The Toys That Made Us is back!

The Toys That Made Us is returning to television screens after 5 years!

The cult-favourite documentary series debuted Christmas 2017 and I binged season one on Christmas Eve. For three seasons The Toys That Made Us was a love letter to fans (myself included) of He-Man, G.I. Joe, LEGO, Star Trek, Star Wars, Transformers and more on Netflix. There was also a spin-off series, The Movies That Made Us, focussing on classic films including Aliens and Jurassic Park.

During the pandemic, Nacelle produced A Toy Store Near You on Prime Video (affiliate link), which was comfort viewing during lockdown. It was a poignant reminder of how great independent stores are and the communities they forge.

“By far the most consistent comments we’ve received over the last 5 years have been some sort of inquiry about the future of The Toys That Made Us,” says Brian Volk-Weiss, Nacelle Founder and CEO. “We’re honored to be able to bring this series back to the fans that have waited so long to see it return, and we appreciate the support over the last 5 years that helped make this a reality.”

Episode topics announced at San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) include:

Ghostbusters
Hot Wheels
Superhero Toys
Polly Pocket
Fast Food Toys
Pokémon
American Greetings
Nerf

No deal has been announced regarding the upcoming fourth and fifth seasons. However, Netflix has the first three seasons available.

Nacelle is also reviving several 1980s toy lines through toys and animated series, including Biker Mice from Mars (which is co-produced by Ryan Reynolds) and RoboForce (co-produced with Dwayne Johnson's Seven Bucks Productions). They also produced action figures for the sci-fi series The Expanse and acquired the 80s toy brands Sectaurs and Wild West C.O.W.-Boys of Moo Mesa.

Are you looking forward to seasons four and five of The Toys That Made Us? Let me know in the comments below.

Hasbro at SDCC

Our friends at Hasbro have sent over details regarding brand and partner panels at San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC). This year marks the 50th anniversary of Dungeons & Dragons (D&D), the 40th anniversary of Transformers, and the 25th anniversary of Star Wars: The Phantom Menace.

The Hasbro booth (#3213) design has been updated to better engage fans and create a more immersive space. The Hasbro Pulse Toy Store is back, and this year's design by Tom Whalen includes an impressive second story for live interviews.

There are four exclusives at SDCC this year. Marvel Legends Death's Head, G.I. Joe Classified Series Cobra Commander (Once A Man), Transformers Legacy United Voyager Class Fractured Friendship 2-Pack, and Star Wars: The Black Series Darth Maul & Sith Speeder. Limited quantities will be available to pre-order on Hasbro Pulse after the convention. While supplies last.

“We are thrilled to return to 2024 San Diego Comic-Con with an evolved booth design and even more exhilarating experiences for our fans,” said Tim Kilpin, President of Toys, Board Games, Licensing & Entertainment at Hasbro. “This year, we are particularly excited to celebrate our upcoming film, TRANSFORMERS ONE, and bring an immersive and interactive showcase that will truly spotlight the creativity and innovation behind our iconic brands. We can’t wait to reveal fan-favorite products from BEYBLADE, TRANSFORMERS, G.I JOE and more to create countless unforgettable memories alongside our dedicated fanbase.”

HASBRO BRAND AND PARTNER PANELS

Attendees are invited to learn more about Hasbro’s TRANSFORMERS, G.I. JOE brands and MAGIC THE GATHERING’s Mark Rosewater and DUNGEONS & DRAGONS with premier collaboration brands, Star Wars and Marvel, through special panel experiences featuring new product reveals and major updates, along with other partner presentations.

Thursday, July 25
· PARAMOUNT PICTURES: TRANSFORMERS ONE: July 25 at 11:45AM – 12:45PM | Hall H - Paramount Animation & HASBRO Entertainment bring a panel discussion and exclusive footage presentation to fans with talent Chris Hemsworth, Brian Tyree Henry, Keegan-Michael Key, along with the Director, Academy Award® winner Josh Cooley, and producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura.

· Hasbro G.I. JOE Brand Panel: Thursday, July 25 at 5:00PM - 6:00PM | Room: 25ABC - Join the G.I. JOE development team for a LIVE launch of the new Classified Series HasLab! This behind-the-scenes look will also feature additional new product news, including never-before-heard stories, digital character renders, in-hand figure prototypes, pre-order launches, and maybe even a special guest.

