Reemsborko signs on as EMEA agent for Gloomy Bear, All Purpose Bunny and Mimi & Neko

Reemsborko, the licensing agency specialising in animé and animé-adjacent properties, comics, films, TV and tattoo art, has teamed with Octas to bring Mori Chack’s Gloomy Bear and other IPs to EMEA.

Created by Japanese illustrator Mori Chack in 2000, the cute-yet-edgy, cuddly-but-violent Gloomy Bear took hold when counter-culture enthusiasts embraced him as the perfect antithesis to the typically cute but harmless kawaii characters loved by the mainstream.

Now, fueled by 30 short humorous animé episodes that will stream everywhere, Gloomy Bear is being licensed around the globe, with Funko, Bioworld, Isaac Morris, ID Supply, GE Animation and Fossil already on board as partners.

A long-form Gloomy Bear anime series is also planned, which will stream globally.

Other Mori Chack properties that will be represented by Reemsborko across EMEA include All Purpose Bunny – a genetically modified test-lab rabbit with strange properties and unnaturally long ears, who finally retaliated against humans for years of abuse. All Purpose Bunny and Gloomy Bear often team up to attack humans and get their revenge.

Also included in the Mori Chack portfolio are Mimi and Neko, a friendly duo of a cat and a bunny with cute bum cheeks as their charm point. Their origin story begins with Mimi and Neko as regular pets who aspired to become human. Suddenly, a magic star came along and granted their wish – but the wish was only 50 per cent effective. Mimi & Neko now have hands and feet, and distinctly cute behinds.

Max Arguile of Reemsborko commented: “Reemsborko continues to sign the most interesting IP out there. Octas are masters in securing very cool properties that will delight anime fans everywhere. There are some great partners on board already and if this looks right for you, please email max@reemsborko.com.”

Vince Shortino of Octas commented: “Octas brings Japanese artists and their IP to the world. We are delighted to have Reemsborko as the agent for all our cherished properties and look forward to the hustle they will bring.”

Octas was established in 2018 by Shortino, the founder of Crunchyroll Japan. With a mission to connect Japanese creators and their IP directly to fans around the world, Octas provides artists with collaboration opportunities, marketing support, brand management and business development.

 

 

 

Squishmallows pushes for global lifestyle brand status with cross-category product launches

Jazwares, along with its Kellytoy subsidiary, today unveiled an expansive consumer products licensing programme supporting its Squishmallows plush brand sensation.

On the heels of the milestone of 100 million Squishmallows sold, Jazwares is teaming with a raft of licensees to make Squishmallows a global lifestyle brands for fans, families, and collectors around the world.

“As the Squishmallows brand evolves, we’re focusing on impactful category collaborations that entertain and delight our millions of fans in authentic, meaningful ways,” says Judd Karofsky, Executive Vice President, Jazwares. “Our licensing partners are embracing the Squishmallows brand DNA and we can’t wait to launch unique new merchandise to a wide range of retailers and consumers this year and beyond.”

Each Squishmallows plush has a unique name and backstory that brings its personality to life. Squishmallows are sold at thousands of retail outlets, including independent and speciality stores, amusement parks and U.S. national chains such as Target, Five Below, Walgreens, Walmart, Learning Express, Cracker Barrel, CVS, Costco, Justice and Hallmark, and in the UK at Smyths, The Entertainer, Argos, Toymaster and more.

Squishmallows licensee highlights:

  • Bioworld, the pop culture specialists, is known for delivering lifestyle collections to fans globally across apparel, loungewear, headwear, bags, socks, collectable accessories and more. In 2022 Bioworld will offer a full suite of Squishmallows branded merchandise.
  • BigMouth, a designer and manufacturer of fun lifestyle products, will make Squishmallows branded pool floats, cooler bags, beach chairs and pop-up tents.
  • BBC International is a global design, development and sourcing footwear company currently offering a full line of Squishmallows branded footwear.
  • Franco Mfg. will develop Squishmallows bedding and accessories including throws, as well as beach and bath blankets.
  • Fashion Angels Enterprises will offer students and teachers exciting new Squishmallows fashion stationery and back-to-school accessories.
  • In partnership with Parkside Collectibles (OEM), Jazwares will launch a new line of Squishmallows-inspired trading cards with Series 1 scheduled to arrive in the U.S. market this year. The cards feature Squishmallows favourites, with more than 650 cards to collect.
  • Primary Colors, a premier producer of cookies, candy and snacks, will partner with Jazwares to bring fun and innovative Squishmallows gummy and candy products to retail stores nationwide.

