NEW YORK – Betty Boop fans unite! King Features and Fleischer Studios have announced that The Official Betty Boop Fan Club is now open to the worldwide fan community via BettyBoop.com, the Official Web site for the popular animated character.

Anyone who loves to collect Betty “Boopabilia” may sign up online. The $10 lifetime membership entitles the fan to a wallet-size membership card, a Certificate of Membership suitable for framing, a Members-only Fan Club pin and an online subscription to The Scoop on Boop, an occasional e-newsletter with a behind-the-scenes look at all things Betty. Plus Fan Club members will enjoy a 10% discount on any purchase they make at the Official Betty Boop Store [http://www.bettyboopstore.com/].

“Since we launched the message boards on BettyBoop.com, where people can post news and information and share their enthusiasm for our character, we have discovered that Betty Boop fans are absolutely passionate about collecting all things Boop,” said Michael Chan, Director of Web Development for King Features Syndicate, exclusive worldwide licensing agent for Betty Boop. “We wanted to take advantage of the power and reach of the Web to connect with Betty’s loyal fans.”

“We are delighted to see the launch of The Official Betty Boop Fan Club online,” said Mark Fleischer, President of Fleischer Studios and grandson of Betty Boop creator Max Fleischer. “The fans themselves have nurtured several traditional Clubs through the years, and we are thrilled with the loyalty they have demonstrated to Betty Boop. As the BettyBoop.com Web site has evolved, we wanted to create something unique just for the fans.”
“It seemed the perfect time for King Features and Fleischer Studios to introduce the Official Fan Club, which combines the familiar aspects of a traditional fan club, such as the membership certificate and a newsletter, with something really special: an exclusive way for fans to collect Betty Boop items that are not available anywhere else in the world,” Chan said. “Our first offering is ‘The Official Betty Boop Fan Club Headquarters’ limited-edition poster,” Chan said. “It was created by Frank Caruso, King Features creative vp and cartoonist, and illustrated by longtime Betty Boop artist, Ned Sonntag. From the color palette to the wonderful animal characters, the poster art pays homage to the creativity of Max Fleischer and his innovative animation.

“We have only printed 5,000 pieces and do not plan to reissue it,” Chan said. “When they are gone, we will commission the next piece of artwork in the series. In addition, we plan to release exclusive merchandise periodically that will be available only to Fan Club members.”

Since she made her screen debut during the Golden Age of Animation, the beloved Betty Boop character has headlined films and has adorned a wide range of consumer products and merchandise.



FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Claudia Smith, King Features Syndicate, 212-969-7542, or e-mail: cmsmith@hearst.com
Rose McAllister, King Features Syndicate, 212-969-7594, or e-mail: rmmcallister@hearst.com