Topps is planning a big push for the 35th anniversary of Garbage Pail Kids in 2020, with more licensing, a dramatically expanded publishing program, new original content, experiential activations, and a supporting publicity campaign.

New licenses include USAopoly, for a branded Monopoly; Abrams, for a middle-school book series; ChalkLine, Surreal Entertainment, Just Funky, and more.  Existing licensees with new introductions include Geeki Tikis, Super 7, Ripple Junction, Mondo, FYE Consumables, Creepy Co., Fright Rags, and more.

To support the increased licensed product stream and Topps’ expanded Garbage Pail Kids publishing program, the company plans a number of new marketing initiatives.

Garbage Pail Kids characters will be making their first appearances at trade shows and comic conventions, with fan-oriented, 35th anniversary programming showcasing original art and collaborating artists.  Topps also plans to continue its new program of video shorts, supported with paid and organic social media marketing (first video embedded below).  Recent Garbage Pail Kids collaborations have included WWE, Stranger Things, and Universal Monsters, with more in the works for 2020.  And the company will launch dedicated GPK social channels and a website, with mainstream and trade publicity to support.