By Allison Watkinson
TLL Reporter
Warner Bros Discovery and DC are set to launch a multiverse of merchandise inspired by the highly anticipated film The Flash.
Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products (WBDGCP) says all-new products across numerous categories will give fans around the world a taste of the epic story that will unfold when the film releases in North America on June 16, and internationally beginning June 14.
It is, by far, the largest and most comprehensive line of licensed products ever released for the venerable DC character The Flash, who has been featured in comics, series and film since 1940. The Flash has in fact encompassed five different characters in the DC Universe, which is part of the reason the character was chosen to introduce the idea of a multiverse for the DC films.
They include the college athlete Jay Garrick, who was first to appear as the Scarlet Speedster, wearing a helmet that somehow stayed on at supersonic speeds. Most fans, however, know The Flash as police forensic scientist Barry Allen, who was introduced in 1956, and who will be portrayed in the upcoming film.
However, other Flash characters have arisen over the years, including Allen’s nephew Wally West, his grandson Bart Allen, and the new Asian-American character Avery Ho. There’s also the character’s greatest nemesis, known as Reverse Flash.
The Flash has been a central character in the DC Universe since inception, but never got the same licensing attention as the Big Three DC characters of Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman.
That may well change this year, as critical buzz for The Flash movie has been complimentary so far, and the trailer has ignited a huge amount of interest. In fact, even before the trailer was released, The Flash movie was logging more internet searches than any other superhero film on the 2023 release slate.
With all that interest, Warner is going all in on its global licensing program, which will include toys and collectibles from global partners like Mattel, Funko, Spin Master, and McFarlane Toys, costumes by Rubies and new footwear from PUMA designed by BAIT. Warner Bros. Discovery’s DC Shop will also debut a host of exclusives for fans before they speed off to theaters this summer.
Below, find the up to date list of licensed products currently being released under license, according to a product release statement from Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products.
The Flash movie introduces the DCU’s new Supergirl character, a Kryptonian named Kara Zor-El, who will be featured in a new release by Mattel’s Barbie, featuring Supergirl’s iconic red and blue suit with the legendary S-Shield boldly displayed.
Spin Master is releasing The Flash Speed Force Runner, an electronic shin guard that projects lights and sounds, The Flash Hero Set, which includes a light-up helmet and lightning bolt ring, the limited edition 1989 Batmobile remote control car with dynamic light-up headlights and water-activated smoke effects.
Target will have an exclusive Batman and Batwing Set with a 12-inch Batman action figure and 27-inch wide Batwing Vehicle (Ages: 3+). From Just Play, while “The Flash” Small Plush Bundle features the Scarlet Speedster, Batman and Supergirl 7-inch soft toys (Ages 3+).
Collectible manufacturer McFarlane Toys has released incredibly detailed and in-scale Batmobile, Batwing and Batcycle vehicles (Ages: 14+). Batman, Supergirl, The Flash and more 7” scale figures are also available, as well as statues from DC Direct and DC Multiverse. Funko’s Pop! collection includes The Flash, Wonder Woman, General Zod, Barry Allen, Young Barry Allen, Supergirl, Iris West, and Batman, as well as a range of Funko exclusives.
Kids Fashion & Accessories: Be cool for back-to-school with Accessory Innovations’ five-piece, 16” Backpack Set (available in June). Save the future and the past with Bioworld’s apparel collection including backpacks, sling bags, and snapback hats. Rubies brings the iconic heroes of “The Flash” to life with a full range of officially licensed costumes and accessories.
Fashion, Footwear & Accessories: Warner Bros. Discovery’s own DC Shop has all-new, exclusive apparel and home goods available now. New items releasing April 24th include The Flash Suit Ring by Salesone and an extended collection of apparel for The Flash including Batman and Supergirl.
The new offerings include previously announced exclusive apparel, including the 47 Brand Multiverse hat featuring an embroidered design inspired by the partnership between The Flash and Batman in the new film. In addition to featuring items from major licensees McFarlane Toys and Funko, DC Shop is the one-stop shop for fans of The Flash, with additional product drops to follow in anticipation for the film.
Coming in June, PUMA with products designed by BAIT, will release a new take on PUMA’s RS-X shoe inspired by the Fastest Man Alive. Additional details will be announced soon.
BoxLunch enters the multiverse with their new collection inspired by The Flash! This 21-piece assortment features apparel, accessories, and more, all inspired by The Flash, Batman, and more DC favorites.
Jewelry from Salesone includes a variety of items paying tribute to The Flash’s signature lightning bolt emblem. Featuring rings, earrings, pins and necklaces, the collection is available at retailers including Hot Topic, EB Games and Amazon. A GameStop and EB Games exclusive box set, limited to 10K individually numbered units, includes a pin inspired by The Flash’s lightning bolt chest plate and a ring that hides the speedster’s costume ($10-$75).
Home Goods: Trevco’s home collection includes a cozy blanket and coordinated drinkware decked out with “The Flash” imagery. Monogram offers a new 3D Foam Bag Clip Series Blind Bag collection featuring 11 character designs (Hot Topic). Hallmark’s “The Flash” Keepsake Ornament captures The Fastest Man Alive in mid-sprint (Available July 15).
Trend Setters Ltd.’s KNEXAGON Wood Prints contain a unique set of artwork that looks great standing on desktops or hanging on walls. MightyPrint Wall Art prints, as strong as Barry Allen’s alter ego, are resistant to bending, tearing and fading and heat-sensitive Morphing Mugs reveal artwork when holding hot liquid. Trends International’s premium posters and framed prints are available with a variety of framing and mounting options (ShopTrends.com, $9.99).
