Kickstart Entertainment has purchased the rights to comic DEAR DRACULA from Image/Shadowline Comics, according to ICV2.com.

Kickstart was behind last summer's hit WANTED and has also acquired the rights to comics PREACHER, THE RED STAR, THE BOYS, MONSTER ATTACK NETWORK and THE COURIERS.

DEAR DRACULA, published last October, is about a boy who loves horror movies and decides to write Dracula on Halloween the way most kids his age write to Santa before Christmas.

Press Release from THQ Inc.

Press Release from Chorion

London, 27 May 2009: Leading family entertainment producer and distributor Chorion has secured a raft of new TV and licensing deals for its MR. MEN AND LITTLE MISS brand on the eve of Licensing Expo 2009.

Press Release from Fitz Roy Media

NEW YORK -- (May 27, 2009) -- Fitz Roy Media announced today the appointment of Jonathan Breiter and Jennifer Zivic, two of the industry's most respected licensing and merchandising executives, as the designated U.S. licensing agents for the company's slate of children's properties. Breiter and Zivic will launch their representation of Fitz Roy's newest kid franchises including FUNNY FACE, HEATHCLIFF and SECRET WINGS at the 2009 Licensing International Expo in June.

Press Release from Boris FX

Marlborough MA -- May 26, 2009 -- Boris FX, the leading developer of integrated effects technology for video and film, announced that Boris Continuum Complete 6 FxPlug (BCC 6 FxPlug) for Apple Pro Video Applications is now available.

Animation writer Antony Peters passed away last Sunday in New York, reports CARTOON BREW.

A veteran of Rankin-Bass classics like RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER, WILLIE MCBEAN & HIS MAGIC MACHINE and TALES OF THE WIZARD OF OZ, Peters also wrote episodes of ROCKET ROBIN HOOD and Grantray-Lawrence's MARVEL SUPER HEROES in the 1960s. He was also a longtime ASIFA-East member and worked for many years on industrial and commercial films out of his New York-based studio Instant Miracles.

Press Release from Moonscoop

Moonscoop, and Warner Home Video Spain announce a home entertainment deal which will see DVD and video rights for all seasons of animated titles CODE LYOKO and SAMSAM distributed by Warner Home Video in Spain.

Cartoon Network has announced the premiere date of TOTAL DRAMA ACTION, the follow-up to its hit series TOTAL DRAMA ISLAND. The new twist on Cartoon Network's #1 series debuts Thursday, June 11, at 9:00 pm (ET, PT).

Wayne Allwine, a veteran Disney voiceover talent and Emmy Award-winning sound effects editor, who provided the voice of Mickey Mouse for the past 32 years, passed away on Monday (May 18) at UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles, from complications due to diabetes. He was 62-years-old. Allwine's wife of 20 years, Russi Taylor, who provides the voice of Minnie Mouse, was by his side at the time of his passing.

Press Release from Knott’s Berry Farm

BUENA PARK, Calif. -- Knott's Berry Farm and Cartoon Network are partnering to bring the network's national "Get Animated" tour to the theme park, Sunday, May 24. The 40-city tour, now in its fifth year is designed to motivate, energize and educate kids ages 6-14 about healthy living choices by using the power of Cartoon Network's shows and characters.