Kartoon Studios Announces Revenue Surge of Stan Lee Consumer Products
Kartoon Studios (NYSE:TOON) announced significant expansion of its Stan Lee consumer products business, led by former Marvel EVP Bob Sabouni. The company has secured several high-profile partnerships including Madame Tussauds, Panini Publishing, and Topps, while leveraging existing Marvel film and Disney theme park licenses.
Key partnerships include a renewed deal with Madame Tussauds for Stan Lee wax figures, Panini Publishing's limited-edition card activation, and a Topps sidecar license. Additional collaborations span fine art collectibles, designer sunglasses, and nostalgic merchandise. The Stan Lee brand maintains a strong social media presence with over 30 million followers across platforms.
The company expects to announce approximately twelve additional licenses across various categories before year-end, including the launch of The Excelsiors in graphic novel form.
Kartoon Studios (NYSE:TOON) ha annunciato una significativa espansione del business dei prodotti di consumo legati a Stan Lee, guidata dall'ex EVP Marvel Bob Sabouni. L'azienda ha ottenuto diverse partnership di alto profilo, tra cui Madame Tussauds, Panini Publishing e Topps, sfruttando al contempo le licenze esistenti legate ai film Marvel e ai parchi a tema Disney.
Le collaborazioni principali comprendono il rinnovo dell'accordo con Madame Tussauds per le figure di cera di Stan Lee, un'iniziativa di carte in edizione limitata con Panini Publishing e una licenza "sidecar" con Topps. Sono previste inoltre partnership per collezionabili d'arte, occhiali da sole di design e merchandising nostalgico. Il marchio Stan Lee mantiene una forte presenza sui social con oltre 30 milioni di follower sulle varie piattaforme.
La societ脿 prevede di annunciare circa dodici licenze aggiuntive in diverse categorie entro la fine dell'anno, incluso il lancio de The Excelsiors in formato graphic novel.
Kartoon Studios (NYSE:TOON) anunci贸 una importante expansi贸n de su negocio de productos de consumo relacionados con Stan Lee, liderada por el ex EVP de Marvel, Bob Sabouni. La compa帽铆a ha asegurado varias alianzas de alto perfil, incluyendo a Madame Tussauds, Panini Publishing y Topps, aprovechando adem谩s las licencias existentes de pel铆culas Marvel y los parques tem谩ticos de Disney.
Las asociaciones clave incluyen la renovaci贸n del acuerdo con Madame Tussauds para figuras de cera de Stan Lee, una activaci贸n de tarjetas de edici贸n limitada con Panini Publishing y una licencia "sidecar" con Topps. Otras colaboraciones abarcan coleccionables de arte, gafas de sol de dise帽ador y merchandising nost谩lgico. La marca Stan Lee mantiene una fuerte presencia en redes sociales con m谩s de 30 millones de seguidores en las distintas plataformas.
La compa帽铆a espera anunciar aproximadamente doce licencias adicionales en varias categor铆as antes de fin de a帽o, incluido el lanzamiento de The Excelsiors en formato novela gr谩fica.
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Kartoon Studios (NYSE:TOON) a annonc茅 une importante expansion de sa branche produits d茅riv茅s Stan Lee, pilot茅e par l'ancien EVP de Marvel, Bob Sabouni. La soci茅t茅 a conclu plusieurs partenariats de premier plan, notamment avec Madame Tussauds, Panini Publishing et Topps, tout en tirant parti des licences existantes li茅es aux films Marvel et aux parcs 脿 th猫me Disney.
Parmi les partenariats cl茅s figurent le renouvellement d'un accord avec Madame Tussauds pour des figures de cire de Stan Lee, une op茅ration de cartes en 茅dition limit茅e avec Panini Publishing et une licence "sidecar" avec Topps. D'autres collaborations couvrent des objets d'art de collection, des lunettes de soleil de cr茅ateurs et des produits r茅tro. La marque Stan Lee conserve une forte pr茅sence sur les r茅seaux sociaux avec plus de 30 millions d'abonn茅s toutes plateformes confondues.
La soci茅t茅 pr茅voit d'annoncer environ douze licences suppl茅mentaires dans diverses cat茅gories d'ici la fin de l'ann茅e, y compris le lancement de The Excelsiors au format roman graphique.
