Kartoon Studios Announces Stan Lee’s Largest Initial Superhero Ensemble, The Excelsiors, Set for Development as Graphic Novel, TV, and Film Adaptation
Kartoon Studios (NYSE American: TOON), the controlling partner of Stan Lee Universe, has announced development plans for Stan Lee's The Excelsiors, one of the largest initial superhero ensemble creations by Stan Lee. The project will launch as a graphic novel through Legible Comics, with concurrent development for television and film adaptations. Michael Uslan, Executive Producer of the Batman film franchise, will co-develop and produce the project.
The Excelsiors feature a team of ten original superheroes working for Amaz-Ing Tech in a near-future world ruled by global corporations. Characters include X-Otic, X-T (an extraterrestrial), X-Change, X-Hale, X-Tricate, X-Isle, and X-Ecutioner. The project aims to honor Stan Lee's vision by creating extraordinary superheroes matched with equally interesting supervillains.
Kartoon Studios (NYSE American: TOON), partner dominante di Stan Lee Universe, ha annunciato i piani di sviluppo per Stan Lee's The Excelsiors, una delle più grandi creazioni di supereroi di gruppo iniziali di Stan Lee. Il progetto sarà lanciato come un romanzo grafico attraverso Legible Comics, con uno sviluppo simultaneo per adattamenti televisivi e cinematografici. Michael Uslan, Produttore Esecutivo della franchise di film di Batman, co-sviluppa e produce il progetto.
The Excelsiors presenta una squadra di dieci supereroi originali che lavorano per Amaz-Ing Tech in un mondo prossimo futuro dominato da corporazioni globali. Tra i personaggi ci sono X-Otic, X-T (un extraterrestre), X-Change, X-Hale, X-Tricate, X-Isle e X-Ecutioner. Il progetto mira a onorare la visione di Stan Lee creando supereroi straordinari accompagnati da supercattivi altrettanto interessanti.
Kartoon Studios (NYSE American: TOON), el socio controlador de Stan Lee Universe, ha anunciado planes de desarrollo para Stan Lee's The Excelsiors, una de las mayores creaciones iniciales de conjuntos de superhéroes por Stan Lee. El proyecto se lanzará como una novela gráfica a través de Legible Comics, con un desarrollo simultáneo para adaptaciones de televisión y cine. Michael Uslan, Productor Ejecutivo de la franquicia de películas de Batman, co-desarrollará y producirá el proyecto.
The Excelsiors cuenta con un equipo de diez superhéroes originales que trabajan para Amaz-Ing Tech en un mundo cercano a nuestro futuro dominado por corporaciones globales. Los personajes incluyen a X-Otic, X-T (un extraterrestre), X-Change, X-Hale, X-Tricate, X-Isle y X-Ecutioner. El proyecto tiene como objetivo honrar la visión de Stan Lee creando superhéroes extraordinarios emparejados con supervillanos igualmente interesantes.
카툰 스튜디오(Kartoon Studios) (NYSE American: TOON)는 스탠 리 유니버스의 주요 파트너로서 Stan Lee's The Excelsiors의 개발 계획을 발표했습니다. 이는 스탠 리가 만든 초기 슈퍼히어로 팀 구성 중 하나입니다. 이 프로젝트는 Legible Comics를 통해 그래픽 소설로 출시되며, 동시에 텔레비전과 영화 각색도 개발됩니다. 마이클 유슬란은 배트맨 영화 프랜차이즈의 Executive Producer로서 이 프로젝트의 공동 개발 및 제작을 맡습니다.
The Excelsiors는 세계적인 기업들이 지배하는 가까운 미래의 세계에서 Amaz-Ing Tech를 위해 일하는 10명의 원래 슈퍼히어로 팀을 특징으로 합니다. 캐릭터로는 X-Otic, X-T(외계인), X-Change, X-Hale, X-Tricate, X-Isle, X-Ecutioner가 포함됩니다. 이 프로젝트는 스탠 리의 비전을 기리고 특별한 슈퍼히어로와 동등하게 흥미로운 슈퍼빌런을 만든다는 목표를 가지고 있습니다.
Kartoon Studios (NYSE American: TOON), le partenaire contrôlant de Stan Lee Universe, a annoncé des projets de développement pour Stan Lee's The Excelsiors, l'une des plus grandes créations initiales d'ensembles de super-héros par Stan Lee. Le projet sera lancé sous la forme d'un roman graphique via Legible Comics, avec un développement concurrent pour des adaptations télévisuelles et cinématographiques. Michael Uslan, producteur exécutif de la franchise de films Batman, co-développera et produira le projet.
The Excelsiors présente une équipe de dix super-héros originaux travaillant pour Amaz-Ing Tech dans un monde proche du futur dominé par des corporations mondiales. Les personnages incluent X-Otic, X-T (un extraterrestre), X-Change, X-Hale, X-Tricate, X-Isle et X-Ecutioner. Le projet vise à honorer la vision de Stan Lee en créant des super-héros extraordinaires assortis de super-vilains tout aussi intéressants.
