LIMA

India’s Top Cricket Team (The Kolkata Knight Riders) appoints The Wild East Group as Licensing Agent

Marty Brochstein — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 15:02:59 +0000

February 16, 2011 – Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) announced today that they have appointed The Wild East Group, India’s leading business development and licensing agency, to help develop their brand’s sports merchandising program, globally. The Wild East Group will be working exclusively with KKR to secure best-in-class licensing partners across a range of apparel, fan merchandise, sports equipment, and other popular lifestyle categories.

Sid Shah, President of The Wild East Group said, “We are honored to be working with the KKR team, India’s most successful sports franchise. The IPL has become one of the world’s largest sports associations in a very short amount of time, and KKR is a key building block to the association’s success. When you think about pure marketing power, KKR has paved the way in terms of brand placements, sponsorships, and popularity. KKR has consistently demonstrated the ability to run their organization in a very sophisticated and forward thinking manner, and we are proud to have been assigned to help them extend their reach into new areas and to bring the brand to life through new licensed collaborations.”

Venky Mysore, Managing Director of KKR, comments: “I believe brand KKR has become one of the most valuable brands in India and presents significant opportunity in merchandising and licensing. We expect the partnership with Wild East Group to be able to leverage these opportunities for fans globally as well as to bring synergies to other brands.”

About Kolkata Knight Riders:
The Knight Riders represent the city of Kolkata in the Indian Premier League. KKR is one of the most visible and trusted sports brands in the country. The team plays it’s home matches at the Eden Gardens, one of the greatest venues in world cricket. KKR is owned by Shahrukh Khan, Juhi Chawla and Jay Mehta and headed by CEO and Managing Director, Venky Mysore.

The Knight Riders are led on the field by Gautam Gambhir and the young and dynamic squad includes some of the finest players in international cricket like Jacques Kallis, Brett Lee, Brendon McCullum, Yusuf Pathan and Manoj Tiwary. The coaching staff is headed by Trevor Bayliss, who can count on pace legend Wasim Akram and Vijay Dahiya for support.

About The Wild East Group:
The Wild East Group, a boutique business development and licensing agency with a focus on the Indian market, extends brands through the creative development of licensed products and strategic partnerships. The company works with Tier 1 brands and other high-profile clients to leverage licensing as a strategic tool to enhance brand awareness, increase consumer touch-points, and generate revenue. Headquartered in Mumbai, India, The Wild East Group’s global reach includes offices in Los Angeles with affiliates around the world. For more information, please visit www.wildeastgroup.com.

Contact:
President: Sid Shah
sid@wildeastgroup.com

JAKKS Pacific’s Tollytots(R) Division Signs Master Toy Deal for Roma Downey’s Little Angels

Marty Brochstein — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 13:17:39 +0000

MALIBU, Calif., Feb 22, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) –Tollytots(R), the infant and preschool division of leading U.S. toy company JAKKS Pacific (Nasdaq: JAKK), has signed a worldwide master toy license to manufacture, market and distribute a line of preschool and early learning toys for infants and toddlers based on the Little Angels. Created by executive producer Roma Downey (“Touched by an Angel”) and writer Phil Lollar (“Adventures in Odyssey”), Little Angels is the critically-acclaimed, faith-based educational DVD series from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment.

Little Angels is an animated DVD series created for preschool-aged children to teach practical learning skills, like ABCs and 1,2,3s, but also to introduce them to the spiritual, moral and ethical principles of the Bible. Little Angels books, CDs and apps are also available.

The new Little Angels toy line from Tollytots will cover a broad range of categories including dolls and accessories, plush, preschool, role play, electronic learning toys, games and puzzles, educational and musical toys, building and construction toys, kids furniture, ride-ons and more, and is expected to launch in fall 2013.

“We are thrilled to partner with Tollytots, and trust their expertise to create a line of toys that further the educational and spiritual teachings of the Little Angels series and continue our commitment to creating faith-based, quality products for families,” said Roma Downey, creator and executive producer of Little Angels.

Darryl Wizenberg, President of Tollytots, adds, “We are looking forward to introducing children to the joys of learning and friendship with a comprehensive line of Little Angels products and helping to provide children with real practical skills while teaching core family values. Kids won’t even realize that they are learning essential skills when they are having so much fun.”

