Disney is RUMORED to Buy Hasbro…

Posted on 11/09/12 by thecomiccongeek

Last week, Disney and George Lucas shocked everyone by announcing that Lucas had sold LucasFilm, the rights to the Star Wars films and its characters to Disney for approximately $4 billion. This week, rumors are flying that Disney may possibly buy Hasbro! Disney would then become somewhat of a monopoly of gigantic proportions to entertainment (theme parks and movies) and its merchandising of products (toys and games)!

The Lucasfilm acquisition has been reported as taking only 6 months to complete, so these discussions with Hasbro are probably pretty serious. This can definitely impact the entertainment industry in a big way. Disney would get the rights to the Transformers, G.I. Joe, My Little Pony, Dungeons and Dragons and several other tv/movie/game/toy franchises. It would definitely broaden their audience and also bring back some franchises back to Disney to be under one roof.

It seemed for a time that Disney was losing its grip on their audience until it acquired Pixar. There seemed to be too many “princess” movies and not enough movies that boys would like. Marvel and Star Wars have definitely changed that picture. Will prices for Disney-owned merchandise go up significantly as well? Hopefully not, but only time will tell.

If all this does come to pass, what happens to The Hub (and other shows) and the comics with IDW and Dark Horse? Do they all go away? Or will Disney incorporated everything? There are still a lot of questions to be answered here. Hopefully, most entities will stay in place in some way. Overall, it’s good for Disney, hopefully it will be good for fans as well.

Integrity Toys in collaboration with Hasbro Announce JEM AND THE HOLOGRAMS Collectible Fashion Dolls

Posted on 06/27/12 by thecomiccongeek

First of the High-End Collectible Fashion Doll Line Based on the 1980s Animated Series Available at the 2012 Comic-Con International in San Diego

Integrity Toys, Inc., under license from Hasbro, Inc., today announced a brand-new series of high-end collectible fashion dolls based on the 1980′s ground breaking animated series JEM AND THE HOLOGRAMS, launching at 2012 Comic-Con International in San Diego.

Inspired by the “TRULY OUTRAGEOUS” characters created by Hasbro over two decades ago and cherished by fans and collectors alike ever since, this nostalgic retro doll line is designed to pay homage to both the animated series and its original companion doll line, originally marketed from 1985 to 1987. Created for fans by fans of the rock ‘n shock pink haired pop-culture icon and her outrageous world, this classic commemorative line will feature the high-end details, quality accessories and ultra-limited edition sizes that fans of Integrity Toys have come to appreciate through the years.

This first doll in this exciting commemorative collection will be JEM AND THE HOLOGRAMS Special Edition Doll: HOLLYWOOD JEM, one of the most requested animated-based looks. This doll will be available for purchase at the HasbroToyShop booth #3329 during Comic-Con International in San Diego at an approximate retail price of $125 and following the convention, at www.HasbroToyShop.com.

The dolls, created by noted collectible manufacturer Integrity Toys, will mark the debut of a newly sculpted fully articulated body and likeness of the rock star wearing a high-end costume, delivered in collector grade packaging. Future additions to the line will be announced in the months following Comic-Con International in San Diego via a dedicated web page located at http://integritytoys.com/jemandtheholograms, which has been created to bring fans all the latest information about the Classic JEM AND THE HOLOGRAMS collectible line moving forward.

“As children of the 80′s ourselves, working on this project with the Hasbro team was a dream come true for our entire team. JEM AND THE HOLOGRAMS has been a major influence for us,” says Alain Tremblay, marketing director of Integrity Toys, Inc.

“We wanted to remain true to the spirit of the original doll line, while paying homage to the animated series, which is something that we as JEM AND THE HOLOGRAMS fans always wanted through the years,” says Vaughn Sawyers, Integrity’s head designer.

JEM AND THE HOLOGRAMS made a noted return on television in 2011 airing on The HUB TV Network in the U.S., followed by the much anticipated release of a sleek DVD box set last fall that features all 65 episodes of the original animated series. “We wanted to pay homage to the characters and offer collectible dolls to fans that would showcase the essence of their favorite characters. We admire the high quality dolls produced by Integrity Toys, so this relationship made perfect sense,” says Bryony Bouyer, Senior Vice President, Global Franchise Development for Hasbro.

Get ready for some serious glamour fashion and fame; it’s show time Synergy!

