Category Archives: Entertainment

YouTube star Like Nastya to launch Jazwares toy line and NFT collection

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The YouTube sensation, Like Nastya, has detailed the autumn launch of her first toy line, a range developed by the international toy maker, Jazwares in a partnership brokered by the global licensing agency, IMG.

The seven-year-old social media star’s toy line represents the latest expansion of Nastya’s universe in which Nastya and her parents play, learn, sing, explore, and share their life experiences on social media. Her YouTube videos cover topics from songs, nature, and animals, to the importance of eating healthily.

Like Nastya currently enjoys more than 220 million subscribers on YouTube, 5 million followers on TikTok, and a thriving Instagram channel.

The toy space is not the only sector into which the Like Nastya brand is expanding this season as IMG has also secured an NFT collection with Gary Vaynerchuk’s VaynerNFT.

Nastya, who at birth was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, which inspired her first YouTube video and has since significantly improved, and her family will be donating a portion of proceeds from her NFT collection to the Cerebral Palsy Foundation.

Eyal Baumel, CEO of Yoola and Nastya’s manager, said: “Millions of kids and families around the world embrace Nastya as a friend and role model, and we are excited to expand Nastya’s universe into the physical world with the new toy line, and in the metaverse with our unique NFT program.

“This will allow Nastya’s community to own a collectible memory of Nastya, but to also use some of the unique utility NFTs to engage with her in the most special ways, including birthday greetings, connecting on social media, shoutouts, and even a live video call.”

Laura Zebersky, president of Jazwares, said: “Based on Nastya’s unbelievable success as a young content creator and role-model, imaginative play is the focus in our toy line so we are bringing to life and extending Nastya’s colorful adventures and positive messages.”

The toy line has been created to appeal to girls aged four to six years old and features Nastya’s Fancy Princess Surprise Doll, an eight-inch doll in the likeness of Nastya and it includes 50 unique surprises such as outfits, wear-and-share accessories, and more.

Other toys in the line include themed Nastya eight-inch dolls such as Sleepy Time, Princess and Rock Star, 12 distinctive three-inch Collectible Figures, a Nastya Bedroom Playset, plush toys and headbands. The toys will range in price from $4.99 to $39.99 and will be available in the US and UK at retailers including Target, Amazon, Walmart.com and Claire’s starting this autumn, before being released worldwide in different drops through spring 2022.

Nastya’s NFT collection, meanwhile, presents a new way for Nastya to engage with her community; and capitalise on the hyper-growth NFT market. With multiple tiered price points, and plenty of surprise and delight activities, “Nastya’s Originals’ collection is designed to bring a smile to the face of her fans, and extend the Like Nastya community into the metaverse.

“There are very few people on earth that have ever amassed an audience the size of Nastya and we are thrilled to work with her and her family,” said Gary Vaynerchuk, CEO of VaynerNFT, who recently launched his own successful VeeFriends project in May, 2021.

“The fact that her circle is thoughtfully thinking about how to bring her audience value through an NFT project instead of trying to make a quick buck is exactly why we wanted to work with them and is exactly the way that VaynerNFT wants to structure projects.”

Van Kokeh, Associate VP, Licensing, IMG, added: “Nastya’s engaging content, reach and musical talent allows us to expand her licensing program across all key areas and categories. Our unique strategy to launch her toy program with Jazwares, alongside her first NFTs, is just the start of the incredible program we have planned for the long-term growth of the Like Nastya brand globally.”

Miraculous – Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir passes $1bn in retail sales ahead of new movie

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ZAG’s Miraculous – Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir has surpassed $1bn in worldwide retail sales, a major new milestone for both the property and the team behind it who has this week detailed a new roster of US licensees for the brand.

The news arrives in the lead up to the release of the $100m theatrical feature film based on the Miraculous IP, and follows the roll out of Season Four of the animated series created by ZAG and co-produced with ON kids and family.

“Since launching the Miraculous™ – Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir brand at retail, Miraculous branded merchandise from over 300 licensing partners is currently available at major retailers and online in virtually every territory around the world across multiple categories,” commented Jeremy Zag, Founder and CEO, ZAG.

“We are grateful for the support of our content partners, licensees and retailers around the globe, and of course our millions of fans who have embraced the adventures of our heroes, Ladybug and Cat Noir. We have more exciting escapades yet to come and I can’t wait to share the news of an upcoming series that is sure to be embraced by our Miraculous fans.”

