Lady Luck Games to launch Popeye and Flash Gordon digital game content

King Features Syndicate, home to some of the world’s most popular entertainment characters, is partnering with Swedish slots specialist Lady Luck Games to create branded digital game content featuring iconic comic characters Popeye, Olive Oyl, Beetle Bailey and Flash Gordon.

The new games will be available for players in slots across Europe and Asia for the first time, further expanding the reach of the character brands to fans across the world within the growing online casino game category.

To bring these games to life, King Features Syndicate is working in tandem with Lady Luck’s maths specialists to merge the classic character designs and elements with unique gameplay. The first games will be showcased at ICE London in April.

“We see enormous growth potential in the online gaming category and are excited to bring these iconic characters to life with the impressive development expertise and entertaining features of Lady Luck Games,” says Carla Silva, vice president and general manager, global head of licensing, King Features.

 Mads V. Jørgensen, CEO, Lady Luck Games, adds: “We are extremely humbled and honoured that King Features Syndicate has chosen an up-and-coming studio like ours to represent its hugely popular and world-renowned brands. It shows that our strategy works and the games that we produce are some of the most beautiful and entertaining in the business. This is easily one of the most important milestones in the company’s history and will make a huge difference in our outreach to both customers and players.”

 

Olive Oyl turns fashionista with Moncler Genius collection

King Features has announced its latest partnership for Olive Oyl. The animation icon features in the 2 MONCLER 1952 WOMAN Spring/Summer 2022 collection by Veronica Leoni, part of the fashion brand’s MONCLER GENIUS project.

Olive Oyl has been a groundbreaking female character since her debut in 1919. Veronica Leoni chose to feature Olive in her latest collection due to her “widely recognised confidence and humour”, selecting retro images of Olive to appear on a capsule of T-shirts and hooded sweatshirts.

“We are very happy to have secured this collaboration with such a high-end and innovative brand as Moncler and such an iconic character as Olive Oyl,” says Grazia Bussandri of Premium Licensing, King Features’ Italian agent, who secured the deal with Moncler.

“For decades, style makers around the world have been inspired by Olive’s confidence and glamorous self-perception,” adds Carla Silva, VP/GM, Global Head of Licensing, King Features, “but this capsule from Moncler is in a class of its own. The clever designs highlight what a dynamic individual Olive Oyl is and the characteristics that make her so appealing to fans and fashionistas alike.”

The capsule collection is available now on Moncler.com and in select Moncler boutiques.

Popeye stars in ICEBERG’s latest menswear collection

The Autumn/Winter 2022 men’s collection from luxury sportswear brand ICEBERG features items inspired by iconic comic character Popeye the Sailorman.

The new ICEBERG men’s collection aims to capture the rugged and intrepid lifestyle of explorers and survivalists, and features Popeye-inspired, nautical themed designs throughout the line. The spinach-eating sailor and clean ocean advocate’s strong values embody the spirit of the collection and are an integral part of the garments’ concepts.

“Popeye, Olive Oyl and ICEBERG have a long tradition of collaboration and a strong fellowship which started more than 30 years ago,” says Grazia Bussandri of Premium Licensing, Popeye’s Italian agent who brokered the deal with ICEBERG. “Their garments have always been fresh, innovative and inspiring, but the AW22 designs have extra oomph. The graphics have been carefully constructed, interweaving the collection’s theme with Popeye’s brand philosophy. And the message is a powerful one: strength, resilience, confidence and freedom to be yourself are so integral to Popeye’s identity.”

“Partnering with ICEBERG is always a first-in-class experience,” adds Carla Silva, VP/GM, Global Head of Licensing at King Features, owners of the Popeye IP. “Their innovative work never disappoints and they really understand the Popeye brand. The AW22 designs are refreshing and inspiring, and we’re proud to have Popeye join their mission to fashionably spread optimism.”