She rocks, she shocks and she’s definitely TRULY OUTRAGEOUS! Introducing Hollywood Jem, the first doll in a series of characters based on the hit 80’s animated series JEM AND THE HOLOGRAMS.

A long time fan favorite, Hollywood Jem is ready to be added to your collection at long last! Based on a costume worn in the two-part episode of the same name, Hollywood Jem comes complete with a totally 80’s, screen accurate look which includes:

Fully articulated, highly detailed 12” (30.5 cm) fashion doll with cotton candy pink hair and hand applied eyelashes
Screen accurate costume with couture like finish
Miniature Jemstar earings
Miniature Hollywood Star award plaque
Shoes, Bracelets and realistic microphone and stand
Doll stand, instructions, souvenir post card and certificate of authenticity.

2012 JEM AND THE HOLOGRAMS Special Edition Doll: Hollywood Jem, available from Hasbro Toy Shop at booth # 3329 at Comic Con International in San Diego! Approximate Retail Price: US $125.00

About Hasbro
Hasbro, Inc. (NASDAQ: HAS) is a branded play company providing children and families around the world with a wide-range of immersive entertainment offerings based on the Company’s world class brand portfolio. From toys and games, to television programming, motion pictures, digital gaming and a comprehensive licensing program, Hasbro strives to delight its global customers with well-known and beloved brands such as TRANSFORMERS, LITTLEST PET SHOP, NERF, PLAYSKOOL, MY LITTLE PONY, G.I. JOE, MAGIC: THE GATHERING and MONOPOLY. The Company’s Hasbro Studios develops and produces television programming for markets around the world. The Hub TV Network is part of a multi-platform joint venture between Hasbro and Discovery Communications (NASDAQ: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK), in the U.S. Through the company’s deep commitment to corporate social responsibility, including philanthropy, Hasbro is helping to build a safe and sustainable world for future generations and to positively impact the lives of millions of children and families every year. It has been recognized for its efforts by being named one of the “World’s Most Ethical Companies” and is ranked as one of Corporate Responsibility Magazine’s “100 Best Corporate Citizens.”Learn more at www.hasbro.com. © 2012 Hasbro, Inc. All Rights Reserved
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About Integrity Toys, Inc.
Integrity Toys designs and markets a variety of fashion and celebrity dolls and related accessories, with a specialization in high-end fashion dolls. Founded in 1995, Integrity Toys’ extensive experience and capabilities in the field of doll making allows them to create products and programs for many of the world’s best-known retailers, consumer products companies, celebrities and other intellectual property holders.
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Integrity currently produces high-end fashion dolls ranging in size from approximately 12 inches to 16 inches tall, under a number of brands, including Fashion Royalty, the Dynamite Girls and Poppy Parker among others. The Company’s products typically retail from $60 to $250 each, with most of the products retailing in the $130-150 range. Their products are known for their superior engineering, high-end aesthetics and of course, fashionable, detailed clothing.
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For more information about Integrity Toys, Inc. please visit www.integritytoys.com.
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via Hasbro Press Release

Sony Pictures Animation Drives TONKA Trucks To The Big Screen

Posted on 06/16/12 by thecomiccongeek

TONKA, the Hasbro brand that for 65 years has stood for its line of toy trucks for children, will bring its TONKA toughness to the big screen in a fully animated motion picture to be produced by Sony Pictures Animation, Hasbro and Happy Madison Productions. The announcement was made today by Bob Osher, president, Sony Pictures Digital Productions, Michelle Raimo-Kouyate, president of Production for Sony Pictures Animation and Brian Goldner , president and CEO of Hasbro. The film will also be produced and developed by Goldner and Hasbro’s senior vice president and managing director of motion pictures, Bennett Schneir and will be written by Fred Wolf.

The new TONKA project strengthens the growing ties between Sony Pictures and Hasbro, following the announcements that Sony Pictures is developing motion pictures based on Hasbro’s RISK and CANDY LAND brands. CANDY LAND is also a Happy Madison project.

Commenting on the announcement, Osher said, “In its 65 years, TONKA has become more than a toy or a brand — TONKA trucks are a rite of passage for kids all around the world. Time spent with these toys creates memories that last a lifetime as kids are inspired to play using the boundaries of their imagination. We look forward to creating a family friendly motion picture that brings the Tonka experience to life.”

