Brand Creator Jim Benton Partners with Licensed Right International, Inc
Award-winning author, illustrator, and
TV/film creator Jim Benton—renowned for creating hugely successful
licensed properties such as It’s Happy Bunny®, best-selling children’s
book series Franny K. Stein and Dear Dumb Diary, and animated series
and films – has partnered with Licensed Right International who will debut
the next iteration of the THE MISTERS characters, as well as launch his
newly developed Big Mutts character brand for licensing worldwide.
Industry veteran Linda Castillon, Chief Licensing Officer of Licensed
Right International, Inc. is now licensing these properties and will be
showcasing new THE MISTERS artwork and samples, along with Big
Mutts, at The Licensing Show in Las Vegas in May 2025. The company
plans to license various categories, including gift products, such as
humorous Father’s Day gifts, apparel, mugs, buttons, coasters, cake
decorations, key chains, stationery, and other trend products.
Benton is again introducing THE MISTERS—but not as you’ve seen it
before. The artwork is brand-new yet still captures his signature humor,
heart, and irresistible charm of the original characters, including Mr. New
Dad, Mr. Fisherman, Mr. Golfer, and Mr. Hunter, among others. His latest creation, the lovable and funny Big Mutts, is targeted to appeal to people
who own and love dogs and other pets.
Licensed Right International represents top-tier and emerging creative
brands and properties, delivering innovative licensing solutions across
global markets. Castillon, who has a longtime relationship working with
Benton, also played an early pivotal role in licensing THE MISTERS
program on numerous products, including one of the most successful t-shirt
and coffee mug lines ever created.
“I’ve known Linda Castillon for many years and, she is a trusted and
innovative licensing expert with extensive relationships and a track record of
success. I’m happy to be working with her again to introduce the newly
developed THE MISTERS artwork as well as have her develop new
licensed Big Mutts productsand expand both brands into new, innovative
product categories,” said Benton.”
“I love working with Jim, who is a creative genius with incredible talent,
imagination, and humor that has resonated with audiences of all ages,” said
Castillon. “The possibilities are endless, and I’m so excited to be licensing
his incredible newcharacters and redeveloped artwork.”
Each of Benton’s properties has connected with consumers for decades and
evolved with the times. His characters have made an indelible mark on pop
culture and have been a consistent revenue-generating hit for licensees and
major retailers. His irreverent yet lovable It’s Happy Bunny®alone
generated over $750 million at retail and won five Licensing Industry
Merchandise Association awards. It’s Happy Bunny®books have earned
prestigious recognition and have been selected three times as top teen
picks by the American Librarians Association. From Dear Dumb Diary, with
over 10 million copies sold and three New York Times Bestsellers, and
Franny K. Stein, with over five million books sold and a slew of literary
accolades, Benton’s characters quickly evolved into evergreen licensed
properties. Beyond books, his creations have also extended into diverse
media, from feature films and creating content for Illumination Films, to
graphic novels such as Fann Club: Batman Squad published by DC
Comics.