Kartoon Studios (NYSE American: TOON), der Hauptpartner des Stan Lee Universe, hat Entwicklungspläne für Stan Lee's The Excelsiors angekündigt, eine der größten ursprünglichen Superhelden-Gruppenschöpfungen von Stan Lee. Das Projekt wird als Graphic Novel über Legible Comics veröffentlicht, wobei gleichzeitig an TV- und Filmadaptionen gearbeitet wird. Michael Uslan, Executive Producer der Batman-Filmreihe, wird das Projekt mitentwickeln und produzieren.
The Excelsiors beinhaltet ein Team von zehn originalen Superhelden, die für Amaz-Ing Tech in einer nahen Zukunft arbeiten, die von globalen Konzernen beherrscht wird. Zu den Charakteren gehören X-Otic, X-T (ein Außerirdischer), X-Change, X-Hale, X-Tricate, X-Isle und X-Ecutioner. Das Projekt zielt darauf ab, Stan Lees Vision zu ehren, indem außergewöhnliche Superhelden mit ebenso interessanten Superschurken kombiniert werden.
- Development of a new superhero ensemble created by Stan Lee, potentially expanding Kartoon Studios' IP portfolio
- Collaboration with Michael Uslan, a successful name in the superhero genre, as co-developer and producer
- Multi-platform development strategy including graphic novel, TV, and film adaptations
- Potential for increased revenue and brand recognition through the new superhero franchise
- Significant investment required for multi-platform development without guaranteed success
- Competitive market for superhero content may pose challenges for market penetration
Insights
The development of Stan Lee's "The Excelsiors" represents a significant move for Kartoon Studios (TOON) in leveraging its intellectual property assets. This project has several noteworthy aspects:
- Expansion into multiple media formats (graphic novel, TV, film) indicates a strategy to maximize revenue potential.
- Involvement of Michael Uslan, known for the Batman franchise, adds credibility and potential for high-quality production.
- The concept of a large superhero ensemble aligns with current market trends in superhero content.
- Timing capitalizes on the enduring popularity of Stan Lee's creations post his passing.
However, investors should note that development announcements don't guarantee successful execution or profitability. The project's success will depend on factors like production quality, marketing and audience reception. For TOON, with a market cap of
This announcement, while potentially exciting for fans, has immediate financial impact for Kartoon Studios (TOON). Key financial considerations include:
- Development costs for the graphic novel and potential TV/film adaptations will likely impact short-term expenses.
- Revenue generation is uncertain and likely years away, contingent on successful production and distribution deals.
- The company's relatively small market cap of
$31.5 million means this project could significantly influence future valuation if successful. - Partnerships with Legible Inc. for comics distribution and potential automotive infotainment applications present diversified revenue streams.
Investors should view this as a long-term strategic move rather than a near-term financial catalyst. The success of "The Excelsiors" could provide substantial upside, but it's important to monitor development progress and any future licensing or distribution agreements for more concrete financial implications.
Executive Producer of Batman, Michael Uslan, to Co-Develop and Produce Based on Original Stan Lee Creation
BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., Oct. 21, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kartoon Studios, the controlling partner of Stan Lee Universe (NYSE American: TOON), today announced the development plans for Stan Lee’s The Excelsiors – one of the largest initial superhero ensemble creations by the legendary Stan Lee. The project will launch as a graphic novel through Legible Comics, with concurrent development for television and film adaptations. Stan Lee’s The Excelsiors will be brought to life by one of the most successful names in the superhero genre – Michael Uslan – Originator and Executive Producer of the Batman film franchise.
“Stan was incredibly proud of The Excelsiors, and he was proud to have his eponymous ‘namesake’ signature, developed by his friend and collaborator, Michael Uslan,” said Andy Heyward, Kartoon Studios CEO. “Stan took all his storytelling and character development skills, which he developed over the years at Marvel Comics, and incorporated them into The Excelsiors."
Michael Uslan stated, “Stan always told me that the most exciting superheroes could only meet their potential if matched by equally worthy and interesting supervillains. We expect to do Stan justice by not only having extraordinary superheroes but extraordinarily interesting supervillains. This was Stan’s baby, and I fully understand the gravity of overseeing this team to carry forth his vision. My son David, who also worked closely with Stan and myself, will help create this universe. Our north star is to write these books like Stan is looking over our shoulders.”
About The Excelsiors
The Excelsiors feature a team of ten original superheroes working for Amaz-Ing Tech LLC, a giant multi-national corporation in the near future, where global corporations, not governments, rule the world. They range from X-Otic, a doctor who extracted super powers from roots and plants she cultivated as a naturalist, to X-T: The only member of The Excelsiors, who is an actual extraterrestrial. (He is the great-grandson of the aliens who crash-landed near Roswell's Area 57 in the 1960's. He is an alien by birth, raised in utter secrecy by America's scientists and psychologists who have tried to bring a human element to his nurturing and upbringing.) Among the others are X-Change, a shapeshifter, X-Hale, X-Tricate, X-Isle, and X-Ecutioner, an almost uncontrollable force of human nature gone amok, controlling wind, rain, thunder, and lightning, only unleashed in last resort emergencies, and otherwise, kept in a titanium self-containment unit.
