Rap and anime are two genres that are dominant in pop culture and have a high profile in the collaborative fashion space. And they are increasingly coming together in streetwear collections that pair rap artists with existing anime properties or that integrate anime-style imagery of the rappers themselves. Most of the musicians involved have spoken […]
Tag Archives | VIZ Media
Binge-worthy Spin-offs
Streaming platforms are becoming increasingly active in the licensing and merchandising arena. Leading players are launching outbound licensing programs for properties in which they have an ownership stake, as well as, in some cases, those they represent on behalf of the IP owners whose content they stream: Netflix, credited as the first streamer to have […]
Characters Qualify for the Olympics
Licensed characters are playing a starring role this year in promoting national Olympic teams, Olympic sports, the Tokyo Olympic Games, and the Olympic spirit in general, both officially and non-officially. There is still some uncertainty surrounding the event, which is set to kick off on July 23, after a year-long pandemic delay, amid rising numbers […]
Books and Bonus Content
Book and comic book publishers have long sought some sort of added value to differentiate their licensed titles from their competitors’, give retailers something exclusive, and entice consumers. These perks historically have been likely to take forms such as premiums (e.g., crayons or collectible toys) affixed to the cover; design elements (foil or sparkles, a […]
Seriously Comical
A large percentage of the top-performing entertainment/character properties in recent years come from the comic universe, most prominently from the two industry titans, Disney-owned Marvel and Warner Bros.-owned DC Comics. Other comic book publishers also are involved in outbound licensing. Their activity, which has long been a fact of life but seems to be on […]