With continued demand for the Miraculous brand in the North American market, ZAG has signed over 50 new licensees in the past 12 months. Newly signed publishing agreements include Little Bee (Activity Formats) and Bendon (Color and Activity).  For fashion and accessories, new partners include HER (hair accessories and jewelry), Jacmel (jewelry), Accutime (watches and clocks), Jerry Leigh of California (girls’ apparel), SG Companies (seasonal footwear), and Heys International (luggage).

For activities, partners include TCG (puzzle and games), Horizon (craft & activity), Lil’ Anglers (fishing gear), What Kids Want (outdoor and seasonal), and Toy Factory (amusement plush). Food and beverage partners include Crunch Pak (healthy snacking), Good to Grow (beverages), Ferrara (fruit snacks), Zak! Designs (hydration, food storage, tabletop), and Kernels (popcorn, Canada).

Additional partners include ASO (wound care and first aid); and SmileMakers (stickers for medical field). In Canada, Danawares is on board for accessories. The new deals come on the heels of the recently signed global deals with Swatch’s Flik Flak and Epopia, who join long-standing partners Ferrero and PEZ.

In spring 2021, ZAG introduced a new Miraculous toy line from ZAG Lab and Playmates in the US on the e-commerce platforms of Walmart, Target and Kohls, selling-out within just a few hours. This autumn, brick and mortar stores will be carrying the toy line.

Other products hitting retail shelves in the U.S. this year include leveled readers and chapter books from Little, Brown Books for Young Readers (LBYR), a division of the Hachette Book Group, costumes and accessories for wholesale retailers from InSpirit Designs, bedding from Jay Franco; underwear from Handcraft Manufacturing; and Bentex Apparel Group for sportswear, tees and sleepwear.

Miraculous – Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir is available in over 120 territories across the globe.

Boat Rocker rounds up new herd of Dino Ranch licensees across US, Canada, and EMEA

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The dress up and costumes specialist, Rubies has been listed among a suite of new US, Canadian, and EMEA licensing partners for the break out hit preschool series, Dino Ranch.

Having launched in January, the popular preschool series has proved to be a hit with both audiences and licensees, with multiple deals already lassoed by brand Boat Rocker across key consumer categories in a number of international territories.

A swathe of new deals reaching across the US, Canada, and the EMEA region now expand the Dino Ranch licensing programme into toddler bedding, hoisery, holiday ornaments, dress up and compilation magazines, with more categories destined to follow in the coming months.

Under its new partnership with the Toronto-based Boat Rocker studio, Rubies is enabling kids to become their favourite Dino Ranch character with costumes and dress up accessories. The team will manufacture and distribute across multiple territories, including the UK and Ireland, France, Iberia, Italy, Benelux, Nordics, CEE, Australia, and New Zealand.

Meanwhile, Kennedy Publishing – recognised as the UK’s third-largest and fastest growing children’s magazine publisher, will be producing special Dino Ranch compilations featuring stickers, gifts, puzzles and colouring.

Young fans in the US and Canada can snuggle up with their heroes in a Dino Ranch themed bedroom with toddler bedding from Baby Boom Consumer Products, while High Point Design will be producing colorful socks, hosiery and Fuzzy Babba slipper socks.

Holiday festivities will have a distinctive Dino twist with ornaments from third-generation family firm Kurt S. Adler, Inc, the leading importer, and distributor of holiday decorations for 75 years for the US and Canada.

Kate Schlomann, EVP brand management and content marketing, Boat Rocker Studios, said: “Dino Ranch has been an incredible success since hatching on Disney Junior, where it launched as the number one preschool show.

“The Dino Ranch YouTube channel has engaged fans with a staggering 23M views in seven months. We’ve seen a huge appetite for the show from viewers, licensees and retail buyers alike. Jazwares launched an early drop of the Blitz dino plush on Amazon.com in the US and units completely sold out organically in less than two weeks.

“We are delighted to welcome another herd of partners to supply young fans with more exciting product across further key categories as public demand is high.”

These new licensees follow a slate of recently announced deals for publishing, apparel, swimwear, sleepwear, home décor, timepieces, dress up and costume characters in the US and Canada, which begin rollout from early 2022. Global master toy partner Jazwares will launch its own Dino sized toy range this autumn.

