License to Fill: Lio, Nancy, Ziggy, and Snoopy Too
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As Nancy enters a new creative era under acclaimed cartoonist Caroline Cash, three enduring properties accelerate global licensing, promotional, consumer products, and entertainment initiatives.
Andrews McMeel Universal
Andrews McMeel Universal’s Licensing department has announced a new partnership with Bridge Licensing involving three classic comic characters. Christina Duzan provides the details:
“Andrews McMeel Universal (AMU) today announced a new global licensing partnership naming Bridge Licensing as the licensing agency for the iconic comic properties Ziggy, Nancy, and Lio. The appointment covers worldwide consumer products, promotional partnerships, digital products, gaming initiatives, and experiential licensing opportunities.”
AMU describes the properties available:
“Ziggy, created by the late Tom Wilson and continued today by his son, Tom Wilson, Jr., remains one of the most recognizable and beloved characters in American popular culture. With his optimistic outlook, relatable observations, and unmistakable visual style, Ziggy continues to connect with audiences today as meaningfully as ever.”
“Lio, created by Mark Tatulli, has cultivated a passionate following through its distinctive visual storytelling, clever humor, and imaginative world-building. Its unique creative voice and instantly recognizable aesthetic create compelling opportunities for innovative consumer products.”
AMU is giving a renewed push to Nancy under the guidance of the comic strip’s new cartoonist:
“Nancy, one of the most influential and longest-running comic strips in history, is entering an exciting new era under acclaimed cartoonist Caroline Cash. While honoring the property’s rich heritage and iconic place in popular culture, Cash’s fresh creative vision is introducing Nancy to a new generation of fans and reinforcing the brand’s contemporary relevance. The combination of legendary brand recognition and new creative momentum creates an exciting platform.”
A year ago Bridge Licensing entered a partnership with Archie Comics for global promotion.
Peanuts Remains the License Leader
They could be the world’s hardest-working septuagenarians. You can find them on playing cards and puzzles, clocks and cameras, pajamas and sweatshirts.
Scott Cacciola, The New York Times
Scott Cacciola for The New York Times puts the spotlight on the leader of comic strip licensing (or here).
“Peanuts Worldwide, which manages the brand, has more than 1,000 active corporate partnerships, a company spokeswoman said.
“There are $10 action figures and luxury watches featuring Snoopy priced at nearly $10,000. A new Christmas special, “12 Days of Snoopy,” premieres Friday on Apple TV. Later this month, a balloon depicting Joe Cool, Snoopy’s alter ego, will join the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.”
Snoopy, Charlie Brown, and the other Peanuts characters are loved worldwide and there are not enough items to satisfy the global demand.
“Expect to see a lot more of Charlie Brown and friends in the years to come. In March, Sony became the majority owner of Peanuts Worldwide, increasing its ownership stake to 80 percent from 39 percent. Shortly before the $457 million deal closed, Sony announced plans to ‘further grow the scale of the business and further increase the value of the brand’ by making it even more accessible.
“Could that result in too much a good thing?
“’We’re always kind of struggling with: How do you keep the brand alive, but also keep it real and genuine, and not have people get sick of it?’ Melissa Menta, a senior vice president at Peanuts Worldwide, said. The answer, she continued, comes down to thoughtfulness and attention to detail.”
As for that other popular comic strip Calvin and Hobbes there will be across social media a plethora of pirated products offered for purchase with their images emblazoned on them this holiday season faster than Andrews McMeel’s lawyers can stymie them. Not one penny going to creator Bill Watterson – do not buy them. The only licensed Calvin and Hobbes products are the AMP books.
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