About JAKKS Pacific, Inc.
JAKKS Pacific, Inc. (NASDAQ: JAKK) is a leading designer and marketer of toys and consumer products with a wide range of products that feature popular brands and children’s toy licenses. JAKKS’ diverse portfolio includes Action Figures, Electronics, Dolls, Dress-Up, Role Play, Halloween Costumes, Kids Furniture, Vehicles, Plush, Art Activity Kits, Seasonal Products, Infant/Pre-School, Construction Toys, Ride-On Vehicles, Wagons, Inflatable Environments and Tents, and Pet Toys sold under various proprietary brands including JAKKS Pacific(R), Creative Designs International(TM), Road Champs(R), Funnoodle(R), JAKKS Pets(TM), Plug It In & Play TV Games(TM), Kids Only!(TM), Tollytots(R), Disguise(R) and Moose Mountain(R). JAKKS is an award-winning licensee of several hundred nationally and internationally known trademarks including Nickelodeon(R), Warner Bros.(R), Ultimate Fighting Championship(R), Hello Kitty(R), Graco(R), Cabbage Patch Kids(R) and Pokémon(R). www.jakks.com

Tollytots
Carolyn Sutton, 214-454-9214
carolyn@tollytots.com
or
JAKKS Pacific, Inc.
Anne-Marie Feliciano, 310-455-6245
anne-marief@jakks.net

Penguin Children’s Books Announce Deal with Activision Publishing, Inc. for Skylanders Spyro’s Adventure™

Marty Brochstein — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 20:58:24 +0000

London,21st February 2012 — Penguin Children’s Books today announced a global licensing partnership with Activision Publishing, Inc. a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and leisure productsfor a series of books and apps to sit alongside Skylanders Spyro’s Adventure, which was the #1 best-selling kid’s video game of 2011, according to NPD.

The Skylanders publishing programme will be the next tie-in range to expand a digital brand with exclusive downloads, guides to the world and original stories that are inspired by the game.

Penguin Children’s Books will publish five titles under its Media & Entertainment imprint from spring 2012 and in an industry first, the debut title will be an ebook: The Doomsday Quest which releases in April. The physical Doomsday Man title will publish in October, along with Master Eon’s Official Guide, Magic & Tech Handbook and a Sticker Book.

Eric Huang, Publishing Director for Media & Entertainment at Penguin Children’s Books, explains: “Skylanders Spyro’s Adventure is such an innovative and exciting brand for kids aged six and older as it has everything a kid could wish for – mythical worlds, collectible figurines, portal masters and the opportunity to be a hero. Our publishing programme aims to expand the Skylanders universe and help position the brand as the number 1 boy brand of 2012.”

Ashley Maidy, Head of Global Licensing and Partnerships for Activision Publishing adds: “Since the debut of Skylanders Spyro’s Adventure this fall, kids have embraced the loveable characters and the magical storyline. We are thrilled to partner with Penguin and look forward to creating books that showcase the characters and their unique personalities in stories that will delight kids all over the world.”

In Skylanders Spyro’s Adventure, kids take on the role of a powerful Portal Master, leader of over 30 different characters, including the beloved purple dragon Spyro. Each of these creatures has been cast out of Skylands by the sinister Portal Master Kaos, and frozen in our world as toys. Players will embark on a magical journey; treasure hunting, solving puzzles and doing battle with fantastic, otherworldly enemies in a bid to bring the frozen guardians back to life and safely reunite them in the Skylands.

For more information, be sure to visit the official Skylanders Spyro’s Adventure game website: www.skylanders.com.

For further information, please contact:
Emma Nicholls, Head of Publicity, Penguin Children’s Books
emma.nicholls@uk.penguingroup.com
020 7010 3058

Penguin Children’s Books
Penguin Children’s Books won Children’s Publisher of the Year at the Bookseller Industry Awards for 2011. It comprises the following imprints: Ladybird, Warne, Sunbird, Puffin and Razorbill. The Penguin Children’s Group has paved the way in publishing tie-in books behind interactvie brands like Club Penguin and Moshi Monsters.

Activision Publishing, Inc.
Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Activision Publishing, Inc. is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and leisure products. Activision maintains operations in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Sweden, Spain, Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, Australia, South Korea, China and the region of Taiwan. More information about Activision and its products can be found on the company\’s website, www.activision.com.