Friday, July 26
· Marvel Legends Panel with Hasbro: Friday, July 26, 12:30PM - 1:30PM | Room: 5AB - The Hasbro and Marvel product experts will discuss exciting news about Hasbro’s ever-popular Marvel Legends product line! Attendees will also get a sneak peek of upcoming, never-before-seen items, followed by a Q&A for your burning Marvel Legends questions.

· Hasbro Star Wars Panel: Friday, July 26, 2:00PM - 3:00PM | Room: 7AB - Join members of the Hasbro Marketing & Design teams as they discuss the popular Hasbro Star Wars line, including the Black Series and The Vintage Collection. Attendees will get an in-depth look at Hasbro’s latest action figure offerings from throughout the saga. Word on the Holonet is there may also be a few surprises. May the Force be with you!

· Hasbro TRANSFORMERS Panel: Friday, July 26, 6:00PM - 7:00PM | Room: 25ABC - Join the Hasbro TRANSFORMERS Toy Development team as they take you behind the scenes to unveil the latest character figures from across the iconic brand. Plus, time permitting, there will also be a Q&A session filled with trivia and more!

· Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Across the Morphin Grid: Friday, July 26, 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM| Room 5AB - After 8 years and over 120 issues, BOOM! Studios’ Power Rangers universe is coming to an end… but not without a few final surprises! Join Melissa Flores, writer of the climactic “Darkest Hour” event, alongside the iconic Ryan Parrott, the original Pink Ranger, Amy Jo Johnson, and the original Black Ranger, Walter Jones, for a behind-the-scenes peek at the final issues of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers… and an exclusive look ahead at what’s next. Moderated by Matt Hotson (Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Return).

· TRANSFORMERS & G.I. JOE The Energon Universe is HERE: Friday, July 26, 4:30PM – 5:30PM | Room 5AB - WELCOME TO THE HOTTEST COMICS IN THE WORLD! TRANSFORMERS, G.I. JOE, and Void Rivals from Skybound have taken over the comic book world and we’ve got the top secret reveals you can’t miss. Superstars Robert Kirkman (Void Rivals), Daniel Warren Johnson (TRANSFORMERS), Joshua Williamson (Duke, Cobra Commander), Tom Reilly (Duke), and Sean Mackiewicz (SVP/Publisher, Skybound) deliver the panel that will have everyone talking!

Saturday, July 27
· Celebrating 50 Years of Dungeons & Dragons: Saturday, July 27 at 10:00AM - 11:00AM | Room: 6DE - Dungeons & Dragons is celebrating 50 years! From countless hours of adventures and storytelling, new editions and book releases, to the rising tabletop entertainment and pop culture takeover. Come listen to industry experts as they share how Dungeons & Dragons has taken its place on top of the pop culture dungeon

· Magic: The Gathering Panel, Blogatog Live: Saturday 6:30 pm -7:30 pm | Room 24ABC Magic head designer Mark Rosewater presents this one-man program in which he re-creates his daily blog, answering the audience's questions about the making of the popular trading card game and revealing new, never-before-seen cards, mechanics, and more!

Sunday, July 28
· Dungeons & Dragons: The Twenty-Sided Tavern Panel: Sunday at 11:00AM | Room: 32AB Taliesin Jaffe (Critical Role) moderates a panel about the hit off-Broadway theatrical experience Dungeons & Dragons The Twenty-Sided Tavern which includes co-creators David Carpenter (producer, Puffs) and Sarah Davis Reynolds (game designer, Dungeons & Dragons The Twenty-Sided Tavern), Set/Costume/Prop Designer KC McGeorge (Dimension 20) and other special guests. The panel will discuss the creation of the show from idea to page to stage and include a Q&A session with the audience.

Hasbro’s booth at SDCC this year is #3213. The booth is next to the Star Wars pavilion, Mattel Creations, LEGO, and other SDCC hot spots.

Are you looking forward to SDCC? Which panels are you excited for? Let me know in the comments below.

Playmates’ Power Rangers

Hasbro has previously inked co-branded deals with Mattel and McFarlane Toys. Now Playmates Toys is producing licensed Power Rangers products beginning in 2025.

“We are honored to work with Hasbro on the reimagination of this iconic franchise’s toy line for long-time fans and a new generation of children. Playmates and Hasbro speak the same toy language and share a passion for POWER RANGERS, a multi-generational phenomenon that has stood the test of time,” said Karl Aaronian, Playmates’ SVP of Marketing.

