TLL Staff
Kartoon Studios, Inc. just announced a major expansion of its Stan Lee consumer products portfolio this week, unveiling a series of new licensing deals and brand activations.
The late comic creator and founder of Marvel Comics remains an enduring cultural icon, particularly as he appeared in all Marvel movies up until the time of his passing. Kartoon Studios says these latest partnerships are designed to build on the late comic creator’s enduring global influence.
The initiative is led by Bob Sabouni, former Marvel Entertainment executive vice president, who now oversees The Stan Lee Legacy Program. Sabouni previously managed Marvel programs that generated billions in global retail sales.
The expansion includes renewed and new licensing agreements with industry leaders such as Madame Tussauds, Panini Publishing, and Topps. Madame Tussauds has renewed its New York wax figure of Lee, with talks underway to expand to international locations.
Panini debuted a limited-edition San Diego Comic-Con card as a prelude to a larger global trading card program, while Topps agreed to a sidecar license running alongside Marvel’s exclusive trading card deal, offering Stan Lee Universe unique access to the publisher’s collector network.
Kartoon Studios is also developing partnerships in categories ranging from fine art collectibles and lacquered trading cards, to fashion accessories and nostalgia-driven magnets.
Upcoming collaborations include releases with Gallery 1988 and designer eyewear company Galkin.
“We are executing on a focused strategy to convert Stan Lee’s extraordinary cultural equity into ongoing revenues and long-term shareholder value,” said Andy Heyward, chairman and CEO of Kartoon Studios. “Our goal is to build a highly scalable, global consumer products business around one of the most iconic names in pop culture.”
Sabouni added that additional licensing announcements are expected by year’s end, describing Stan Lee as “the Father of Pop Culture,” whose name continues to resonate across generations and continents.
The expansion comes as Kartoon Studios prepares to launch The Excelsiors, the first new Stan Lee superhero property since his passing in 2018, beginning with a graphic novel release later this year.
Beyond licensing, Kartoon Studios will continue to leverage Marvel film and Walt Disney theme park licenses it previously acquired, alongside a direct-to-consumer marketing network reaching more than 30 million social media followers.