Big Tent Ent., the New York-based branded entertainment company, has been appointed the worldwide licensing agent of record for manga publisher and global pop culture brand TOKYOPOP.
Through the long-term agreement, Big Tent will represent the master brand as well as their sub-brands of highly popular manga publishing titles including PRINCESS AI, BIZENGHAST, I LUV HALLOWEEN, DRAMACON and VAN VON HUNTER.
Manga has become one of the most important cultural phenomena to hit the U.S. market this decade. From television and film to high-end couture fashion brands, manga has proven to be the creative inspiration behind some of today's hottest brands including the highly-anticipated Steven Spielberg flick GHOST IN THE SHELL, Prada, Marc Jacobs and Louis Vuitton.
As the company at the forefront of this burgeoning trend, TOKYOPOP has been hailed by TIME MAGAZINE, USA TODAY and THE NEW YORK TIMES as the leader in the market.
Big Tent plans to develop a comprehensive licensing program for the entertainment brand by utilizing the unique design aspects and revolutionary artistic vision for fashion and the sub-brands for collectibles and toy. Other merchandising rights include stationery, food and beverage, footwear, gifts and novelties, gift cards, health and beauty products, hobby and model products, home decor, house wares, paper products and sporting goods.
"TOKYOPOP is a creative powerhouse for manga entertainment globally and we're very excited to further expand their brand recognition and to be part of the manga revolution, said Richard K. Collins, CEO, Big Tent Ent. "We plan to leverage the TOKYOPOP brand name, their array of popular characters and titles, and the upward trends in manga consumption to take the brand into exciting derivative products and new merchandising concepts."
Stuart Levy, CEO and COO, TOKYOPOP added, "We selected Big Tent Entertainment to represent our brands because they've proven themselves as a valuable leader and an out-of-the-box thinker in the licensing community both in North America and worldwide."
