The Toy Book’s Fall Toy & Licensing Preview Issue is Here!

The toy industry’s fall travel season is about to kick into high gear, and The Toy Book’s latest issue is packed for the trip.

Our Fall Toy & Licensing Preview sets the stage for the LA Fall Toy Previews with an early look at toys and games headed to shelves in 2027.

On our digital outer cover, featuring artwork by Matthew Ferguson,* we pay tribute to the 40th anniversary of Hasbro’s The Transformers: The Movie, while artist Kenny Kiernan returns for another hand-drawn editorial cover celebrating big brands and moments for fall.

Inside, readers will find a closer look at the trends shaping the business, major brand anniversaries, and fresh perspectives on the state of the global toy industry with insights from Circana, The Toy Association, Women in Toys, Licensing & Entertainment, and more.

Plus, the included edition of The Licensing Book, featuring SEGA’s Sonic the Hedgehog, turns its attention across the pond as the licensing community prepares to descend on London for Brand Licensing Europe (BLE).

Consider this your road map for a busy fall, with an early glimpse at where the industry is headed next.

Dedicated to the memory of Peter Cullen,
the legendary voice of Optimus Prime — “Till all are one!”

The Toy Book | 2026 Fall Toy & Licensing Preview Issue

Click here to read the issue now!

LA Fall Toy Preview attendees can pick up free copies while supplies last at The Toy Association’s Toy Building, 1960 on Grand, and OPEN in El Segundo. BLE visitors can look for the magazine in the publication bins.

Not a subscriber yet? Subscribe today and get seven issues a year delivered straight to your mailbox — and don’t miss what’s next!

We’d love your feedback! Please share your thoughts by emailing me or messaging me on LinkedIn. Remember to follow us on X, Instagram, and LinkedIn to stay on the #PulseOfPlay year-round.

*Print editions of this issue feature an alternate cover with artwork created and shipped prior to the passing of Peter Cullen.

About the author

James Zahn

James Zahn, AKA The Rock Father, is Editor-in-Chief of The Toy Book and Co-President of The International Toy Magazines Association (ITMA). He is also a Senior Editor at The Toy Insider and The Pop Insider, and Editor of The Toy Report, The Toy Book‘s weekly industry newsletter. As a pop culture and toy industry expert, Zahn has appeared as a panelist and guest at events including Comic-Con International: San Diego (SDCC), New York Comic Con, Wizard World Chicago, and the ASTRA Marketplace & Academy. Zahn has more than 30 years of experience in the entertainment, retail, and publishing industries, and is frequently called upon to offer expert commentary for publications such as Forbes, Marketwatch, the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, USA Today, Reuters, the Washington Post, and more. James has appeared on History Channel’s Modern Marvels, was interviewed by Larry King and Anderson Cooper, and has been seen on Yahoo! Finance, CNN, CNBC, FOX Business, NBC, ABC, CBS, WGN, The CW, and more. Zahn joined the Adventure Media & Events family in 2016, initially serving as a member of the Parent Advisory Board after penning articles for the Netflix Stream Team, Fandango Family, PBS KIDS, Sprout Parents (now Universal Kids), PopSugar, and Chicago Parent. He eventually joined the company full time as a Senior Editor and moved up the ranks to Deputy Editor and Editor-in-Chief.