'Peanuts' gets digital expansion

Peanuts is to receive a major digital and social media expansion, licence holder Iconix Brand Group has announced.

Charles Schulz's popular comic book property is to break into mobile gaming, e-books, Facebook and digital apps, reports The Washington Post.

Iconix chairman and CEO Neil Cole told the newspaper that the move is part of the firm's strategy to "make Peanuts relevant to younger fans", and keep it "accessible to the next generation".

Schulz's widow Jean pledged her support to Iconix's plans. "I'm excited by what the Peanuts Worldwide team is doing with these digital initiatives," she said. "I think we've maintained the integrity and soul of Sparky's work."

Peanuts, which features iconic characters such as Snoopy and Charlie Brown, launched in 1950 as a syndicated daily comic short. The strip spawned a number of successful television and film adaptations, running until February 13, 2000, one day after Schulz passed away.

Earlier this year, BOOM! Studios acquired the rights to publish Peanuts comics under its Kaboom! children's imprint.

> Read our latest comics news