The Pokémon Company is acquiring its largest US distributor 

The powerhouse behind Ash and Pikachu has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Iowa-based distributor Excell Brands. The deal still awaits regulatory approvals and closing conditions, and The Pokémon Company has not provided a timeline for final completion. The two companies have worked together for decades, and Excell is Pokémon’s largest US distribution partner. This acquisition will allow Pokémon to scale up Excell’s capabilities to meet rising demand in the trading card (pictured) & collectibles category, according to a release. However, Excell will also continue to operate independently with its current retail and brand partners, including other trading card brands such as Yu-Gi-Oh!, Magic the Gathering and Disney Lorcana.

Walker Books goes on a Beast Quest 

Coolabi Group has tapped Walker Books and its sister company Candlewick Press to publish new titles in the popular Beast Quest book series. The first of these will launch in February 2027 (the current publishing deal with Hachette Children’s Group ends next month). In addition to creating original graphic novels for seven- to 10-year-olds focusing on specific characters, Walker will also re-release the existing titles. To date, the series includes more than 100 books, centering on two kids who battle magical beasts to save their kingdom. Beast Quest has sold more than 25 million copies worldwide and is especially popular in the UK, according to Walker Books. 

Sanrio and IDW Publishing are rolling out Hello Kitty comics

The companies have signed a multi-title deal to release comics based on Sanrio’s iconic kitty, starting with a series that launches in July (timed around San Diego Comic Con). The first title follows Hello Kitty and her friends as they travel the world trying to solve a riddle, and more stories will follow in 2027. The comics are coming at a moment of growth for the brand, with a Hello Kitty feature film from Warner Bros. Pictures Animation and New Line Cinema slated for a July 2028 release. 

Fire Spike lands an international distributor 

Fledgling Barcelona-based animation distributor Siesta Entertainment has signed on to handle Bored Panda’s preschool IP Fire Spike—a property that has surpassed a million subscribers on YouTube. Lithuania’s Bored Panda has released three seasons of the series (52 x three minutes), and a fourth is in development. This show follows a young dragon named Fire Spike as he learns about preschool concepts (like being safe on an escalator), gets health tips, and goes on adventures with his family and friends. Siesta aims to expand the series into broadcast deals, licensing and gaming. 

YuMe Toys creates One Piece collectibles with Toei 

YuMe Toys is broadening its multi-year licensing deal with Japanese animation studio Toei to add more products related to the One Piece anime & manga series. This time it’s a range of blind box figures that are set to launch in EMEA and Australia and New Zealand this spring. YuMe has already rolled out keychains and plush for the series. 

Cryptozoic is making Dog Man and Dragon Ball cards 

In the trading card market’s latest deal, Cryptozoic has signed on to create a range of Playpaks cards based on the Dog Man book series by Dav Pilkey. Expected to launch this spring, each pack of five cards will also include activities, stickers and games inspired by Dog Man’s adventures. And in a similar deal, Cryptozoic will make Dragon Ball Z Playpaks cards that will also hit retail shelves later this year. 

Pictured is Pokémon’s trading cards, courtesy of Pokémon.