Innovation and creativity take the spotlight as The 2021 Licensing Awards finalists are revealed

From Ghostbusters Trap Incense Burners and LEGO Super Mario, to Gruffalo recycled bedding, innovation has found itself at the forefront of this year’s shortlisted finalists of The2021  Licensing Awards.

Whether it’s within the Best Sustainable Licensed Product category, or one of the nine finalists in the Best Licensed Written, Listening, or Learning Range, in its endeavour to celebrate the best in licensing partnerships across the industry, it will likewise be throwing the spotlight on some of the best examples of innovation and creativity that the sector has to offer.

Making its return to its physical format this year, The 2021 Licensing Awards will once again fill The Great Room of The Grosvenor House Hotel in London to herald an industry-wide reunion of licensees, licensors, licensing agencies and everyone else the sector has to offer, this September 14th.

Categories will span Best Licensed Live Event, Best Licensed Toys or Games Range, and Best Retailer of Licensed Products (preschool and kids), all of which deliberated over by a judging panel of more than 200 retail buyers from Asda, B&M, Blue Diamond Group, Character.com, Clarks, The Entertainer, Forbidden Planet and more.

“After the year and a half that we have all had, it feels all the more triumphant to be able to announce the finalists in The Licensing Awards 2021 – with the winners being revealed at a physical awards event on September 14th, which will be some reunion,” said Ian Hyder, joint managing director of Max Publishing, owners and organisers of the event.

In addition to the returning categories this year, a new consumer award category will be joining The Licensing Awards 2021, with details being revealed soon.

“The Licensing Awards truly celebrate all that is great about the licensing community. The level of support and input has been incredible and we just can’t wait to get everyone back together at the awards event this year,” added Jakki Brown, joint managing director of Max Publishing.

All winners will be announced at a physical evening awards event on Tuesday, September 14th, held in The Great Room at The Grosvenor House Hotel in London.

The Licensing Awards 2021 finalists, are:

THE UK RISING STAR AWARD
This is a Licensing International UK award. The award is designed to recognise excellence among junior industry professionals in the United Kingdom under the age of 35.

Abbie Burrows, category manager hardlines and FMCG of Hasbro UK & EMEA
Jessica Campbell, licensing manager – Europe of National Football League (NFL)
Janna Kirkby, associate licensing manager of Acamar Films
Chelsea Schep, senior licensing manager of IMG
James Barlow, export manager of Rainbow Productions
Olivia Wiggett, associate commercial manager of The Point.1888
Lucy Williamson, manager brand management of Beanstalk

RETAIL CATEGORY FINALISTS

BEST RETAILER OF PRESCHOOL LICENSED PRODUCTS (AGE GROUP 0-5)

Character.com
The Entertainer
George@Asda
Nutmeg at Morrisons
Tesco
Next

BEST RETAILER OF KIDS’ LICENSED PRODUCTS (AGE GROUP 5-16)

Asda
Character.com
The Entertainer
Next
Smyths Toys
Tesco

BEST RETAILER OF ADULT LICENSED PRODUCTS

Asda
ASOS
Forbidden Planet
HMV
Primark
Tesco

THE RADAR AWARD

B&M
Card Factory
Zavvi
The Range
Studio.com
Superdrug

BEST OVERSEAS RETAILER

Aldi
H&M
Pull & Bear
Uniqlo
Urban Outfitters
Zara

BEST LICENSED RETAIL MARKETING INITIATIVE

MTV x River Island x British Fashion Council with Iceberg, Music Meets Fashion Competition
Natural History Museum x Finisterre, The Resilience of Nature Campaign
KFC and Comic Relief’s Merry Clucking Christmas Campaign
Mrs Hinch Exclusively at Tesco Campaign
Peppa Pig x Regatta at Next
The Rolling Stones RS No.9 Carnaby Street Activity

BEST LICENSED PROMOTIONS CAMPAIGN

Peppa Pig with National Children’s Gardening Week Campaign
PJ Masks Superhero Bedtime campaign for UNICEF UK
Pokémon Happy Meals Promotion with McDonald’s
Tom and Jerry and Xplora: The Movie Partnership (Agency: Lime Communications)

