Read on for animated highlights from the world of licensing & merchandising, fashion, fun and collectibles from New York Toy Fair 2018 and beyond.
JAKKS Pacific Reveals 2018 Lineup
Nickelodeon:
Shimmer and Shine Genie Babies – Soft-body baby dolls in genie outfits with glitter detail, soft-rooted ponytails and jewel pacifier. ($14.99, Kids 2+).
Sunny Day Glam Van Caddy – Features lots of storage, and opens up to reveal a mirror and dozens of fun accessories. Comes with 47 pieces, including a colored hair extension, 4 hair barrettes, 40+ nail stickers, and a bangle with stickers to decorate. ($19.99, Kids 3+)
Disney and Pixar:
Disney Princess Playdate Rapunzel – 32-inches tall, features full articulation at the neck, shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, and knees. She is styled in her signature purple dress, long blonde hair and Royal Reflection Eyes. Comes with a brush, removable dress, shoes, and tiara. ($59.99, Kids 3+)
Disney’s Tangled: Maximus – Stands over 2 feet tall, suitable for children up to 150lbs to sit on. Maximus makes neighing and trotting sounds, move his head up and down when reins are pulled, hold his apple in his mouth and make “chomping” sounds. Comes with hair brush and hair accessories. ($99.99, Kids 3+)
Disney-Pixar Incredibles 2: Power Couple – Elastigirl and Mr. Incredible; includes over 50 sounds and phrases. Elastigirl stretches and can be launched up to 20 fee — comes with three practice targets. ($29.99, Kids 4+)
Disney-Pixar Incredibles 2: Jack-Jack Attacks – Press on Jack-Jack’s tummy to hear him laugh, giggle, babble, cry, and shout. Repeatedly pressing or pressing and holding will result in Jack-Jack cycling through his “powers.” ($14.99, Kids 4+)
Shall We Be Fancy Talking Fancy Nancy Doll – Press the butterfly on the 18-inch doll’s necklace or accompanying light-up butterfly bracelet to hear Nancy say 38 phrases and sing songs from the TV series. Features nine points of articulation. ($49.99, Kids 3+)
Warner Bros.:
Harry Potter Wizard Training Wands – 11 different spells for kids to learn and master using the included training guide. Wand recognizes movement to know when kids have cast their spells, and provides sound feedback that the spells have been cast correctly. Five modes of play for endless spell casting alone or with a friend. The assortment includes Harry Potter’s wand, Albus Dumbledore’s wand, and Lord Voldemort’s wand. ($24.99, Kids 8+)
Nintendo:
WORLD OF NINTENDO Mario Kart Motorcycle RC Racer – 2.4 GHz remote control vehicle operates in standard mode or in “anti-gravity” mode for up to 100-feet. Racer can drive forward, backward, and side-to-side in the “anti-gravity” and race modes. ($39.99, Kids 5+)
Capcom:
12-inch Deluxe Mega Man – Features lights and sounds and is fully articulated. Comes in collector packaging and includes multiple accessories. ($39.99, Kids 3+)
Create My Care Bear Contest Winner: Piece of Heart Bear
Care Bears and master toy partner Just Play announced that nine-year-old Emma Vodenik took the grand prize with her design for a pink bear whose “quilted belly badge is made up of special fabric pieces gathered from those this endearing new bear loves the most.” Emma won one of the first plush Piece of Heart Bear toys (displayed at New York Toy Fair) and $3,500 cash — second (Serena Keville) and third (Kaylee Clancy) place winners win $2,000 and $1,000, respectively. The contest, which receive 1,600+ entries, was kicked off in honor of the brand’s 35th anniversary last year.
“We were impressed by all of the fantastic submissions that were received and are thrilled to debut Piece of Heart Bear,” said Geoffrey Greenberg, Co-President, Just Play. “Care Bears have always brought out the best in people – while celebrating empathy, kindness and inclusion – and we think the Create My Care Bear contest was a wonderful opportunity for fans to reach into their imaginations and become part of the Care Bears story.”
Dark Horse Deluxe and HBO Preview New ‘Game of Thrones’ Products
The successful partnership between Dark Horse and HBO Licensing and Retail for keen Westerosi goodies inspired by Game of Thrones continues with new products and figures on display at Toy Fair. Revealed on the show floor were the Targaryens’ Dragonstone Throne Replica, Dragonstone Gate Bookends, Cersei’s Map of Westeros Puzzle, and Daenerys’ Map Markers from season 7 — including Houses Targaryen, Stark, Lannister and Greyjoy as well as Unsullied and Dothraki forces.
