Family-friendly YouTube gaming channel Maizen is expanding its popular JJ & Mikey animated characters into a full-blown franchise across original content and consumer products through a partnership with creator media company Pocket.watch . Under the pact, the Japan-based Maizen’s “JJ & Mikey” series will begin streaming across platforms including Tubi, The Roku Channel, and Ryan and Friends Plus this summer. Additionally, Pocket.watch has struck a deal with Scholastic for a series of JJ & Mikey children’s books, set to roll out at retail in early next year. And in Spring of 2027, new JJ & Mikey toys, including plushies and blind-box collectibles, will debut across major retailers through a licensing deal with Bonkers Toys. Popular on Variety Maizen’s YouTube channel has quickly become one of the most influential destinations in digital family entertainment, having previously landed in the top rankings for gaming creator and channel in both the U.S. and globally.…