(San Diego, July 21st) — Masked heroes, high-flying action, and multimedia storytelling collide as Pan-Universal Galactic Worldwide (PUG Worldwide) announces a dynamic new partnership with Masked Republic, the leading force behind authentic lucha libre entertainment and licensing.
The wide-ranging agreement covers publishing and collectible categories, including card games, trading cards, vinyl records, 3D screen-capture graphic novels, and more, bringing the larger-than-life world of lucha libre to fans in entirely new formats. Rapidly approaching the 100th anniversary of the birth of lucha libre, Masked Republic continues to forge new licensing partnerships designed to celebrate the art form declared “an intrinsic part of the culture of Mexico” by the country’s government in 2018.
“We’re always fan-focused here at PUG, and we couldn’t be bigger fans of Masked Republic,” said PUG Editor-in-Chief (and 3D graphic novel architect) John Barber. “Getting in the ring with them to celebrate the visually explosive, emotionally stirring, and culturally rich world of lucha libre through games, books, music, and more is truly a dream match.”
The partnership will include the release of the new fast-paced lucha libre card game Pinned and a special Film Frames graphic novel presenting the classic film Santo in the Treasure of Dracula, as a screen-capture comic in Pan-Dimensional 3D thanks to Masked Republic’s alliance with Mexico’s Permanencia Voluntaria Film Archive. El Santo’s silver mask remains one of Mexico’s most recognizable cultural icons and his films anchor a genre of more than 150 luchador films produced since 1952, more than 50 of them starring El Santo himself. Key Santo films will be adapted into PUG Worldwide’s innovative 3D screen-capture graphic novel line, transforming classic films into immersive reading experiences. These initial launches will be followed by a Loteria set, trading cards, a vinyl program, and more.
“At Masked Republic, we have prided ourselves on creating officially licensed lucha libre related products that fill a void for long time fans and pop culture enthusiasts alike. Teaming with PUG to expand into more than half a dozen new categories of licensed products is going to lead to some very exciting upcoming releases starting with the incredible Film Frames 3D graphic novel of Santo in the Treasure of Dracula. It is personally one of my most favorite luchador films and to see the movie’s time travel device pop off the page in 3D is wild!” said Masked Republic President and COO Kevin Kleinrock.
“Lucha libre isn’t just sport. It is a cultural phenomenon that has touch points in arenas, tv, cinema and mythology in the hearts and minds of millions worldwide,” said Masked Republic Founder and CEO Ruben Zamora. “Working with PUG allows us to express that full spectrum in formats fans can see, hear, and hold.”
San Diego Comic Con attendees will have a chance to pick up an early ashcan preview edition of the 3D screen grab books! Just add the Headlocked and Masked Republic: Taking Wrestling Beyond The Ring panel on Thursday, the 23rd in Room 5AB, at 6:30 pm to your itinerary! The team from PUG-W will be at the panel handing out SDCC exclusives to attendees! (These limited-edition copies are first come, first served, so get there early!) Fans who can’t make the show can get more information on upcoming Pan-Universal Galactic & Masked Republic tag-team projects on Pug’s website!
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