Subway And Justice League Join Forces In Kids’ Meals Across America
(April 1, 2002 – Milford, CT) - Sometimes the job is too big for just one hero, so Subway Restaurants, DC Comics and Cartoon Network join forces to bring the Justice League superheroes to Subway’s Kids’ Paks. Kids and parents will love the toy premium promotion that feature Superman, Batman, the Flash, Wonder Woman, Hawkgirl, Green Lantern and Martian Manhunter. The highly collectible toys will be available at participating restaurants May 20 through
July 7, 2002.
“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with DC Comics and Cartoon Network by featuring Justice League, one of their most popular comic books and programs, in a Kids’ Pak promotion,” says Liz Safrey, Communications Supervisor, SFAFT (Subway Franchisee Advertising Fund Trust). “These classic fun toys will be a big hit in our restaurants.”
The Justice League has existed in some form since 1940 when DC Comics' All-Star Comics introduced the first-ever group of superheroes in a comic book series entitled “Justice Society of America,” which ran until 1951.
DC Comics revived the concept in March 1960, renaming it the “Justice League of America.” The League became the longest-running television cartoon based on a comic book when Hanna-Barbera Studios produced it as “Super Friends” (1973), “The All-New Super Friends” (1977), “Challenge of the Super Friends” (1978), “The World's Greatest Super Friends” (1979) and “The Super Friends Hour” (1980) for Saturday mornings, each with new characters added and each produced for ABC Television.
The monthly “Justice League of America” comic book continues to be one of DC Comic's best-selling titles, consistently ranking among the top ten in industry sales. The Warner Bros. Animation produced series, “Justice League” premiered on Cartoon Network on November 17, 2001 and quickly became an audience favorite with children and adults alike, ranking consistently in the networks top ten performers. Issue #1 of the series tie-in comic book, which is entitled “Justice League Adventures,” debuted in November 2001 and is one of the industry’s top sellers.
“We are excited to team with Subway in the first Justice League premium promotion for kids meals,” said Joel Ehrlich, Senior Vice President, Advertising and Promotions for Warner Bros. Consumer Products and DC Comics. “All eight of the Justice League premiums in the Kids’ Paks are guaranteed to be wildly sought after by both kids and collectors.”
The Kids’ Pak meal consists of a deli-style sandwich, small drink and a cookie. Additionally, one of the following toys will be available in each meal:
Batman and Superman figurines are formed from a translucent material that is painted from the inside. These two classic heroes are rich in color and come with detachable bases featuring their individual emblems.
The Flash and Wonder Woman are detachable figurines featured on crazy straws that twist to form the special shield icon of each character. Each toy also includes the character’s emblem.
Hawkgirl, Green Lantern and Martian Manhunter are classic articulated action. This superhero trio is ready for adventure. A detachable Justice League base in also included.
The promotion will be supported with nationally produced point-of-purchase materials.
DC Comics, a division of Warner Bros. an AOL Time Warner Company, is the largest English-language publisher of comics in the world and home to such iconic characters as Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman and the Sandman. These DC superheroes and others have starred in comic books, movies, television series (both animated and live-action) and cyberspace, thrilling audiences of all ages for generations. DC Comics’ Web site is located at www.dccomics.com.
Cartoon Network, currently seen in more than 78.7 million U.S. homes and 145 countries around the world, is Turner Broadcasting System Inc.’s 24-hour, ad-supported cable service offering the best in animated entertainment. Drawing from the world’s largest cartoon library, Cartoon Network also showcases unique original ventures such as The Powerpuff Girls™; Dexter’s Laboratory™; Samurai Jack™; Courage the Cowardly Dog™; Ed, Edd n Eddy™ and other Cartoon Cartoons™. Since its launch in 1992, Cartoon Network has remained one of ad-supported cable’s highest-rated networks. Cartoon Network’s Web site is located at http://CartoonNetwork.com (AOL Keyword: Cartoon Network).
Warner Bros. Consumer Products is a division of Warner Bros., an AOL Time Warner Company, and is one of the leading licensing and retail merchandising organizations in the world.
Subway® Restaurants is the world's largest submarine sandwich franchise, with more than 16,000 locations in 74 countries. Subway recently surpassed McDonald’s in the number of restaurants open in the United States. In Canada, Subway has had more restaurant locations than McDonald’s for a number of years. Headquartered in Milford, Conn., Subway® was co-founded by Fred DeLuca and Dr. Peter Buck in 1965. That partnership marked the beginning of a remarkable journey—one that made it possible for thousands of individuals to build and succeed in their own business. Subway® was named the number one franchise opportunity in all categories by Entrepreneur magazine in its Annual Franchise 500 ranking in January 2002—for the record-breaking 10th time in 14 years! Additionally, Subway® won the 2001 MenuMasters Award for Best Menu/Line Extension from Nation’s Restaurant news for its Subway Selects gourmet sandwiches. For more information about Subway®, visit www.subway.com. # # #