BEST LICENSED LIVE EVENT

The Crystal Maze LIVE Experience from Little Lion Entertainment
Dennis & Gnasher’s Big Bonanza at Royal Botanical Gardens Kew and Wakehurst Place
Doctor Who: A Dalek Awakens at Resorts World from Escape Hunt
The Gruffalo Adventures at Royal Botanical Gardens Kew Gardens
Peppa Pig Afternoon Tea Bus Tour from Brigit’s Bakery
Peter Rabbit Christmas Grotto at Centre:MK from Eskimo Jo Events
Warhammer 40,000 Immaterium Escape Room from Escapologic
Zog and the Quest for the Golden Star at Warwick Castle from Merlin Entertainments

BEST LICENSED TOYS OR GAMES RANGE

Adventures of Paddington Toy Range from Rainbow Designs
CoComelon Toys from Bandai
The Gruffalo Master Toy Range from Wow! Stuff
Maya Angelou Inspiring Women Barbie Doll from Mattel
Mini Brands Collectables from ZURU
Peppa Pig Wooden Mud Kitchen from HTI
Back to the Future Range from Playmobil UK
Pokémon Toy Range from Character Options
Super Mario Range from The LEGO Group

BEST LICENSED DRESS-UP OR PARTYWARE

DC Superheroes Sustainable Dress-up Range from Amscan
Disney Princess Collection for George@Asda from Christys by Design
Disney Princess Premium Range for Sainsbury’s from Smiffys
Harry Potter Boy’s Suitmeister Dress-up from OppoSuits
Mog The Cat Deluxe Costume from Smiffys
Peppa Pig Careers Dress-up Collection from Christys By Design
Pokémon Dress-up and Partyware Collection from Amscan
Roald Dahl’s Matilda Costume for Tesco from Smiffys
Star Wars, The Mandalorian Costume for TU Sainsbury’s from Rubies Masquerade

BEST LICENSED PRESCHOOL APPAREL OR ACCESSORIES RANGE (0-5 YEARS)

Elmer the Patchwork Elephant SS21 Collection from JoJo Maman Bébé
The Gruffalo Footwear Range for Next from Brand International
The Jungle Book Collection x Baby World from Primark
Peanuts Collection from Cribstar
Peppa Pig Collection from Regatta Outdoors
Peppa Pig Toddler Girls Range for Tesco from Fashion UK Global Licensing
Peter Rabbit Collection from Cath Kidston
Peter Rabbit Classic SS21 Collection for Nutmeg at Morrisons from Dennicci
We’re Going On A Bear Hunt SS21 Collection for Asda from Jainco

BEST LICENSED CHILDREN’S APPAREL OR ACCESSORIES RANGE

Barbie x Very.com Powered by Kindness Girls Athleisure Range from Very
LEGO x Adidas Children’s Footwear from Adidas
LEGO Ninjango X Hype Collection from Global Brands Group
Miffy Collection for Next from Fashion UK Global Licensing
Peppa Pig Girls Night Time Range for Tesco from Misirli
Roald Dahl x Natural History Museum Extraordinary Explorers Clothing Range from M&S
Roald Dahl Pyjamas Nightwear for TU at Sainsbury’s from Aykroyd and Sons
Super Mario Range for Zara from Fashion UK Global Licensing
The Wizarding World Kids Fashion Range from M&S

BEST LICENSED ADULT APPAREL OR ACCESSORIES RANGE

Barbie 1959 Collection from Zara
Dr Seuss Collection from Irregular Choice
Friends Women’s Range from Tesco
Harry Potter In The Style Sweatshirts from Brands In
Mickey Mouse Cares Range from Primark
Minnie Mouse Cookies Backpack and Headband Combo from Loungefly by Funko
The National Gallery Collection for ASOS from Poetic Brands
Peter Rabbit Women’s Collection from Cath Kidston
Pokémon 25th Anniversary Collection from The Hut Group