© 2012 Activision Publishing, Inc. Skylanders Spyro’s Adventure is a trademark and Spyro and Activision are registered trademarks of Activision Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. All other trademarks and trade names are the properties of their respective owners.

Preeminent Dancer/Choreographer Kelly Connolly Appoints M!KE Licensing as Exclusive Licensing Agent

Marty Brochstein — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 20:46:51 +0000

East Rutherford, NJ February 21, 2012 – M!KE Licensing (www.mikelicensing.com), one of the nation’s leading licensing firms, announced today that that the firm has been appointed exclusive licensing agent by prominent and accomplished dancer, choreographer, actress, designer and fitness expert, Kelly Connolly (www.kellyconnolly.com).

Kelly has a lustrous history of performances and appearances on many accredited TV shows, motion pictures and musicals. She has developed into one of the most exquisite and eclectic performance artists of today with the honor to recently be named “All Around Best Female Dancer,” by Dance Track Magazine in 2011.

“Our goal is to establish Kelly Connolly’s name within the retail market as an artistic, fresh and forever active lifestyle brand. Her reputation and creativity will only help build this brand as a consumer favorite. From fitness/dance videos, to exercise equipment, to health products, to workout wear, Kelly has the versatility, the necessary captivating personality and smart business sense to successfully execute herself as a consumer brand name with sustainable likeability. We are very excited to be working together on this project and can already feel the market appeal,” said Kerri Zupp, licensing manager of M!KE Licensing.

“M!KE Licensing’s demonstrated success and commitment to brand integrity make the company the ideal partner as I introduce new products aimed to help people achieve a variety of personal and fitness-related goals,” said Kelly Connolly. “I’ve been blessed to have been part of so many successful projects, and I’m excited to give back and share my knowledge and experiences in the form of products that will truly benefit people in ways that are fun, practical and physically impactful.”

M!KE Licensing
Kerri Zupp
Licensing Manager
One Meadowlands Plaza
East Rutherford, NJ 07073
p 646.214.5918
c 201.282.9215
f 646.214.5919
mikelicensing.com

Topps & GelaSkins Partner for Mars Attacks

Marty Brochstein — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 20:42:51 +0000

Electronics Skins and Hard Cases Now Available

Famed trading card company Topps has teamed up with electronics accessory taste-maker, GelaSkins, to release the classic card series MARS ATTACKS on skins for over 150 digital devices, as part of the brand’s 50th Anniversary licensing campaign.

For the last five years GelaSkins has been working with hundreds of internationally renowned artists to bring the best in art to their removable vinyl decals for electronics devices including cell phones, laptops and gaming accessories— including the recently-added hard case for iPhone. The skins are fully removable and back with a 3M adhesive that comes off residue free, while the snap-on, polycarbonate hard case offers even more protection.

“We’re excited to be partnering with GelaSkins on an exclusive line of electronics skins,” said Topps Licensing Manager Adam Levine, “their high quality skins and cases are second to none, and we’re proud to be a part of their growing stable of artists and brands.”

The initial release contains 12 stunning images from the original 1962 card series, along with a few more recent artist renditions of the top selling collection, such as the famous “Spy Girl.” Mars Attacks is celebrating it’s 50th anniversary in 2012, with major product launches— including an all-new comic book series from IDW Publishing, action figures from Mezco Toyz and a commemorative trading card set, among others. “Mars Attacks will surely be a hot ticket to watch over the next 12 months and beyond,” said Gelaskins’ Brian Dunn, “and these new products allow fans old and new to display the iconic imagery from the classic series on all of their favorite devices.”

The Mars Attacks skins and cases are available at GelaSkins.com and range from $14.95 to $34.95 plus shipping.

