Company will be focusing on classic cartoon icons at Licensing Expo.
King Features is readying classic brands Betty Boop, Popeye and Flash Gordon, as it prepares for next month’s Licensing Expo.
The company will be highlighting recent key deals for the three properties on its booth (D154) across the three days.
Betty Boop has successfully expanded her presence in the high-end fashion space, with collections from Supreme-NY, Five Plus in China, FILA in Japan and in fitness apparel with AW-Lab in Italy.
Meanwhile, in beauty the character has inspired a new fragrance from Jean-Paul Gaultier and a new make up collection from Z Palette (pictured).
On top of this, for 2018, original animation aimed at a new generation of fans is to be produced by NORMAAL Animation in partnership with Fleischer Studios and King Features.
The Popeye brand continues to grow globally, through designer and brand collaborations such as Jean-Paul Gaultier, Peter Alexander; fashion apparel via Joyrich, the Threadless Design Challenge tees, and motorcyle-themed apparel from Vanson (Japan). Rocket Games launches a social slots game; and CARD.com showcases prepaid debit cards in the US.
For Licensing Expo, King is launching a new themed initiative for Popeye based on his signature phrase and philosophy ‘Strong to the Finish’ targeting health, wellness, sports and fitness, building on existing relationships with Taylor Farms (fresh spinach), Del Monte (canned spinach) and Popeye’s Supplements Canada.
Finally, King Features will be capitalising on the cult status achieved by Flash Gordon, developing a full merchandise programme incorporating images and elements from the film.
A complete design guide has been created and licensees are already on board including Boluga (app), Funko (pop vinyl), Biff Bang Pow! (figures) and Zynga (non-wagering online slots).
The focus at the show will be on apparel and giftware categories.
