Following Licensing Expo 2014, Epic Rights, the full service, global branding, merchandising and rights management company representing the merchandising, licensing, e-commerce and digital media interests of legendary rock bandKISS, has secured its first raft of licensing agreements with Bif Bang Pow!, Figures Toy Company and K’NEX® Brands for the development of all new toy lines for the iconic brand. The announcement was made today by Juli Boylan-Riddles, Executive Vice President, Global Strategic Partnerships & Licensing, Epic Rights.
“There continues to be an incredible demand for anything KISS, as evidenced by the quality and quantity of licensing partners that the band and the brand attract, and we look forward to working with Bif Bang Pow!, Figures Toy and K’NEX to bring all new product to consumers,” said Boylan-Riddles in announcing the latest round of licensing partners for the timeless and eternally popular band. “KISS’ loyal, passionate fans are a marketing fantasy come true, introducing younger generations to the indelible music and celebrated antics of one of the most popular bands of all time, continuing to grow the KISS consumer base and fuel demand for all things KISS.”
Among the companies developing innovative toy lines around the fabled band’s brand are:
- Bif Bang Pow!, the world-renowned manufacturer of licensed consumer products, will create the first-ever 3 3/4 inch scale KISS action figures. Bif Bang Pow! will also produce KISS stationery products, tin totes, drinkware, license plate frames, nesting dolls and other products as part of its special KISS collectibles line. Slated for release in early 2015, Bif Bang Pow!’s 3¾” scale KISS action figures and collectibles will be distributed exclusively through EE Distribution, a division of Entertainment Earth, Inc. and sold directly to consumers via its website,www.entertainmentearth.com, and other fine specialty retailers.
- Figures Toy Company, specializing in action figures for the collectibles market, is introducing KISS action figures reminiscent of the classic figures first released in 1977-78 by the Mego Toy Company. The figures, each with rooted hair, cloth clothing and 16 points of articulation, will be available in 18-inch, re-released in 12-inch models and, for the first time, will be available in 8-inch figures, too. The Figures Toy Company KISS figures will be distributed through Toys “R” Us, Entertainment Earth, KISS Museum, KISS Army Warehouse, Comic Book & Hobby Stores and Big Bad Toy with a suggested retail price of $24.99 for the 8-inch figures, which is anticipated to be on shelves in 1Q 2015, and $59.99 for the 12-inch figures.
- K’NEX Brands, the world’s most innovative construction toy company, has developed KISS buildable figures that provide consumers with the ability to build their own Demon, Starchild, Spaceman and Catman, including costumes, musical instruments and a stage to display the completed KISS band members. K’NEX has also produced a KISS Rock Stage Big Rig Building Set which provides consumers with everything they’ll need to take their KISS figures on tour, including two roadie figures and more than 300 pieces to create the ultimate KISS concert stage. The K’NEX KISS licensed products are currently available throughwww.knex.com and various independent toy retailers.
“As a huge KISS fan since my early childhood in the 70s, I’m super excited to work with this legendary band to create a variety of awesome new collectibles,” says Jason Labowitz, President of Bif Bang Pow! “While we may have been given the opportunity to buy some great KISS products over the years, the Holy Grail of toys for collectors, 3¾”action figures, were missing – until now. It’s an honor to work on a fan-centric line plan for the action figures, as well as a complimentary set of new collectible merchandise.”
“We never understood why 8 inch KISS action figures were not produced back in the 1970’s when The Mego Toy Company had already released the 12 inch versions,” says Figures Toy Company CFO Anthony Balasco. “Our first release will have the retro look from the 1970’s, but future releases will cover all time periods in KISS’ remarkable 40plus year musical career.”
“K’NEX is known for both its innovation and for inspiring creativity in kids around the world,” said Michael Araten, President and CEO of K’NEX and The Rodon Group®. “We are very excited to be introducing the next generation of KISS fans to the wonder and excitement of building their own rock band and the magical environment of the KISS concert stage. It’s an excellent representation of what loyal KISS fans and our steadfast builders expect and new consumers want-amazing value, interactivity, and building fun!”