BEST LICENSED WRITTEN, LISTENING OR LEARNING RANGE

Adventures of Paddington Fun to Learn Magazine from Redan Publishing
BBC Earth Blue Planet II Book from Penguin Random House
Elf on the Shelf Magazines from Signature Publishing
LEGO Explorer Magazine from Story House Egmont
L.O.L. Surprise! Sticker Books from Centum Books
Mr Men Little Miss Books from Farshore Books
PAW Patrol Chase Tonie from Tonies
Peppa Pig Ladybird Range from Penguin Random House
Timmy Time Ladybird Readers Beginner Level Books from Penguin Random House

BEST LICENSED PAPER PRODUCTS OR STATIONERY RANGE

Animal Crossing Villager Squares Stationery Collection from Pyramid International
The Beatles Song Titles Greeting Card Range from Hype Associates
Boofle Stay at Home Greeting Card Range from Moonpig
The Gruffalo Stationery Range from Robert Frederick
The Mandalorian – The Child Greeting Card Range from UK Greetings
Minnie Mouse Positivity Collection from Hallmark Cards
Only Fools and Horses 40th Anniversary Stamp Collection from Royal Mail
Peaky Blinders Calendar, Diary, Greeting Cards and Gift Bag Collection from Danilo Promotions
Spitting Image Greeting Cards Range from Emotional Rescue

BEST LICENSED GIFTWARE RANGE, HOME DÉCOR, TABLEWARE OR HOUSEWARES RANGE

A Celebration of the National Trust Fabric Range from Sanderson Design Group
Mickey & Friends Collection from Mad Beauty
Minecraft Gift and Homewares Range from Paladone Products
Monopoly Personalised Homewares and Gifting Range from Star Editions
Mrs Hinch Collection from Tesco
PAW Patrol Coverless Carefree Bedding from Character World
Peanuts 70th Anniversary Homewares and Gift Collection from Cath Kidston
Pokémon 25th Anniversary Giftware from Abysse Corp
Roald Dahl x Natural History Museum Extraordinary Explorers Range
Homeware Collection from M&S
The Wizarding World Collection from Wow! Stuff

BEST LICENSED FOOD OR DRINK RANGE

Barratt x Iceland Ice Creams from Ice Fresh
Ghostbusters Candy from Rose Marketing
Harry Potter Confectionery for M&S from Kinnerton Confectionery
Mr Men Little Miss Confectionery from Crème d’Or
Original Stormtrooper Galactic Dry Gin from Blue Tree
Peaky Blinders Wine from Vignobles Bardet
Peter Rabbit Classic Chocolate Novelties Easter Collection from Cadbury’s
Wallace & Gromit Biscuit Collection from Deans of Huntly
Xbox Celebration Cake from Finsbury Foods

THE INNOVATION AWARD

Batman Cape Backpack from Bioworld International
Crayola Rainbow Toothpaste from H&A
Ghostbusters Trap Incense Burner from Numskull Designs
Hey Duggee Plush Chair from 8th Wonder
LEGO DOTS Range from Levi’s
Marvel Battleworld Range from Funko
Minecraft Block Building Light from Paladone Products
Peppa Pig’s Clever Car from Wow! Stuff
Scooby-Doo Products for Dogs from Fred & Ginger

BEST SUSTAINABLE LICENSED PRODUCT

Alice Scott Gift Range for Tesco from H&A
The Beano, Dennis’ 70th Anniversary Limited Edition Tartan from The Prickly Thistle Scotland
Grand Designs Sofas from The Branded Furniture Company
The Gruffalo Pop-out Play-set from Play Press Toys
The Gruffalo Repreve Recycled Bedding Collection for ASDA from Dreamtex International
Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous Happy Meal from The Marketing Store)
National History Museum The Resilience of Nature Range from Finisterre
Peppa Pig Brand Threads Nightwear Range from Cooneen By Design
Peppa Pig Eco Plush from Character Options

PROPERTY CATEGORY FINALISTS

BEST PRESCHOOL LICENSED PROPERTY (AGE GROUP 0-5)

Baby Shark
Bing
CoComelon
The Gruffalo
Hey Duggee
PAW Patrol
Peppa Pig
Teletubbies
That’s Not My…
Thomas & Friends