Established in 2017, Squishmallows has become a social media sensation that continues to cultivate a strong following online.

Organic Squishmallows content has generated nearly 5 billion video views on TikTok and @squishmallows (and related hashtags) have been tagged in more than one million Instagram posts. The Squishmallows social media channels have ballooned to more than 700,000 followers and nearly 100 global and local Facebook groups have been created by fans.

More than 1,000 Squishmallows ranging from two to 24-inches in size have gained the attention of bona fide Squishmallows fans in more than 40 countries. Such strong brand retention has resulted in multiple line extensions, including HugMees, Squish-Doos, Heroes, Flip-A-Mallows, and Squishville.

Reemsborko details flurry of global partners for graphic novel IP Trese

Reemsborko, the UK agency specialising in cult and pop culture licensing from across the world, has secured a flurry of new partnerships for the best-selling graphic novel series, Trese.

In a run of new deals for the series publisher, Ablaze Publishing, the graphic novel IP now finds itself expanding its consumer products presence across categories including apparel and accessories, drinkware, wall decor, statues, and more.

Joining the licensing portfolio is the likes of Bioworld who has signed on for apparel and accessories for global distribution, Goodie Two Sleeves who will be delivering apparel and accessories to the North American market, Pyramid America who will delight North American audiences with its wall decor and drinkware, and Great Eastern Entertainment, signed on for multiple categories across North America.

They are joined by IndieGo Distribution who will deliver apparel to the European market, and Bedrock Collectables whose polyresin statues will be distributed worldwide.

Trese is set in a Manila where the mythical creatures of Filipino folklore live in hiding among humans. It follows the story of the hero Alexandra Trese as she battles with a criminal underworld run by malevolent supernatural beings. Seven volumes of the comic have so far been released in the Philippines and are now being steadily republished worldwide by ABLAZE. 

Reemsborko is the agent for all categories and territories. The property has become even more popular this year since the Season One Anime series started streaming on Netflix in July.

Licensing 360 celebrates 20 years of Wet Hot American Summer with Monzo and Bioworld

The US comedy, Wet Hot American Summer, starring Paul Rudd, Bradley Cooper, and Amy Poehler, is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year with the launch of a new range of nostalgic, collectable merchandise.

In new deals brokered by Licensing 360, Rusted Wave and the film’s producers have partnered with Mondo and Bioworld to create a unique new collection of posters and apparel, spanning t-shirts, hats, jackets, bags, and more.

“With these anniversary pieces, our goal is to showcase the iconic scenes, phrases, and moments of the film that fans remember deeply and want to own through merchandise,” said Stephanie Kupperman of Licensing 360.

Eric Garza of Mondo, added: “Wet Hot American Summer is an iconic film with an unbelievably stacked cast, so to celebrate its anniversary, we wanted to give fans a fun, high-energy poster that reminds them of not only the Camp Firewood shenanigans, but maybe even of their own summer camp experiences. Artist JJ Harrison delivered on all fronts.”

Bioworld will develop a full collection of Wet Hot American Summer merchandise including tees, hats, jackets, lounge pants, bags, and water bottles. The collection will initially be available on Dumbgood.com, a direct-to-consumer site blending streetwear and pop-culture that is a part of Bioworld’s best in class consumer engagement model.

“We are pleased to offer fans this Wet Hot American Summer collection,” said Bioworld’s Paul Beck. “This is well overdue for fans, so we think they will leap at the opportunity to collect the pieces.”

To inquire about becoming a Wet Hot American Summer licensee please email stephanie@licensingthreesixty.com or visit the website, licensingthreesixty.com

UK and US licensing partners line up to celebrate 40 years of Danger Mouse

Boat Rocker Studios is celebrating the 40th anniversary of its classic and iconic animated series, Danger Mouse with a full roster of licensing partners spanning the UK and US markets, while crossing both the generations and categories through gifting, apparel, collectables, and more.

Tapping into the adult, nostalgia market, as well as the children’s space, licensing partners have been lined up from both sides of the Atlantic with a licensing programme reflective of the cross-generational appeal of the Danger Mouse IP as it celebrates its 40th anniversary milestone this year.

