JAKKS Pacific, Inc. announced today that it has been awarded the Master Toy License for Dragonball, Dragonball Z and Dragonball GT, by Fort Worth, Texas-based FUNimation Productions Ltd.

The announcement had been widely anticipated following court filings last week in the bankrupty of Irwin Toy, previous holder of the license.

According to the release, JAKKS will develop, manufacture and distribute action figures, action figure accessories and vehicles based on the animated series. JAKKS signed a 3-year license agreement and expects to show products for 2003 as early as New York International Toy Fair in February.

“JAKKS is elated to add the properties to JAKKS’ boys action division,” said Jack Friedman, CEO, JAKKS Pacific, Inc. “This is a perfect match for the collective Dragonbball toy line,” said Gen Fukunaga, president and founder of FUNimation.

In a signal to concerned retailers waiting for product, both parties said they anticipate a smooth transition and expect product to ship immediately.

Posted by Jess Horsley on December 24, 2002 08:03 PM