Meaning: The quote you provided is from Mark Millar, a renowned Scottish comic book writer known for his work on titles such as "Wanted," "Kick-Ass," and "The Ultimates." The quote reflects the success of the comic book series "Wanted," which was first published in 2003. "Wanted" is a creator-owned miniseries written by Mark Millar and illustrated by J.G. Jones. The story is set in a world where supervillains have taken over, and the protagonist, Wesley Gibson, discovers that he is the heir to a powerful supervillain legacy.

The quote specifically mentions the success of "Wanted" in terms of multiple printings of the individual issues and the high number of printings for the first issue in North America. This indicates the strong demand for the series and its popularity among comic book readers.

The fact that "Wanted" has gone into second, third, and fourth printings of the individual issues indicates that the initial print runs were quickly sold out, leading to the need for additional printings to meet the demand. This is a significant achievement for any comic book series, as it demonstrates a strong and sustained interest from readers.

Furthermore, the mention of the North American printings of "Wanted" #1 being close to 100,000 is a testament to the widespread popularity of the series. Selling close to 100,000 copies of a single issue in North America is a remarkable feat, especially considering the competitive nature of the comic book market.

The success of "Wanted" can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, Mark Millar's reputation as a talented and innovative writer likely contributed to the initial interest in the series. Millar's previous work on titles such as "The Authority" and "The Ultimates" had already established him as a creator with a unique and compelling storytelling style. This would have undoubtedly drawn attention to "Wanted" when it was first announced.

Additionally, the concept of "Wanted" is inherently intriguing. The idea of a world where supervillains have triumphed and the protagonist discovers his own villainous heritage presents a fresh and unconventional take on the superhero genre. This unique premise likely captured the imagination of comic book enthusiasts and contributed to the series' success.

The artwork in "Wanted," provided by J.G. Jones, is another crucial element that contributed to the series' appeal. Jones' dynamic and detailed illustrations brought the world of "Wanted" to life, complementing Millar's gripping narrative with stunning visuals.

The success of "Wanted" demonstrates the enduring appeal of creator-owned comics and the potential for original, non-superhero stories to captivate readers. Mark Millar's ability to craft compelling, boundary-pushing narratives, combined with J.G. Jones' exceptional artwork, resulted in a series that resonated with audiences and left a lasting impact on the comic book industry.

In conclusion, the quote from Mark Millar highlights the exceptional success of the "Wanted" comic book series, as evidenced by multiple printings of individual issues and the impressive sales figures for the first issue in North America. The series' popularity can be attributed to the innovative storytelling of Mark Millar, the captivating artwork of J.G. Jones, and the unique premise of a world ruled by supervillains. "Wanted" stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of creator-owned comics and the ability of original, non-superhero stories to captivate readers.