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U.S. Nicktoons to Air Monsuno, Jakks Pacific to Sell Toys

The companies Jakks Pacific, Dentsu Entertainment USA, FremantleMedia Enterprises, and The Topps Company announced on Wednesday that the American children's television network Nickelodeon has picked up the worldwide broadcast rights to the Japanese-animated series Monsuno. The series targets the Nickelodeon viewership of young boys ages 6-11, and tells a boys' action story centered around "re-awakened Monster DNA that finds its way into the unsuspecting hands of adventure-seeking boys."

The 52-episode series was previously reported as an original product from Jakks Pacific, Dentsu Entertainment USA, FremantleMedia Enterprises, and The Topps Company. Jakks Pacific owns exclusive worldwide rights to manufacture Monsuno's toy products.

"We anticipate that this property will cross over into multiple entertainment and licensing opportunities, and represents an important achievement for the Company in its development and exploitation of children's content and proprietary properties," said CEO and President of Jakks Pacific Stephen Berman in a press release.

Jakks Pacific had previously licensed the rights to make toys for Dragon Ball, Pokémon, Yū Yū Hakusho, and other animation properties. However, Monsuno will be the first entertainment property that Jakks Pacific owns and is directly co-producing.

Monsuno is expected to air next spring.

Thanks to Jonathan Andrade and Mark Alv for the news tips

Sources: Variety, MarketWatch