WB Prepping Retailers For Justice League Movie

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A couple days ago Cosmic Book News was told by our DC Entertainment source that Warner Bros. was upping the timetable on their Justice League movie with filming possibly to begin as early as January 2014.

Now the latest regarding the Justice League movie is that WB may be prepping retailers for the movie.

Variety points out that Target stores are rolling out exclusive Justice League merchandise, with the article mentioning that they might be getting retailers ready for the movie as it’s titled “Is Warner Bros. Getting Retailers Ready For Justice League?”

It’s said:

Even before “Man of Steel” helps set up a “Justice League” movie at Warner Bros., the studio’s consumer products division is already getting consumers — especially kids and families — used to seeing the match up of the superheroes in the retail aisle.

We see mention is made that it seems as if the studio is attempting to get people ready and used to the idea of their superheroes – as arguably they are already familiar with them – compared to, say, going the route of Marvel Studios and building up to the movie (whereas no one was familiar with Iron Man, but they are Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, etc.).

It’s also said that WB plans on rolling out more Justice League merchandise at other stores.

Recently, DC Comics Chief Creative Office Geoff Johns mentioned an annoucement regarding the direction of the characters would be forthcoming at this Summer’s Comic-Con, of course thought to be the Justice League movie.

You can read the full target press release below.

Press Release

In a first-of-its-kind partnership, Target® Corp. (NYSE: TGT) and Warner Bros. Consumer Products, in partnership with DC Entertainment, have teamed up to introduce an extensive summer collection of exclusive Justice League merchandise. The summer collection was inspired by “DC Comics – The New 52” comic book character designs and holds surprises for fans young and old. Featuring the full lineup of DC Comics’ iconic Justice League Super Heroes – Aquaman, Batman, Cyborg, The Flash, Green Lantern, Superman and Wonder Woman – the summer collection will launch at all U.S. Target stores and on Target.com beginning May 19.

The summer collection was co-created by the Target and Warner Bros. Consumer Products design teams and features contemporary and nostalgic, vintage-inspired graphics and designs. With more than 50 summer products available exclusively at Target, guests will see the collection come to life in home, stationery, sporting goods, and lawn and garden. Some of the more unexpected items include melamine dinnerware that features a purple and pink-clad Wonder Woman; an apron that transforms the cook into Batman; sand toys that will help beach-goers create Gotham City; and children’s Batman, Wonder Woman and The Flash beach towels that double as capes.

“We know Target’s guests love discovering unique merchandise, and this collection delivers the unexpected with a dash of great design. Fans of all ages are sure to love these one-of-a-kind summer items,” said Greg Van Bellinger, director of product design and development, Target.

“DC Comics’ Justice League characters are a powerful assemblage of the most recognizable Super Heroes in the history of comic books. We are incredibly excited to offer fans of all ages a unique collection and collaboration that pairs the heroics of the Justice League characters with the product design and marketing super powers of Target,” said Brad Globe, president of Warner Bros. Consumer Products.

In addition to the exclusive summer collection, Target will be part of a broader partnership with Warner Bros. Consumer Products that will offer more traditional Justice League licensed products. The broader partnership will span more than 20 categories including home, stationery, toys, apparel and accessories. All Justice League licensed products will range from $1 for Justice League temporary tattoos to $59.99 for a Justice League Rocker Chair. Target will also offer Justice League Halloween costumes for kids later this year.

With the release of “Justice League #1” in 2011, DC Entertainment officially kicked off “DC Comics – The New 52” as part of a re-launch of their entire comic book line of 52 new number one issues. “DC Comics – The New 52” Super Heroes are presented in a more contemporary way, including new costumes, characters and storylines.