For all the latest news and information on Mars Attacks, follow on facebook: www.facebook.com/MarsAttacks

For further information on GelaSkins or to review samples and wholesale pricing, please contact:

Brian Dunn
brian@gelaskins.com
(416) 519 1360

For More information on Topps, please contact:

Adam Levine
alevine@topps.com

Hear, Hear: What Brand Marketers Can Learn from The Voice

Carol Spieckerman — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 15:32:48 +0000

I’m addicted to NBC’s“The Voice.” There, I said it. But I’m not alone–the blind-judging song-fest has launched ahead of CBS’s reigning line-up of comedies by a 64 percent margin, is currently the highest-rated network show of the season and enjoys an enviable level of social-media engagement. The show’s better-than-“Idol” talent pool, genre-spanning panel of celebrity songbird coaches, and talent-before-looks hook provide plenty of reasons to give The Voice a listen. Personally, I can’t help but see it as a modern metaphor for brand marketer/retailer dynamics and see several lessons to be learned from the show:

Consistency is King– The Voice’s judges can’t see contestants’ audition performances, and can only hear them. The second a false note, quake or disquieting quirk hits a judge’s ears, their hand retreats from the button that lets them vie for adding the performer to their team. Banal contestants who demonstrate consistency frequently win favor over those who deliver flashes of greatness.

The same holds true for brand marketers. In consumer and shopper marketing, “seamlessness” has become a big buzzword, but as a point of differentiation when working with retailers, it’s an oft-overlooked advantage. Retailers will take their hands off of the brand button if you or your licensing partners are inconsistent in messaging or execution, and particularly if your brand tactics compromise their vision for their brand. Retailers favor safety over sizzle for a reason.

Play the Field – Viewing a single episode of The Voice will make it clear that once one judge pushes a button, the other judges are far more likely to jump in to keep from missing out on grabbing a major talent for their team. From there, the show’s topsy-turvy dynamic has judges competing against one another to woo newly-anointed contestants over. Now, the contestant is in charge as they carefully weigh which judge will have the highest probability of coaching them to greatness.

As retailers move far beyond the core categories that used to define them, your distribution options expand as well. Your initial retail “button pusher” may be a fan but they may not be the best, or the only, choice for driving your rise to brand greatness, so choose carefully and evaluate expansion opportunities on a regular basis. If you don’t put your brands out there, you’ll never know who else might want to jump in.

Rock the Big Reveal– Once a Voice judge presses their button, their chair twists around, giving them a full view of the rest of the contestant’s performance. At this point, judges can either be seen beaming as a fully-packaged star-in-the-making greets their hungry eyes, or attempting to mask disappointment when they behold a fixer-upper. Similarly, once a retailer has made a decision in favor of your brand, it’s only the beginning. Think of your big reveal as when you and your brand partners execute programs under pressure.

Just as there is no shortage of aspiring stars-in-the-making, retailers have plenty of brands vying for their attention these days, including those created by their internal brand teams. Once a retailer puts you in their consideration set, you’ve crossed a major threshold, but your work doesn’t stop there. Will your performance have them congratulating themselves on their choice or going back on the hunt for a fresher face?

Want to continue the conversation? We welcome your comments!
For more retail insights, visit www.newmarketbuilders.com
Contact Carol directly at carol@newmarketbuilders.com or follow her on Twitter @retailxpert

VBM Announces Appointment as British & Irish Lions Global Licensing Agent for 2013 Tour to Australia

Marty Brochstein — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 14:50:34 +0000

Velocity Brand Management (VBM) has been appointed the exclusive global licensing agent by the British & Irish Lions for the much anticipated 2013 Tour to Australia. This is the Lions’ first time back to Australia since the memorable 2001 Tour that saw over 20,000 British & Irish Lions supporters venture south to support the team at sell out test venues across the country. The ten match 2013 Tour schedule kicks off in Hong Kong on the 1st June where the Lions will play the Barbarians, before moving to Perth and across the continent, culminating with the 3rd and final Test in Sydney on the 6th July.

Dave Kavanagh, Commercial Director for the British & Irish Lions said “We are very happy to have secured the services of a specialist licensing partner with the experience and track record of VBM. Licensing is becoming an increasingly important part of how the Lions brand is promoted and presented to rugby fans all over the world and never more so than in the period leading into a Tour. We very much look forward to working with VBM to create a first class licensing programme in keeping with all that ‘The Lions’ stands for”.

