Wicked Cool Toys has been appointed master toy licensee for the Garfield brand in a deal brokered by Bulldog Licensing Inc., Garfield’s U.S. licensing representatives on behalf of Paws Inc. The agreement grants Wicked Cool Toys the worldwide rights to develop and market a line of figures, plush, vehicles, play sets, role play, and seasonal products based on Garfield. The Garfield product is expected to launch this holiday season.
Paws Inc. Signs Wicked Cool Toys as Master Toy Licensee for Garfield
April 23, 2014 By Leave a Comment
The Future of Jakks Pacific Is Looking Marvel-ous
April 21, 2014 By Leave a Comment
Jakks Pacific Inc. will launch a line of toys based on existing and upcoming Marvel characters and properties. The collection will include R/C vehicles, electric- and battery-operated train and track sets, and handheld 3D character flashlights based on Marvel animated series Ultimate Spider-Man, Hulk and the Agents of S.M.A.S.H., and Marvel’s Avengers Assemble. There will also be toys based on upcoming Marvel theatrical releases, including Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron and Marvel’s Ant-Man. These products are expected on retailers’ shelves nationwide next year.
Delta Has Spidey on a Kids Easel and More
April 21, 2014 By Leave a Comment
To mark the arrival of Sony Pictures’ The Amazing Spider-Man 2, Delta Children has new Spider-Man products. The Spider-Man Metal Easel measures 23 by 23 by 39.25 inches, and can be used as either a black or white board, depending on the child’s preference.
Other products include the Spider-Man Twin Bed, which features removable guard rails, as well as 3-D graphics and colorful decals at the headboard and footboard. It’s constructed with plastic and a metal frame. Meanwhile, the Spider-Man Toy Box has a hinged safety lid to protect little fingers, and a design that sports bright and cheerful colors.
There is also a Spider-Man Desk Chair and Spider-Man Table & Ottoman Set. The latter features solid wood construction, a large and easy-to-clean table surface, and two ottomans.
Disney Magical World Is a Universe of Fun for 3DS
April 16, 2014 By Leave a Comment
Last Friday, Disney Magical World launched for the Nintendo 3DS system. Players create a personalized avatar and customized dream life, and then embark on a 3D fantasy adventure across a main central plaza, as well as four surrounding worlds inspired by Alice in Wonderland, Cinderella, Aladdin, and Winnie the Pooh.
Along with interacting with iconic Disney characters, players can run a café to earn in-game coins, set off on ghost-hunting quests, and even visit friends’ towns via the StreetPass feature. Developed by Bandai Namco Studio Inc., Disney Magical World offers various opportunities for creativity and customization: With more than 1,000 items, players can hone design skills to create personalized Disney-themed outfits, accessories, and furniture. [Read more...]
Funko Gives MLB Mascots the Pop! Treatment
April 16, 2014 By Leave a Comment
The first live-action mascot, Mr. Met, made his debut with the New York Mets at Shea Stadium back in 1964. In the 50 years since then, Major League Baseball (MLB) mascots have been rooting teams on at venues everywhere.
To commemorate the MLB mascot’s milestone, Funko has given the Pop! treatment to a number of favorites, including Mariner Moose, Mr. Redlegs, and of course, Mr. Met. The new toys will be available in May, in time for the start of baseball season.
Jakks Pacific and Nickelodeon Enter into Licensing Agreement for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
April 15, 2014 By Leave a Comment
Jakks Pacific Inc. has entered a licensing agreement with Nickelodeon to manufacture, distribute, and market a line of specialty figures and toys in the U.S. based on the network’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles animated series. The agreement will include Jakks Pacific’s Hero Portal TV video game platform, Plug It In & Play TV Games products, and large-scale figures.
The new line will launch this fall, coinciding with the August 8 release of Paramount Pictures’ feature film, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
Lego The Hobbit Dwarfs All Previous Lego Games
April 8, 2014 By
The new Lego The Hobbit game–inspired by the two films, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey and The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, as well as the collection of Lego The Hobbit construction sets–is available now across North America for the Xbox One and Xbox 360, PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 3, and Nintendo 3DS. The game will be available for the Nintendo Wii U on April 22.
Lego The Hobbit features key locations from the film, including Bag End and High Pass over The Misty Mountains. In addition, this will be the first Lego game to utilize a loot system, in which Lego studs representing a variety of materials can be for crafting items. Published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and developed by TT Games, Lego The Hobbit will be available on all platforms.
A main new feature of the game allows players to utilize dwarves’ combined abilities such as buddy fighting, two-player attack, staff climb, mace swing, and belly bounce to help them fight Orcs and fouler things. There’s also an easy access drop-in, drop-out gameplay option available on the consoles. Together players will navigate 16 levels, unlock more than 90 playable characters, and partake in treasure quests–the most diverse number of any Lego video game to date.
Rubie’s Introduces Captain America: The Winter Soldier Costume Collection
April 8, 2014 By
Rubie’s Costume Company will offer costumes, masks, and accessories inspired by Marvel’s Captain America: The Winter Soldier from Marvel Studios, and distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. The costume collection will be available in children, tween, and adult sizes and includes Captain America himself, Black Widow, and the Winter Soldier. It will be available by Rubie’s for this Halloween season.
EA Sports UFC to Feature Bruce Lee
April 8, 2014 By
The legendary Bruce Lee, considered the father of mixed martial arts, will make his historic first step into the Octagon in EA Sports UFC from Electronic Arts Inc. and the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). The game is scheduled to launch on June 17, and fans can complete the game’s career mode at Pro difficulty to unlock him.
A recently released trailer, EA Sports UFC Gameplay Series: Bruce Lee Reveal, shows Bruce Lee realized in the game.
COMMENTARY: Prepare for Upcoming Summer Blockbusters with These Toys
The beach, barbecues, and time off from school are some of the most beloved parts of summer vacation. However, we can’t forget about summer blockbusters. While we are still getting over winter weather here in New York City, I can’t help but get into the summer mood hearing all about the movies that are fast approaching. And to make it even better, this summer’s movies have inspired some awesome products. I was happily surprised to see some versatile items that both kids and adults can enjoy, and have compiled some of my favorites below: