Inside Out

Alexander Doll recently unveiled its latest licensed doll design, Maggie Loves Gumby, based on Art Clokey's iconic claymation character, currently repped by Classic Media and Heat Licensing. The 8-inch doll (pictured) includes a 3-inch Gumby bendable from licensee NJ Croce. “The new collectible doll is a great way to pair a classic with a classic,” says Gale Jarvis, Alexander Doll's president ... In other licensing news, Universal Pictures and independent comic book publisher Dark Horse Entertainment signed a three-year worldwide production and distribution agreement granting Universal exclusive rights to Dark Horse's many characters. The deal expands an existing relationship that has Universal releasing this summer's Hellboy II ... LazyTown Entertainment, creator of the LazyTown children's television series, announced an initiative last month with Wal-Mart de Mexico to address childhood obesity in that country. In a multi-year alliance, the two will offer a range of “innovative, healthy products, ideas and solutions” for parents seeking a single destination for simple suggestions for raising healthy kids at affordable prices. It will also look to instill in kids the motivation to engage in better lifestyle choices ... Spin Master this month launches a cross-country tour to promote its Bakugan Battle Brawlers collectible action game. The “Bakugan Battle Training” tour will visit 1,200 Wal-Mart and Toys “R” Us locations beginning on April 4 when the series starts with an event at Toys “R” Us Times Square. Each of the tour's stops will offer game training, demonstrations and special giveaways.