About Kartoon Studios
Kartoon Studios (NYSE AMERICAN: TOON) is a global end-to-end creator, producer, distributor, marketer, and licensor of entertainment brands. The Company’s IP portfolio includes original animated content, including the Stan Lee brand, “Stan Lee’s Superhero Kindergarten,” starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, on Kartoon Channel! and Ameba; “Shaq’s Garage,” starring Shaquille O’Neal, on Kartoon Channel!; “Rainbow Rangers” on Kartoon Channel! and Ameba; the Netflix Original, “Llama Llama,” starring Jennifer Garner, and more.
In 2022, Kartoon Studios acquired Canada’s WOW! Unlimited Media, along with its subsidiary, Mainframe Studios, produces top brands for third parties, including “Cocomelon,” “Barbie’s Playhouse,” Unicorn Academy,” and “SuperKitties.” Additionally, the company made a strategic investment becoming the largest shareholder in Germany’s Your Family Entertainment AG, one of Europe’s leading distributors and broadcasters of high-quality programs for children and families.
Toon Media Networks, the Company’s wholly-owned digital distribution network, consists of Kartoon Channel!, Frederator Network, and Ameba. Kartoon Channel! is a globally distributed entertainment platform. Kartoon Channel! and Ameba are available across multiple platforms, including iOS, Android Mobile, Web, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Roku, Pluto TV, Comcast, Cox, Dish, Sling TV, Android TV, Tubi, Xumo, and Samsung and LG Smart TVs. Frederator Network owns and operates one of the largest global animation networks on YouTube, with channels featuring over 2000 exclusive creators and influencers, garnering billions of views annually.
For additional information, please visit www.kartoonstudios.com
About Legible Inc.
Legible is a groundbreaking, mobile-centric global company specializing in eBooks, audiobooks, and comics entertainment. Its extensive partnerships encompass four of the Big 5 Publishers, the world’s largest eBook distributor, and a wide range of outstanding and innovative publishers of all sizes, enabling Legible to seamlessly deliver millions of multilingual eBooks, audiobooks, and comics, transforming any smart device into a dynamic source of cutting-edge infotainment.
As a first mover in the rapidly expanding automotive infotainment market, Legible has partnered with media providers Faurecia Aptoide, Harman Ignite, LiveOne, and Visteon. Legible has the only Android Automotive app with the capacity to deliver both audiobooks and eBooks to drivers and passengers in tens of millions of vehicles around the globe, positioning Legible at the forefront of the new world of in-car infotainment experiences.
A recent EdTech Breakthrough Award winner for eLearning Innovation of the Year, Legible is reshaping the digital publishing landscape. With the launch of Legible Comics, it is further expanding its catalog to include innovative and visually captivating content for comic book lovers. Legible is committed to gaining a significant market share by providing innovative 21st-century publishing solutions and enriching global reading experiences.
Please visit Legible.com and discover the place where eBooks, audiobooks, and comics come to life.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Words such as "may," "might," "will," "should," "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "continue," "predict," "forecast," "project," "plan," "intend" or similar expressions, or statements regarding intent, belief, or current expectations, are forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements include plans for Stan Lee’s The Excelsiors project, launching the project first as a graphic novel through Legible Comics, with concurrent development occurring for television and film adaptations, bringing Stan Lee’s The Excelsiors to life by Michael Uslan, Originator and Executive Producer of the Batman film franchise, making Stan proud and carrying his legacy forward, completing what he started and doing Stan justice by not only having extraordinary superheroes but equally worthy supervillains. - While the Company believes these forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on any such forward-looking statements, which are based on information available to us on the date of this release. These forward looking statements are based upon current estimates and assumptions and are subject to various risks and uncertainties, including without limitation, the Company’s ability to develop and launch The Excelsiors project as planned; the Company’s ability to generate revenue or achieve profitability; the Company’s ability to obtain additional financing on acceptable terms, if at all; the potential issuance of a significant number of shares, which will dilute the Company’s equity holders; fluctuations in the results of the Company’s operations from period to period; general economic and financial conditions; our ability to anticipate changes in popular culture, media and movies, fashion and technology; competitive pressure from other distributors of content and within the retail market; the Company’s reliance on and relationships with third-party production and animation studios; the Company’s ability to market and advertise its products; the Company’s reliance on third-parties to promote its products; the Company’s ability to keep pace with technological advances; the Company’s ability to protect its intellectual property and those other risk factors set forth in the “Risk Factors” section of the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and in the Company's subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). Thus, actual results could be materially different. The Company expressly disclaims any obligation to update or alter statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
MEDIA CONTACT:
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Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:
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