PAWTUCKET, R.I. -- Aug. 1, 2002 -- With storied brands like G.I. Joe, Transformers, and STAR WARS leading the way, Hasbro, Inc. enters the annual Comic-Con Convention in San Diego as the leader in boys action toys.
Hasbro's boys toys feature some of the world's hottest and best-known brands. With classic and cutting-edge new action figures, vehicles, model kits and more, fans young and old will have plenty to experience at the Hasbro booth (#s 2711 and 3018).
The Hasbro booth will highlight the latest offerings from its G.I. JOE, TRANSFORMERS, STAR WARS, STIKFAS, DISNEY and ZOIDS product lines, along with select offerings from the company's Wizards of the Coast division. The booth will also feature life-sized blister packs from STAR WARS and G.I. JOE, where fans can experience what it's like to be an actual action figure!
"Combine the best boys brands with the hottest new toys and that's what Comic-Con guests will see when they visit Hasbro's booth," said Brian Goldner, President, U.S. toy group.
Booth highlights include:
STAR WARS
Hasbro Star Wars Episode II-themed excitement continues with brand new figures, vehicles, and playsets that are sure to delight Star Wars fans, old and young. Starting with the new STAR WARS UNLEASHED figures, each of these highly detailed, collectible 7-inch action figures is an artistic interpretation of a key Star Wars hero or villain. And with the GEONOSIAN BATTLE ARENA (PLAYSET), you can re-create the Star Wars battle scenes by using action figures, beasts, and vehicles. One side of the playset is an ominous arena, where many a prey has fallen victim to the deadly beasts within. On the other side is the factory where the legions of BATTLEDROIDS and SUPER BATTLEDROIDS are produced.
A wide variety of new items will be shown, including: STAR WARS COLLECTION I and II BASIC FIGURES (Jango Fett, Slave I Pilot, Destroyer Droid, Clone Trooper, and Republic Gunship Pilot, Lott Dod, Neimoidian Senator, and Tusken Raider with Massiff); EPISODE II DELUXE figures (Clone Trooper with Speeder Bike); STAR WARS UNLEASHED figures (Darth Tyranus and Mace Windu); EPISODE II 12" figures (Dengar, Zuckuss, and Imperial Officer); MICRO MACHINES ACTION FLEET vehicles (Snowspeeder, and AT-AT); and the GEONOSIAN BATTLE ARENA (PLAYSET).
The booth will also feature a life-size blister pack that will allow fans to step in, take photos, and "become" a Star Wars action figure. Hasbro will also distribute free "Heroes & Villains"-themed posters displaying Star Wars figures (based on availability).
G.I. JOE
The G.I. JOE brand is more popular than ever! In addition to Hasbro's action figure line, the G.I. JOE comic book (published by Devil's Due) is a consistent top 20 best seller, captivating a new generation of fans.
Along with the brand new realistic and military-themed 12" G.I. JOE figures on display at the Hasbro booth, 2002 is the 20th anniversary of the "G.I. JOE vs. COBRA" storyline and characters. Now, G.I. JOE figures are back in their popular 3-3/4-inch scale and resume the responsibility of saving the world from the international evil force known as COBRA. Popular action figures from the 1980s series return including DUKE, SNAKE EYES, DESTRO and of course, COBRA COMMANDER figures. In addition, there are vehicles that feature new Sound Attack battle action, bringing to life the sounds of the G.I. JOE vs. COBRA adventure by activating noises when weapons are inserted into special slots in the vehicles. Also available are 12-inch versions of key characters.
At the booth, there will be a special diorama case with hundreds of G.I. JOE vs. COBRA figures, helicopters, planes, and ground vehicles scattered throughout the battlefield. The booth will also feature life-size blister packaging that allows fans to step in and feel what it's like to be a G.I JOE action figure.
TRANSFORMERS
With a hugely successful comic book and a new animated series set to debut on Cartoon Network on August 23rd, the Transformers brand is once again taking the world (and Comic-Con) by storm. The first issue of the Transformers Armada comic book, published by Dreamwave, made its debut mid-July at the #1 spot in the U.S., with Transformers Generation One comic book (issue #4) close behind in the #2 position! The comic book beat out its competitors and set a new record: it's the first independent to be in top ten, let alone #1!
