Indiana Jones at Hasbro Pulse Con

Hasbro Pulse Con 2022 has concluded. There were exciting announcements for fans (myself included) of Hasbro’s own and licensed brands, and pre-order controversy.

The Selfie Series was announced for the Hasbro Pulse app in the US only. Allowing action figure fans to see themselves immortalised as their favourite characters. I’ve always pictured myself as Luke Skywalker (Stormtrooper) rescuing Princess Leia. Toy Galaxy's Dan Larson shared his hilarious Power Rangers selfie that looked like something out of the Nintendo 64 (N64) era.

As a lifelong Lucasfilm fan, I was looking forward to the new Indiana Jones toy line based on Raiders of the Lost Ark. Like many kids of my generation, I missed out on Kenner’s classic action figures when its Star Wars license ruled the toy aisles in the early eighties. Frankly, I never knew the toy line existed until years later when a friend pointed them out to me in a local comic book store.

Hasbro's new series looks phenomenal and includes The Adventures of Indiana Jones and a Kenner-branded Retro Collection (affiliate link). As a generalist collector of franchises, The Adventures of Indiana Jones piqued my interest with the first wave including the titular archaeologist, Marion Ravenwood, Sallah, René Belloq and Major Arnold Toht (affiliate link).

Further movie-themed sets are sure to follow given the renewed interest in the franchise with the release of Indiana Jones 5 in 2023.

Given all the buzz surrounding Hasbro Pulse Con and no longer a Hasbro Pulse Premium member, I patiently waited on my iPad for 11:00 PM (BST). I pre-ordered the man in the hat and Staff of Ra Headpiece (affiliate link) electronic roleplay collectable.

And, seemingly against the odds, successfully pre-ordered G.I. Joe Classified Series Serpentor & Air Chariot! The coveted con exclusive sold out within four minutes of going on sale to the general public, leaving disappointed fans taking to social media to vent their frustration.

To celebrate securing Serpentor, I added ‘Cover Girl’ and CRIMSON B.A.T. They'll look great alongside Croc Master & Fiona. For better or worse, G.I. Joe is now a Hasbro Pulse exclusive outside the US.

Further to last week's surprise announcement that Hasbro is producing Dungeons & Dragons cartoon classics action figures, I pre-ordered the first wave. Soon Hank, Bobby & Uni and Diana (affiliate links) will be battling Venger under the watchful gaze of Dungeon Master.

This Transformers: Generation 1 fan couldn't resist Transformers Generations Legacy A Hero is Born 2-Pack. The mythology of Orion Pax being rebuilt, by Alpha Trion, as Optimus Prime is something special from my childhood in the wake of the Autobot leader's death in Transformers: The Movie.

I know nothing about Transformers Legacy Evolution Comic Universe Tarn (affiliate link). However, he's too cool to pass up with his awesome Decepticon insignia face mask and scoped blaster. It more than makes up for the disappointing Megatron H.I.S.S. Tank. Cancelled my pre-order after reading this excellent review of the Transformers Collaborative: G.I. Joe Mash-Up.

Nothing from Ghostbuters, Marvel Legends Series, Power Rangers or Star Wars The Black Series caught my eye, which is probably for the best given the cost of living crisis.

Overall, not a shabby Hasbro haul for toy photography on Instagram.

Did you watch Hasbro Pulse Con 2022? What did you think? Were you able to pre-order the products you wanted? Let me know in the comments below.

Hasbro Pulse launches in the UK

Hasbro Pulse, the Pawtucket-based company's direct-to-consumer platform, officially launched in the UK this week.

Toy collectors will be able to order exclusives from Ghostbusters, Marvel Legends, Power Rangers, Star Wars, Transformers and more beloved brands.

"We are proud to bring Hasbro Pulse to the engaged and vibrant UK audience," says Eric Nyman, Hasbro Chief Consumer Officer. "The passion for Hasbro's brands and immersive experiences spans the globe. We are thrilled to make our offerings accessible to our fans in the UK beginning today and are working to open up the Hasbro Pulse opportunity in other markets worldwide."

As an only child recovering from a life-changing head injury, necessitating years of outpatient rehabilitation, toys were an obsession.

During the pandemic, I've rekindled a childhood passion for toy photography and immediately signed-up for Hasbro Pulse Premium, which is currently half-price until the end of March.

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Excited about getting exclusives direct from Hasbro Pulse? Let me know in the comments below.

Power Rangers Dino Charge at MCM London Comic Con

London Comic Con is just around the corner and the Power Rangers are ready to unleash their power at the Con! Throughout the weekend of May 22-24, fans are invited to celebrate the Power Rangers at London Comic Con with a variety of exclusive activities, fun meet & greets and special giveaways.

Power Rangers activities include:

· Power Rangers Dino Charge Episode 1 Premiere: Get a sneak peek at Power Rangers Dino Charge episode one before its debuts on POP TV in August 2015.
· Exclusive Product Offers: Be the first to own the Power Rangers Dino Charge Morpher & Dino Megazord available at the Bandai booth (#2541). Also receive Bandai’s exclusive FREE gift-with-purchase Comic Con t-shirt.
· Special Guests: Meet the Red and Blue Dino Charge Rangers at the Bandai booth throughout the weekend.
· Giveaways: Enter to win a Legacy DVD box set and full range of collector items at the Bandai booth. The limited edition Legacy DVD box set spans across the first 20 seasons of the Power Rangers series, including over 270 hours of action-packed entertainment across 98 DVDs. FREE Power Rangers Dino Charge posters will also be given away throughout the weekend.



Are you attending MCM London Comic Con? Let me know in the comments below.

That's hot

Toy retailer Toys "R" Us has unveiled its coveted "hot toy" list for the upcoming holiday season, and this year it includes a video game console for the first time - Nintendo's Wii.

"The PlayStation 3 is really geared to a savvy gaming enthusiast," said Kathleen Waugh, a spokeswoman for Toys "R" Us, of the decision to add the Wii to the list. "The Wii system appeals to young kids as well as adults."

The following is Toys "R" Us' "Fabulous 15" list of hot new toys for the 2006 holiday season:

* Blue Man Group Percussion Tubes from ToyQuest,

* Designer's World from Tiger Games,

* Dora's Talking Cash Register from Fisher-Price,

* ESPN Fast Action Football from Fisher-Price,

* Kid-Tough Digital Camera from Fisher-Price,

* Laugh & Learn Baby Grand Piano from Fisher-Price,

* Mindstorms NXT from Lego,

* My Scene My Bling Bling Styling Head from Mattel,

* Pink Nitro Notebook from VTech,

* Power Rangers Deluxe Manticore Megazord from Bandai,

* Speed Stacks StackPack from Play Along,

* Sound City Railway from Imaginarium,

* Tap Dancing Mumble from Thinkway,

* T.M.X. Elmo from Fisher-Price, and

* Wii from Nintendo.