VBM’s Managing Director James Ashworth added “We are absolutely delighted to be working with the Lions, a prestigious brand that sits perfectly alongside our expanding portfolio of sports properties here in the UK. Early demand from licensees has been positive and we are looking to put forward a collection of products befitting the demographic of supporters here at home and travelling to fly the flag”

Warner Bros. Consumer Products Taps JAKKS Pacific to Create Novelty Figures & Plush Based on DC Comics Heroes & Villains

Marty Brochstein — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 14:32:44 +0000

Line To Kick-Off With Products Inspired By Summer Blockbuster The Dark Knight Rises

MALIBU, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Feb. 16, 2012– Leading U.S. toymaker JAKKS Pacific, Inc. (Nasdaq: JAKK), announced today a licensing agreement with Warner Bros. Consumer Products to manufacture, distribute and market a line of novelty and large scale figures and plush under its Creative Designs International (CDI) division, based on the DC Comics Super Heroes and Super Villains. CDI will launch the DC Comics product line in summer 2012 to coincide with the release of one of the most anticipated films of 2012, The Dark Knight Rises, as the epic conclusion to filmmaker Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy, which is scheduled to open in theaters on July 20.

“We are confident that JAKKS will bring its trademark creativity to this new toy line inspired by the DC Comics Super Heroes and Super Villains,” said Karen McTier, executive vice president of Domestic Licensing and Worldwide Marketing for Warner Bros. Consumer Products.

The license includes the right to include in the new figures and plush line products based on many other popular DC Comics Super Heroes and Villains, including Batman, Superman, Green Lantern, The Flash, The Joker and Darkseid.

“In bringing our own extensive expertise to the development and marketing of novelty figures, large scale figures and plush based on blockbuster action entertainment, JAKKS makes a real contribution to the ongoing excitement surrounding The Dark Knight Rises and the broader DC Comics pantheon,” said John Blaney, Executive Vice President of Marketing for CDI, a division of JAKKS Pacific. “We are particularly excited to introduce to our boy audience our 30” scale, multi-articulated Batman based on The Dark Knight Rises.”

The DC Comics and The Dark Knight Rises product lines from CDI will be available at major retailers in summer 2012.

About Warner Bros. Consumer Products
Warner Bros. Consumer Products, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, is one of the leading licensing and retail merchandising organizations in the world.

About DC Entertainment
DC Entertainment, home to iconic brands DC Comics (Superman, Batman, Green Lantern, Wonder Woman, The Flash), Vertigo (Sandman, Fables) and MAD, is the creative division charged with strategically integrating its content across Warner Bros. Entertainment and Time Warner. DC Entertainment works in concert with many key Warner Bros. divisions to unleash its stories and characters across all media, including but not limited to film, television, consumer products, home entertainment and interactive games. Publishing thousands of comic books, graphic novels and magazines each year, DC Entertainment is the largest English-language publisher of comics in the world. In January 2012, DC Entertainment, in collaboration with Warner Bros. and Time Warner divisions, launched We Can Be Heroes — a giving campaign featuring the iconic Justice League super heroes — to raise awareness and funds to fight the hunger crisis in the Horn of Africa.

About JAKKS Pacific, Inc.
JAKKS Pacific, Inc. (NASDAQ: JAKK) is a leading designer and marketer of toys and consumer products with a wide range of products that feature popular brands and children’s toy licenses. JAKKS’ diverse portfolio includes Action Figures, Electronics, Dolls, Dress-Up, Role Play, Halloween Costumes, Kids Furniture, Vehicles, Plush, Art Activity Kits, Seasonal Products, Infant/Pre-School, Construction Toys, Ride-On Vehicles, Wagons, Inflatable Environments and Tents, and Pet Toys sold under various proprietary brands including JAKKS Pacific®, Creative Designs International™, Road Champs®, Funnoodle®, JAKKS Pets™, Plug It In & Play TV Games™, Kids Only!™, Tollytots®, Disguise® and Moose Mountain®. JAKKS is an award-winning licensee of several hundred nationally and internationally known trademarks including Nickelodeon®, Warner Bros.®, Ultimate Fighting Championship®, Hello Kitty®, Graco®, Cabbage Patch Kids® and Pokémon®. www.jakks.com

JAKKS Pacific Sings a New Tune with a License Agreement for Toys Inspired by Top-Selling App, Songify™

Marty Brochstein — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 14:29:44 +0000

MALIBU, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Feb. 15, 2012– Leading U.S. toymaker JAKKS Pacific, Inc. (Nasdaq: JAKK) announced today a license agreement with Khush, a leading developer of intelligent music applications, to create an innovative new product inspired by the best-selling “Songify” app. Songify, developed in part by YouTube sensations The Gregory Brothers along with Khush, launched in the summer of 2011 as the first mobile app that turns speech into music instantly. JAKKS Pacific plans to bring the popular technology to the toy aisle this summer.

