Warner Bros and DC launch first AR Batman mobile app featuring digital comics, games and more

Warner Bros Consumer Products and DC Comics have lifted the cowl on a new Batman mobile experience for young fans with the launch of the DC: Batman Bat-Tech Edition app – a free mobile app that immerses fans in a story that takes a deep dive into the technology of the caped crusader.

The new app encourages kids to join Batman’s crime-fighting team, the Knightwatch, and experience a first of its kind augmented reality immersion in the world of the Dark Knight himself, learning how to use his Bat Tech to fight crime and defend Gotham City from his evil adversaries.

COPPA compliant, free to use and available in 13 different languages, the new app experience is DC and Warner Bros Consumer Products’ latest leap into the digital space to bring young fans a fully interactive and immersive dive into the world of the DC Super Heroes.

The Joker, Mr Freeze, The Riddler, and other DC Super-Villains each make an appearance in the narrative-driven app game, while in addition to learning about Batman’s technology through the app’s AR storytelling features, kids can play mini games, transform photos with AR face filters and stickers, and read exclusive digital comics.

Fans will also be able to watch Batman Bat-Tech themed video content and gain access to the Batcomputer, the super-computer where Batman’s tech secrets are stored.

“Batman is one of our most important franchises, so bringing together the DC and Warner Bros. Consumer Products teams to develop this app featuring his fan-favorite gadgets and crime-fighting tech was a chance for us to give fans yet another way to engage with a favorite DC Super Hero,” said Pam Lifford, president, WarnerMedia Global Brands and Experiences.

“The app creates a truly unique experience that gives kids around the world a chance to immerse themselves in the DC Universe — there’s no other app like it available today.”

Kevin Morris, vice president, franchise management and marketing, Warner Bros. Consumer Products, added: “The Batman mobile app showcases Batman’s innovative technology, using augmented reality like never before, and gives kids a way to unlock the mystery behind Batman’s crime-fighting gadgets.

“Kids can now experience being a DC Super Hero alongside Batman, and while learning and playing they can also help save Gotham City.”

At launch, the DC: Batman Bat-Tech Edition app features Augmented Reality mission to complete as kids become members of Batman’s new Knightwatch team, Mini Games such as the Batman themed mobile driving game, the Batarang Practice campaign, or the Grapnel Launcher game, AR face filters featuring Batman, The Joker, Batgirl, and more, and Sticker packs that kids can use to decorate photos.

The app, meanwhile, will also house Batman Bat-Tech video content delivered through its connection to the popular DCKids’ YouTube channel. A new series titled Batman Science Lab will launch this autumn, exploring the real world application of Batman’s technology.

New missions, games, filters, sticker packs, and video content will be added and updated on a regular basis.

On top of all of this, the DC: Batman Bat-Tech Edition app will host an exclusive digital comic series – Batman – Knightwatch, through which kids can explore how the Knightwatch programme was created and follow along with Batman and his Super Hero team as they take on Gotham City’s Super-Villains.

Fans can download the DC: Batman Bat-Tech Edition today and help Batman save Gotham City.  Available for free on the App Store and the Google Play store, the app is playable on both tablets and smart phones. The app is available globally and is localized in 13 different languages.

Warner Bros.’ Batman vs Superman tops the John Lewis ten toys for Christmas list

The Warner Bros. and DC Comics icon, Batman has swooped in on the first of the major retailers’ top Christmas toy predictions this year, having secured top billing within John Lewis’s Top Ten Toys for Christmas 2021.

It’s Warner Bros Consumer Products’ partnership with the leading hobby brand, Hornby’s own Scalextric that is tipped to excite Christmas shoppers this season, featuring not once but twice upon a list that otherwise sees licenses somewhat thin on the ground this year.

The Scalextric Batman vs Superman (exclusive to John Lewis) sits atop the list, followed by the retailer’s non-exclusive version. A read through the top ten, however, and it’s a sparse presence that the licensing department holds with the retailer’s selection this year.

A £59.99 Harry Potter Games Compendium features above the Tonies Soft Cuddly Friends – Hoppie Rabbit Audio Play line this year, while the seven items selected among this year’s top ten lean towards the traditional toy and play-sets trend, tipped to be a core element within the Christmas toy shopping scene this year by the retailer.

LEGO makes its appearance in the form of its LEGO Elf Clubhouse, while sustainability finds itself at the forefront as John Lewis places its FSC Wooden My 1st Train Set and FSC Wooden Waitrose Supermarket firmly within the top ten picks.

Elsewhere, Ravensburger secures two listing with its Space Puzzle and Gravitrax Pro Starter Extrme (another John Lewis exclusive), while the rundown is made complete by the Secret Garden Book and the Kaloo My First Doll.