BEST CHILDREN’S OR TWEEN LICENSED PROPERTY (AGE GROUP 5-12)

Barbie
Jurassic World
LEGO
L.O.L. Surprise!
Miraculous
NERF
Trolls
Wizarding World
The World of David Walliams

BEST TEEN OR ADULT LICENSED PROPERTY

Barbie
Emoji
Friends
The Grinch
The Mandalorian
Marvel Universe
Peaky Blinders
Stranger Things
Wizarding World

BEST GAMING LICENSED PROPERTY

Animal Crossing
Assassin’s Creed
Destiny
Fortnite
Minecraft
Pokémon
Roblox
Sonic The Hedgehog
Super Mario
Warhammer

BEST FILM LICENSED PROPERTY

Cruella
Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway
Tom and Jerry: The Movie
Wonder Woman 1984

BEST MUSIC OR CELEBRITY LICENSED PROPERTY

The Beatles
Billie Eilish
BTS
Hearts by Tiana
Motörhead
Mrs Hinch
Queen
The Rolling Stones

BEST SPORTS LICENSED PROPERTY  

Arsenal Football Club
British & Irish Lions
Chelsea Football Club
England Football
England Rugby
Liverpool Football Club
Manchester City Football Club
Manchester United Football Club
NFL
NFL Players Association
Tottenham Hotspur Football Club

THE CLASSIC LICENSED PROPERTY AWARD
This award is for properties that have stood the test of time (with at least a decade of licensing activity). The winner will join previous winners in The Licensing Classics Hall of Fame. Previous year’s winners are Barbie, The Beano, Peppa Pig, Peter Rabbit, Pokémon, Mickey Mouse, Miffy, The Snowman, Star Wars and Thomas & Friends.

This year’s finalists are:

Batman
In the Night Garden
Me to You
Minnie Mouse
Mr Men Little Miss
Paddington
Peanuts
Roald Dahl
Sesame Street
Spider-man
The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Wallace & Gromit

Honorary Achievement Award
There are no finalists announced for this prestigious award. It will be given to someone in recognition of their contribution to the industry.

Tickets and tables can be reserved quickly and securely online by visiting Max-Tickets.net or by contacting Clare Hollick at Create Events: clare@createvents.co.uk or phone +44 (0)1183 340085.

Forbidden Planet and ViacomCBS launch Paramount Pictures partnership for Top Gun, Forrest Gump, and cult classic Galaxy Quest

The pop culture retailer, Forbidden Planet ha partnered with ViacomCBS to launch a new line of direct to retail branded merchandise featuring some of the most classic Paramount Pictures properties, including Top Gun, and Galaxy Quest.

The online retailer is launching a new range of apparel and giftware based on seven films from the Paramount Pictures library, with The Godfather, Top Gun, Top Gun: Maverick, Forrest Gump, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Anchorman, Sleepy Hollow, and Galaxy Quest all featuring in the line up.

Releases developed under the partnership will include t-shirts, hoodies, and accessories, including sew-on patches, enamel keyrings and pin badges. In addition, there will be an exclusive, collectible line of giftware with art prints, postcard packs, mugs, tea towels, magnets and travel pass holders. 

The launch of the new Paramount Pictures line follows two other successful ViacomCBS / Forbidden Planet DTR tie-ups for Nickelodeon and South Park. Due to its ties to science-fiction and fandom, Galaxy Quest as the first release in the range.

Anthony Garnon, licensing and special projects manager at Forbidden Planet, said: “I’m genuinely thrilled to be working on the Paramount Films library. These are some of the most well known and beloved films of all time. I’m very proud to launch with some great Galaxy Quest merchandise, as that’s a fantastic cult film that hasn’t had much merchandising in recent years – and we’ve had fans crying out to get their hands on some.”

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.

Pokémon partners with The Wand Company to launch the first Poké Ball Replica Series

The Pokémon Company International has teamed up with The Wand Company to release the first die-cast Poké Ball Replica Series, giving fans the chance to collect premium replicas of the iconic Poké Ball, Great Ball, Ultra Ball, and Premier Ball.