Atlantyca Appoints Firefly as North American Agent for ‘Geronimo Stilton’
Firefly Brand Management has been tapped by Atlantyca Entertainment as North American licensing agent for its globally popular Geronimo Stilton Classic and Animated brands, and all its character spin-offs. The two companies were at Toy Fair to introduce new style guides and designs to partners across key categories including toys, games, apparel, accessories, bedding, room decor, stationery and craft items. Firefly announced a first US-based deal, with Hong Kong-based Craftstone Ltd. Group securing worldwide rights to produce a toy line for boys and girls 4-7, including plush in all sizes, squeezable toys and a specially designs pillow featuring an 8-page “first step book” inside (dist. by New Dimensions, coming March/April).
“We are so excited to partner with Firefly Brand Management and to be working with Cynthia Modders and all of her enthusiastic team,” noted Marco Piccinini, Licensing Manager, Atlantyca. “This is the ideal time for us to build on Geronimo Stilton’s North American presence and to launch a complete and dedicated licensing and promotional program throughout the US and Canada. We look forward to bringing Geronimo Stilton’s many young fans a whole new selection of products and merchandise in a variety of new and exciting categories!”
‘Oddbods’ Signs Year-Long Partnership with National Express
One Animation has teamed with the UK’s largest coach operator, National Express, to bring the madcap Emmy-nominated adventures of Oddbods to passengers nationwide. Riders will get access to over 200 minutes of content via the on-board VUER entertainment system, as well as activity pages and competitions in The View magazine through the year. Starting in July, fans will be able to hop aboard a branded coach sporting all seven colorful, quirky and lovable characters.
Cartoon Network Teams with British Designer Katie Eary for ‘Powerpuff Girls’ Fashion
Unveiled ahead of London Fashion Week, Cartoon Network classic The Powerpuff Girls have inspired yet another great fashion collab, this time with designer Katie Eary’s first-ever womenswear collection, for Autumn/Winter 2018. The 15-piece collection includes tops, sweatshirts, dresses and trousers, as well as a “mini-me” range for “powerful women and aspiring young girls.” The line will be available at select department stores and boutiques across Europe, North America and Asia Pacific. (www.katieeary.co.uk)
Genius Brands Appoints Distribution, Licensing Agents for ‘Rainbow Rangers’ Launch
With the show set to debut this fall in the US on Nick Jr., Genius Brands International has appointed key agents for CG preschool series Rainbow Rangers (52 x 11’). Joining previously announce partner APC Kids, Centa IP will handle content distribution and licensing throughout Australia and New Zealand, and Alicom will represent the brand’s licensing business in Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Norway and Iceland. Genius is planning to launch the retail program in 2019.
“Our licensing and merchandising program in the U.S. for Rainbow Rangers is developing with an all-star line-up of partners, and we anticipate Alicom and Centa IP to join forces with licensing and retail partners in their respective territories that fully share our vision for this special brand,” commented Lloyd Mintz, SVP, Global Licensing, Genius Brands.
New ‘Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ Toys Revealed
Right before Toy Fair, Playmates Toys unveiled its upcoming line for Nickelodeon’s upcoming TMNT series.
Basic Action Figures: Highly detailed, fully articulated Raphael “The Leader,” Leonardo “The Trickster,” Donatello “The Tech Wiz,” Michelangelo “The Wild Card,” Splinter “The Chill Master,” April “Street Smart Best Friend,” Origami Ninja “Confetti Commandos,” Meat Sweats “The Tenderizer,” Baron Draxum “The Maker of Mutants”; 3.5″ to 5″.
Giant Action Figures: Standing 10.25″-11″ with 13 points of articulation and accessorized with translucent weapons – Raphael with Tonfas and Throwing Stars; Leonardo with Ōdachi sword and Throwing Stars; Donatello with side kick drone, Shelldon, Tech-Bo Staff and Throwing Stars; Michelangelo with Kusari-Fundo and Throwing Stars.
Deluxe Action Figures: Action-posed 5.5″ turtles perform a sweet Ninja flip motion with a signature action shout, landing with a weapon sound effect.
Shell Hog Motorcycles: Leonardo’s hog and Michelangelo’s come with exclusive figures and come equipped with spring-loaded projectiles, adjustable seat, and ability to connect to each other.
