COMMENTARY: Role Play Toys Engage Kids in Superhero Action

It’s no secret that kids are extremely influenced by the characters they see in movies and on TV. Superheroes are particularly influential, with their mankind-saving tendencies and super-human abilities. The best thing about superheroes is that they appeal to kids and adults alike, since many of the iconic superheroes we know and love have been around for decades. Fisher-Price’s DC Super Friends line is geared toward kids as young as 3 years old, and Lego will introduce DC characters into its Duplo line for the first time this year. While play sets and building blocks are popular play patterns for kids and adding their favorite superheroes to the mix is a great way to get kids excited, the toys that make kids feel like they are becoming their favorite superhero are some of the most engaging toys on the market.

Everyone’s favorite friendly neighborhood Spider-Man is now back on the block with new enemies. The Amazing Spider-Man 2 opened in theaters Friday, May 2, and now kids can take home all of the web-slinging action, thanks to Hasbro’s intense line of role-play and action figure toys.

Marissa.May13.Hasbro.SPIDER-MAN-MOTORIZED-SPIDER-FORCE-WEB-BLASTERWith the wrist-mounted Motorized Spider Force Web Blaster, kids can fire foam discs featuring web embellishments up to 20 feet with rapid speed. Each Motorized Spider Force Web Blaster comes with 10 Nerf foam discs that can be stored in the storage compartment on the top of the toy so they won’t get lost. Don’t worry—the foam discs are harmless and don’t hurt if you get hit with them. Designed for kids ages 5 and up, kids can take on any villain with this fun role-play toy. I should also note—it’s unbelievably fun for adults, too (especially if you have kids around willing to scoop up the discs for you). Just don’t let the name fool you—there are no messy webs with this product, just soft, foam discs!

Marissa.May13.SPIDER-MAN-ELECTRONIC-SPIDER-SENSE-MASKThe Spider Vision Electronic Mask gives kids ages 5 and up a Spidey sense, allowing them to spot villains using innovative Mircoprism Fire Vision technology. The mask includes two discs that illuminate once activated by the button on the Spider Vision Mask. While the technology isn’t overly astounding, the mask itself is fun for kids to channel their inner Spidey.

Marissa.May13.Hasbro.MEGA-BLAST-WEB-SHOOTER-+-GLOVEOf course, we saved the best for last! With the wrist-mounted Mega Blaster Web Shooter with Glove, kids ages 5 and up can blast either Spidey Shot Web Fluid or water with just the push of a button. Just pull on the Spider-Man Glove and the Mega Blaster Web Shooter and get ready to blast webs like Spidey. The blaster comes with a water canister and a 3.8-ounce can of Spidey Shot Web Fluid. Beware: the web fluid (as you can imagine) is basically silly string. It’s insanely fun, and it is also kind of a pain to clean up. What’s great about this toy is the water play option—no crying once the web fluid runs out! This adds lots of play value to the item.

With all of these great toys, kids will be more than prepared to save the day Spidey-style when Electro comes knocking with the Green Goblin in tow.

For more commentary from Marissa, check back often. Views expressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Toy Book as a whole. We hope that you will share your comments and feedback below. Until next time!

About the author

Marissa Silva

Marissa Silva

Marissa Silva is editor-in-chief of the Pop Insider and the Toy Insider, the leading consumer holiday gift guide and toy review and news website. As a professional toy reviewer and an industry expert, she consistently reports on toy, entertainment, and pop culture trends and hot products. In addition to digital content management, Marissa contributes feature-length articles to the Pop Insider and leading toy industry trade magazine The Toy Book, providing retailers, manufacturers, and licensors with information on the latest in toy news. Marissa has been featured on the TODAY Show, Good Morning America, Fox and Friends, ABC World News Now, MSNBC, CBS, NY1, WPIX, and more. A board game fanatic and professional toy reviewer, she spends most of her free time shopping for superhero T-shirts, crushing at Mario Kart, and anxiously awaiting her Hogwarts acceptance letter. You can follow her on Twitter and Instagram @thattoygirl.

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