This summer, Relativity Worldwide will launch a new direct-to-consumer (D2C) action figure brand with roots in the ’80s.
Steve Rosenthal was part of the highly competitive wrestling action figures craze of the 1980s while serving as senior vice president at Remco Toys. In partnership with wrestler Verne Gagne, the company launched its AWA All-Star Wrestling collection that was a staple of toy departments and remains a favorite line among collectors nearly 40 years later.
Now, Rosenthal — managing partner of Relativity Worldwide — has forged a tag team partnership with Gagne’s son, retired professional wrestler Greg Gagne to launch a new brand: PowerTown: Where Wrestling Lives On.
“We have secured licensing agreements with some of the most iconic, legendary, and celebrated wrestlers of years past including not only my father Verne Gagne, but also Lou Thesz, Stan Hansen, and Magnum TA, and that’s only part of Series 1,” says Greg Gagne.
In total, the duo says that it’s already inked licensing agreements with more than 150 wrestling personalities, including many that have never been translated into action figures before.
“Collectors and fans alike are going to be excited to now have access to our exclusive limited-edition wrestling figures,” Rosenthal says. “In the coming months, we plan to offer Series 1 direct to enthusiasts via Kickstarter, with follow-up direct to consumer series’ introductions rolling out consistently thereafter. We believe it will be the most comprehensive line of legacy wrestling action figures collectibles ever launched.”
The company is working with sculptors and manufacturers to prep the line for its launch later this year.
