JAKKS Pacific and Marvel Team For New Super Hero Squad Toys

JAKKS Pacific announced an exclusive licensing agreement with Marvel Entertainment to manufacture, distribute and market a line of plush products based on Marvel Super Hero Squadthat ties into the new Marvel virtual online world, HeroUp.com. Under the same agreement, JAKKS Pacific also has the rights to manufacture, distribute and market skill and action games inspired by Marvel classic characters.

The Marvel Super Hero Squad plush line from JAKKS Pacific will feature plush characters designed after the unique style of the Marvel Super Hero Squad characters. The product line is expected to include collectible plush, plush clip-ons and large plush with interactive, online components that unlock special features on HeroUp.com, a vast online playground where kids can interact with their favorite Marvel super heroes. With JAKKS’ Marvel Super Hero Squad plush, kids can collect virtual currency, gain membership access and participate in the online trading card game. The line is expected to launch at specialty retailers in Spring 2012 with broad distribution in mass retail channels starting in 2013.

JAKKS also is expected to launch innovative ‘Skill & Action’ based games that encourage active, physical play based on popular Marvel super heroes, such as The Avengers. JAKKS’ line of Marvel games is slated to launch in Spring 2012.

“We are thrilled to further grow our partnership with Marvel to create Marvel Superhero Squad plush products that expand Marvel’s virtual world, HeroUp.com, with innovative ways to connect, collect and play,” said Stephen Berman, President and CEO, JAKKS Pacific. “With the breadth of new Marvel entertainment coming next year, including feature films based on The Avengers and Spider-Man, our goal is to deliver unique, high-quality toys that any Marvel fan would want while expanding our offerings in the boys category.”

Paul Gitter, President of Consumer Products, North America, for Marvel Entertainment added, “As Marvel launches new digital entertainment experiences that enable consumers to experience our characters in entirely unique ways, we will continue to look for ways that we can further that connection through offline products that complement the online experiences. This deal with JAKKS showcases this strategy as it will bring toy products to the market that can both enhance the game play within our popular HereoUp virtual world, as well as offer a chance to showcase their Marvel fandom offline.”