The fan-favourite live-action superhero franchise has been relatively dormant outside the adult collector market. In the early nineties, Power Rangers merchandise ruled toy aisles causing shopping chaos for families at Christmas.

"Playmates’ ability to interpret character-based storytelling in highly detailed, innovative, and affordable products has revitalized several iconic brands, they are the perfect fit to fully expand the POWER RANGERS franchise,” said Casey Collins, President of Licensed Consumer Products at Hasbro. “While we’ll continue to provide oversight and direction on future POWER RANGERS product ranges, Playmates will leverage its action figure and accessory design, development and marketing expertise to create an entirely new play and collecting experience for fans of all ages. With two powerhouse companies coming together to support a powerhouse brand, the potential is limitless!”

Are you looking forward to Playmates' Power Rangers? Let me know in the comments below.

Hasbro and McFarlane Toys join forces

On Tuesday, McFarlane Toys announced an exciting licensing agreement with Hasbro.

"Page Punchers is an exciting program for us because it gets comic books into people’s hands, along with a fun toy product, who might not otherwise shop at comic stores. Parents enjoy them because they encourage reading and collectors like them because they provide unique and interesting character stories. With articulated figures, plus a full comic book in each Page Punchers item we offer incredible value with this brand,” said Todd McFarlane, founder and CEO of McFarlane Toys.

Hasbro will be leveraging its own intellectual property (IP). G.I. Joe and Transformers celebrate their 60th and 40th anniversaries respectively in 2024, and will be the first releases.

“From TRANSFORMERS and G.I. JOE to POWER RANGERS, DUNGEONS & DRAGONS and others, a number of Hasbro brands are known for their rich history and continued storytelling through comics. Page Punchers is a natural extension of these brands, providing the action and adventure our multi-generational fans have come to expect. We can’t wait for fans and collectors, alike, to get their hands on the first product drop coming out in early 2024,” said Casey Collins, President of Licensed Consumer Products at Hasbro.

Toy collecting witnessed a surge in popularity during the pandemic whilst we were in lockdown. For me, a childhood passion for toy photography was reignited. However, consumer demand has declined due to a cost of living crisis.

Page Punchers is a good fit for Marvel Legends and Star Wars! Hopefully, Disney will license the beloved brands in the future. The combination of a Marvel Comic and toy would be dynamite.

Hasbro inked a similar co-branding deal with Mattel earlier in the year.

Are you looking forward to G.I. Joe and Transformers Page Punchers? Let me know in the comments below.

Hasbro Pulse Con 2023

San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) has concluded. This year's Christmas in July for geeks was filled with amazing announcements that have hurt collectors' wallets (mine included).

Hasbro celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2023 and announced the incredible Star Wars The Vintage Collection The Ghost HasLab, which has almost reached 8,000 backers and will surely go into production. This may be my first Star Wars HasLab after missing out on Jabba's Sail Barge (The Khetanna) and Razor Crest.

The Star Wars Retro Collection Star Wars: Return of the Jedi multipack soon sold out on Hasbro Pulse in the UK. I was able to pre-order the sought-after set as it includes Yak Face and Mon Mothma. Yak Face is one of the rarest vintage action figures released by Kenner. I passed on Yak Face and Sy Snootles and the Rebo Band in favour of Transformers back in the day. Where's a TARDIS when you need one, eh?

During SDCC, the fourth Hasbro Pulse Con was announced and I've got my eye on the G.I. Joe Classified Series Crimson Strike Team (Tomax, Xamot, and the Baroness) exclusive. Who doesn't want to see the Baroness in red, evoking the Red Shadows from Action Force?

Read the official Hasbro press release:

"Hasbro Pulse Con is BACK! That’s right, we’re returning for our 4th Hasbro Pulse Con event and it’s due to be the best one yet! Just announced today at SDCC, this event is bringing your favorite brands, like Star Wars, Marvel, Transformers, G.I. Joe, Power Rangers, Dungeons & Dragons, Avalon Hill, and more to your screens for a product packed one day celebration on September 22nd, 2023 beginning at 11:00am ET. Mark your calendars, set a reminder, and get ready your shelves ready, fans! More information coming soon, so stay tuned!"

Are you looking forward to Hasbro Pulse Con 2023? What announcements are you hoping for? Let me know in the comments below.

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.