Pop Biz

Comics and graphic novel sales hit a new high in 2018, according to a new joint estimate by ICv2’s Milton Griepp and Comichron’s John Jackson Miller.  Total comics and graphic novel sales to consumers in the U.S. and Canada were approximately $1.095 billion in 2018, an $80 million increase over …

BBC Studios Los Angeles and Lionsgate Television have teamed up to identify, co-develop and co-fund scripted formats and original intellectual property for the U.S. market. As part of the first look agreement, the parties will create original series and draw upon the extensive formats from the prestigious BBC catalog. The BBC …

In just a few months, Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) will team up with the DC Super Hero Girls to inspire more girls to participate in the Girl Scout Cookie Program®, the largest girl-led entrepreneurship program in the world. The program gives girls real-world experiences managing money, setting goals, …

Twenty-First Century Fox, Inc. (“21CF”) (NASDAQ: FOXA, FOX) announced today that it has entered into an amended and restated merger agreement with The Walt Disney Company (“Disney”) (NYSE: DIS) pursuant to which Disney has agreed to acquire for a  price of $38 per 21CF share the same businesses Disney agreed …

Casting a spotlight on the pop cultural status and ever-increasing appeal of anime, Funimation today released details on its major licensing push to aggressively address consumer demand for anime-related merchandise. To support these efforts, Funimation will be exhibiting at this year’s Licensing Expo 2018 (Booth #U252) and will showcase ten …

Scooter Braun, founder of SB Projects, and David Maisel, Founding Chairman of Marvel Studios, announce a new entertainment joint venture, Mythos Studios. To launch the new venture Mythos Studios has acquired a 50% stake in Aspen Comics, as well as the entertainment rights for the comic book company’s intellectual property, including the iconic artwork, …

VIZ Media and Verizon Communications announced a content distribution agreement to feature some of VIZ Media’s renowned anime content on Verizon’s go90 streaming platform. The following fan-favorite VIZ Media anime series are available now to stream for free from the go90 app on iOS, Android or at go90.com: ACCEL WORLD –  …

Toys”R”Us, Inc. announced that it has filed a motion seeking Bankruptcy Court approval to begin the process of conducting an orderly wind-down of its U.S. business and liquidation of inventory in all 735 of the Company’s U.S. stores, including stores in Puerto Rico. Toys”R”Us will provide more details about the …

Zac Brown’s Southern Ground is pleased to announce the addition of Dabel Brothers Publishing to the Southern Ground family of partners. Dabel Brothers will become the publishing arm for the company and already have several upcoming books in the works. Collaborating and producing work with Brown, Dabel Brothers Publishing will roll …

Sony Interactive Entertainment America (SIEA), in collaboration with Ideas United and its creative collective, We Make, announced the launch of the PlayStation Emerging Filmmakers Program in the United States. The initiative is aimed at harnessing the creativity and talent of budding filmmakers to cultivate these ideas into a television series. …