With more than 7 million downloads and 100 million songs created to date, Songify can carry anyone’s tune by using technology that transforms spoken words into song. JAKKS’ Songify toy will allow users to simply press record and talk directly into the toy, which instantly analyzes their speech, slices it into a chorus and verses while mapping it to a melody, and produces a beat to go along with the corrected voice pitch. The Songify toy will combine all of these into a finished song. Users can then listen to the song in a variety of styles, select their favorite one, save it and play it.

“Partnering with Songify aligns with our strategy of combining technology with entertainment and creating the hottest consumer products that target how kids today interact with smart phones and tablets,” said Michael Bernstein, Senior Vice President of Marketing, JAKKS Pacific, Inc. “With Songify, we are taking a successful app and turning it into a tangible product that we believe kids and adults alike will have a lot of fun spending countless hours creating music and sharing their recordings with family and friends.”

“The success of the Songify iPhone app has shown that people everywhere have an innate desire to turn moments of everyday life into song,” said Prerna Gupta, Chief Executive Officer of Khush, Inc. “We are thrilled to be taking this unique technology into the toy aisle with the Songify device and hope it will allow more people to experience the joys of ‘Songification.’”

JAKKS Pacific debuted its “Songify” toy at the American International Toy Fair in New York this week.

About Khush, Inc.
Khush is an app development studio, now part of leading social music company Smule, Inc., that creates intelligent music apps. Khush’s goal is to make music self-expression as ubiquitous as social expression is today, with apps such as Songify and LaDiDa, which have been used to create over 125 million songs worldwide. Khush’s music technology lets users find their voice and express themselves with the help of advanced artificial intelligence. Based in Atlanta, Khush was founded in 2009 by Prerna Gupta, Parag Chordia and Alex Rae and is backed by 500 Startups (Dave McClure), the National Science Foundation, Georgia Research Alliance and Shotput Ventures. To start making beautiful music today, visit http://khu.sh.

About The Gregory Brothers
The Gregory Brothers combine music, technology and humor to reach millions, and their unique, satirical YouTube series Songify This and Auto-Tune the News has caught the ears of the world. While they continue to work on making their YouTube jams, The Gregory Brothers now tour the country speaking at colleges, playing at rock and comedy clubs, and are in the process of making a pilot for Comedy Central. Their hit “The Bed Intruder Song” was the first YouTube video to cross over onto the Billboard Hot 100.

About JAKKS Pacific, Inc.
JAKKS Pacific, Inc. (NASDAQ: JAKK) is a leading designer and marketer of toys and consumer products with a wide range of products that feature popular brands and children’s toy licenses. JAKKS’ diverse portfolio includes Action Figures, Electronics, Dolls, Dress-Up, Role Play, Halloween Costumes, Kids Furniture, Vehicles, Plush, Art Activity Kits, Seasonal Products, Infant/Pre-School, Construction Toys, Ride-On Vehicles, Wagons, Inflatable Environments and Tents, and Pet Toys sold under various proprietary brands including JAKKS Pacific®, Creative Designs International™, Road Champs®, Funnoodle®, JAKKS Pets™, Plug It In & Play TV Games™, Kids Only!™, Tollytots®, Disguise® and Moose Mountain®. JAKKS is an award-winning licensee of several hundred nationally and internationally known trademarks including Nickelodeon®, Warner Bros.®, Ultimate Fighting Championship®, Hello Kitty®, Graco®, Cabbage Patch Kids® and Pokémon®. www.jakks.com

JAKKS Pacific Debuts Toys for Epic Boys Action Adventure Property, Monsuno at the American International Toy Fair

Marty Brochstein — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 14:26:30 +0000

MALIBU, Calif., Feb 13, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) –JAKKS Pacific, Inc. (Nasdaq:JAKK) debuts the much-anticipated toy line based on the original animated entertainment franchise Monsuno(TM). The comprehensive toy line, featuring innovative, kid-controlled action figures, accessories, combat sets, collectibles, electronics and integrated role play, brings the larger-than-life adventures of the Monsuno animated series into kids’ hands.

