Japanese artist Kazuki Takahashi, who spawned a global franchise with the comic Yu-Gi-Oh, has died in what appears to be a swimming accident. Takahashi, whose real first name was Kazuo, was discovered floating in the sea near the town of Nago on Wednesday. The location is in the southern island prefecture of Okinawa, a popular island getaway for Japanese tourists. The area … [Read more...] about Yu-Gi-Oh Creator Kazuki Takahashi Dies in Swimming Accident
Entertainment/Character
Peanuts Appoints Wildbrain For CP Licensing in Asia-Pacific
WildBrain CPLG is celebrating their appointment as the agency for Peanuts Worldwide in Asia, as the brand hits $2.5 billion in CP sales. “As an owner of the brand and the producer of all-new Peanuts content under our long-term arrangement with Apple TV+, and now as the consumer products agency for Peanuts in more than 50 countries worldwide, our global organization is uniquely … [Read more...] about Peanuts Appoints Wildbrain For CP Licensing in Asia-Pacific
Manga Licensing: Ukonic Secures Deal For Naruto Product Line
The anime and manga publisher VIZ Media has teamed up with Ukonic to bring "Naruto Shippuden" products into the homes of fans. The partnership, which extends through 2025, covers everything to personalize your home or office, from area rugs and furniture to small kitchen appliances. "Creating exceptional items that fans love is our passion," says Martin Butler, CEO and … [Read more...] about Manga Licensing: Ukonic Secures Deal For Naruto Product Line
British Comic Beano Celebrates 85 Years With New Campaign
The world's longest running weekly comic, Beano, will celebrate its 85th anniversary next year with a national licensing campaign by Rocket. Beano first hit print in 1938, before the Second World War, and became one of the most popular British brands of all time. Country Life even put it on the list of top British brands with The Beatles and James Bond. “Beano is part of the … [Read more...] about British Comic Beano Celebrates 85 Years With New Campaign
Character Licensing: Wildbrain & Peacock Have Big Plans For Caillou
Wildbrain has partnered with NBCUniversal’s streaming platform, Peacock, to produce 52 new episodes of the beloved animated series Caillou. In addition, Peacock will become the home for five previously announced 44-minute Caillou family specials, currently in production. “We’re delighted to join with Peacock to expand the Caillou universe,” said Josh Scherba, President of … [Read more...] about Character Licensing: Wildbrain & Peacock Have Big Plans For Caillou
PAW Patrol Creators Releasing New Series Vida the Vet
Toyco turned entertainment studio Spin Master has announced the launch of new animated series Vida the Vet in Canada and the UK. Vida is the 13th series released by Spin Master Entertainment, a division of the Canadian toy company that spawned Paw Patrol as one of the world's most successful TV series and licensing properties. In fact, PAW Patrol was just ranked fifth for … [Read more...] about PAW Patrol Creators Releasing New Series Vida the Vet
Character Licensing: Peppa Pig Making Waves for Environment and Light Fund
Maybe pigs can't fly, but they can certainly swim! Hasbro's immensely popular Peppa Pig has been taking to the waves of late, working to help the environment and the Light Fund charity. First off, Peppa has launched a major retail and brand marketing initiative to mark United Nations World Oceans Day, which launched June 8. The initiative brings together high profile … [Read more...] about Character Licensing: Peppa Pig Making Waves for Environment and Light Fund
Forget Ether Coins and NFT: Yu-Gi-Oh Offers Real Coins for Collectors
The venerable Anime series Y-Gi-Oh! has partnered with APMEX on the release of a line of collectible gold and silver coins. Bucking the cryptocurrency and NFT trend, the coins are physical objects that you can actually pick up and put in your real life pocket! The deal was struck between license holder Konami Cross Media of New York, and APMEX, the nation's largest precious … [Read more...] about Forget Ether Coins and NFT: Yu-Gi-Oh Offers Real Coins for Collectors
Film Licensing: Mattel To Unveil a Galaxy of Toys For Pixar’s Lightyear
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Mattel has entered into a global licensing agreement for Pixar’s Lightyear, the origin story of Toy Story’s character, Buzz Lightyear. Through the agreement, Mattel has acquired global licensing rights to develop a line of toys for the Lightyear franchise. These toys will include action figures, playsets, vehicles, games, plush, and … [Read more...] about Film Licensing: Mattel To Unveil a Galaxy of Toys For Pixar’s Lightyear
Strong Growth in Global Toy Revenue in 2021 to End in 2022
NDP Report Points to Coming Decline Due to Inflation, and Underlines Importance of Licensing to Toy Industry By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The toy industry had its best year in a decade in 2021, as people turned to play during dark economic and political times. That's the conclusion of The NPD Group’s latest global toys report, which says the global toy market surged to … [Read more...] about Strong Growth in Global Toy Revenue in 2021 to End in 2022