Raimo-Kouyate added, “Fred and our friends at Happy Madison and Hasbro have a truly inventive take on what it means to be ‘TONKA tough’ that will translate the multi-generational appeal of this world-renowned brand into a fun animated adventure for the whole family.”

“We’re thrilled to be working with Bob, Michelle, and the amazing team of artists and storytellers at Sony Pictures Animation,” said Schneir. “Together with Happy Madison, we’re excited to bring TONKA trucks to life in a terrific story for audiences around the world.”

One of the most recognized brands in Hasbro’s portfolio, TONKA has been the bestselling toy truck globally since 1947. Giving children real-life, relatable experiences, TONKA trucks help kids learn the confidence to get the job done.

About Sony Pictures Entertainment
Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America, a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE’s global operations encompass motion picture production and distribution; television production and distribution; home entertainment acquisition and distribution; a global channel network; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; development of new entertainment products, services and technologies; and distribution of entertainment in more than 159 countries. For additional information, go to http://www.sonypictures.com/

About Sony Pictures Animation
Sony Pictures Animation produces a variety of animated entertainment for audiences around the world. The studio is following its worldwide comedy hits-the 2011 hybrid live action/animated family blockbuster, The Smurfs (3D) and the 2009 mouth-watering Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (3D) with the family comedy Hotel Transylvania (3D) in September 2012 and The Smurfs 2 (3D) in July 2013. Sony Pictures Animation, in conjunction with Aardman Animations, has produced two feature films: the critically acclaimed, CG-animated family comedy Arthur Christmas (3D); and the stop-frame animated high-seas adventure, The Pirates! Band of Misfits (3D), in U.S. theaters April 27, 2012. In 2007, Surf’s Up received an Academy Award® nomination for Best Animated Feature Film. The division, whose first feature film Open Season led to a very successful movie franchise, is turning 10 this year. Sony Pictures Animation is an operating unit of Sony Pictures Digital.

Website: http://www.sonypicturesanimation.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SONYPicturesAnimation
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/sonyanimation
Tumblr: http://sonyanimation.tumblr.com/

About Hasbro
Hasbro, Inc. (NASDAQ: HAS) is a branded play company providing children and families around the world with a wide-range of immersive entertainment offerings based on the Company’s world class brand portfolio. From toys and games, to television programming, motion pictures, digital gaming and a comprehensive licensing program, Hasbro strives to delight its global customers with innovative, well-known and beloved brands such as TRANSFORMERS, LITTLEST PET SHOP, NERF, PLAYSKOOL, MY LITTLE PONY, G.I. JOE, MAGIC: THE GATHERING and MONOPOLY. The Company’s Hasbro Studios develops and produces television programming for markets around the world. Programming in the U.S. is distributed on The Hub TV Network, a multi-platform joint venture between Hasbro and Discovery Communications (NASDAQ: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK). Through the Company’s deep commitment to corporate social responsibility, including philanthropy, Hasbro is helping to build a safe and sustainable world for future generations and to positively impact the lives of millions of children and families every year. It has been recognized for its efforts by being named one of the “World’s Most Ethical Companies” and is ranked as one of Corporate Responsibility Magazine’s “100 Best Corporate Citizens.” Learn more at www.hasbro.com.

via Hasbro Press Release

Hasbro Reveals Their Largest Exclusive EVER for Comic-Con — S.H.I.E.L.D.’s Super Hellicarrier!

Posted on 06/10/12 by thecomiccongeek

Hasbro is bringing the Super Helicarrier to Comic-Con 2012! This is going to be the largest exclusive that will be bumping you on the exhibit floor. This special edition of Marvel’s flying fortress from S.H.I.E.L.D. will definitely fly off their shelves! Even at the BIG price tag of $129.99, supplies will definitely deplete rather quickly.

The Super Helicarrier will be sold at the Hasbro’s booth (Booth #3329). It is a foot longer than the retail version which is 3 feet long. The box will have artwork from Joe Quesada which is exclusive to this version. This special edition will also include two exclusive action figures — Captain America and S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent Maria Hill.

Do you have room for this in your collection? If so, head over to the Hasbro booth during Comic-Con for your very own flying fortress!

