The first graphic novel in the LEGO Legends of Chima line debuted this week with a 45,000 first printing for LEGO Legends of Chima Vol.1: High Risk!, a Papercutz spokesperson told ICv2 at C2E2.  That number consists of 40,000 in paperback copies and 5,000 in hardcover, a good first printing by graphic novel standards, but not in the same league as the first volume of LEGO's Ninjago, which had a first printing of 170,000 (see "'Ninjago' GN Hits 170,000").

Chima had a great launch as a property in the U.S.; it was the number one new toy property launched in 2013.  But the comparison to Ninjago, which has exploded since launch (for example, Ninjago Vol. 4 had a 425,000 first printing, see "'Ninjago' #4 Gets 425K First Printing"), suppressed orders from mass merchant retail, where the bulk of Ninjago graphic novel sales have occurred.  It remains to be seen whether Chima can hit escape velocity like its sister property Ninjago. 

The second book, LEGO Legends of Chima Vol. 2: The Right Decision will arrive in August.