Kate Schlomann, EVP brand management and content marketing, Boat Rocker Studios, said: “Danger Mouse is the world’s greatest secret agent and one of TV’s most iconic animations, packed with action, comedy and drama. The show has achieved incredible global success in both its original incarnation and its thrilling reboot.

“We are delighted to be celebrating its 40th anniversary with an epic range of products which really capture the style and wit of the show.”

Leading the charge in the toy aisle, Funko has signed a worldwide deal to produce a new range of Danger Mouse Classic collectables, including its trademark Pop! stylised vinyl figures and its Vinyl SODA figures of the heroes and villains from the series, including a limited edition Evil Danger Mouse.

Meanwhile, Smiffys will continue to offer its dress-up costumes for both adults and kids. In addition, adult t-shirts will continue to be produced by Trademark Products Limited and further celebratory products will be available later in the year across a wide range of categories, including annuals, novelty, cards and gifting, children’s nightwear and babywear and pet apparel and accessories.

This will all be joined by a new range of adult and children’s Danger Mouse apparel and drinkware, including t-shirts, sweats, hoodies, face wear, socks, and underwear from Bioworld, alongside adult joggers, slippers, bags, and headwear.

Truffle Shuffle, home of cool t-shirts, retro gifts and more, will also be launching a new range of T-shirts and clothing, knitwear, pyjamas, tote bags, mugs, art prints, metal signs, lunchboxes, enamel pins and door mats launching from June 2021 exclusively on TruffleShuffle.com.

The River Group, the UK’s leading independent content innovation agency, will be producing an 84-page Danger Mouse Anniversary Bookazine to launch in October 2021, while Blu Goblin has signed on for a limited-edition anniversary figurine set with proceeds going towards Kids Out Charity.

Over in the US, Redbubble, the leading print-on-demand online marketplace, will be adding Danger Mouse to its extensive range of apparel, accessories and home items.

The Danger Mouse YouTube channel is joining in on the celebrations by showcasing 40 original classic episodes. Fans will have the opportunity to relive some of their hero’s most death-defying and thrilling missions from September 2021.

Both the classic and the new series are widely available to watch on multiple platforms worldwide, including Netflix which holds the global rights for the new Danger Mouse series and also offers the classic seasons.

Originally produced by Cosgrove Hall Films for Thames Television, Danger Mouse ran on ITV from 1981 to 1992 and returned to TV screens with a high-octane 21st-century makeover on CBBC in September 2015.

The rebooted Danger Mouse has proved to be a global hit with 99 new episodes to date over three series.

Global Merchandising Services appoints Adam N. Sokoloff as its vice president of retail, North America

Global Merchandising Services, the award-winning music, artist, celebrity, and brand merchandise company, has appointed the licensing industry expert, Adam N. Sokoloff as its new vice president of retail, North America.

The licensing industry personality previously held the role of director of sales at Bioworld, a company with which Sokoloff spent 11 years in varying roles. As director of sales, Sokoloff worked to implement sales initiatives and programmes with key retailers to help build up the successful apparel business.

Sokoloff took up his role as vice president of retail for the firm on May 3rd this year. He will be based out of Athens, Georgia.

The move will expand Global Merchandising Services’ international reach, one that is operated out of the company’s headquarters in London and Los Angeles.

Global executes and delivers business through all channels of retail distribution, live events, web stores, pop-up stores, brand origination and development, sponsorship, endorsements, and third-party licensing. 

WildBrain CPLG lands wave of European licensees for Sony’s The Boys, Cobra Kai and Outlander

WildBrain CPLG has secured a wave of cross-category European licensees for Sony Pictures Consumer Products’ hit TV series The Boys, Cobra Kai, and Outlander.

Getting the action underway for the superhero series The Boys, WildBrain CPLG has landed UK partnerships with Forbidden Planet for a t-shirt and gifting line, The Hut Group for apparel and accessories, Fashion UK for apparel and accessories, and Pyramid International for posters and accessories.

Over in Germany, and Spreadshirt is on board for print-on-demand apparelm and EMP.com for an apparel range across Europe. Additionally, Cotton Division is developing apparel for the French market while in Spain, Stor SL is creating homewares. Grupo Erik has signed for calendars, posters and gifts.

The Boys is an Amazon Prime Video original series based on the comic book of the same name by Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson. The series follows a team of vigilantes as they combat superheroes who abuse their power and abilities.

