Kartoon Studios Scales Stan Lee Consumer Products Business

Kartoon Studios is expanding the consumer products business for Stan Lee IP with The Stan Lee Legacy Program, led by Marvel alum Bob Sabouni.

“We are executing on a focused strategy to convert Stan Lee’s extraordinary cultural equity into ongoing revenues and long-term shareholder value,” said Andy Heyward, chairman and CEO of Kartoon Studios. “Having led programs at Marvel that generated billions of dollars in retail sales, Bob Sabouni has built a growing roster of world-class partners, adding to the Marvel film and Walt Disney theme park licenses we have put in place. Our goal is to build a highly scalable, global consumer products business around one of the most iconic names in pop culture.”

“Bob brings over two decades of brand licensing expertise, having led programs at Marvel that generated global retail sales across toys, apparel, collectibles, publishing and experiential events,” Heyward continued. “He is recognized for building partnerships with top-tier entertainment, retail and lifestyle brands and for pioneering integrated licensing strategies that bridge physical and digital experiences, and we are privileged to have him as part of our Kartoon Studios team. Of course, this will only support the rollout of Stan Lee superhero IP, starting with The Excelsiors, debuting by year’s end in graphic novel form, and later in media.”

Recent licensing and activation deals were signed with Madame Tussauds, Panini Publishing and Topps. A renewal was inked with Madame Tussauds to continue displaying the lifelike Stan Lee wax figure in New York City, with possible expansion across multiple international locations. Panini Publishing launched a limited edition San Diego Comic Con card activation as a prelude to a broader collective carl line. Topps secured a sidecar license that operates alongside Marvel’s exclusive trading card deal.

In addition to these deals, Kartoon Studios found partners in Multi-Verse for a fine art collectibles drop, Saturday Morning Cards for high-end lacquered collectible cards, Galkin for designer sunglasses, Gallery 1988 for a curated Stan Lee fine art gallery show and Better Magnets for nostalgia-driven magnets and pins.

“We are working on and expect to announce another dozen licenses in various categories before year’s end,” Sabouni said. “Stan Lee’s name resonates across generations and continents. By combining the film and theme park licensing rights—secured by Marvel and Disney—with carefully chosen brand partnerships and content deals, we can deliver authentic, high-quality products and experiences that deepen fan engagement, create meaningful new revenue streams and ensure Stan’s rightful place as the Father of Pop Culture endures for generations to come.”