Celebrities and Close Friends Among Those to Remember the Legendary Creator Through Social Media
Fans From Across the World are Encouraged to Post Their Tributes to Stan Lee Social Media Accounts on X, Instagram and TikTok
Celebration Anticipates Excitement of ‘Stan Lee Universe’ and Coming of “The Excelsiors”
BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., Dec. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Kartoon Studios (NYSE American: TOON), the controlling partner of Stan Lee Universe, proudly announces a global online celebration to honor the 102nd birthday of the legendary Stan Lee on December 28. This special tribute will feature heartfelt messages from celebrities, close friends, and industry icons who were profoundly impacted by Stan’s creativity, vision, and larger-than-life personality.
Stars, producers, and lifelong friends of Stan and ‘True Believers’ worldwide 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 from around the world are encouraged to join 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, Originator and Executive Producer of the Batman film franchise, commented: “On the occasion of what would have been Stan Lee’s 102nd birthday, it is my honor to join others in remembering the man that I’ve known since I was 11 years old. Stan became my idol, mentor, friend, and creative associate. I look forward to reading the amazing stories from so many fans and close friends.”
Stan Lee, born Stanley Martin Lieber on December 28, 1922, in New York City, 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, the Hulk, Black Panther, and the Fantastic Four, often collaborating with artists like Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko. Lee revolutionized comics by introducing 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 made him a beloved public figure and ambassador for Marvel, with cameo appearances in countless Marvel Cinematic Universe films. His contributions to pop culture 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 worldwide.
The legacy of Stan will continue. The 200-plus characters that he created post-Marvel are being brought to life by Kartoon Studios through Stan Lee Universe and its recently announced project The Excelsiors – being driven by Executive Producer Michael Uslan.
About Kartoon Studios Kartoon Studios (NYSE AMERICAN: TOON) is a global end-to-end creator, producer, distributor, marketer, and licensor of entertainment brands. The Company’s IP portfolio includes original animated content, including the Stan Lee brand, and post-Marvel Stan Lee content of over 200 characters through its controlling interest in Stan Lee Universe, as well as “Stan Lee’s Superhero Kindergarten,” starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, on Kartoon Channel! and Ameba; “Shaq’s Garage,” starring Shaquille O’Neal, on Kartoon Channel!; “Rainbow Rangers” on Kartoon Channel! and Ameba; the Netflix Original, “Llama Llama,” starring Jennifer Garner, and more. In 2022, Kartoon Studios acquired Canada’s WOW! Unlimited Media, and a material financial interest in its subsidiary, Mainframe Studios, which is one of the most successful animation service houses in the world, producing top brands for 3rd parties, including “Cocomelon,” “Barbie’s Playhouse,” Unicorn Academy,” and “SuperKitties.” Additionally, the company made a strategic investment becoming the largest shareholder in Germany’s Your Family Entertainment AG (FRA:RTV), one of Europe’s leading distributors and broadcasters of high-quality programs for children and families. Toon Media Networks, the Company’s wholly owned digital distribution network, consists of Kartoon Channel!, Frederator Network, and Ameba. Kartoon Channel! is a globally distributed entertainment platform with near full penetration of the U.S. market. Kartoon Channel! and Ameba are available across 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 2000 exclusive creators and influencers, garnering billions of views annually. For additional information, please visit www.kartoonstudios.com
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Words such as “may,” “might,” “will,” “should,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “continue,” “predict,” “forecast,” “project,” “plan,” “intend” or similar expressions, or statements regarding intent, belief, or current expectations, are forward-looking statements. While the Company believes these forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on any such forward-looking statements, which are based on information available to us on the date of this release and include statements regarding the celebration anticipating excitement of Stan Lee Universe and the Excelsiors. These forward looking statements are based upon 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 movies, fashion and technology; competitive pressure from other distributors of content and within the retail market; our reliance 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 those 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 (the “SEC”). Thus, actual results could be materially different. The Company expressly disclaims any obligation to update or alter statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
