10 increasingly rich dead celebs (10 images)

The recently-deceased King of Pop not only took in more money than any deceased entertainer last year, he took in more than any musician period. Merchandising, the film "This Is It," album sales and the like have catapulted his revenues ever higher.

Last year the King brought in just $5 million, but his estate's coupling with Cirque du Soleil ensured an expansion of his portfolio, in conjunction with his seemingly limitless merchandising presence.

Take into account the long-lasting success of the film adaptation of his "Lord of the Rings" trilogy, the conjoined continued success of his long list of books and the recent announcement that "The Hobbit" will finally be getting a live action film adaptation and you have a recipe for an easy $50 million.

The firm Iconix purchased the rights to the classic "Peanuts" strip and the associated properties for $175 million, though Charles M. Schulz Creative Associates are keeping a 20 percent share in the holdings.