Equipped with proximity-sensing technology, each of the die-cast replica’s buttons glows when it senses motion. Pressing the button changes the light colour or starts a Pokémon-catching illumination sequence. Each Poké Ball also comes with a presentation case and a polished stainless steel ring.

Fan can also enjoy the multi-coloured lights when opening the lid of the case, which can be controlled through a touch-sensitive metal plaque on the front of the case.

“The Poké Ball is an iconic part of the Pokémon franchise, and we are thrilled to work with The Wand Company to re-create the Poké Ball as a high-quality collectible for our fans,” said Amy Sachtleben, director of licensing at The Pokémon Company International.

“The Wand Company is known for its innovative designs and world-class manufacturing, making them the perfect partner to bring this vision to life.”

Chris Barnardo, CEO of The Wand Company, added: “Working on such an iconic property as Pokémon is the fulfillment of a lifelong dream for The Wand Company team. It’s been such an exciting development and we look forward to sharing our gorgeous Poké Ball series with fans everywhere.”

To highlight the launch, the classic Poké Ball version was prominently featured in Pokémon’s appearance in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Flanked by a troupe of dancing Pikachu, a Pokémon Trainer triumphantly held up the Poké Ball for millions of fans around the world to see.

As the first to launch in the series, the Poké Ball replica is available for preorder starting today via Amazon and other participating retailers around the world, and products will ship to preorder customers to arrive on Pokémon Day, February 27, 2021.

Products will be available at Sideshow.com, Zavvi, Forbidden Planet, and Yellow Octopus, among other retailers.

Silvergate Media lines up partners in Spin Master, Hot Topic and Forbidden Planet as Hilda returns to Netflix

Silvergate Media has detailed a tranche of new partners for its popular animated series, Hilda, that includes not only a direct to retail partnership with the pop culture specialist, Forbidden Planet, but the series’ first board game courtesy of Spin Master and an extension of its successful plush line with GUND.

Details of an extending licensing slate for the Scandinavian-inspired animated series have been releases in anticipation of the launch of Hilda’s second season on Netflix this December 14th. Silvergate has secured exclusive retail partnerships with Hot Topic and Forbidden Planet, as well as a slate of new toys.

Co-produced by Silvergate Media and Mercury Films, the 13 x 22-minute episodes in season two of Hilda bring fresh adventures for the blue-haired heroine as she delves deeper into the vast wilderness of Trolberg. The animated series is based on Luke Pearson’s acclaimed graphic novels.

The upcoming second season follows on the success of the multi award-winning first season, which debuted on Netflix in September 2018 and went on to scoop multiple awards including a BAFTA, Kidscreen, International Emmy award and three Annie awards. Silvergate’s licensing programme has been developed to tap into the series’ growing international fanbase.

“The first season of Hilda set the bar high in terms of what a children’s animated series could achieve and it was so rewarding for our creative team that it received the widespread recognition that it did,” said Waheed Alli, CEO at Silvergate Media.

“It’s now a genuine pleasure to bring audiences new adventures in season two that will expand the universe of Trolberg in unexpected ways.”

The US-based pop culture retailer, Hot Topic, is launching an exclusive line of Hilda inspired t-shirts for the North American market. While here in the UK, science fiction and fantasy retail specialist, Forbidden Planet, has an exclusive direct to retail agreement with Silvergate that will see the retailer launch its own line of apparel in 2020 before expanding into homewares and gifting from 2021.

“We’re really excited to be developing our own range of Hilda merchandise,” said Anthony Garnon at Forbidden Planet. “The show’s fantastical storylines and imaginative visuals speak directly to our consumer base and give us plenty of inspiration for products that will stand out on shelf and become must-have items for Hilda fans.”

The growth of the apparel category will be boosted by additional product lines launching to coincide with season two. This includes global toy partner, GUND, which is adding further plush accessory lines targeting girls and teen fans to the main lines which launched earlier this year, and lead publisher Flying Eye Books, who has released three new novelisations tying in with season two.