Dino Ranch is also available on Disney+ in the UK, Australia, and the US and the first 26 episodes are available to own on Apple iTunes (U.S.).

Created by Matt Fernandes (of Industrial Brothers) and produced by Industrial Brothers and Boat Rocker Studios, in association with CBC Kids and Radio-Canada. Boat Rocker Studios manage the global franchise development including content distribution and consumer products.

Elmo, Cookie Monster join the Tonies line-up as Sesame Street partners with kids’ audio platform

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Elmo, Cookie Monster, and Addy Caddaby, a popular trio from the iconic preschool series, Sesame Street, will be making their way onto the children’s audio storytelling platform, Tonies thanks to a new partnership spanning the US, UK, Germany and more.

Tonies is a screen-free audio entertainment system developed for young children, combining a soft, shockproof speaker cube that plays the audio content stores on a library of Tonies figurines when placed on top of the device. Since launch, Tonies has built up a solid library of audio content through licensing partnerships with some of the biggest names in the preschool space.

Joining the line-up, the Elmo Tonie is dedicated to all things music, teaching kids about different instruments, how to stretch their imaginations, and using music to exercise and to wind down, while the Cookie Monster Tonie is all about healthy habits, from eating and cooking, to exercise and mindfulness.

“Sesame Workshop’s mission is to help kids grow smarter, stronger and kinder, and what better way to do that than by providing them with the tools to discover new worlds all on their own,” said Gabriela Arenas, VP, global licensing, Sesame Workshop.

“With more songs to be sung and more wonders to be explored, tonies takes kids on an audio adventure with their favorite Sesame Street friends.”

Christoph Frehsee, Tonies USA president, added: “Working with Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit educational organization behind Sesame Street, is an absolute dream come true for all of us at Tonies. There isn’t a single person in the world that hasn’t been enchanted by the friendly residents of Sesame Street. We are ecstatic to bring the voices and sounds of this iconic brand to life through the Toniebox.”

When Geek Culture went Pop! | Kids Industries on how we’ve all adopted the geek market (without even realising)

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Aleksandra Szczerba, researcher at Kids Industries, explores the ubiquity of geek culture today, and the very real chance that if you’re reading this, you’ve long since become one.

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No longer constrained by the four walls of a dimly-lit basement or the stacks of a comic book store. No longer only openly revered by social outcasts (and covertly by everyone else in fear of being shunned). So-called “geek culture” is – in many ways – no more. Or at least it has evolved to be something vastly different than it has been in the past. The cornerstones of geek culture of decades gone by, from sci-fi to comic books, from video games to anime, don’t just have their footholds in the mainstream. They have become the mainstream, permeating today’s biggest children’s and adult media trends alike. So how have we all become geeks, how did this happen, and what does it mean for the future?

The most obvious way in which geek culture has become a staple in pop culture is of course through screen adaptations of comic books, both feature film and television. Although one would think that DC had the head start, having the rights to iconic characters such as Superman and Batman, it is Marvel that took the movie industry by storm in the past decade. The Marvel Cinematic Universe, comprising more than 20 films and dozens of characters, became a set of interwoven narratives and franchises, brought together in a grand finale in the form of the highest-grossing movie spectacular of all time (at the time at least). “Avengers: Endgame” earned $2.798B at the global box office, and is now the second highest grossing movie of all time, after being narrowly dethroned by the re-release of James Cameron’s “Avatar”. Notably, it is not the only Marvel film people around the world saw in droves: “Avengers: Infinity War” is fifth in terms of box office earnings, and the first “The Avengers” movie ranks 8th. The dollar signs speak for themselves – it’s not just geeks who are all over superheroes today.

Although “Endgame” brought a sense of finality to the MCU, Marvel is not slowing down – it was only the end of Phase 3, and we are already well into Phase 4 with the release of “Black Widow” and the many streaming titles being released on Disney+. Each series is dedicated to developing fan-favourite side characters, and these have been a hit for the platform, both in drawing in subscribers – and in drawing critical acclaim. The June release of “Loki” coincided with Disney+’s biggest increase in mobile app downloads among major streamers, with a 39% increase in the week ending 27th June, and an 11% increase in streaming sessions, according to Bloomberg’s Apptopia data, and in general Disney+ is currently chipping away at Netflix’s dominance in the streaming space. It definitely takes a bit of a geek to want to watch a multi-episode series about a villain or a supporting character who didn’t get their own feature length movie, and clearly there is no shortage of those out there. They also come in all shapes and sizes – at KI we have interviewed children as young as 6 who report enjoying watching Marvel series with their parents.

