Archie Comics and Genius Brands International Partner With Marc Ecko to Create a 75th Anniversary Capsule

BEVERLY HILLS, CA--(Marketwired - Dec 15, 2014) - As the appointed licensing agency for leading publisher and property owner Archie Comics, Genius Brands International, Inc. "GBI" (OTCQB: GNUS), and its wholly owned subsidiary A Squared Entertainment, are currently building a broad consumer products' program for Archie, the #1 best-selling kids' magazine at retail today, to coincide with the brand's 75^th anniversary.

Marc Eckō, the designer and purveyor of pop culture, has signed on to design an exclusive capsule of Archie themed apparel for men, under the Marc Eckō Cut & Sew brand. First becoming a recognized name in street culture in the early 1990s, Marc Eckō's clothing lines have generated billions of dollars globally since that time. After a 5 year departure, fall 2014 marked the return of Marc Eckō as the Operator and Lead Designer of his eponymous label, Marc Eckō Cut & Sew.

GBI will represent additional pop culture characters from Archie Comics, including Jughead, Betty & Veronica, Josie & The Pussycats, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Afterlife With Archie, The Fox, The New Crusaders, The Shield, Li'l Jinx and many more.

"We are supremely excited to partner with Marc Eckō to create this new line of apparel," said Jon Goldwater, Archie Comics Publisher/CEO. "This is just the beginning of a daring and wide-ranging licensing campaign that will help widen our brand's reach in time for the celebration of our momentous 75^th anniversary."

"Archie Comics is the longest running multigenerational brand in history, having sold 2 billion comics worldwide published in a number of languages, plus Archie characters have been featured prominently in animation, television, film and music," commented Stone Newman, President, Global Consumer Products, GBI. "With Archie Comics celebrating their 75^th Anniversary in fourth quarter 2015, it is optimal timing to partner with leading designer Marc Eckō to reimagine an Archie Comics capsule of men's apparel influenced by street culture. With Marc Eckō on board and leading the way, we anticipate a whole roster of new partners to join us to celebrate this incredible milestone with development of a whole range of products to reach fans of all ages."