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Max and Ruby Gets Theatrical Adaptation

Koba Entertainment has added Max and Ruby: Bunny Party, a musical adaptation of Nickelodeon’s Max and Ruby series, to its family of touring theatrical productions. The 90-minute theatrical event is currently in production and is backed by a creative team that includes Max and Ruby book series creator Rosemary Wells as the script consultant and Norman Foote as the music and lyrics writer. The show will be directed and conceived by Patti Caplette.

The theatrical tour will begin in western Canada this fall and will continue throughout Canada and the United States into 2011. Koba Entertainment will hold exclusive theatrical rights for Max and Ruby in North America.

Stan Lee Announces New Comic Book Label

A Squared (A2) Entertainment, Archie Comics. and Stan Lee (founder, chairman, and chief creative officer of POW! Entertainment) announced at Comic-Con a new comic book label, Stan Lee Comics.

Stan Lee Comics, based on new and original creations from Lee, will be published across both print and digital formats. Stan Lee Comics will also produce related animated and live action entertainment, including webisodes and games. The new creations by Lee will be licensed and merchandised globally, in categories such as toys, video games, publishing, and apparel.

This year, Stan Lee Comics introduces three new superhero franchises including the world’s first reality comic book. Stan Lee makes his debut as a featured character in Stan Lee and the Super Seven when he befriends seven aliens who find themselves stranded after their spaceship crashes. The second franchise, Airwalker, was teased in last week’s episode of Entourage, which airs on HBO. The third franchise of Stan Lee Comics will be announced in October.

A2 will manage animated and live programming, as well as global licensing and merchandising. Archie Comics will be responsible for the publication of the comics, in both print and digital formats. Lee will be involved with all of the creations for Stan Lee Comics.

Demon Records to Release Waybuloo Single

RDF Rights, part of the RDF Media Group, has licensed Demon Records the publishing rights to release a Waybuloo single, “Waybuloo Time For Yogo.” The song features some of the Pipling signature phrases and yogo movements that appear in the preschool series, which airs on the UK’s CBeebies.

“Waybuloo Time For Yogo” will be released digitally on August 9, and will be followed by the digital/CD album release of Waybuloo a World of Musical Happiness on September 6.

Waybuloo launched in the UK in May 2009 on CBeebies. The series now airs in 79 countries worldwide and RDF Rights has secured 34 licensees to date in the UK.

RDF Rights holds worldwide rights in all media in the property, with the exception of Canada where Decode Enterprises handles broadcast and home entertainment rights, and DHX Licensing represents consumer products rights.

Report: Decline in Number of U.S. Gift Givers for Kids 0-2

According to Juvenile Products: 2010 Edition by The NPD Group, there has been a decline in the number of U.S. consumers who buy gifts for kids ages 0-2 in an average year. Since 2007, when the original Juvenile Products report was published, that number has declined from 47 percent to 40 percent.

The 2010 report also states that while the number of people buying gifts in a typical year has declined, the amount spent on baby showers and holidays has increased slightly. New baby gifts rose from $26 to $29. The report also states that grandparents spend the most on new baby gifts, an average of $72.

For the entire juvenile product category, clothing and layette was the most popular purchases in the past year, followed by toys, and books/music/video.

Purrfect Puzzles Releases Products Featuring Famous Architecture Images

Purrfect Puzzles has signed an agreement with international photographer Achim Bednorz to release three high-end puzzles featuring some of Bednorz’ most famous religious architecture images. The new 1000-piece puzzles feature Bednorz’ photos of La Sainte-Chapelle in Paris, the Papal Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi in Italy, and the Lincoln Cathedral in England. The puzzles are sold in bookstores, religious shops, and specialty retailers across the U.S. and Europe.

Discovery Bay to Launch Oxford Game Collection at Barnes & Noble

Stone America Licensing has announced the launch of Discovery Bay Games’ Oxford Game Collection at Barnes & Noble for spring 2011. The line will showcase the history of the University of Oxford in traditional games, including chess and checkers sets with gargoyle components, traditional cribbage, liar’s dice, dominoes, card sets, an authentic trivia game, and both jigsaw and pop-out puzzles.

Following the launch at Barnes & Noble, the products will be available at other retailers, including Borders, K-Mart, Nordstrom, Toys “R” Us, and specialty toy retailers. Additionally, they will be available online at Amazon.com, Barnesandnoble.com, Target.com, and Toysrus.com.

JAKKS Pacific to Manufacture Product Line for Real Steel

JAKKS Pacific, Inc., has signed a master toy licensing agreement with DreamWorks Studios to manufacture, distribute, and market a line of toys based on the upcoming live-action feature film Real Steel, directed by Shawn Levy and starring Hugh Jackman.

The agreement, brokered by licensing agent Striker Entertainment, includes action figures, accessories, play sets, roleplay, youth electronics, novelties, games and puzzles, Halloween costumes, and more. JAKKS expects to launch the Real Steel product line next fall to coincide with the film’s November 18, 2011 premiere in theaters nationwide.

MGA Owns Bratz Brand, Says Appeals Court

The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled that MGA Entertainment is the owner of the Bratz brand, not Mattel. In a unanimous decision, Chief Judge Alex Kozinski spoke on behalf of the panel saying that “it is not equitable to transfer this billion dollar brand––the value of which is overwhelmingly the results of MGA’s legitimate efforts” to Mattel. The 24-page opinion stated: “it’s likely that a significant portion––if not all––of the jury verdict and damage award should be vacated.”

MGA founder Isaac Larian said the company will re-launch a new line of Bratz products, as well as release new Moxie Girlz, Moxie Teenz, Bitty Buttons, and BFC, Ink products, this August.

Rubie’s Obtains License for The Green Hornet Costumes

Rubie’s Costume Co., Inc. has secured a license to create costumes ranging from deluxe outfits to accessories based on characters from Sony Pictures’ January 14 release of The Green Hornet. The new costumes will include Kato, Green Hornet, hats, gloves, masks, and more.

The Green Hornet stars Seth Rogen in the title role, Jay Chou as Kato, Cameron Diaz as secretary Lenore Case, and Christoph Waltz as Benjamin Chudnofsky. The movie is directed by Michel Gondry, written by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, produced by Neal H. Moritz, and based on the 1930’s “The Green Hornet” radio series created by George W. Trendle. The film will be released in 3-D.

Photo Credit: Access Hollywood

Playmates Toys to Debut Michael Jackson Collectibles at Comic-Con

Playmates Toys will unveil its new line of Michael Jackson collectibles at the Diamond Comics display at San Diego Comic-Con, held July 21-25. Earlier this year, Playmates Toys signed a deal with Bravado to create the collectibles based on the late star. The new 10-inch scale collectibles capture the King of Pop’s likeness and fashion, the first of which will be Billie Jean complete with Jackson’s outfit worn in the music video. The second collectible, Thriller, is fashioned in the iconic red with black trim outfit. The collectibles will launch this fall, followed by additional styles.