A couple of interesting comic-related USA- Today-like news nuggets.
ADV Toys, a new unit of A.D. Vision Inc., will create toys based on its movie, manga and other properties will release its first toy, a Jonathan the Seal plush, based on the upcoming Kaleido Star anime created by ADV Films. ADV Toys plans to release Jonathan the Seal in both a five inch and a 10.5 inch plush this summer. First announced August, 2003, ADV Toys is one of several A.D. Vision subsidiary including ADV Films, The Anime Network, ADV Manga, and Newtype USA the English language anime & manga magazine. From noted Japanese director Junichi Sato (Sailor Moon), the 26 episode Kaleido Star series is set to debut in boxed DVD/VHS sets in North America, May 11, 2004; Jonathan makes his first appearance in volume two, episode six: The Amazing Seal.
Marvel characters are headed back to school in a high-tech sort of way with Marvel Enterprises signing two new licensing deals with LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc. and VTech Electronics North America, LLC to create high-tech educational toys utilizing characters, as well as featuring them in select existing educational systems. To start off LeapFrog will incorporate Marvel superhero Spider-Man with its LeapPad cartridges and books. VTech will integrate the Spider-Man and Friends preschool line into its new V.Smile TV Learning System, which combines a game platform with educational content to help kids learn and practice language, math and science skills. Both products will be released this year.