Kartoon Studios (NYSE:TOON) gab eine bedeutende Erweiterung seines Konsumg眉tergesch盲fts rund um Stan Lee bekannt, geleitet vom ehemaligen Marvel-EVP Bob Sabouni. Das Unternehmen hat mehrere hochkar盲tige Partnerschaften geschlossen, darunter mit Madame Tussauds, Panini Publishing und Topps, und nutzt gleichzeitig bestehende Marvel-Film- und Disney-Freizeitparklizenzen.
Zu den wichtigsten Partnerschaften z盲hlt eine Vertragsverl盲ngerung mit Madame Tussauds f眉r Stan-Lee-Wachsfiguren, eine Limited-Edition-Kartenaktion mit Panini Publishing sowie eine Topps-Sidecar-Lizenz. Weitere Kooperationen reichen von Fine-Art-Sammelst眉cken 眉ber Designer-Sonnenbrillen bis hin zu nostalgischem Merchandise. Die Marke Stan Lee besitzt eine starke Social-Media-Pr盲senz mit 眉ber 30 Millionen Followern auf den Plattformen.
Das Unternehmen rechnet damit, bis Jahresende etwa zw枚lf zus盲tzliche Lizenzen in verschiedenen Kategorien bekannt zu geben, einschlie脽lich der Ver枚ffentlichung von The Excelsiors als Graphic Novel.
- Expansion of high-value brand partnerships with Madame Tussauds, Panini Publishing, and Topps
- Strong social media presence with over 30 million followers across platforms
- Strategic leadership by former Marvel EVP Bob Sabouni, who generated billions in retail sales at Marvel
- Secured valuable Marvel film and Disney theme park licenses
- Pipeline of twelve additional licenses expected before year-end
- Revenue impact and financial terms of partnerships not disclosed
- Actual monetization metrics and revenue projections not provided
Insights
Kartoon Studios is strategically expanding Stan Lee IP monetization through high-value partnerships, potentially creating significant recurring revenue streams.
Kartoon Studios (TOON) is executing a structured IP monetization strategy for the Stan Lee brand that demonstrates several positive indicators for investors. The company has secured three major new partnership deals (Madame Tussauds, Panini Publishing, and Topps) while maintaining valuable Marvel film and Disney theme park licenses - rare and coveted access points in the entertainment industry.
What's particularly notable is the leadership driving this expansion. Former Marvel EVP Bob Sabouni, who previously led licensing programs generating billions in retail sales, brings substantial industry expertise to monetizing the Stan Lee IP. His background suggests Kartoon has the executive capability to execute on its strategic vision.
The company is creating a multi-channel approach with diversified revenue potential across collectibles, publishing, and experiential categories. Most significant is the 30 million social media follower base across platforms, providing a direct-to-consumer marketing channel that dramatically reduces customer acquisition costs and increases margins on product launches.
The upcoming rollout of Stan Lee superhero IP, beginning with The Excelsiors, suggests additional revenue channels beyond consumer products into media properties. Sabouni's statement that "another dozen licenses" are expected before year-end indicates accelerating commercial momentum and potential for rapid revenue scaling in the licensing segment.
Kartoon Studios appears to be transforming from a traditional animation studio to a multi-faceted IP monetization enterprise, using the Stan Lee brand as a cornerstone growth driver with
Studio Expands Program Highlighted by Marvel Film and Disney Theme Park Licenses with New Partnerships 鈥� Including Madame Tussauds, Topps, Panini Publishing and More鈥� Accelerating Monetization of Iconic Stan Lee IP
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Iconic Marvel Creator has grown to over 30 Million Followers Across Instagram, Facebook, X, YouTube, and TikTok
Former Marvel EVP, Bob Sabouni, Now Heads Stan Lee Legacy Consumer Product Programs at Kartoon
LOS ANGELES, Aug. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kartoon Studios, Inc. (NYSE American: TOON) (鈥淜artoon Studios鈥� or the 鈥淐ompany鈥�) announced today the rapid commercial expansion of its legendary Stan Lee IP, as the company dramatically scales its Stan Lee consumer products business under the leadership of former Marvel EVP Bob Sabouni, who now oversees The Stan Lee Legacy Program. This expansion is marked by a series of high-value brand partnerships and the continued leverage of the聽Marvel film and Walt Disney Company theme park licenses, obtained from Kartoon Studios., representing a material step forward in Kartoon Studios鈥� strategy to unlock shareholder value through premium legacy IP monetization.