Elsewhere, and the martial arts comedy-drama Cobrai Kai – inspired by the iconic Karate Kid film franchise – is kickstarting the year with new UK deals with Pyramid International for accessories, Bioworld International for apparel and accessories, The Hut Group for apparel and accessories, and Ecell Global for phone accessories.

Created by Josh Heald, Jon Hurwitz and Hayden Schlossberg, Cobra Kai is set over 30 years after the original Karate Kid film and follows the arch-rivalry between Daniel LaRusso and Johnny Lawrence as he reopens the Cobra Kai karate dojo. The third season launched on Netflix in January 2021.

In the UK, WildBrain CPLG has also secured deals for the hit romantic time-travel drama Outlander, which include: Aurora of Orkney, for a jewellery line; and Ecell Global for phone accessories. For the Germany, Austria and Switzerland markets, Spreadshirt, EMP.com and Nastrovje P. GmhH & Co.KG are on board for apparel collections.

Set in Scotland and based on the bestselling novels by Diana Gabaldon, Outlander follows the story of a time-travelling 20th century doctor, Claire Fraser, and her 18th century Highlander husband Jamie Fraser.

John Taylor, VP Northern Europe and managing director UK and France at WildBrain CPLG, said: “Sony Pictures Consumer Products has a rich and compelling TV portfolio, which offers great entertainment for every audience. From the grittiness and thrilling twists of The Boysto the nostalgia and humour ofCobra Kai, and Outlander’s gripping storylinesthese series are hits that have captured the imaginations of audiences internationally. We look forward to bringing fans across Europe diverse and engaging merchandise selections inspired by this fantastic trio of shows.”

WildBrain CPLG represents Sony Pictures’ extensive theatrical film and TV catalogue across EMEA, which also includes much-loved blockbuster entertainment franchises such as Ghostbusters and Jumanji; hit TV series Breaking Bad and spin-off prequel Better Call Saul; and popular Columbia Pictures’ back-catalogue classics including The Karate Kid and Poetic Justice.

Bulldog Licensing signs Bioworld for Care Bears apparel and accessories

Bioworld is on board to create and launch a range of apparel and accessories inspired by the popular Cloudco Entertainment brand, Care Bears, targeting kids of all ages as the Care Bears licensing programme continues to grow.

Fast approaching its 40th anniversary, Care Bears continues to appeal to a wide range of fans, encouraged in their purveyance of the brand by an ever-increasing licensing portfolio, managed in the UK by Bulldog Licensing. The latest partnership with Bioworld will act to leverage the universal love for the property.

Fashion partners for the Care Bears brand already include the likes of Tikiboo and its athleisure range, Irregular Choice and its footwear line, and Dolls Kill with its clothing collection. The brand even returned to the kids’ aisles earlier this year when Basic Fun launched its toy line.

Having been met with strong sales and keen reception in the US market, Basic Fun recently launched its toy range to the UK where it is currently experiencing very strong sell-through already. The range is being supported with a heavyweight marketing campaign featuring two TVCs for both its plush and interactive Care Bears.

Meanwhile, the Care Bears’ broadcast partner Tiny Pop is supporting the series Care Bears: Unlock the Magic with daily slots on the channel. New partnerships with Sky and Moonbug now further position Care Bears for significant growth in the kids market here in the UK.

Bioworld joins other children’s partners, including Zak for homewares, Whitehouse Leisure, Redan, Aardvark, Crackerjack, and the Fun to Learn magazine.

Rob Corney, MD of Bulldog Licensing, said: “We’re thrilled to have Bioworld on board for Care Bears apparel. The brand has built a strong following over the past 38 years and has devoted fans who grew up with Care Bears, as well as an ever-growing following of little ones who are discovering the brand for the first time.” 

Roubina Tchoboian, VP of international licensing, added: “Bioworld joins at an exciting time for Care Bears, as the brand is continuously building with a range of best-in-class partners creating show-stopping ranges and collaborations.”

Crunchyroll details major licensing slate ahead of the autumn anime season

The global anime brand, Crunchyroll, has detailed a slate of cross-category licensing partnerships ahead of the autumn anime season, highlighting not only the diversity of the anime medium, but the global reach of the animation form.

“This latest slate of licensing partnerships represents the diversity of anime as a medium, from the spooky stylings of Jujutsu Kaisen and the Junji Ito Collection, to the eternally cute Bananya,” said John Leonhardt, head of consumer products at Crunchyroll.

“Crunchyroll represents anime titles that can drive success to your category.”