ICEBERG will soon reveal a new set of fashion pieces inspired by one of illustration’s most iconic female characters, Olive Oyl. Strong, confident and fearlessly female, Olive’s fashionable appeal and sense of humour are captured in ICEBERG’s new women’s AW22 collection, which features tops, dresses, jackets and pants in the brand’s signature bold sportswear style.

The full men’s and women’s ready-to-wear and accessories collections in the ICEBERG AW22/23 line will be available at top retailers around the world, starting August 2022.

 

King Features Syndicate scores slate of new partnerships for Popeye and Olive Oyl

King Features Syndicate, a unit of Hearst, has announced that it is growing its global licensing programs for Popeye and Olive Oyl with a slate of new partnerships.

The expansion extends across the promotions, food and beverage categories and includes new territories, partners and product lines that honour the legacy of King Features’ classic characters from the extensive Popeye universe, including Olive Oyl and Wimpy.

In Asia, Popeye and Olive Oyl have starring roles in several key promotions, including a renewal of their deal with Manga Coordinate Co and JOYL to produce an advertising campaign starring the pair, played by local celebrities, to promote the popular Ajinomoto Olive Oil in the Japanese market for the second year in a row. In 2020, Popeye was played by pop star Satoshi Ohno, and in the 2021 campaign, the role of Olive Oyl was played by actress Ayami Nakajo. Each campaign included print ads as well as TV commercials.

Also in the territory, Japanese video producer AOI Pro Inc and its AI technology client Laboro.AI Inc are tapping into the classic tale of Popeye and Olive’s love story to emphasise the innovation of AI technology by creating state-of-the-art clips for a Valentine’s Day commercial, set to run through summer 2022.

Additionally, Japanese soft drink manufacturer Ito En is featuring Popeye in a promotional campaign for its Aojiru vegetable drinks, while Runival Sdn Bhd is reaching audiences in Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia via a promotional Popeye Virtual Run campaign.

In China, the salty sailor will take part in a promotional campaign featuring glass cups, recycling bags, brooches, face masks, T-shirts and stickers, which will be sold across the territory by Guangzhou Circleplus Culture Co, while South Korea-based Sunwoo & Company began a worldwide launch of limited-edition Popeye theme packs for Android, version 9.0 and higher, via the Samsung Galaxy store in 2021. Additional theme packs will be released in 2022.

The new partnerships in Japan were brokered by King Features’ agent in the territory, Copyrights Asia, while Medialink Animation Ltd brokered the deals in China, Singapore and Indonesia.

Popeye is also expanding globally into the food and beverage category, with several new deals this past year for the sailorman and his friends debuting around the globe.

Popeye continues to be a favorite in Japan, with multiple new deals debuting throughout the year, including Shogakukan Shueisha Productions for various Popeye-inspired housewares, apparel and accessories, spinach from Rainbowworks and custom Popeye desserts and houseware products from Baobab Inc.

In North America, Popeye is also making his mark in promotions by starring in Accenture’s global ad campaign advertising the transformational power of its intelligent ops services, and his burger-loving friend Wimpy was featured in an advertisement for Google Pay. Most recently, artist Jeff Koons released “Popeye Skateboard,” a reinterpretation of his 2008 oil painting “Triple Popeye” as part of The Skateroom collection. Proceeds from the charitable launch, in collaboration with Qatar Museums, aid children in need.

In the food category, Popeye has expanded his long-term partnership with Taylor Farms by introducing new product lines. And in a deal negotiated by King Features’ Canadian agent, Segal Licensing, Jade City Foods has launched an online Popeye Foods shop offering a variety of new consumables including coffee, hot cocoa, hot sauces and more inspired by Popeye, Olive Oyl, Bluto, Wimpy and Swee’Pea.

“The characters from the Popeye universe deeply resonate with fans around the world, and it’s thrilling to see one of our fan favorites experiencing continued growth,” says Carla Silva, vice president and general manager, global head of licensing at King Features. “And fans should stay tuned because we’re kicking off the new year with even more exciting promotions and products!”