Rachael Larkman, toy buyer at John Lewis, said: “This year we’ve seen a huge surge in the popularity of traditional toys and games that can be enjoyed by the whole family. We predict this trend will continue for Christmas 2021.

“The selection chosen by our panel includes toys suitable for all ages – a great variety that will guarantee excitement on Christmas day.”

Warner Bros Consumer Products and Myprotein flex new collab with limited edition Superman collection

Warner Bros. is once again flexing its consumer products muscles, this time through a renewed partnership with the popular fitness brand, Myprotein, to launch a limited edition Superman protein range.

Launched this week, the new whey protein and accessories collection follows a successful pairing between the Warner Bros Consumer Products and My Protein that first landed in 2020 when the fitness brand introduced its Justice League Hero Protein.

Fuelled by a demand for DC Comics inspired workouts, the brand reconnected at the tail of last year to introduce its Warrior Protein, a limited edition run themed around the Wonder Woman film, WW84.

Now, the two are at it again, this time bringing out a solo collection for Warner Bros’ own Man of Steel, Superman. The collaboration features the Myprotein Superman Clear Whey Protein in Acerola Cherry, available in 10 and 20 serving tubs, as well as a limited edition bundle that includes a Superman t-shirt along with a 20-serving protein tub and shaker.

“Last year, Myprotein and Warner Bros Consumer Products launched their official licensing agreement with the introduction of a special Justice League Hero Protein, followed by a Wonder Woman 84 range. The Superman limited edition is the latest installment of three super hero lines for Myprotein,” read a statement from the firm.

The company is expecting the range to be ‘a blockbuster’ among fans and is urging consumers to get their orders in fast, signalling the Superman range to be the final launch in its Warner Bros. collaboration.

GB eye launches new eco-friendly gifting range in partnership with local companies

The posters and giftware specialist, GB eye Ltd is launching a new eco-range of sustainable gifts in collaboration with a local Sheffield manufacturer that will tap into some of the biggest IP of the moment, including Pokemon, PLayStation, Harry Potter and DC Comics.

The partnership is the latest move from the gifting manufacturer and distributor to expand its environmentally friendly ranges, tapping into the shift in consumer mindset for more sustainable products at retail. The new range focuses on reducing the carbon footprint from design conception to the end product.

GB eye is adopting a strategy to source local and reduce international manufacture and import.

The range is set to launch in mid-October with the introduction of the new stainless-steel water bottles. Made within a stone’s throw of the GB eye headquarters in the city of Sheffield, the water bottles will be available across a collection of licences including top tier names such as Pokémon, PlayStation, Harry Potter, and DC Comics, which will appeal to environmentally aware consumers.

Also joining the range in late 2020 will be the tote bag collection. Produced locally from natural fibres, the tote bags aim to help reduce the amount of single-use plastic bags used daily. With favourite names including Pokémon, DC Comics, Harry Potter, Dragon Ball and Stormtrooper, the tote bags will become a key product staple within the eco-range which will see further products join the collection in early 2021.

Nicola Hallam, head of product at GB eye Ltd., said: “The eco-range has been a core focus for us throughout 2020 as we continue to look at ways in which to reduce our carbon impact on the environment.

“Expanding our product ranges to include more sustainable products is the first step as we explore new ways to better protect the world around us. We look forward to adding to the collection in 2021 with further internationally recognised licensed names.”

The sustainable launch comes as part of a continued focus on GB eye’s environmental impact. The company has printed its extensive poster ranges on FSC-certified paper for over 12 years and is committed to making internal process changes where possible, to streamline design and sourcing processes, ensuring the drive to run on a zero-waste policy.

BlackMilk to launch Birds of Prey range that takes inspiration from DC’s Harley Quinn and Black Canary

Comic book fans and fashionistas are being given the chance to dress like the cast of DC Comics’ villains outfit, Birds Of Prey, thanks to a new DC-inspired collection from BlackMilk Clothing.​

No stranger to dropping licensed collections in a flash, BlackMilk Clothing’s latest range aims to recreate the look of the group’s lead character, Harley Quinn, via its signature collection of overalls, dresses, and outerwear.

Fans of the film will be able to shop a range of pieces inspired by the latest iterations of Harley Quinn and Black Canary, not just designed for the Cosplay market, but the fashion conscious, too.

Meanwhile, for the more old school DC fans, the collection will also include a range of pieces featuring popular characters from different eras including Wonder Woman, Superman, Batman, The Joker and others. The collection will be available to shop online via ​BlackMilk Clothing’s website this February.