Franchise Targets
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SINCE 1938, DC Comics' Superman has thrilled audiences of many ages. Is it his super-strength? X-ray vision? Heat vision?
Ability to fly? Or is it because this classic comic book character always comes to save the day, save the Earth, protect the
citizens of Metropolis, and embodies good? Where would those citizens and the planet be without their favorite reporter-turned-superhero?
AT THE BOX OFFICE and on television (now deceased actor Christopher Reeves was well-known for his portrayal as The Man
of Steel), Superman has come to life in many different mediums, beyond the comic book. Today, Superman—as well as other DC
Comics' superheroes—remains strong with Warner Bros. Animation's Justice League, as well as the ongoing DC Comics' Superman comic book storylines. But, in true Warner Bros. fashion, that's not all, folks!
Global Superman Perceptions
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Come June 2006, actor newcomer Brandon Routh will have some big shoes (or suit, that is) to fill, as he takes to the big
screen as Superman. The film, directed by Brian Singer of X-Men fame, comes in a timely fashion—as the superhero genre continues to gain support from retailers—on the heels of Warner Bros.
Pictures' Batman Begins live-action film hitting the box office next month, June 15. "While there exists a lot of challenges in our business, the
superhero genre has been receiving a welcome reception in the marketplace. With Batman and with Superman, we are bringing the totality of the franchises to retailers. The longevity of these properties goes beyond the movie events,"
says Brad Globe, executive vice president and general manager of Warner Bros. Worldwide Consumer Products.
While Warner Bros. Consumer Products' (WBCP) Superman licensing remains steady at retail, in the boys', young men's, juniors',
and girls' apparel arena, the division aims for faster than a speeding bullet returns around the Superman theatrical event...and beyond.
It a Franchise Beyond Superman the Movie
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It's a bird...it's a plane It's a franchise. A well-recognized, universally known, multi-pronged brand, according to recent global research conducted
by WBCP. The research findings truly came as no surprise to DC Comics' Cheryl Rubin, senior vice president, brand management:
"It's gratifying to know that kids reconfirmed Superman's incomparable strength as a superhero."
What was learned from the worldwide research—via focus groups with 9- to 11-year-old boys in San Francisco, Chicago, Milan,
London, Mexico City, as well as an online survey of young adults and interviews with trend-tracking experts in the U.S., UK,
Mexico City, and Milan—includes the following toplines:
- Superman still represents the "original" and quintessential superhero.
- Appreciation for Superman runs deep.
- Kids most want Superman's super-strength and ability to fly.
- All superheroes fight the good fight, but Superman thinks globally, while others act locally.
- Superman is Superman, no matter age, demographic, or territory.
- Across ages, interests, and cultures, the S-shield is a erall aesthetic...and it's an icon with momentum.
Armed with these findings, WBCP can further build Superman as an "umbrella brand, not just a movie property," says Globe,
which, in turn, will support Superman's long-term strength at retail.
