Archie Comics & Genius Brands Pact for Stan Lee Universe Comic Books

Genius Brands International has entered into a comic book publishing agreement with Archie Comics to publish comic books and graphic novels based on Stan Lee Universe IP.

Andy Heyward, Genius Brands’ CEO and chairman, said: “It is only fitting that the comic book roots of Stan Lee, which began with Marvel, give birth to the next generation of great Stan Lee properties. I have long felt that the greatest Stan Lee characters and stories have yet to be told, and the next Marvel has yet to be built. That is Stan Lee Universe.”

Heyward added: “Archie Comics are everywhere. You can’t go to a supermarket checkout stand and not see them, and soon that will be the same with Stan Lee Universe. Under the leadership of Jon Goldwater, shows like Riverdale and The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina have become huge hits. Jon understands better than anyone the unique value of Stan Lee and his ideas. There is no better publishing partner than Archie to bring Stan Lee Universe comics to market.”

Jon Goldwater, Archie Comics’ CEO and publisher, said: “I had the great pleasure of knowing Stan Lee and understanding his genius. Getting the chance to partner with Andy and Genius Brands to introduce an entire universe of Stan Lee ideas to the comic book and graphic novel marketplace is an opportunity we can’t pass up.”

The initial property slated for publication as a comic book in partnership with Archie will be Superhero Kindergarten.

Concurrent with unveiling the Archie Comics publishing deal, Genius Brands has confirmed that Michael E. Uslan will be coming on board to advise and help mine the IP in the Stan Lee Universe to build ongoing global branded franchises. Uslan’s input will cover all film and TV development and production under the banner.

Heyward said: “Michael is the foremost expert today in comic book IP. Period. He is the only person we ever considered to guide us through the process of building franchises under the banner of his idol, mentor, and friend, Stan Lee. He was a close friend of Stan, and there is nobody more qualified to guide this creatively forward. Michael has stewarded some of the biggest and most successful hits from comic books through film, TV and merchandising.”

Uslan added: “In my world, there is no bigger honor than to be entrusted to carry the mantle of Stan Lee forward. This is taking the Olympic torch on the final leg up Mt. Olympus. We look forward to bringing the most talented writers and artists in our field to the next generation of Stan Lee creations.”