To put it simply: superheroes are cool now. And it’s not just the MCU. The “DC Extended Universe” may not have taken off in the same way, but television’s “Arrowverse” definitely has its own very loyal following. Superhero movies and TV shows, like “Logan” or HBO’s “Watchmen”, have received prestigious accolades. Comic book brands are no longer “for kids” or “for geeks” – everyone knows these stories and characters, including their mother, father and brother. Once upon a time everyone knew that Superman was the super strong guy, now everyone has an opinion on where they stand in the Captain America vs Iron Man conflict in “Civil War”. There is something for everyone in comic book stories, from a bit of good old fashioned fisticuffs, in-depth character conflict, to comedy and teenage high school hijinks. Many of today’s superhero stories are also more diverse and more relatable; everyone is bound to find a type of superhero they can enjoy.

To an extent the appeal of comic book movies also translates to other expressions of fandom. Parts of the “geek” industry have seen growth, from collectable merchandise like Funko POP! action figures (Funko reports growth every year and quarter, with the POP! line specifically most recently seeing growth of 33% in US and Europe in the first quarter of 2021), to events (the San Diego Comic Con attracts upwards of 130 thousand attendees every year). Similarly, one would expect this to translate to comic books – and many in the industry do cite MCU’s success as the reason for the U-turn in the decline in comic sales post-1993 (i.e. when the comic book bubble burst – but that’s a story for another day). In the 2010s, comic book sales in the US alone crossed the $1 billion mark in 2015, and grew to a $1.2 billion peak in 2019. However according to retailers the ‘movie-lover-to-comic-reader’ conversion is difficult, and hasn’t been all that successful. Yes, more people come into stores and give comics a try, but they also stick to content that is as close to the adaptation as possible. The industry has seen boosts and has seen increased sales related directly to trending storylines or characters – but the bottom line is this: we might collectively be comic book movie geeks, but we’re not quite comic book geeks (yet).

Similarly to superheroes, once upon a time interest in anime and manga may have been limited to people known as “otakus” or “weebs”, but in the year 2021 things could not be more different once again. The anime industry is worth over $20 billion today, with overseas markets accounting for half of the Japanese animation industry’s profits according to the Association of Japanese Animations. In 2019 the industry reached an all time high of $24 billion, with the overseas market valued at around $11 billion – a 19% increase on 2018, and almost a fivefold increase from 2009. These numbers include everything from animation itself (TV and film), to music, and merchandise, with the latter alone being worth over $5.2 billion globally. The dollar signs don’t lie – they’re all pointing East. Not only are we geeks, we’re also otakus.

Data from various streaming services further backs up the data on anime’s growth. According to the specialist anime streamer Crunchyroll’s data, a whopping 8 in 10 people today watch anime, and the platform has felt this. During last year’s Festival of Licensing the platform boasted of nine consecutive years of record sales (the site doesn’t just offer anime, but also manga and merchandise), and in February 2021 the site had hit 4 million paying subscribers, alongside over 100 million registered users, having grown its paid memberships by 33% in the space of just six months. In December 2020 news emerged regarding a possible monumental merger worth almost $1.2 billion in which Crunchyroll would be acquired by another anime giant: Sony’s Funimation. The deal is still up in the air, but if the deal goes through, it will lead to the creation of a veritable anime giant.

Anime isn’t just something found on niche platforms however; regular mainstream players recognise the power of anime too. In 2020 Netflix reported that more than 100 million households across the globe had watched at least one anime title on the platform between January and September, an increase by 50% from the year before, and that anime titles had appeared in top 10 lists in nearly 100 countries. The company has a Tokyo-based team dedicated to anime production and is regularly producing new content as well as acquiring new titles. Just as an example, earlier this year they released a well-received two-part Sailor Moon movie “Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon Eternal”, and August will see the release of “The Witcher: Nightmare of the Wolf”, an anime prequel to the live-action fantasy “The Witcher” series based on the Polish hit-books-turned-hit-video-games (now how’s that for layers of geekiness?)

