Toys in the mass market aimed at boys are still heavy with super powers. From Iron Man to Spider Man, here's what boys are pining for:
Repulsor-Power Iron Man by HASBRO INC.
This Iron Man action figure wears the Mark III suit of armor. Launch date: May 23, 2008. — Iron Man action figures are “out the door,” Robert Tracy, owner of Fun-n-Games in Springfield, Mo., toldTDmonthly in May 2008. — Marianne Kearns of Second Star to the Right in Bridgehampton, N.Y., named Hasbro action figures as best-sellers in her store. — The “Iron Man” movie grossed over $104 million opening weekend.
Optimus Prime, leader of the Autobots, utilizes Auto-Spin Conversion Technology to transform from vehicle to robot. He features a mouth that moves as well as sounds and speech from the Transformers cartoon. The product comes with a toy replica of the double-bladed power axe shown in the animated series. Launch date: Fall 2008.
Remote Control Wallcrawler Spider-Man by HASBRO INC.
This remote-controlled Spider-Man uses vacuum-pump technology to move up and down walls. The toy comes with an infrared controller that children or adults simply wear on their wrist to tell Spidey where to go. Launch date: Fall 2008.
This role-playing toy was created to coincide with the release of Marvel Studios’ “The Incredible Hulk.” Kids activate sound effects by smashing and bashing these super-sized, electronic gloves. Launch date: May 3, 2008.
Hot Wheels Speed Racer Battle Morph Mach 6 by MATTEL INC.
This “Speed Racer” vehicle comes with a 5” action figure and is designed to battle — once the spoiler is pulled up — with lights, sounds and spring-loaded missiles. — Phil Wrzensinki, owner and manager of Toy House and Baby Too in Jackson, Miss., told TDmonthly in April 2008 that Speed Racer items by Mattel are among his best-selling licensed items. — Two of 50 retailers who spoke with TDmonthly in April 2008 named licensed products by Mattel as best-sellers in the licensed toys department. — Speed Racer is an English adaptation of a Japanese anime series.
U.B. Funkeys™ Figures – Dream State™ by MATTEL INC.
The 10 characters in this collection give kids access to a virtual world in which they can play games, customize their homes, and chat with other players online. Players are awarded with coins and other items through completion of certain missions.
Furreal Friends Biscuit, My Lovin' Pup by HASBRO INC.
This life-sized Golden Retriever puppy features voice-recognition technology that allows kids to interact with the dog, telling it, for example, to “Lie down” or “Give me a paw.” When touched, sensors on the puppy’s head make his tail wag; he can also bark and move his eyes and ears. The toy comes with a comb and dog bone, and requires six D batteries (not included). Launch date: Fall 2008.
String Dolls/Voodoo Dolls - Iron Davey (The String Doll Gang®) by KAMIBASHI
Ahoy! It’s Iron Davey, one of three pirates in the String Doll Gang® - because who doesn’t love a good pirate?! Iron Davey helps you navigate through the rough waters.
Meet The (original!) String Doll Gang®, a band of more than 60 kooky characters that has been growing steadily since the initial 16 members made their North American debut in May, 2005. Handmade in Thailand using one continuous piece of string and no frame or wires underneath, each String Doll has his or her own special power that is always something good for you. The String Doll Gang® is fun for the whole family (parents collect them too!) and make the perfect gift for any occasion – we like to call them $10 pieces of art.
Standing 4' tall, this animatronic, prehistoric character is more than 40" long, has sensors on 11 parts of its body, and can move its head, tail and horns. It is equipped to roar when spoken to, respond to its owner's actions, and even chew leaves. While riding in a spring-loaded seat on Kota's back, children will hear jungle sounds and can simply activate a handle switch to play adventure songs. The toy requires six D batteries (not included). Launch date: Fall 2008.
The gallbladder collects and concentrates bile, a substance made by the liver and used to digest fats and acids. Gallstones develop over time if we eat too much fat. So give your gallbladder a break and lay off the burgers. Launch date: February 2008.
The purpose-built, performance-oriented car features durable body accessories permanently fixed to the simple wooden body blocks. Launch date: February 2008. — “Automoblox always does very well. Usually, when we get those in, we sell through,” Leslie Chiaverini, owner of Adventure Toys and Teacher Supplies in Los Altos, Calif., told TDmonthly. — “Automoblox have become very hot. They're a little pricey … but people really seem to like them,” Yamil Castillo, owner of The Red Balloon Toy Store in Salt Lake City, Utah, told TDmonthly in April 2008. — In spring 2008, three of 50 retailers mentioned Automoblox to TDmonthly, when asked about best-selling construction toys and those they are interested in selling in their stores.
RISK gets a new look and feel in 2008 with an updated map, new rules and faster action. Planning and executing strategic military campaigns has never been more intense as modernized rules streamline playing time to a fast and furious 90-minute average. New universal-themed playing pieces eliminate the Napoleonic-era timestamp of RISK, permitting players to engage in campaigns of conquest limited only by their imagination. In addition, rule updates increase the rewards of taking risks during each turn. “Relevant figures help update the game to today’s audience while objectives help add strategy and cut down playing time,” Rebecca Woelfel of Hunter PR told TDmonthly. Launch date: Fall 2008.
The four-game electronic unit features talking, automatic scoring and ballgame sounds. A convenient snap-in storage tray houses ten metal balls. Three AA batteries are required.
Mattel Matchbox - Duesenberg Towncar Convertible by TOY WONDERS INC.
The 1930 collectible model convertible is cast on a 1:43 scale. The car measures 4-1/2”L x 1-3/4” W x 1-1/2”H and sits on a display plaque inside a gallery display case. Launch date: March 21, 2008.
The robotic dinosaur appears and behaves realistically. The toy walks, chomps his jaw, bares his teeth, wags his tail, roars and more in response to stimulation and what he wants. The D-Rex responds to touch, voices and more. “D-Rex combines robotics, proprietary software and reptilian skin to create a life-like appearance and behavior,” Michele Sturdivant, director of PR and communications for Mattel Brands, told TDmonthly. Launch date: Fall 2008.
The 81-piece Imperial Dropship comes complete with three stormtroopers and features laser cannons and a detachable platform. It is 4” long. — “We really do well with Star Wars Legos,” said Jay Demircift, co-owner of five Puzzle Zoo stores, about this best-selling line in early 2008.
