Evolution USA, LLC will be the new licensing agent for VIZ Media, LLC, the companies announced Tuesday.  In that role, Evolution will work to create new merchandise and expand retail relationships for the Viz brands.  

Other Evolution clients include Japanese properties Yo-Kai Watch and LBX (Little Battlers Experience), and American clients Miramax and Super 4, among others.  Some may remember Evolution partner and President Sales, Marketing & New Business Development Adam Unger from his days at boutique toy company Art Asylum (see “DST Acquires Art Asylum”). 

Evolution President of Licensing & Retail Travis J. Rutherford mentioned a few of the categories where they see opportunity for Viz brands.  "VIZ Media's extensive multimedia catalog aligns perfectly with Evolution’s focus on monetizing intellectual properties and character-driven brands into new media, location-based entertainment, consumer products, and fashion apparel,” he said.

And VIZ CMO Brad Woods explained the fit. “As we continue to develop and expand our catalog we wanted to have an expert merchandise and retail partner who can help to drive the North American business,” Woods said.