“The strong reception we have received thus far for Monsuno underscores our belief that Monsuno is poised to become an outstanding world wide boys’ action adventure property,” said Stephen Berman, President and CEO, JAKKS Pacific, Inc. “We are excited to finally introduce our innovative, action-driven Monsuno toys and the animated series to children all over the world.”

Highlights for the Monsuno toy line include:

Unleash the power of your Monsuno monster with the Monsuno Metal Die-Cast Core(TM). These collectible die-cast metal Monsuno cores are based on battling monster creatures from the Monsuno animated TV series. Awesome, extended spin performance at a great price! (SRP $2.99)

Spin into action and transform into battle with the all-new Monsuno Core(TM) and Transforming Action Figures. Collect hundreds of favorite characters from the Monsuno Animated TV Series for amazing transformation reveal and controllable, fast-action battle play. Each 1-pack comes with 1 collectible Monsuno core, 1 transforming action figure and 3 collector game cards. (SRP $7.99)

The Monsuno Core Combat 2-Packs equip you with double the Monsuno action. Increase your collection or ‘Spin-Impact-Battle’ it out with friends! Each 2-pack comes with 2 collectible Monsuno cores, 2 transforming action figures and 6 collector game cards. (SRP $14.99) Also comes in a 4-pack version – the ultimate gift or collector item! Monsuno Core Combat 4-Packs feature exclusive action figures & cores not available in the 1-Packs of 2-Packs. Each 4-pack comes with 4 collectible Monsuno cores, 4 transforming action figures and 12 Topps collector game cards. (SRP $27.99)

The Monsuno Wild Core brings motorized, electronic chaos to any battle. Be the first to spin your Monsuno Cores (sold separately) into impact with the Wild Core for a powerful payoff! Each Wild Core comes with an exclusive Topps collector game card. (SRP $14.99)

Be Monsuno battle-ready at all times! Take Monsuno Cores, Action Figures & Cards (each sold separately) on-the-go with the high-tech animation-inspired Monsuno Stock Clip. (SRP $7.99)

Maximize your Monsuno power and control with the Monsuno Strike Launcher(R). Squeeze launcher to release the core (sold separately) with increased spin, speed and total Monsuno mayhem! (SRP $11.99) Reap ultimate spinning chaos on the battlefield with the Monsuno Auto Strike Multi-Launcher(TM). The Multi-Launcher rapid fires up to 5 cores (sold separately). (SRP $19.99)

Launch your Monsuno Cores and action figures (sold separately) into head-to-head battle competition in the high-tech engineered Monsuno Launch Zone(TM). The Launch Zone allows for contained combat as competitors launch, spin and transform their Monsuno action figures into battle! (SRP $11.99) No table? No hard floor? No problem! The Monsuno Strike Sector(TM) allows for fast-paced Monsuno battle action anytime, anywhere. Quickly & easily snaps apart and folds up for easy transport. Comes with bonus on-the-go battle bag! (SRP $24.99)

JAKKS Pacific’s Monsuno product line is expected to be available at major retailers nationwide in March 2012. For more information, please visit www.monsuno.com.

The Monsuno animated series will premiere with two back-to-back half-hour episodes on Thursday, Feb. 23, at 8:00 p.m. (ET) on Nicktoons and will air in its regular timeslot on Thursdays at 8:30 p.m. In the 52-episode series, the fate of the world lies in the hands of a group of heroic kids who wrestle with the power to command and battle creatures called Monsuno. Monsuno will also air on Nickelodeon channels around the world, starting Summer 2012.

About Monsuno
The Monsuno series is being co-produced by Pacific Animation Partners LLC, a joint venture between JAKKS Pacific, Inc. & Dentsu Entertainment USA, Inc., with FremantleMedia Enterprises and The Topps Company, Inc. FremantleMedia Enterprises will be responsible for the exclusive worldwide distribution of Monsuno TV programming except for Asia and act as the Master Licensing agent for the Monsuno brand outside of Asia. JAKKS Pacific is the creator of the underlying Monsuno property and master toymaker for the Monsuno toy line. The Topps Company has signed on to produce Monsuno trading card games, confectioneries and related products.