Additionally, Spin Master is readying the first-ever Hilda board game, scheduled to hit retail from next summer.

Forbidden Planet teams with Gaumont to launch F is for Family apparel and accessories across the UK

The French production and distribution studio, Gaumont, has partnered with the UK’s pop culture retailer Forbidden Planet to launch a new line of branded merchandise based on the Netflix Original animated series, F is for Family.

The high street retailer and specialist in the pop culture and geek culture sector, Forbidden Planet will kickstart the partnership with the launch of a range of apparel and giftware including t-shirts, hoodies, accessories such as sew-on patches, enamel keyrings and pin badges.

In addition to this, the ’70s themed animated series will lend its characters to an exclusive line of giftware with art prints, postcards packs, mugs, tea towels, magnets, and travel pass holders. The line is available from this month across the Forbidden Planet stores throughout the UK.

The launch of the new F is for Family line follows the success of the series’ fourth season, with a fifth and final season having just been announced. It coincides with an interview featuring series creator Bill Burr on Forbidden Planet’s new video platform, FPTV. 

Evolution USA, Gaumont’s global licensing and brand management agency across the title brokered the partnership.

Anthony Garnon, licensing and special projects manager at Forbidden Planet, added: “It’s time to take away those 2020 blues with this fantastic range of merchandise. F is for Family is a genuinely laugh out loud series, and I’m honoured to welcome the show and its fans into Forbidden Planet.

“We have got lots of great designs, covering all the fan-favourite characters and more – with additional items coming in 2021 as we plan to grow the range substantially for the next season.”

From the executive producer Vince Vaughn and created by the popular stand-up comedian Bill Burr with Emmy winner Michael Price, F is for Family is an animated half-hour adult comedy that follows the Murphy family back to the 1970s when kids roamed wild, beer flowed freely, and nothing came between a man and his TV.

Forbidden Planet partners BBC Studios and Titan Merchandise on ‘most ambitious Doctor Who merch project ever’

Geek pop culture and hobby retailer, Forbidden Planet has partnered with BBC Studios and Titan Merchandise to launch an exclusive apparel and giftware range for Doctor Who: Time Lord Victorious, in what it has billed its ‘most ambitious Doctor Who merchandising project ever.’

Doctor Who: Time Lord Victorious is a multi-platform adventure that tells its one story across a range of books, magazines, audio, comics, vinyl, games, escape rooms, immersive theatre, figurines and t-shirts.

The first announced retailer special is a variant edition of Titan Comics’ Doctor Who: Time Lord Victorious #1. This exclusive design combines the Daleks and the iconic Forbidden Planet rocket logo and is available now via the Forbidden Planet website.

It is limited to just 500 copies and is part of the celebration for the 42nd anniversary of Forbidden Planet in 2020 – a milestone number with some significance to fans of British science-fiction and fantasy.

There is also an exclusive glow in the dark Brian the Ood t-shirt, featuring text written by James Goss. This narrative ties into the overall Time Lord Victorious story, offering fans the chance to learn who Brian really is, and how to hire him. Alongside this one of a kind t-shirt is further apparel featuring the Dalek Emperor, as well as Lee Binding’s Time Lord Victorious Iconic image.

Anthony Garnon, licensing and special projects manager at Forbidden Planet, said: “The most ambitious Doctor Who merchandising project ever, finds a home at Forbidden Planet. Fans are excited, and we’re delighted to offer them the entire range of releases in one easy to navigate home – the Time Lord Victorious microsite at ForbiddenPlanet.com. Thanks to James Goss and the team at BBC Studios for making this happen.”

ForbiddenPlanet.com will act as an official retailer, stocking all items and offering exciting first looks at merchandise. It will feature strictly limited edition comic books and merchandise specifically created for the retailer.

More exclusive reveals coming soon to ForbiddenPlanet.com, highlighting characters and concepts from across the Time Lord Victorious journey. 

For more information please visit: https://forbiddenplanet.com/promotion/doctor-who-time-lord-victorious/. 