Hasbro’s SDCC Marvel Legends Uncanny X-Force Collector’s Pack

Posted on 06/07/12 by thecomiccongeek

San Diego Comic-Conis fast approaching and that means new toys!This year, collectors have a chance to hook their adamantium claws into the new Marvel Legends Special Edition Uncanny X-Force Collector’s Pack. Featuring six-inch scale figures of Archangel, Wolverine and Psylocke, the characters are seen in their costumes from the Fall of Archangel story line. The set even comes in a collectable display box with exclusive art by comic artist Clayton Crain!

The Marvel Legends Special Edition Uncanny X-Force Collector’s Pack is available for an approximate retail price of $49.99 at HasbroToyShop.com and Hasbro Booth #3329 at San Diego Comic-Con.

via Marvel Press Release

A Better Look at Hasbro’s Comic-Con 2012 Exclusive Carbon Freezing Chamber

Posted on 06/07/12 by thecomiccongeek

Hasbro has released better images of the San Diego Comic-Con Exclusive Carbon Freezing Chamber and the Jar Jar Binks in Carbonite figure. The exclusive Jar Jar figure is based on the full-size version which is on display at Lucasfilm. The Jar Jar Carbonite figure can be flipped to show the impression of where Jar Jar was after he was thawed out from the Carbonite. Don’t forget that this figure will only be available at Comic-Con in July.

The 7-figure set includes:

Jar Jar Binks – Episode I
Clone Trooper Lieutenant – Episode II
Shock Trooper – Episode III
Sandtrooper with Sentry Droid – Episode IV
Princess Leia (Bespin Gown) – Episode V
Darth Vader (Emperor’s Wrath) – Episode VI
Jar Jar Binks in Carbonite

Hasbro’s SDCC Exclusive Marvel Universe MASTERS OF EVIL Special Edition

Posted on 06/06/12 by thecomiccongeek

Hasbro has released information about their San Diego Comic-Con 2012 Special Edition Marvel Universe Masters of Evil 3-figure set. The special edition set of Baron Zemo, Radioactive Man and Tiger Shark can be picked up at the Hasbro Booth at Comic-Con for $29.99 or in limited quantities on HasbroToyShop.com after the convention. The product information follows below. Any plans on getting one? Excited about any other Hasbro exclusive? Leave a comment if so. Thanks and see you at Comic-Con!

Product description:
MARVEL UNIVERSE 3.75” MASTERS OF EVIL Special Edition 3-Pack
(Ages 4 and up; Approximate Retail Price $29.99; Available through HasbroToyShop.com, Booth #3329 at San Diego Comic-Con)

Fueled by a raging need for vengeance against Captain America, Baron Zemo hatches a masterful plan. Not foolish enough to face the Avengers alone, he strategically forms one of the most powerful groups of villains ever assembled. The Masters of Evil 3-Pack includes Baron Zemo, Radioactive Man and Tiger Shark all appearing in 3.75” scale, and united for a singular purpose: destroying Earth’s Mightiest Heroes!

May the 4th Be with You, Celebrate with a 20% Discount at the Hasbro Toy Shop!

Posted on 05/04/12 by thecomiccongeek

“May the 4th be with you!” The Star Wars community is celebrating Star Wars Day which technically should have been on May 25th because that’s when Star Wars premiered at the theaters in 1977. Oh well, people liked the sound of “May the Fourth be with you” better and it stuck.

The Hasbro Toy Shop is having a 20% off all Star Wars merchandise today only! Here is their press release:

Happy Star Wars Day!
We wanted to let you know that as part of Lucasfilm’s official May the 4th celebration, Hasbro is proud to offer 20% off on all Star Wars products on HasbroToyShop.com* for today only! This is a great chance to save on items like Star Wars Fighter Pods, Star Wars action figures, and more! For more information on how to save 20% on all Star Wars items today only on HasbroToyShop.com, click: http://www.hasbrotoyshop.com/star-wars-may-the-fourth
Thanks, and May the 4th Be With You!

Remember that this deal ends tonight at midnight, so be quick! The Promo Code is SWFAN20 and it’s good towards the purchase of STAR WARS products currently available on the Hasbro Toy Store site. The discount applies to the pre-tax and pre-shipping amounts, cannot be combined with any other coupon or offer and is valid only while supplies last. Enjoy!