Turtle Tank: Two toys in one! In vehicle mode, the cab opens with seats for two Turtles, then Donatello’s removable lab pops up as a mobile command HQ. Equipped with projectiles; compatible with Shell Hogs and Basic figures.
Sewer Lair Playset: The biggest TMNT playset ever at 43″ tall, offering four levels with seven rooms and 20+ features to play and explore, including Splinter’s Dojo, Raphael’s Weight Training Room, Leonardo’s Rotating Weapon storage wall, Michelangelo’s arcade, the catapult Basketball hoop, hidden projectile launchers, rotating skateboard ramp, collapsing balcony, and more. Compatible with Basic action figures.
Role Play: Collect all four Turtles’ mask, throwing star and signature weapon sets.
Vault by Vans Dives in with ‘SpongeBob SquarePants’
Nickelodeon’s beloved Bikini Bottom-dwellers are coming to kicks (and more) near you soon through a partnership with Vault by Vans. This spring, fans can get their hands on limited edition SpongeBob SquarePants footwear (Sk8-Hi, Authentic and Slip-On styles in adult, youth and toddler sizes), apparel and skate decks featuring vibrant, kitschy, original illustrations of SpongeBob and pals. The collection retails from $45-260 and launches globally Feb. 24 at select Vault accounts. (www.vans.com/vault.)
“SpongeBob SquarePants is loved by trendsetters around the world, but this limited edition collaboration elevates his style even further, offering something new and unique for his audience” said Jose Castro, SVP of Nickelodeon Soft Lines Licensing and Global Fashion Collaborations. “Vault by Vans has combined our iconic SpongeBob characters with its iconic aesthetic and we think fans of all ages are going to love the result.”
Bluefin Marks ‘Totoro’ 30th Anniversary’ with Studio Ghibli Collection
Leading North American distributor of Asian toys, merch and collectibles Bluefin introduced Toy Fair attendees to its new Studio Ghibli lifestyle brand! Bluefin is an official NorAm master distributor for products inspired by the iconic anime studio, with a catalog of over 250 SKUs from a variety of officially Japanese licensees. The collection on display feature over 100 unique items. Some highlights were:
My Neighbor Totoro Figure Collection: Packaged blind boxes offer surprises for collectors and spotlight memorable characters from the landmark film. 12 figures total.
New Studio Ghibli Art Crystal Puzzles with Stained Glass effect: My Neighbor Totoro, Kiki’s Delivery Service and Spirited Away. Several designs.
No Face, Jiji, Kodama Coin Banks: Final production run for 2018 is available now. These unique and collectible products are not expected to be produced for the North American market again.
Bluefin also displayed an array of concept products from Japanese license manufacturers, including paper goods (chiyogami, paper theater, figural origami), Totoro Mino Yaki pottery, Totoro jubako, Totoro and Jiji blankets, figural sofa and bed cushions, Totoro and Jiji totes, Totoro statue, puzzle bowls (Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro, Kiki’s Delivery Service), metal business card holders (Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro, Kiki’s Delivery Service, Princess Mononoke), and Totoro key houses.
Hasbro Teams with Netflix for ‘Super Monsters’
As global master toy licensee, Hasbro will be creating a scary-fun PLAYSKOOL line of toys and games inspired by Netflix animated preschool series Super Monsters (season 1 available now, season 2 launching in October). The show follows preschool-aged descendants of famous monsters on their adventures as they learn to master their special powers. Hasbro’s product line will include collectible figures of the core cast, plush, playsets, vehicles and role play items. A US launch is planned for fall 2018, with additional markets to follow in 2019.
Nick, Hasbro Partner for Preschool Series ‘Top Wing’
Nickelodeon has tapped Hasbro for a strategic partnership to create a product line of figures, vehicles and plush inspired by 9 Story Media Group’s Top Wing. The show will launch in the US in Spring 2019. The PLAYSKOOL line will let young fans join the team on action-packed rescue missions inspired by the characters and adventures seen in the show; toys will launch this fall in the US followed by international markets.
“Nickelodeon’s preschool portfolio has a powerhouse roster of content and the action-packed series Top Wing is poised to be another runaway fan favorite,” said Pam Kaufman, Chief Marketing Officer and President, Consumer Products, Nickelodeon. “This partnership will be our first preschool master toy deal with Hasbro done on a global scale, which mirrors our content roll-out strategy to introduce Top Wing domestically first, followed by international markets. We can’t wait to see our fans earn their wings as they bring the adventures of Swift, Penny, Rod and Brody to life with this new toy line.”
