Created by Chris Donald, a DHSS clerk, from his bedroom in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne in 1979, Viz rose to become one of biggest selling magazines in the UK with a circulation of over 1.2 million copies. It created household names of characters like Roger Mellie, Johnny Fartpants, Buster Gonad, Sid the Sexist, The Fat Slags and Finbarr Saunders. As well as the cartoon strips, Viz featured regular items such as Roger’s Profanisaurus, Letterbocks, Top Tips and spoof news stories.
Acquired by Dennis Publishing in 2003, Viz magazine sells over 70,000 copies an issue and has a readership of over 400,000. Dennis publishes 10 issues of Viz a year and is celebrated its 200th issue in November 2010.
In addition to the comic Viz publishes a variety of books. The legendary annuals have always been Christmas best-sellers selling well in excess of 100,000 copies each. The miniature version of Roger Mellie’s Profanisaurus, The Magna Farta, sold in excess of 50,000 copies whilst The Profanisaurus itself sells in excess of 70,000 copies an issue.
Metrostar launched Viz’s licensing programme in October 2008 and have brokered deals in apparel, greetings cards, dress-up, giftware, arcade gaming and online gaming. 2011 has seen new greetings cards ranges in WH Smith and apparel in Next.
For Brand Licensing 2011, Viz has developed a new style guide which takes its inspiration from the Viz comic of the 1980s. Perfectly in tune with today's trend towards vintage-retro brands, it lends itself to a variety of different product applications.
Metrostar is particularly interested in hearing from potential partners in accessories, men's gifts and gadgets and others of particular interest to Viz’s core consumer; ABC1 men, aged 20-45.
For more information contact : Claire Potter
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