Genius Brands International is readying content and licensing programs for six properties developed in a joint venture with the late Stan Lee and his Pow! Entertainment company, Genius CEO Andy Hayward said in releasing Q3 earnings. Among the projects is the animated “Cosmic Crusaders” in which Lee played himself and first was released as webisodes in 2016. Lee, best known for the Marvel characters he created, died on Nov. 12.

“They (the Stan Lee properties) will bring strong, continued value to the company as they are broadcast and exploited across all media and consumer licensing,” Heyward said. Genius has been contacted by broadcasters and filmmakers about the portfolio and “we look forward to bringing them to life,” Heyward said. Genius and Pow! are “working full steam ahead” with one of the unnamed Stan Lee properties on a project involving a “major” celebrity that is expected to be available within a year, Heyward said.

Meanwhile, Genius’ “Rainbow Rangers,” which launched on Nick Jr. on Nov. 5, is supported by a licensing program that will potentially will include 300 SKUs across apparel, bedding, toys, costumes, youth electronics and other categories, the first of which will ship in July, Heyward said.  Mattel is master toy licensee and is readying fashion dolls, playsets, role play items and other products, Heyward said. The Gershwin Entertainment Co. also was licensed for a live show that will debut in 2019. Heyward said that the licensing agreements carry an average 10% royalty. Genius also has started production on a second Netflix season of “Llama Llama,” which is being funded by a $4.2 million loan from Bank Leumi, the agreement for which was signed in September. Genius is Penguin Random House’s licensing agent for Llama Llama.

Genius’ net loss widened to $1.8 million in Q3 ended Sept. 30, from $1.16 million, despite a near doubling of revenue to $523,175 on increased revenue from Rainbow Rangers and Llama Llama. Genius’ licensing and royalty revenue jumped to $210,675 from $94,430, while television and home entertainment revenue rose 26.4% to $196,519.

Contact: Genius Brands International, Andy Heyward, CEO, 310-273-4222, andy@gnusbrands.com