The First Cat in Space: Baby Pirate’s Revenge Gets Massive 150,000 Print Run
Hold on to your treasure maps and space helmets—The First Cat in Space & The Baby Pirate’s Revenge is blasting off in a big way. The newest installment of the wildly imaginative series by Mac Barnett (writer) and Shawn Harris (illustrator) is receiving a monumental 150,000 copy print run from HarperAlley, which is practically unheard of for a quirky middle-grade/graphic novel title. Fans (and future readers) are in for a treat.
Meet the Spacefaring Feline Hero
In this fourth volume of The First Cat in Space, we join First Cat, LOZ 4000, and the Moon Queen—characters beloved for their absurdist humor, clever plotting, and over-the-top cosmic adventure. According to HarperCollins Publishers, the story kicks off when Captain Babybeard swipes a treasure map from the Queen of the Moon, setting off a chain of mutiny, betrayal (hello, Martian Pirate James Plantain!), and unlikely alliances. It’s the sort of setup that promises both chaotic pirate fun and tender moments in zero gravity.
Why 150,000 Copies Is A Big Deal
150,000 prints is massive for a middle-grade graphic novel, especially one with this level of whimsy. It signals serious confidence from the publisher, HarperAlley, in both the existing fanbase and in capturing lots of new readers. The higher print run helps ensure wider availability: more bookstores, libraries, and international markets will be able to stock it, reducing the chance of sell-outs or waiting lists.
This kind of number also suggests that the publisher expects this volume to perform exceptionally well, commercially and culturally. After all, an audience that loves space adventure, talking cats, and pirate drama is primed for this kind of storytelling magic.
Treasure Map of Themes & What’s Ahead
What makes The First Cat in Space & The Baby Pirate’s Revenge stand out isn’t just its funny premise, but how it layers in themes like loyalty (who stays true in a pirate mutiny?), betrayal, and redemption—set against a backdrop of absurd fantasy. First Cat and crew are cartoonishly adorable, but their journeys often touch on real feelings: disappointment, unexpected friendship, and creativity in crisis.
Also worth noting: the artistic style—Shawn Harris’s bold color work, expressive character design, and playful, surreal setting—makes this more than a kids’ graphic novel. It appeals to readers who love great visuals and imaginative world-building. With this new volume on the horizon (expected release date: November 4, 2025), the print run ensures that it won’t just be a cult favorite: it may become a staple.
Final Thoughts: The First Cat in Space
If you’re already a fan of the series, the 150,000 print run means you can breathe easier: getting your hands on a copy should be much less frustrating. If you’re new, this might be the perfect entry point. The wide print run means more chances to see the book in stores, pick it up at your library, or gift it to someone intrigued by comics + space pirates + talking cats.
All in all, HarperAlley’s bet on this volume looks like a smart move. With its wild premise, charming characters, and now serious backing, The First Cat in Space & The Baby Pirate’s Revenge is poised to be the book many middle-grade readers will remember—and buy—this year. Ready your spyglasses, map your constellations, and get prepared for lunar-level fun.