Of course, the best known titles today are still the likes of Pokémon, Naruto, Studio Ghibli movies, but people are broadening their horizons. This exploration does not end with animation – manga sales were at an all time record high in 2020. Based on NPD’s BookScan data, across the 20 top selling adult graphic novels in the US in October 2020, 17 were manga titles. One of the biggest hits of today took the top three spots: My Hero Academia, a shōnen superhero-themed series popular with teenagers. This year an ever hotter commodity is the supernatural series Jujutsu Kaisen, particularly following the release of its anime adaptation; as of May this year it has 50 million copies in circulation, it has had successful brand collaborations including Uniqlo, and has topped the list of Japan’s most lucrative franchises of 2021 so far.

Anime and manga are popular enough in the English-speaking world that an element of fandom never previously accessible to these audiences is finally being opened up to them as well. This summer, for the first time ever, stage adaptations of popular anime will be streamed online with English subtitles for non-Japanese speaking audiences. These musical stage productions, also known as “2.5 dimensional musicals”, are a big part of manga, anime and video game fandom in Japan, but overseas audiences haven’t been able to engage with them officially until now. In August musical adaptations of Naruto, Sailor Moon and My Hero Academia will be streaming as part of a special online theatre event.

Geek culture has undoubtedly morphed and evolved over time, and the 21st century has seen it become – for all intents and purposes – pop culture, with previously “geek” franchises and fandoms becoming your standard, everyday, blockbuster fare. How “geek” evolves from this point on, we are yet to see – but it is definitely here to stay. It has made its place in the media landscape and it is seeping into trends everywhere. Geek franchises have bastions of fans, and they’re primed and ready to discover new titles and brands that align with their tastes. It is official: we have all become geeks (probably without even realising it).

Sanrio taps Bare Tree Media for digital content and experiences across its character portfolio

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Sanrio has tapped Bare Tree Media as its digital licensing and marketing partner for Mr Men Little Miss globally, as well as Hello Kitty and Friends, Aggretsuko, and Gudetama brands in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Australia, and New Zealand.

Under the new partnership, Bare Tree Media will design and digitally distribute mobile messaging stickers, emojis, mobile themes, smart watch faces, GIFs, and AR experiences related to Sanrio’s line up of brands. The Mr. Men Little Miss digital content planned will feature the more than 90 diverse characters. T

The other Sanrio characters to be released will be Hello Kitty, Chococat, Kerokerokeroppi, Kuromi, My Melody, Bad Badtz-Maru, Little Twin Stars, Tuxedosam, Aggretsuko, and Gudetama.

With an expertise in digital design and marketing, the team at Bare Tree Media will customize the branded content for global and local markets in the form of iMessage stickers, Google Play stickers, LINE stickers and Emojis, Samsung themes, Facer watch faces, and GIFs featured on a branded Giphy channel.

“We are thrilled to partner with Sanrio, and offer an amazing range of branded digital experiences to fans eager to engage, share and customize their digital devices and messaging conversations around the world with family and friends,” said Robert Ferrari, president of Bare Tree Media.

“The Mr. Men Little Miss, Hello Kitty and Friends, Aggretsuko and Gudetama brands appeal to a multi-generational audience inspiring self-expression, love and humor that aligns perfectly with our content creation and network of global digital channel partnerships.”

Silvia Figini, COO of Sanrio- EMEA, India and Oceania, Mr. Men – Worldwide, said: “We are glad to partner with Bare Tree Media on this new project. The combination of the global appealing of Mr. Men Little Miss, Hello Kitty and Friends, Aggretsuko and Gudetama and the great experience of Bare Tree Media in creating high quality and engaging digital contents will generate the perfect formula to deliver a wonderful digital experience to our worldwide audience.”

Mattel debuts new He-Man and The Masters of the Universe toys as first Netflix trailer lands

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Mattel has lifted the lid on a new collection of toys and action figures inspired by the new animated Netflix series, He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, a CGI reinvention of the cult classic series that has been developed for a new generation of fans.

Detailed in a post issued by Mattel’s vice president and global head of action figures, PJ Lewis, the new collection of toys features both classic and never before seen characters, enabling fans of all ages to ‘join the battle to save Eternia.’

The new range takes inspiration from a new CGI animated series, scheduled to land on Netflix this September 16th. Reinvented for today’s audiences, the series will deliver a reimagined storyline and a new stylised take on the world of Eternia.

