The Licensing Letter

Comic Books/Strips

Marvel, DC Initiate Seismic Shift in Comics Distribution

By Gary Symons Editor in Chief Marvel Comics has followed the lead of DC Comics, ending its exclusive arrangement with Diamond Comic Distributors, and signing a global agreement with publishing giant Penguin Random House (PRH) to be its new Direct Market distributor. Direct Market sales are those that involve distribution to independent comic book shops, which until recently … [Read more...] about Marvel, DC Initiate Seismic Shift in Comics Distribution

Video Game In Development For John Carter: Warlord of Mars

The classic sci-fi adventure series John Carter: Warlord of Mars is coming to a video game console near you, as Edgar Rice Burroughs, Inc,. announced its team is working with FNCPR to develop and publish a first person action game, starring the "world's oldest interplanetary warrior." Over 27 years FNCPR has worked on some of the biggest games in the industry, including … [Read more...] about Video Game In Development For John Carter: Warlord of Mars

Massive Campaign Marks Wonder Woman 80th Anniversary

Following hard on the release of Wonder Woman 1984, DC and Warner Bros. are launching a sprawling, global campaign to celebrate 80 years of the Wonder Woman character, which is arguably more popular today than ever. The global anniversary party will launch under the 'Believe In Wonder' slogan, and will include worldwide events such as fan favorite digital content, new … [Read more...] about Massive Campaign Marks Wonder Woman 80th Anniversary

VIZ Media Hires Former Netflix Licensing Chief Laurie Takaragawa

VIZ Media announced it's made a major addition to its licensing team, hiring Laura Takaragawa, the Head of Consumer Licensing at Netflix, as its new VP of Consumer Products Licensing & Promotions. Viz says the newly created position will allow for the integration of all of VIZ Media's licensed merchandise, collaborations, interactive and digital games, LBE, and promotions … [Read more...] about VIZ Media Hires Former Netflix Licensing Chief Laurie Takaragawa

LEGO Named World’s Most Popular Kids Entertainment Brand

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief According to a sweeping new report on brands for children, LEGO is now the most popular kids’ entertainment brand in the world, followed by Disney, Marvel, Barbie, and with Paw Patrol rounding out the Top 5.  The data comes via a report from Brand Trends, in which mothers provided answers to a survey on behalf of their children, from ages 0 … [Read more...] about LEGO Named World’s Most Popular Kids Entertainment Brand

Sarah Weisinger Takes Key Role at Disney Publishing

Sarah Weisinger, a veteran at The House of Mouse, has taken on a new role as Senior VP and Group Publisher of Disney Publishing Worldwide. Weisinger has been with Disney since 2000, and most recently worked as the Senior VP of Operations in the Consumer Products, Games, and Publishing Division. In this new role Weisinger will report to Stephanie Young, the president of Consumer … [Read more...] about Sarah Weisinger Takes Key Role at Disney Publishing

Licensing Monster “Mobile Suit Gundam” Airing on Crunchyroll

The anime network Crunchyroll began airing "Mobile Suit Gundam," the original series within the iconic Gundam franchise, as one of its library of more than 1,000 Gundam titles, opening up more opportunities for licensees. The Crunchyroll consumer products team currently manages the international merchandise rights for five Gundam titles with North American licensees … [Read more...] about Licensing Monster “Mobile Suit Gundam” Airing on Crunchyroll

French Comic Asterix Licensed for TV, Film, Video Games

The iconic and internationally popular French/Belgian comic book Asterix is seeing a resurgence in popularity which is likely to grow, as the brand launches new licensing deals and a live action film. Asterix launched as a French and Belgian French comic book in 1959, depicting the adventures of the Gauls in their resistance to the Romans in the era of Julius Caesar. Featuring … [Read more...] about French Comic Asterix Licensed for TV, Film, Video Games

Marvel Launches Year Long Product Campaign for 2021

The wildly successful Disney superhero franchise Marvel is giving its fans plenty of reasons to celebrate the New Year, announcing a full year of new Marvel Studios inspired product reveals spanning toys, games, books, apparel, home décor and more. Mirroring Marvel Studios’ upcoming Disney+ series rollouts, Marvel Must Haves will serve as the preeminent source on Marvel.com for … [Read more...] about Marvel Launches Year Long Product Campaign for 2021