Vroman’s Bookstore will host an all-day Captain Underpants celebration in its children’s department on Tuesday, April 7, the release date for the franchise’s first-ever manga adaptation.
The event marks the publication of Captain Underpants: The First Epic Manga, which reimagines the original 1997 story with full-color artwork by Japanese manga artist Motojiro. The Captain Underpants series has sold more than 90 million copies worldwide, according to publisher Scholastic, and is widely credited with reaching children who might otherwise resist picking up a book.
Families can stop by the Children’s Info Desk throughout the day for Dav Pilkey-inspired activities, including coloring pages and a scavenger hunt, according to Vroman’s event listing.
The manga reads left to right in the Western style, unlike most manga, and includes new versions of Pilkey’s signature Flip-o-Rama flip animations. It follows the storyline of The Adventures of Captain Underpants, the first book in the 12-book series that Scholastic launched nearly three decades ago. The paperback is priced at $14.99 and the hardcover at $24.99.
Pilkey, who was diagnosed with dyslexia and ADHD as a child, created the character during second grade while sitting in his school hallway after being sent out of class. USA Today has called him “the savior of the reluctant reader,” according to Scholastic.
“I am grateful to Motojiro for his help in taking Captain Underpants to a whole new level and exciting format that I hope will create a new generation of readers,” Pilkey said in a statement released by Scholastic.
Motojiro, a Tokyo-based manga artist who has been creating manga for educational materials for children for more than 30 years, said in the same statement that it was “a wonderful experience to hear about his deep love and care for the series.”
Vroman’s, founded in 1894, is the oldest and largest independent bookstore in Southern California and hosts more than 400 free community events a year at its Colorado Boulevard location, according to the store. Julia Cowlishaw, the store’s CEO, has said the store’s longevity is “because of the people” — its customers and employees.
The event runs during regular store hours. Vroman’s Bookstore is at 695 E. Colorado Blvd. For information, call 626-449-5320 or visit vromansbookstore.com.
“I hope even more kids and families will enjoy the Captain Underpants manga that I had so much fun drawing,” Motojiro said in Scholastic’s announcement.
CAPTAIN UNDERPANTS RELEASE DAY IN THE CHILDREN’S DEPARTMENT Date & Time: Tuesday, April 7, 2026 (All day event). Venue: Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91101. Phone Number: 626-449-5320. Website: https://vromansbookstore.com/event/2026-04-07/captain-underpants-release-day-childrens-department