The first trailer for the new series was dropped earlier this week. Check it out and take a first look below:

The series lands amid a run of recent activity for the Masters of the Universe franchise that most recently made its comeback in the form of the Netflix animated series – Masters of the Universe: Revelation – released this July.

As we continue to reintroduce Masters of the Universe to the world, I am excited to share that on September 16, the sword is being passed to the next generation of fans with the release of the new animated Netflix series He-Man and The Masters of the Universe, a show reinvented for kids today with a reimagined storyline and new stylized take on the world of Eternia,” said Lewis.

“But what’s most exciting to me is we are taking kids’ favourite heroes off the screen and into their hands with the introduction of a slew of amazing toys and action figures inspired by these new series.”

Each articulated figure in the new range comes with an attack feature or projectile, while He-Man and Skeletor can race into action with The Masters of the Universe Vehicle Pack, or engage in head to head battle using the Snake Mountain Throne play-set.

“The options are limitless for even our youngest fans to recreate their favourite Masters of the Universe scenes, and the fun starts October 1st when the new collection becomes available at Walmart,” said Lewis.

King Features gives its classic animated character Olive Oyl a modern rebrand with fearlessness at its centre

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She’s one of the classic animation world’s most iconic females that has, for generations, been perceived as the archetypal damsel in distress and focus of Popeye and Bluto’s embittered love triangle, but for Olive Oyl, the course of history is about to be altered for good.

King Features Syndicate has this week unveiled a new look and vibe surrounding the heroic Olive Oyl, highlighting her attributes as a star in her own right, delivering laughs to readers long before Popeye ever entered the picture. And now, following decades of living with Popeye’s stardom, the world is finally about to meet the true Olive.

Created in 1919, Olive was groundbreaking for the era as one of the first, globally recognized female cartoon characters who did not conform to traditional female stereotypes. Tough and independent, Olive Oyl never required support from a partner, providing for herself first as an entertainer and later through other careers. And while she had many interested suitors over the years, she chose never to marry or start a family.

Her strong will and affable nature make her as relevant today as she was 100 years ago.

A description of her character, issued by King Features Syndicate, read: ‘From her physical appearance to her personality quirks, Olive embraces those things that make her unusual and truly loves herself. She is a huge romantic who is proud to be a lady but doesn’t feel bound to act lady-like.

‘A smart and empowered woman with high standards, she is also lighthearted and adaptable with a wry sense of humor. Olive is self-assured, strong and not afraid to stand up for herself or get her hands dirty but also knows when to lean on her friends.

‘Her dynamic personality shows that a woman can be many things – powerful, driven, vulnerable and sensitive – and that emotions are meant to be felt and expressed. Her confidence radiates and inspires others of all ages, gender identity and backgrounds ­to celebrate their unique selves.’

As part of her rebrand, King Features has launched a set of new Olive Oyl trend guides, depicting the character as the embodiment of a lifestyle filled with humor and love. Her design incorporates a modern twist on retro fashion while her unique physical depiction remains the same.

Flexibility is also a key identifier for Olive – both physically and emotionally – so several poses that showcase her elasticity are included. The character art is thoughtfully paired with entertaining yet insightful editorial anecdotes that are relatable to her audience.

“Timing couldn’t be more appropriate to reintroduce audiences to Olive Oyl,” said Carla Silva, vice president and general manager, global head of licensing, King Features.

“For too long this strong, confident and fearlessly female character has been viewed through a singular lens. With this rebrand we are not just introducing Olive to younger consumers for the first-time, we are also presenting more established fans with sides of her personality that they have likely never known before.

“Olive is not just a character, she represents an attitude and a lifestyle that appeals to a wide audience, one not limited by age, geography, gender or background. Olive is just Olive, and we’re ready to watch her take the world by storm.”

Over the decades, Olive Oyl has had a long, successful history in consumer products. Style makers around the world have been inspired by Olive’s confidence and glamorous self-perception, particularly those in the high-fashion space.

For over 20 years she has served as Moschino’s muse appearing in collections each year across product categories, most notably their CHEAPANDCHIC fragrance which is in its seventh iteration since launch in 1995. Other recent fashion collaborations of note include Iceberg, Joyrich, Monnalisa, Liu-Jo, Original Marines, United Colors of Benetton, DTRs with GAP, C&A, Zara and a 2021 Valentine’s Day retail program with C&A in Mexico.