For the latest brand news on Popeye and his friends, please visit Popeye.com.

King Features and Jade City Foods introduce Popeye foods line

King Features Syndicate scores slate of new partnerships for Popeye and Olive Oyl

King Features Syndicate, a unit of Hearst, has announced that it is growing its global licensing programs for Popeye and Olive Oyl with a slate of new partnerships.

The expansion extends across the promotions, food and beverage categories and includes new territories, partners and product lines that honour the legacy of King Features’ classic characters from the extensive Popeye universe, including Olive Oyl and Wimpy.

In Asia, Popeye and Olive Oyl have starring roles in several key promotions, including a renewal of their deal with Manga Coordinate Co and JOYL to produce an advertising campaign starring the pair, played by local celebrities, to promote the popular Ajinomoto Olive Oil in the Japanese market for the second year in a row. In 2020, Popeye was played by pop star Satoshi Ohno, and in the 2021 campaign, the role of Olive Oyl was played by actress Ayami Nakajo. Each campaign included print ads as well as TV commercials.

Also in the territory, Japanese video producer AOI Pro Inc and its AI technology client Laboro.AI Inc are tapping into the classic tale of Popeye and Olive’s love story to emphasise the innovation of AI technology by creating state-of-the-art clips for a Valentine’s Day commercial, set to run through summer 2022.

Additionally, Japanese soft drink manufacturer Ito En is featuring Popeye in a promotional campaign for its Aojiru vegetable drinks, while Runival Sdn Bhd is reaching audiences in Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia via a promotional Popeye Virtual Run campaign.

In China, the salty sailor will take part in a promotional campaign featuring glass cups, recycling bags, brooches, face masks, T-shirts and stickers, which will be sold across the territory by Guangzhou Circleplus Culture Co, while South Korea-based Sunwoo & Company began a worldwide launch of limited-edition Popeye theme packs for Android, version 9.0 and higher, via the Samsung Galaxy store in 2021. Additional theme packs will be released in 2022.

The new partnerships in Japan were brokered by King Features’ agent in the territory, Copyrights Asia, while Medialink Animation Ltd brokered the deals in China, Singapore and Indonesia.

Popeye is also expanding globally into the food and beverage category, with several new deals this past year for the sailorman and his friends debuting around the globe.

Popeye continues to be a favorite in Japan, with multiple new deals debuting throughout the year, including Shogakukan Shueisha Productions for various Popeye-inspired housewares, apparel and accessories, spinach from Rainbowworks and custom Popeye desserts and houseware products from Baobab Inc.

In North America, Popeye is also making his mark in promotions by starring in Accenture’s global ad campaign advertising the transformational power of its intelligent ops services, and his burger-loving friend Wimpy was featured in an advertisement for Google Pay. Most recently, artist Jeff Koons released “Popeye Skateboard,” a reinterpretation of his 2008 oil painting “Triple Popeye” as part of The Skateroom collection. Proceeds from the charitable launch, in collaboration with Qatar Museums, aid children in need.

In the food category, Popeye has expanded his long-term partnership with Taylor Farms by introducing new product lines. And in a deal negotiated by King Features’ Canadian agent, Segal Licensing, Jade City Foods has launched an online Popeye Foods shop offering a variety of new consumables including coffee, hot cocoa, hot sauces and more inspired by Popeye, Olive Oyl, Bluto, Wimpy and Swee’Pea.

“The characters from the Popeye universe deeply resonate with fans around the world, and it’s thrilling to see one of our fan favorites experiencing continued growth,” says Carla Silva, vice president and general manager, global head of licensing at King Features. “And fans should stay tuned because we’re kicking off the new year with even more exciting promotions and products!”

For the latest brand news on Popeye and his friends, please visit Popeye.com.

King Features and Jade City Foods introduce Popeye foods line

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

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.