Pop culture retail chain Forbidden Planet celebrates 42 years with star-studded ‘epic online event’

The comic book and cult entertainment retail chain, Forbidden Planet has detailed the launch of its own ‘epic online event’ to celebrate its 42nd birthday this year, featuring a cast of famous faces and special guest stars that have found a home within the legacy of the renowned brand.

On Saturday, August 29th ForbiddenPlanet.com will play host to a range of celebrity interviews, as alumni from the worlds of science fiction, comics, and popular culture gather to help the store celebrate 42 years of pop culture fandom.

The star-studded event will feature exclusive interviews with the likes of William Shatner, DMC, Neil Gaiman, Alice Cooper, Jonathan Ross, Gerard Way, Garth Ennis, Kevin Smith, Michael Moorcock, Simon Pegg, Mark Millar, Dan Slott, V.E. Schwab, Dave Gibbons, Brian Bolland, Dirk Maggs, Chris Claremont, and Ben Aaronovich. The interviews will be hosted by Forbidden Planet’s own Andrew Sumner.

The online event will also host a tribute to Forbidden Planet’s old friend, the late Douglas Adams – author of The Hitchhijer’s Guide to the Galaxy – in the shape of a rare, never-before-heard interview (recently discovered in the Forbidden Planet vaults) conducted by Neil Gaiman.

Vivian Cheung and Nick Landau, owners of Forbidden Planet, said: “Forbidden Planet 42 is an auspicious tip of the hat to our old friend Douglas Adams, the genius behind The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, for whom the number 42 was the answer to The Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe, and Everything.

“Douglas was one of the first authors to ever sign at the store, and he returned for every new book he wrote. We are joined by a galaxy of stars from comics, music, science fiction, film and TV – friends of Forbidden Planet who have signed at the store over the last four decades. This celebration is dedicated to every creator who has appeared at FP and every staff member who has worked with us over the years – but most importantly, to all our customers and to every pop culture fan who shares this passion with us.”

Over the 42 years, Forbidden Planet has become a name synonymous with the culture, and has garnered a following that spans some of the genre’s most famous faces.

Kevin Smith of Clerks fame, said: “Before I ever visited London, Forbidden Planet was whispered about in New Jersey, you’d read about it in the letter columns of comic books, it actually appeared in the comics themselves. The first time I went over to the UK, one of the most important things to me about London was: We have to go to Forbidden Planet.”

Presenter and comic book fan, Jonathan Ross, added: “I went to university in London because I wanted to stay and enjoy things like Forbidden Planet. That’s when the whole new wave of more adult, progressive comics began. It was such an exciting time – there was a lot of new books and new publishers coming out – and the only place you could find them was at Forbidden Planet.”

The 42nd anniversary festivities will continue with special offerings and promotions in-store at Forbidden Planet branches throughout the UK.

Check out the trailer below:

 

 

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BBC Studios and Forbidden Planet celebrate Doctor Who with exclusive t-shirt partnership

BBC Studios and Forbidden Planet have devised an initiative to release a new and exclusive line of Doctor Who T-shirts throughout the current twelfth series of the popular sci-fi TV show. The newest season started airing on January 1s this year.

A range of 10 Doctor Who T-shirts will launch during the new series, themed around each week’s episode, with each being available to pre-order at ForbiddenPlanet.com the morning after transmission.

Kicking off the new series, Doctor Who returned to BBC One on January 1st for a New Year’s Day special named Spyfall, with subsequent episodes broadcasting every Sunday. The series sees Jodie Whittaker continue her role as the Thirteenth Doctor, as she resumes her travels through time and space with friends Ryan (Tosin Cole), Yaz (Mandip Gill), and Graham (Bradley Walsh).

Anita Majhu, senior licensing manager at BBC Studios, said: “This is such an exciting line and we’re thrilled to be offering Doctor Who fans the opportunity to be a part of the new series in this way.”

Anthony Garnon, licensing and special projects manager, Forbidden Planet, added: “Months of behind the scenes planning and co-ordination, this is Doctor Who merchandising on a whole new level. Don’t just watch the episode, live it with Forbidden Planet.”

T-shirts will be available to pre-order online at ForbiddenPlanet.com and will be priced at £15.99.