Funko has launched its first outbound licensing program, signing Sterling Publishing for a children’s book series based on its internally developed Wetmore Forest characters that will debut at this week’s London Book Fair and next month’s Bologna Children’s Book Fair.

“We are looking at different ways of creating our own IP; Wetmore Forest is the beginning of that,” CEO Brian Mariotti tells us.

The company began introducing Wetmore Forest characters –two years ago as Pop! Monster seven-inch vinyl and 13-inch plush figures and keychains. With the acquisition of Evil Corp.(renamed Funko Animation Studios) in 2017, it began adding 1-2 minute videos, including an introductory segment on YouTube. Walmart.com is carrying about a half dozen Wetmore figures, and Barnes & Noble will start selling the books, which target 3-7-year-olds, on June 15. It is taking online pre-orders for the 32-page “Tumblebee Goes for a Walk” and “Pickelz Gets Lunch.”

There are currently a dozen Wetmore characters and Funko Animation has developed seven videos, all of which currently are viewable only as part of a Wetmore display in the company’s store in Everett, WA.

Contact:

Funko, Brian Mariotti, CEO, 425-783-3616