Beginning in Spring 2022, fans will see Olive’s new style represented across a range of collaborations, with King Features seeking new partnerships for the character in categories including apparel, accessories, health & beauty, jewelry, handbags, wellness and more.

Moomin Characters backs Finnish literacy campaign Read Hour as it makes UK debut

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Finland’s successful literacy initiative, Read Hour is coming to the UK for the first time this year, with the help of the country’s best loved literary export, the Moomins.

Celebrated on UN International Literacy Day, Read Hour was created by the Children and Youth Foundation with a mission to encourage people to spend one hour of their day on September 8th reading.  Kids will be encouraged to read whatever they can get their hands on, whether a book, magazine or comic book.

After witnessing the success of the Read Hour campaign in its home country, Moomin Characters was inspired to help launch the initiative on an international scale. Three years since its launch, Read Hour has now attracted growing support. Sauli Niinistö, President of Finland, has been the patron since Read Hour began and thousands of Finns shared their Read Hour participation on social media every year.

In the UK, organisations who have pledged to support Read Hour so far include Waterstones, Macmillan Children’s Books, Sort Of Books, Oxfam, World Book Day, BookTrust, Love Reading and many more.

There will be special Read Hour events taking place at Waterstones stores in London and Glasgow on September 8th at 4pm. The Glasgow event at the Sauchiehall Street store will see Moomin storyteller Liz Fost entertain audiences with interactive storytelling and crafts.

Meanwhile, in London’s Kingston store, attendees will have the opportunity to meet and have a photo with Moomintroll and hear tales of Moominvalley from children’s author Philip Ardagh, the author of The World of Moominvalley.

Roleff Kråkström, managing director of Moomin Characters, said: “We have made a long term commitment to helping spark a love of reading and writing in young people around the globe, and are delighted to be bringing Read Hour to the UK as part of that mission.

“We believe that being able to read and write opens up a world of possibilities for young people, allowing them to communicate their hopes and dreams, relate to others, engage with the big issues of our times, and create positive change.”

Jennifer Saunders, Cressida Cowell, Laura Dockrill and Philip Ardagh are among the celebrities and authors who will be supporting Read Hour on social media. Anyone taking part is encouraged to share a photo of themselves or the book they are reading on social media using the hashtag #ReadHourUK.

The official Read Hour will be held at 2pm-3pm, but anyone unable to take part then is encouraged to hold their own Read Hour at any time that suits them on September 8th. Reading alone and reading together with a family member, friend, classmates or colleagues are equally encouraged.

A range of Read Hour resources are available here for bookshops, schools, and libraries who would like to take part in the initiative. Please contact emily@riotcommunications.com for further information.

Asmodee Entertainment teams with Event Merchandising to launch online gaming merch stores

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Asmodee Entertainment has entered into a new licensing partnership with Event Merchandising Limited to launch a series of ‘one-stop-shops’ for fans of Fantasy Flight Games Studio’s Arkham Horror, Legend of the Five Rings, and Twilight Imperium across the world.

Just the latest example of Asmodee Entertainment’s current push to expand the merchandise offerings available to fans of some of its biggest hobby game brands, the partnership will see the launch of new online stores, sporting the latest in licensed merchandise for the gaming brands.

“These are exciting times for us and for fans of these brands. For over two decades these three rich and fascinating universes have gathered fans who cherish diving into adventures in these worlds – they are a true passion for many and part of their identity,” said Alexander Thieme, licensing manager for consumer goods and publishing at Asmodee Entertainment.

“It’s about time that we enabled them to express their fandom beyond the games. Novels from Aconyte made a start of this expansion, merchandise now follows. And we couldn’t have found a better partner for this than EML.”

Initially opening in the UK in Q4 2021 these online stores will feature specially designed apparel, accessories and homewares such as pillows and mugs. The first of these launches is planned for Q4 2021. Fans can expect more products to be added to the stores regularly after launch.

 Jeremy Goldsmith of Event Merchandising, said: “Asmodee has created amazing, captivating content and artwork and we are delighted to be designing and operating the online store for Arkham Horror, Legend of the Five Rings, and Twilight Imperium along with a selection of key product lines.”