# Comic Book-Infused Toiletries Marvel’s Mashed-Up Towels Have Distinct Japanese Influence By Ian Andrew Panganiban | Published 2013-04-19 | Pop Culture Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mashedup-product References: [en.rocketnews24](http://en.rocketnews24.com/2013/04/04/handtowels-featuring-woodblock-print-marvel-characters-too-awesome-to-actually-use-for-intended-purpose/) Clashing two brands together always produces an interesting result, especially if the brand being collaborated with is a company like [Marvel Comics](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stuf-of-legends). The comic book company collaborated with Japanese toy and goods manufacturer [Ensky](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ensky) to produce these Marvel-themed hand towels. The towels don’t have any particular special features, except the awesome characteristic of having Marvel superheroes such as movie-hit character Ironman and the late, great Spiderman. The towels also feature other characters from the [Marvel Universe](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cocacolas-marvel-universe-packaging) such as Captain America, Thor and Hulk. The blending of culture and franchise is an interesting twist in product collaboration that should be explored more often by the comic book industry. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.7/10 - Popularity: 71% | Activity: 63% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Pop Culture](https://www.trendhunter.com/popculture) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Brand Mashups:** Combining different brands together can produce interesting and unique products that appeal to a wider audience. - **Franchise-culture Blend:** Incorporating different cultural elements into a popular franchise can create a unique and appealing new product line. - **Hero-inspired Merchandise:** Producing merchandise inspired by popular superhero characters can be a profitable venture for both the comic book and merchandise industries. ### Who This Affects Most - **Comic Book:** The comic book industry has the opportunity to collaborate with various industries to produce unique products that engage a wider audience. - **Toy and Goods Manufacturing:** Collaborations with popular franchises can expand the market for toys and themed goods. - **Textile and Home Goods:** Incorporating iconic superhero characters into textiles and home goods can create a new niche market for licensed merchandise. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Comic-Inspired Soda Cans](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-heroes.md) - [Washable Superhero Rugs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/superhero-rugs.md) - [Superhero Lifestyle Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fantastic-four-first-steps.md) - [Comic Book Hero Collectibles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/comic-book-heros.md) - [Superhero-Themed Clogs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spiderman-x-crocs.md) - [Comic Collab Apparel](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ovo-x-marvel.md) - [Collectible Cosplay Condiments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/heinz-ketchup-and-mustard.md) - [Comic-Themed Tech Accessories](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/super-heroes-vs-villains.md) - [Hero-Collab Color-Chaning Cookies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stuf-of-legends.md)