Hasbro Releases Information Regarding Their Comic-Con 2012 Transformers Exclusives

Posted on 04/30/12 by thecomiccongeek

Hasbro has released some information on some of their exclusives for Comic-Con 2012. They showed off their new Transformers releases and exclusives at the recent BotCon in Dallas, TX. There will be the usual demand for these figures at SDCC so be prepared for battle while you’re there.

The first figure is the Comic-Con exclusive “Rust in Peace Cliffjumper” and here’s what Hasbro said about it. “Based on Transformers Prime styling, the Cliffjumper figure was slated to be available via different distribution channels but ultimately had to be cancelled in its original form. Hasbro is happy to be able to bring the figure to fans in this cool new packaging (shaped like Cliffjumper’s head) at San Diego Comic-Con.”
The other figure(s) that Hasbro is releasing at Comic-Con 2012 is the exclusive Decepticon Bruticus Special Edition Figure. “In addition to a different color deco than his mainline retail release, this Bruticus figure comes packaged in ‘combined’ Bruticus robot mode (rather than sold individually as the Deluxe-scale figures). This will also be fans’ first opportunity to buy the Fall of Cybertron Decepticon Bruticus figure before the mainline, individually packaged figures become available at retail.”
Check back for any updates and GOOD LUCK on your exclusives hunting at Comic-Con 2012!

via Hasbro & IGN

Syfy Ventures and Hasbro to Launch First Ever G.I. JOE Social Game

Posted on 04/25/12 by thecomiccongeek

Syfy Ventures and Hasbro, Inc. (NASDAQ: HAS) today announced they will develop the first ever online social game based on the iconic G.I. JOE brand, marking the latest addition to Syfy Games’ action-packed entertainment slate targeting male core gamers on social network platforms.

The game, G.I. Joe: Special Ops, will launch in June on Facebook and Syfy Games.com (www.syfy.com/gijoe), among other platforms worldwide.

In the arena-based combat game, players can join either the G.I JOE team or the villainous COBRA organization, accessing a huge catalogue of iconic heroes and villains along with spectacular weapons and vehicles.

G.I. Joe: Special Ops will be released under the Syfy Games banner, which is the umbrella brand for Syfy’s gaming projects, including the partnerships with Trion Worlds (Defiance and Rift) and Bigpoint (Battlestar Galatica Online).

As part of the agreement granting exclusive worldwide licensing rights on online social media platforms for a fresh take on the classic G.I. JOE brand, Syfy Games will serve as publisher. Artplant, creator of the award-winning Battlestar Galactica Online, will develop the game, which will be free-to-play.

Said Dave Howe, President, Syfy: “The G.I. JOE brand holds a special place in fans’ hearts, and we’re delighted to offer both those long-time fans and new players an action-packed gaming experience in a fresh and exciting way. Since we launched our social game platform, nearly 90% of our players are male, compared to the typical social game audience which skews female. With G.I. Joe: Special Ops, we will build upon this early momentum and significantly expand our audience to reach that underserved male social gamer and deliver them the best social games around.”

“As a global leader in branded play and gaming, Hasbro is thrilled to be working with Syfy Games to deliver the G.I. Joe: Special Ops social game for Facebook,” said Mark Blecher, Senior Vice President of digital marketing, Hasbro, Inc. “The epic G.I. JOE vs. COBRA saga is a perfect fit for this gaming platform and we’re excited to deliver our classic characters such as SNAKE EYES and COBRA COMMANDER to fans in this new format.”

In addition to G.I. Joe: Special Ops, Syfy Ventures also announced its initial slate of social games, published under the Syfy Games banner. This platform consists of an expanding suite of high quality social games embracing the sci-fi, fantasy, paranormal, action/adventure and superhero genres, ranging from original content to games based upon Syfy programming. Syfy Games will use the platform to grow Syfy and third-party published games targeting genre fans and the core gamer.

Syfy Monster Island (Developer – Sneaky Games)

Inspired by Syfy’s popular Saturday Original Movies (Sharktopus, Mega Python Vs Gatoroid), players hunt down and capture a cadre of bizarre monsters to discover the dark secrets of their origins.

Stardrift Empires (Developer – Blue Frog Gaming)

Players colonize planets, build massive fleets of warships and form alliances as they build their own intergalactic empire.

Rise of Villains (Developer – Eruptive Games) (Launch date: Spring)

Fans suit up as a super villain with an array of amazing powers and weapons to overthrow governments and take over cities in the ultimate fight for world domination.