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Funko is Getting into the Children's Book Business
By Jake Rossen
Toy industry upstart Funko has spent the past several years turning their line of Pop! vinyl figures based on popular movie and television licenses into a collecting phenomenon. Now, Funko is hoping to dominate more retail shelf space with a new product: children's books.
The Everett, Washington-based company recently announced a partnership with Sterling Publishing for a line of young-reader books based on original Pop! characters set in Wetmore Forest, home to an assortment of creatures that hunt for mushberries, play games, and explore their woodland territory. The monsters—Bugsy Wingnut, Tumblebee, Butterhorn, and Snuggletooth among them—have previously appeared in both a vinyl and plush figure line as well as an online video series.
The Wetmore concept is a departure for Funko, which normally utilizes licensing agreements with DC, Marvel, Disney, and other major multimedia brands. Part of the design is inspired by the Hoh Rain Forest in Washington's Olympic National Park.
The Wetmore Forest books will be available online at the Funko Shop and sold at Barnes and Noble stores beginning June 15.
[h/t Action Figure Insider]