Mattel inks licensing deal with DC Comics

BURBANK, Calif. Warner Bros. Consumer Products, on behalf of DC Comics, announced today that it has entered into a multi-year deal with leading worldwide toy manufacturer, Mattel Inc., which names them master toy licensee for the complete DC Universe property portfolio. Under the terms of this strategic alliance, Mattel has access to the entire DC Comics collection of characters including Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, The Joker, and The Riddler.

In addition to the rights to existing DC Comics characters, animation and motion pictures, the deal gives Mattel rights to produce toys based on future DC Universe film and animation projects that are developed and produced during the term of the agreement. Mattel will support the DC Universe characters across all of its key brands including Hot Wheels, Radica, Fisher-Price, Tyco and Mattel Games.

"Working closely with Mattel across a broad spectrum of our characters will increase the variety available to our fans and collectors, and help introduce the DC Universe to a new generation of toy buyers. We look forward to collaborating with their dedicated team to make toys as yet undreamed of into playful reality," said Paul Levitz, president and publisher of DC Comics.