Icons unite today as Bazooka Bubble Gum joins forces with the legendary DC to bring fans a thrilling series of eight original digital comics. The comics will roll out over the course of the year, taking fans on an unforgettable journey. The world’s greatest Super Heroes from DC will be the first to join Bazooka Joe and His Gang in The Bazookaverse.
Cloudco Entertainment, owner of the Care Bears franchise, is proud to announce six all-new animated Care Bears: Unlock the Magic specials scheduled to debut throughout 2024 on Warner Bros. Discovery’s Max in the U.S. Adding to the 50 episodes previously launched to great acclaim in the U.S. on Max and elsewhere globally, the six (6) all-new “Care Bears: Unlock the Magic” animated specials and their respective launch dates are: “The Quest for The Rainbow Stone” (launched 2/2/24), “Grumpy’s Ginormous Adventure” (3/8/24), “The Star of a Thousand Wishes” (7/5/24), “The Bad Crowd Strikes Back” (9/1/24), “The Mystery of the Snickering Ghost” (10/4/24), and “The No Heart Games” (11/1/24). All of the new specials retain the look and feel of the animated TV series, but lean into bigger, more theatrical themes.
Mattel, a leading global toy company and owner of one of the strongest portfolios of children’s and family entertainment franchises in the world, has announced Thomas & Friends: Let’s Roll, a fun, new mobile app, created in partnership with StoryToys and designed under the guidance of neurodiversity consultants. The app is slated to be released during Autism Acceptance Month in April, with pre-orders now live via Google Play and the App Store.
Sony Pictures Consumer Products invites fans of Ghostbusters to gear up for the next chapter in the iconic franchise with new products and unique collaborations designed to further immerse enthusiasts into the pop culture phenomenon. The robust consumer products program, anchored by key licensees including Hasbro, Funko, Timberland, and Kellogg’s, aligns with a new phase in the Ghostbusters franchise, marked by the much-anticipated arrival of Sony Pictures Entertainment’s latest film, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (premiering March 22 exclusively in movie theaters).
Seltzer Licensing Group has announced its new partnership with Zippo Manufacturing Company as its exclusive licensing agent. Zippo Manufacturing Company is a leading global manufacturer and distributor of the iconic, patented windproof lighter and other outdoor products, including heat banks, hand warmers, fire starters and hand tools among others. Seltzer Licensing Group will be focused on extending Zippo’s equity in Fire, Heat, Cooking and Light into adjacent consumer products within the outdoor space, such as patio heaters, firepits/fire-tables, LP tanks, grills/grilling accessories, log sets and the like.
Fandom-forward retailer BoxLunch is celebrating the fantastical works of Studio Ghibli with their latest collection, available now for fans to purchase! For over three decades, Studio Ghibli has delivered films with overwhelmingly beautiful art and heartwarming stories enjoyed by all ages worldwide. Fans can now explore BoxLunch’s unique 46-piece collection, inspired by two of the Japanese animation studio’s popular films – My Neighbor Totoro and Ponyo. From admirers of the goldfish princess or friends of the cuddly forest spirits, this collection’s range of products including Ponyo and Totoro-themed overalls, hoodies, handbags, pins, and more adorned with iconic imagery from the films that capture the magic of these beloved stories.
Classic strategy mobile game, Castle Clash, is once again collaborating with Universal Products & Experiences to bring new content to the game inspired by DreamWorks Animation’s Kung Fu Panda 4, which is in theaters now. Castle Clash is a popular strategy mobile game with over 100 million downloads worldwide. The game combines various gameplay elements, including base building, tower defense, and real-time strategy.
ToyFest concluded its 11th tradeshow in Las Vegas, held at the World Market Center. Toy & Gift Stores from across the US attended the Las Vegas Show including stores from 48 states and 24 international countries. The Las Vegas Market held their Spring Buying event parallel with ToyFest which made for an even better shopping experience for Retailers. “What a week! ToyFest 2024 was filled with buyers from all over the country. The show had great energy and excitement, allowing everyone to enjoy all ToyFest had to offer. Resorts World was once again a lovely host hotel. I can’t wait for 2025 as we continue to make ToyFest the best it can be for all.” said Sandy Lepire, ToyFest President.
The LEGO Group has reported earnings for the full year 2023. The company grew revenue two percent to DKK 65.9 billion despite a difficult external operating environment and significantly outpaced the toy market, growing market share. Operating profit was a solid DKK 17.1 billion as the company accelerated spending on short- and long-term strategic initiatives.