Recent licensing and activation deals with industry leaders 鈥� including Madame Tussauds, Panini Publishing, and Topps 鈥� underscore the long-term market potential of the Stan Lee brand and its unique ability to attract both iconic collaborators and multi-generational fans.
Strategic Partner Highlights:
- Madame Tussauds: Deal renewal for the lifelike Stan Lee wax figure in New York City, with expansion discussions across multiple international locations. Madame Tussauds marks a major milestone in immersive brand experiences.
- Panini Publishing: Launched a limited-edition San Diego Comic Con card activation as a prelude to a broader collectible card line, targeting global trading card markets.
- Topps: Secured a sidecar license that operates alongside Marvel鈥檚 exclusive trading card deal 鈥� providing Stan Lee Universe with rare access to Topps鈥� vast collector network and distribution platform.
In addition to these marquee deals, Kartoon Studios continues to build a diversified consumer product portfolio across categories:
- Multi-Verse: Fine art collectibles drop
- Saturday Morning Cards: High-end lacquered collectible cards
- Galkin: Designer sunglasses partnership
- Gallery 1988: Curated Stan Lee fine art gallery show
- Better Magnets: Nostalgia-driven magnets and pins
鈥淲e are executing on a focused strategy to convert Stan Lee鈥檚 extraordinary cultural equity into ongoing revenues and long-term shareholder value,鈥� said Andy Heyward, Chairman & CEO of Kartoon Studios. 鈥淗aving led programs at Marvel that generated billions of dollars in retail sales, Bob Sabouni has built a growing roster of world-class partners, adding to the Marvel film and Walt Disney theme park licenses, we have put in place. Our goal is to build a highly scalable, global consumer products business around one of the most iconic names in pop culture. Bob brings over two decades of brand licensing expertise, having led programs at Marvel that generated global retail sales across toys, apparel, collectibles, publishing, and experiential events. He is recognized for building partnerships with top-tier entertainment, retail, and lifestyle brands and for pioneering integrated licensing strategies that bridge physical and digital experiences, and we are privileged to have him as part of our Kartoon Studios team. Of course, this will only support the rollout of Stan Lee superhero IP, starting with The Excelsiors, debuting by year's end in graphic novel form, and later in media.鈥�
Sabouni added: 鈥淲e are working on and expect to announce another dozen licenses in various categories before year's end. Stan Lee鈥檚 name resonates across generations and continents. By combining the film and theme park licensing rights鈥攕ecured by Marvel and Disney鈥攚ith carefully chosen brand partnerships and content deals, we can deliver authentic, high-quality products and experiences that deepen fan engagement, create meaningful new revenue streams, and ensure Stan鈥檚 rightful place as the Father of Pop Culture endures for generations to come."
The Stan Lee Universe initiative also benefits from a powerful direct-to-consumer marketing engine, with over 30 million followers across Instagram, Facebook, X, YouTube, and TikTok. This built-in fanbase supports product launches, brand collaborations, and content initiatives.
As Kartoon Studios continues to invest in its IP franchises, the Stan Lee Universe is expected to emerge as a cornerstone growth driver across the company鈥檚 consumer products, media, and experiential verticals.
About Kartoon Studios
Kartoon Studios (NYSE AMERICAN: TOON) is a global leader in children鈥檚 and family entertainment, delivering premium content and high-value intellectual property to millions of viewers worldwide. The company鈥檚 portfolio features globally recognized brands including Stan Lee鈥檚 Superhero Kindergarten, Shaq鈥檚 Garage, Rainbow Rangers, and Llama Llama. Kartoon Studios holds a controlling interest in Stan Lee Universe and operates Mainframe Studios鈥攐ne of North America鈥檚 largest animation producers鈥攚ith more than 22,000 minutes of award-winning programming delivered.