The latest licensing line-up sees Bananya – the kitten who lives in a banana – move into the board games sector with Japanime Games, books with Running Press, mugs with Wild Bill’s Soda, and novelties and pins with Just Funky.

Meanwhile, Black Clover, the long running Shonen action series, was recently signed to Hypland for fashion, Japanime Games for board games and Taka for figures, while Dr. Stone, the scientific action series based on the popular Shonen Jump manga of the same name, is coming back for season two in January 2021 and was signed by Wild Bill’s Soda for mugs.

Food Wars! Shokugeki no Soma, the culinary competition series, was recently granted to Espada Arts for figures, Mobile Suit Gundam, the iconic anime series that recently celebrated its 40th anniversary, was granted to FiGPiN for pins and Just Funky for novelties and gifts, and Haikyu the beloved volleyball series, was recently granted to Hypland and Good Smile company for fashion and apparel.

Elsewhere, Jujutsu Kaisen the hit Shonen Jump title streaming exclusively on Crunchyroll, was granted to Bioworld for apparel and Great Eastern Entertainment for accessories and home goods. the Junji Ito Collection was recently granted to Ground Up International for footwear, Hypland for fashion and to Wild Bill’s Soda for mugs, and Kuroko’s Basketball was recently signed to Hypland for fashion.

Completing the raft of signings and Mob Psycho 100 was granted to Team Liquid, the world renowned professional gaming organization, and Good Smile Company for apparel, and  Espada Arts for figures, while finally the Good Smile Company was granted licenses to create apparel for both Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World and That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime.

Crunchyroll’s consumer products team provides global anime fans with the best in lifestyle, home goods, fashion and more, managing all-rights for more than 350 anime series for more than 100 global licensees. It also operates the direct to consumer Crunchyroll Store, which is the exclusive home of Crunchyroll Loves, the brand’s in house streetwear label.

Crunchyroll, the global streaming brand from WarnerMedia, serves more than 70 million registered users and 3 million subscribers in more than 200 countries and territories. Crunchyroll’s robust online community also includes more than 40 million followers across social media.

Sony Pictures CP details Cobra Kai product line-up as the series heads to Netflix this month

Sony Pictures Consumer Products has detailed a comprehensive line-up of products and partners for the two-time Emmy nominated series Cobra Kai, just as the show prepared to enter a new dojo on August 28 when the first two seasons land on Netflix.

Spanning gaming, apparel, accessories, collectable toys, publishing, costumes, home goods, and more, select products are now available in the US, with additional products being released throughout the year and into 2021. The range will be found across major retailers including Amazon, Box Lunch, FYE, GameStop, Hot Topic, Spencer’s, and Walmart.

“We are super excited to bring the first two seasons of Cobra Kai to Netflix’s massive, global audience, with a third season on its way in 2021. We are taking the show beyond the screen and into the hands of consumers through a variety of merchandise offerings, and we are honored to have such a fantastic roster of licensees to help make that happen,” said Jamie Stevens, EVP, Worldwide Consumer Products, Sony Pictures Entertainment.

“With even more help from our showrunners themselves who make sure we are staying true to the DNA of Cobra Kai, we’re confident that fans everywhere will be proud to show ‘no mercy’ for their fandom by sporting these epic show-themed products.”

This year, Cobra Kai is getting the gaming treatment with a new mobile game published by Boss Team Games coming this autumn, along with a new console game from Gamemill called Cobra Kai: The Karate Kid Saga Continues, which launches October 27.

Bioworld has apparel including sleepwear, headwear, hoisery and accessories available now, while Contenders Clothing has launched its boxer briefs, hats, shirts, sweatshirts, and tanks. Funko’s action figures, phone accessories, backpacks, keychains, belts and buckles and hats are out now, as is the first in the comic book series from IDW Publishing.

NECA has launched a line of collectables, Party City has a Johnny Lawrence adult costume, and Spirit Halloween has a variety of adult costumes themed Daniel LaRusso and Johnny Lawrence. Surreal Entertainment has water bottles, stickers, duffle bags, wrist and headbands, while Teespring has apparel and accessories.

The Araca Group has the official Cobra Kai store featuring apparel, home decor, and accessories, while Trends International has a line of posters to collect.

Sony Pictures Consumer Products is also taking Cobra Kai beyond the US with the following international licensee collaborations: Caprice apparel (Australia, New Zealand) and Ecell Global phone and tablet accessories (France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Spain, and the UK).