The Licensing Letter

Comic Books/Strips

Crunchyroll Launches Cleverly Named ‘Ani-May’ Celebrations

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Crunchyroll is launching a long-term anime-focused celebration called Ani-May with global retail and digital licensing partnerships. The partnerships will include a variety of consumer products collections, digital activations, and in-store promotions based on licensed anime series. The licensed consumer products will include apparel, … [Read more...] about Crunchyroll Launches Cleverly Named ‘Ani-May’ Celebrations

Knockout Comics Adaptation of Creed Films Coming From BOOM! Studios

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief BOOM! Studios will release a four-issue limited comic book series based on the Creed film franchise from MGM. The comic adaptation is being produced in collaboration with the MGM studio, Creed star Michael B. Jordan's production company, Outlier Society, and Chartoff-Winkler. Jordan is also the director and producer of the recent … [Read more...] about Knockout Comics Adaptation of Creed Films Coming From BOOM! Studios

Peanuts’ Snoopy T-Shirt is Encouraging Americans to Donate Blood

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief A Snoopy T-shirt licensed to the American Red Cross has gone viral, driving huge traffic to blood donor clinics. The literally life-saving licensing deal with Peanuts Worldwide went viral on TikTok since it was launched on April 1, encouraging many first-time donors to give blood in exchange for the exclusive shirt. The shirt shows … [Read more...] about Peanuts’ Snoopy T-Shirt is Encouraging Americans to Donate Blood

King Features x Hours Deal Lets You Dress Like Archie Comic

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Archie Comics has partnered with the Hours clothing brand for a licensed Archie Andrews apparel collection. "Archie has been a mainstay in pop culture for a very long time and a perfect alignment us to be collaborating with such an iconic property," said Hours owner Roman Hessary. "The comics were a big part of us growing up and we’re … [Read more...] about King Features x Hours Deal Lets You Dress Like Archie Comic

Analysis: US Government Defines Copyright Protection for AI-Created Works

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The US Copyright Office says works created with the help of artificial intelligence may be copyrighted, in a policy with major implications for the licensing industry.  From now on, all copyright applicants are legally required to disclose when their work includes AI-generated material. As well, any previously filed application that … [Read more...] about Analysis: US Government Defines Copyright Protection for AI-Created Works

DC and Partners Release Products for the Whole ‘Shazamily’

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products and DC have revealed an extensive collection of licensed merchandise based on the upcoming superhero film Shazam! Fury of the Gods. The collectible manufacturer McFarlane has released a licensed Shazam action figure at major retailers and the DC Shop. The toy company Spin Master has also … [Read more...] about DC and Partners Release Products for the Whole ‘Shazamily’

Peanuts Continues Asia Expansion Through Trade Fair in Seoul

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter WildBrain CPLG has announced that the Peanuts character brand will appear at The Seoul Living Design Fair 2023 to showcase licensed lifestyle products. The Seoul Living Design Fair is Korea’s largest interior design & lifestyle exhibition, and the Peanuts brand will be featured at the fair in a themed booth created by Peanuts … [Read more...] about Peanuts Continues Asia Expansion Through Trade Fair in Seoul

James Gunn Unveils The Future of the DC Universe

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief DC Studios has served notice it's ready to compete with rival Marvel in building an integrated superhero universe. James Web and Peter Safran, the newly appointed co-CEOs of DC Studios, this week revealed their overall plan for the franchise. That initially includes 10 new films and series, but the real news is that the studio will … [Read more...] about James Gunn Unveils The Future of the DC Universe

Lefties Sets Sail With Popeye-Themed Apparel Collection

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter King Features and Lefties have partnered on a licensed apparel collection featuring Popeye the Sailorman. The co-branded collection includes t-shirts, shorts, sweatshirts, socks, pajamas, and jogger pants that feature graphic art inspired by the Popeye franchise. The Popeye brand is owned by King Features Syndicate, a unit of Hearst … [Read more...] about Lefties Sets Sail With Popeye-Themed Apparel Collection

Viz Media Tags WP Brands As Its Agent in Oceania Markets

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter VIZ Media has appointed WP Brands as its Oceania licensing agency for the Australia and New Zealand regions. WP Brands is a licensing, marketing, and content syndication specialist for the Oceania markets. The agency offers its services for all categories of entertainment and lifestyle properties. “This is an amazing opportunity, and … [Read more...] about Viz Media Tags WP Brands As Its Agent in Oceania Markets