Through its Toon Media Networks division, including Kartoon Channel!, Kartoon Channel Worldwide, Ameba, and Frederator Network, Kartoon Studios reaches audiences across linear television, AVOD, SVOD, FAST channels, and top streaming platforms. Kartoon Channel! is consistently rated the #1 kids鈥� streaming app on the Apple App Store. With a growing global distribution footprint, and a robust content pipeline, Kartoon Studios is positioned for sustained growth and long-term shareholder value.
Forward-Looking Statements: Certain statements in this press release constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Words such as "may," "might," "will," "should," "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "continue," "predict," "forecast," "project," "plan," "intend" or similar expressions, or statements regarding intent, belief, or current expectations, are forward-looking statements and include statements regarding: expansion of the Company鈥檚 Stan Lee branded consumer products; surging monetization of Stan Lee IP; scaling the Stan Lee consumer products business under the leadership of former Marvel EVP Bob Sabouni; continuing to leverage the Company鈥檚 Marvel film and Walt Disney Company theme park licenses; unlocking shareholder value through premium legacy IP monetization; the long-term market potential of the Stan Lee brand and its unique ability to attract both iconic collaborators and multi-generational fans; launching a broader collectible card line targeting global trading card markets; continuing to build a diversified consumer product portfolio across separate categories; executing on a focused strategy to convert Stan Lee鈥檚 cultural equity into meaningful long-term shareholder value; building a highly scalable, global consumer products business around Stan Lee; building partnerships with top-tier entertainment, retail, and lifestyle brands; pioneering integrated licensing strategies that bridge physical and digital experiences; supporting the rollout of Stan Lee superhero IP, starting with The Excelsiors, debuting by year's end in graphic novel form and later in media; working on and announcing another dozen licenses in various categories before year's end; delivering authentic, high-quality products and experiences that deepen fan engagement, creating meaningful new revenue streams, and ensuring Stan鈥檚 place as the Father of Pop Culture endures for generations to come; the Instagram, Facebook, X, YouTube, and TikTok fanbase supporting product launches, brand collaborations, and content initiatives; continuing to invest in the Company鈥檚 IP franchises; the Stan Lee Universe emerging as a cornerstone growth driver across the Company鈥檚 consumer products, media, and experiential verticals and Kartoon Studios being positioned for sustained growth and long-term shareholder value. While the Company believes these forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on any such forward-looking statements, which are based on information available to us on the date of this release. These forward looking statements are based upon current estimates and assumptions and are subject to various risks and uncertainties, including without limitation, the Company鈥檚 ability to expand the monetization of its Stan Lee branded consumer products; the Company鈥檚 ability to build a diversified consumer product portfolio across separate categories; the Company鈥檚 ability to convert Stan Lee鈥檚 cultural equity meaningful long-term shareholder value; the Company鈥檚 ability to build a highly scalable, global consumer products business around Stan Lee; the Company鈥檚 ability to build partnerships with top-tier entertainment, retail, and lifestyle brands; the Company鈥檚 ability to announce another dozen licenses in various categories before year's end; the Company鈥檚 ability to delivering authentic, high-quality products and experiences that deepen fan engagement, create meaningful new revenue streams, and ensure Stan鈥檚 place as the Father of Pop Culture endures for generations to come; the Company鈥檚 ability to obtain additional financing on acceptable terms, if at all; fluctuations in the results of the Company鈥檚 operations from period to period; general economic and financial conditions; the Company鈥檚 ability to anticipate changes in popular culture, media and movies, fashion and technology; competitive pressure from other distributors of content and within the retail market; the Company鈥檚 reliance on and relationships with third-party production and animation studios; the Company鈥檚 ability to market and advertise its products; the Company鈥檚 reliance on third-parties to promote its products; the Company鈥檚 ability to keep pace with technological advances; the Company鈥檚 ability to protect its intellectual property and those other risk factors set forth in the 鈥淩isk Factors鈥� section of the Company鈥檚 Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 and in the Company's subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). Thus, actual results could be materially different. The Company expressly disclaims any obligation to update or alter statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
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FAQ
What new partnerships has Kartoon Studios (TOON) announced for Stan Lee products?
Who is leading Kartoon Studios' Stan Lee Legacy Program?
How many social media followers does the Stan Lee brand have in 2025?
What is The Excelsiors and when will it be released?
What existing licenses does Kartoon Studios have for Stan Lee products?