At the booth, Hasbro will be displaying its brand new TRANSFORMERS ARMADA line for the fall, which offers a new and additional way to play with the awesome robots. With the new Transformers ARMADA product, kids will not only be able to change their TRANSFORMERS figures from vehicle to robot and back, they will also be able to combine and add on to their TRANSFORMERS figures, making the toy even more exciting and action packed. Brand new "MINI-CON" TRANSFORMERS figures will "plug" into larger TRANSFORMERS figures from all the different assortments to add power by unlocking hidden battle features that were not there before.
STIKFAS
Brand new for this year, STIKFAS action figures, a highly articulated and interchangeable Action Figure Kit, allows enthusiasts and collectors to express their individual personality and interests through posing and customizing. Armed with incredible interchangeability and poseability, these Action Figure Kits are leading the way in a whole new toy revolution. STIKFAS combines both creativity and playability, an open medium for toy collectors and hobbyists alike.
Many fans will see STIKFAS for the first time at the Hasbro booth at Comic-Con. Ban Yinh Jheow, the creator of the original Stikfas action figures, will be on-hand at the booth.
The STIKFAS brand will be previewing three new themes and a brand new body type, the Omega Male, as well as three new Action Figures Kits, scheduled to be released this December: Alpha Male Samurai Warrior, Alpha Male Firefighter, Omega Male Medieval Knight with Stallion.
ZOIDS
On display at the booth will be the increasingly popular ZOIDS model kits with unique motorization features that kids can build and customize. Skill puts them together and mechanical precision brings them to life! Kids can build their favorite ZOIDS characters and through motorization bring each to life with its own unique movements. ZOIDS action figure model kits are easy to build with simple snap- together fit and no glue or paint is required. Basic and Deluxe assortment figures come with wind-up motorization while electronic Ultra, Super and Supreme kits are equipped with battery operated motorization units.
Kids can catch the ZOIDS animated television series on Cartoon Network five days per week.
WIZARDS OF THE COAST
Wizards of the Coast, the leader in the trading card game category, will provide demos of the Star Wars Trading Card Game (TCG) and showcase their newest release for the Star Wars TCG, Sith Rising as well as other Star Wars-related game items. The Star Wars TCG enhances the Star Wars experience by allowing players to plan and execute the high-stakes gambits and intense action of a climatic Star Wars battle. The booth will also host special guest actress Michonne Bourriague, whose character Aurra Sing appeared in the Star Wars Episode I movie, and Amy Allen, Aayla Secura of Episode II. They will be on hand throughout the weekend to sign free autographs for fans.
In addition, Comic-Con attendees will be the first in the world to get a sneak-peak and demo of the newest trading card game from Wizards of the Coast. Slated for release in late 2002, The Simpsons Trading Card Game will be released in a series of four Theme Decks based on fan-favorite characters including Homer, Bart, Lisa, Mr. Burns and others, and in Booster Packs containing 11 random cards. The cards will contain character catch phrases and quotes ("Exxxcellent!"), as well as fun gameplay that fans and trading card game players have come to expect from Wizards of the Coast products.
DISNEY WILD RACERS
For generations, children have been mesmerized when beloved Disney and Disney/Pixar characters have come to life on the big screen. But, have you ever imagined what Mickey Mouse, Buzz Lightyear or Scar would look like if they were ... automobiles?
On display at the Hasbro booth will be DISNEY WILD RACERS, a collection of cool 1/64th scale die-cast cars, featuring Disney/Pixar characters. Twenty favorite characters will be represented in the first collection of miniature cars crafted to the characters' physical features and personalities. Kids and collectors alike will love the sleek styling and fantastic colors of these new vehicles.
Hasbro is a worldwide leader in children's and family leisure time entertainment products and services, including the design, manufacture and marketing of games and toys ranging from traditional to high-tech. Both internationally and in the U.S., its PLAYSKOOL, TONKA, MILTON BRADLEY, PARKER BROTHERS, TIGER, and WIZARDS OF THE COAST brands and products provide the highest quality and most recognizable play experiences in the world.