Celebrities and close friends among those who will remember the legendary designer via social media
Fans around the world are encouraged to post their tributes on Stan Lee’s social media accounts on X, Instagram and TikTok.
Celebration Anticipates Excitement for “Stan Lee Universe” and Arrival of “The Excelsiors”
BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., Dec. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Kartoon Studios (NYSE American: TOON), the controlling partner of Stan Lee UniverseProudly Announces Global Online Celebration to Honor 102nd Legendary Stan Lee’s birthday on December 28. This special tribute will feature heartfelt messages from celebrities, close friends and industry icons who were deeply impacted by Stan’s creativity, vision and larger-than-life personality.
Stars, producers and longtime friends of Stan and the “True Believers” from around the world will share their cherished memories and stories on social media, reflecting on how their encounters with “Stan the Man” shaped their lives and careers. Fans around the world are encouraged to join in this global tribute by sharing their own messages, artwork and memories using the hashtag #StanLee102 and tagging Stan Lee’s official social media accounts:
Michael Uslan, creator and executive producer of Batman film franchise, commented: “On what would have been Stan Lee’s 102nd birthdaynd birthday, it is my honor to join others in commemorating the man I have known since I was 11 years old. Stan became my idol, my mentor, my friend and my creative associate. I can’t wait to read the incredible stories from so many fans and close friends.
Stan Lee, born Stanley Martin Lieber on December 28, 1922 in New York, was a legendary comic book writer, editor, and publisher who played a pivotal role in shaping the modern superhero genre. As the creative force behind Marvel Comics, he co-created iconic characters such as Spider-Man, Iron Man, the X-Men, Thor, Hulk, Black Panther and the Fantastic Four, often collaborating with artists like Jack Kirby and Steve. Idem. Lee revolutionized comics by presenting flawed, relatable heroes who faced personal struggles alongside their superhuman battles, making them more human and appealing to readers. Beyond his storytelling, Lee’s charismatic personality has made him a beloved public figure and Marvel ambassador, with appearances in countless Marvel Cinematic Universe films. His contributions to pop culture have earned him numerous awards and a lasting legacy as one of the greatest storytellers of the 20th century. Stan Lee passed away on November 12, 2018, but his imaginative spirit and legendary characters continue to inspire generations around the world.
Stan’s legacy will continue. The more than 200 characters he created after Marvel are brought to life by Kartoon Studios through Stan Lee Universe and his recently announced project. The Excelsiors – led by executive producer Michael Uslan.
About Kartoon Studios
Kartoon Studios (NYSE AMERICAN: TOON) is a global creator, producer, distributor, marketer and licensor of entertainment brands. The Company’s intellectual property portfolio includes original animated content, including the Stan Lee brand, and post-Marvel Stan Lee content from over 200 characters through its majority stake in Stan Lee Universe, as well as “Stan Lee’s Superhero Kindergarten”, with Arnold Schwarzenegger, on Cartoon Channel! and Amoeba; “Shaq’s Garage”, with Shaquille O’Neal, on Kartoon Channel! ; “Rainbow Rangers” on Kartoon Channel! and Amoeba; the Netflix Original, “Llama Llama,” starring Jennifer Garner, and more. In 2022, Kartoon Studios acquired Canadian company WOW! Unlimited Media and a significant financial interest in its subsidiary Mainframe Studios, which is one of the most successful animation services companies in the world, producing leading brands for 3rd parties including “Cocomelon,” “Barbie’s Playhouse,” Unicorn Academy and “SuperKitties.” Additionally, the company made a strategic investment by becoming the largest shareholder of Germany’s Your Family Entertainment AG (FRA:RTV), one of Europe’s leading distributors and broadcasters of high-quality programming for children and families. Toon Media Networks, the company’s wholly-owned digital distribution network, includes Kartoon Channel!, Frederator Network and Ameba. Cartoon channel! is a globally distributed entertainment platform with near-total penetration of the US market. Cartoon channel! and Ameba are available on multiple platforms, including iOS, Android Mobile, Web, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Roku, Pluto TV, Comcast, Cox, Dish, Sling TV, Android TV, Tubi, Xumo and Samsung and LG Smart TVs. Frederator Network owns and operates one of the largest global animation networks on YouTube, with channels featuring over 2,000 exclusive creators and influencers, garnering billions of views each year. For more information, please visit www.kartoonstudios.com
Forward-looking statements
Certain statements contained in this press release constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Words such as “may”, “could”, “will”, “should”, “believe”, “expect”, “anticipate”, “estimate”, “continue”, “predict”, “forecast”, “project,” “plan,” “intent” or similar expressions, or statements regarding intent, belief or current expectations, are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that these forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on these forward-looking statements, which are based on information available to us as of the date of this release and include statements regarding celebration anticipating enthusiasm by Stan. Lee Universe and the Excelsiors. These forward-looking statements are based on current estimates and assumptions and are subject to various risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, the impact of the celebration on Stan Lee Universe and the Excelsiors; our ability to generate revenue or achieve profitability; our ability to obtain additional financing on acceptable terms, if at all; fluctuations in the results of our operations from period to period; general economic and financial conditions; our ability to anticipate changes in popular culture, media and films, fashion and technology; competitive pressure from other content distributors and within the retail market; our dependence on and relationships with third-party production and animation studios; our ability to market and advertise our products; our reliance on third parties to promote our products; our ability to keep pace with technological advances; our ability to protect our intellectual property and other risk factors set forth in the “Risk Factors” section of the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and in the Company’s subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Actual results could therefore be materially different. The Company expressly disclaims any obligation to update or amend any statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
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