YU-GI-OH! TRADING CARD ARTWORK LICENSED FOR THE FIRST TIME
4K Media Inc. Announces Collectibles and Accessories Deal with NECA Worldwide excluding Asia
6 March 2013 – (New York, NY) 4K Media Inc., the newly formed, wholly owned subsidiary of Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. announced today that it is making available for license, for the first time, artwork from its world record setting trading card game. NECA is the first licensee to take advantage of this newest opportunity for the Yu-Gi-Oh! brand. Under the agreement, NECA will produce action figures, headknockers, collectible replicas, puzzles, jewelry, posters, calendars and accessories utilizing artwork from the ever popular Yu-Gi-Oh! trading card game. The worldwide (excluding Asia) exclusive deal allows 4K Media to reach out to a previously underserved segment of their fan base, the older collector. In announcing the agreement, Jennifer Coleman, senior licensing and marketing director for 4K Media Inc., indicated that product is expected to launch in time for Comic-con International: San Diego and will continue to roll out through the end of the year at specialty, hobby and comic book stores worldwide excluding Asia.
Mr. Shinichi Hanamoto, chairman and president corporate officer 4K Media Inc. said, "This marks the first time Konami has ever licensed its trading card artwork. We are happy to have partner in NECA who understands this customer niche and appreciates our fan base. We look forward to being able to provide product for this demographic of ours who have been clamoring for it for many years."
Joel Weinshaker, president and founder of NECA, said "We are honored that Mr. Hanamoto and 4K Media have entrusted us to bring this monumental art to a generation of Yu-Gi-Oh! fans that have grown up with the game. We look forward to the partnership that will bring truly innovative, exceptional product to the marketplace."
The Yu-Gi-Oh! phenomenon swept the US and global markets in 2001 and continues to captivate boys with its best-selling trading card game, animated television series and motion picture releases.
About 4K Media Inc.
4K Media Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc., created to manage the Yu-Gi-Oh! franchise outside of Asia. 4K Media is responsible for brand management, licensing, and marketing of Yu-Gi-Oh!, as well as production and distribution of the Yu-Gi-Oh! television series. The Yu-Gi-Oh! animated franchise, with nearly 600 episodes, consists of the original Yu-Gi-Oh!, Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's, Yu-Gi-Oh! GX and Yu-Gi-Oh! ZEXAL, has been translated and broadcast in 90 countries on many of the top leading networks.
About NECA
National Entertainment Collectibles Association Inc. is a media and entertainment company operating in the United States and internationally, with three segments: Consumer Products, Filmed Entertainment and Online Retail/Digital Distribution. NECA is the leading designer, marketer, and worldwide distributor of licensed entertainment consumer goods based on some of the world's most established and beloved properties, providing products across all consumer categories and distribution channels. Together, NECA's divisions provide a comprehensive, end-to-end solution to elevate each property, maximizing exposure and reach, while protecting the vision of the creator. As a result of NECA's singular passion and reverence for the intellectual property backing its products, some of this generation's most recognized content creators enjoy working with NECA, allowing us to help bring their vision to their audience. For additional information, visit http://www.necaonline.com.
