience for the legion of fans that follow him online. I’m thrilled that he has chosen Trapeze to publish it and can’t wait for the fun to begin!"