Publishing: “The Flash: The Official Visual Companion: The Scarlet Speedster from Page to Screen,” from Insight Editions, takes readers into the cinematic world of “The Flash” with its comprehensive collection of stunning images, behind-the-scenes stories, and interviews (Available June, for pre-order now, $34.99).
International: “The Flash” licensing program is picking up speed across Europe, the Middle East and Africa with a wide range of pan-regional and local deals across all key categories.
Signed toy partners include Spin Master who launch a line-up of action figures, vehicles and role play toys with key retail accounts including Smyths Toys in the UK and Ireland and Amazon UK and France. Fan favorite pop culture specialists Funko have extended its DC offering with a POP Movies collection of The Flash collectible figures which are available to buy now at FunkoEurope.com. McFarlane Toys completes the European toy offering with 7” collectible action figures of The Flash aimed at adult fans and DC devotees.
The gifting category is led by Pyramid International who present a deep range of posters, mugs and stationery, plus Paladone for novelty gifts and hydration products and Abysse (France) with a diverse range that includes computer accessories and peripherals. Online interior and Scandinavian design specialist Desenio launch a selection of posters whilst Montegrappa has luxury collectibles covered with a limited-edition handwriting set available to buy at selected retailers across the region including Harrods (UK), Selfridges (UK), Point Plume (France) and the Montegrappa Boutique (UAE).
Fashion licensees include Puma (GAS) for footwear, Park London for apparel and accessories and H&M for children’s dress up. Spreadshirt will allow fans to tap into the trend for print-on-demand with t-shirts, posters and mugs leading its offering and KNCO (France) is on board with a range of nine spectacle frames from kids. Additionally, partners have already started to explore the long-term potential of The Flash with OVS in Italy set to launch a range of The Flash t-shirts in June and fashion giant ASOS confirmed to launch a themed apparel collection for Autumn Winter 2023.
In Mexico, Fotorama will launch a line of The Flash-themed backpacks. Novelty Corp will have a lenticular puzzle, while Grupo Ruz will have a line of toys and Grupo Rev will release costumes inspired by the film. Carl’s Jr. Kids Meals will also feature exclusive figures of The Flash, Batman and Supergirl. Movie theater exclusives include Cinemex’s collectible glasses, and Cinépolis’ popcorn dispensers with integrated lights. Máscara de Látex, Óptima Collection, Epicland and Aurimoda will offer special apparel. Siglo XXI will launch a series of products for children and adults that can be found in department stores, including cups, thermoses and a lunch box. Cross merchandising programs, featuring special exhibitions, inspired by the film will be available in Liverpool, Chedraui, Soriana and Chedraui stores nationwide in July.
In Chile, Fashions Park will be releasing a fashion apparel line in May. In Argentina, Children’s Toy partner Caffaro Hnos. has released “The Flash” puzzles and board games. Home goods and collectibles are now offered through PPR Solutions SRL. Fashion partners Maria Alejandra Gonzalez and Lukeman S.A. will be developing clothing/apparel line and shoes, with July release dates.
In Peru, Textiles Arval will release a line of apparel and Grupo Orlando has released pet products. In Ecuador clothing apparel partner Grupo Mantra has also developed a clothing line and Noperti will also release a bedding line. Also in Ecuador, Banco del Austro will be releasing The Flash debit and credit cards.
In Colombia, Ecuador and Central America Jagi Industry hats will be available. Also in Central America, St Jack’s have released an apparel line and Blue Marble will develop paper goods. Kokorico will be developing a QSR program. In Colombia, Ecuador, Central America, and Peru longtime partner Maquila will have a collection of t-shirts; and well-known artist Marcelo Wongwill be developing a line of collectable The Flash sculptures in these same territories.
In Brazil, fans will enjoy numerous categories including new collectibles by Sunny, decoration pieces by Zona Criativa, and stationery by Luxcel and São Domingos. Apparel will be available from the official DC Store in Brazil, C&A, FanLAB by Riachuelo, Piticas and HAVAN department stores. Dois Cunhados will also offer a healthy and practical option with “The Flash” apples for speedsters requiring energy, while socks by Altomax and flip flops by Havaianas will offer speedsters comfort on their feet.
In Australia, Zing Pop Culture’s brand new and Zing Exclusive “The Flash” range has fans racing to stores faster than lightning! This range will be available from 13 June. Zing Pop Culture is Australia’s #1 destination for collectibles, homewares, apparel and gifts for all things Pop Culture. This heroic range of products – which includes PJ’s, bed set, apparel, wallet, collectible pins and more – can be purchased online at Zing Pop Culture and in stores across Australia. ($9 – $89 AUD). Kmart Australia will be celebrating the film release with an iconic wardrobe essential Men’s Tee from Caprice featuring The Flash. Available online at Kmart Australia and in stores across Australia from April. ($18 AUD)
New Zealand Mint (NZM) leads the way with innovative, pure silver and gold collectible coins for fans around the world. NZM will release a collection of limited-edition legal tender coins featuring the iconic speedster in celebration of the film, available globally online at New Zealand Mint from 16 May. The range also travels back in time, with a coin featuring our Caped Crusader BATMAN™ and his Batmobile as seen in the 1989 film, Batman. A truly unique collectible! ($109-$209US)
In Southeast Asia, Matahari’s T-Zone range has a range of teen and YA t-shirts on sale at its stores in Indonesia. In the Philippines, fashion apparel retailer Petrol has introduced a full range of tees aimed at teens and young adults. Goldwing is also creating an apparel series for sale at Robinsons, while Reinfore will make its range available through SM Retail. Vietnamese fashion footwear company, Bitis, will soon release a range of shoes for kids.
In Japan, Shochiku is creating a line of branded accessories including key chains, stickers, pins and apparel for sale online and as in-theater concessions. More products from other partners in other categories will be announced shortly.