Superhero-sized licensing deal

Marvel this week signed a long-term licensing agreement that allows Hallmark to develop print and e-cards (and other goods) using the comic giant's more than 5,000 characters from the Hulk to Elektra. Continuing Hallmark's recent trend of technology teasers, the announcement said the cards will "feature lights, sounds and other innovations." Someone please get on details of this, please.

Another twist: "A secondary purpose of the partnership is to include projects announced for domestic and international release that have not yet been covered by a major social expressions category. For example, recently announced feature films from MARVEL Studios (such as The Avengers; 2012), and animated television series' recently produced by MARVEL Animation, are now a part of the agreement."

Take this card behind the middle school and get it pregnant

NBC Universal has inked a deal with Hallmark to "create a line of greeting cards that use content from the studio’s film, television and music libraries." In the lineup, "30 Rock" and "The Office" -- two shows with the best collection of one-liners on TV today. While I don't think that line "Tell her that you want your privates and her privates to do a high-five" will be spoken when you open a card emblazoned with a smiling photo of Tracy Morgan anytime soon, I hope it's at least ready by my birthday in December.

Out of town, but not out of it entirely

I missed the National Stationery Show this year. Bad scribbler. My freelance writing/wanderlust drew me south of the equator to Argentina -- which is another story for another blog. Amazing journey.

The doodler reported that the trade show floor was smaller than years before -- less exhibitors, less buyers. But from the looks of the NSS blog, the talent level was as high as it has been in years past. Congrats to all of the LOUIE winners, new exhibitors and pioneers of new designs and technology.

The doodler also exhibited at Surtex this year for the first time - marking her debut on the licensing scene. Before the show -- which ran concurrently with NSS -- opened, she got an awesome shout-out in Print & Pattern. Pep couldn't be more proud of its designer-in-chief!