Hasbro's Boys Brands

Hasbro's Boys Toys Group Storms Into 2002 With Category's "Gold Standard" Brands

NEW YORK, Feb 8, 2002 -- When you think of toys for boys, you needn't go further than Hasbro, Inc.'s (NYSE:HAS) all-star line-up. With some of the category's leading brands, including classic properties like G.I. JOE, TRANSFORMERS and TONKA, 2002 brings even more fun to boys with exciting new products, innovative features and the return of all-time favorite story lines and features.

This year marks the return of the legendary "G.I. JOE vs. COBRA" theme in an all-new line of 3-3/4" figures and vehicles. In addition, classic 12" figures will once again feature the iconic KUNG-FU GRIP. Following the hugely successful re-launch of TRANSFORMERS ROBOTS IN DISGUISE -- the concept that started it all -- this fall, Hasbro will introduce a new segment for the TRANSFORMERS brand called "TRANSFORMERS ARMADA" that's all about change, combination and integration. The 2002 TONKA product line gives kids action-packed playsets, motorized stunt vehicles and spinning vehicle tops, while staying true to its legendary "tough" roots. And an all-new TONKA JUNIOR product line debuts this spring for kids one to three years of age, offering a whole new age group a way to play tough!

"Hasbro's G.I. JOE, TRANSFORMERS and TONKA brands are 'gold standards' that define their categories," said Greg Leeds, General Manager of Hasbro's boys toys group. "They exemplify Hasbro's expertise in nurturing classic brands by innovating and keeping them fresh for new generations, while remaining true to what made them so popular. Our 2002 lines are perhaps the best examples yet of this strategy in action, with lots of excitement in store for kids."

Following are highlights from the 2002 G.I. JOE, TRANSFORMERS, TONKA and TONKA JUNIOR product lines:

G.I. JOE

The 2002 roster of G.I. JOE action figures and vehicles features the return of the legendary "G.I. JOE vs. COBRA" theme that launched the popular 3-3/4-inch figures in the 1980s; G.I. JOE COMBAT CONTROL figures that can move in ways never seen before in a G.I. JOE figure; and a line of figures to commemorate D-Day, the Army Rangers, Jimmy Doolittle, and Ernie Pyle, the famous World War II news correspondent. Highlights of the line include:

G.I. JOE vs. COBRA Figures: Twenty years ago, kids were introduced to the "G.I. JOE vs. COBRA" story line and characters. Now, G.I. JOE figures are back in their classic 3-3/4-inch scale and resume the awesome job of saving the world from the international evil force known as COBRA. In addition, 12-inch versions will also be introduced and action-packed vehicles take the fantasy ever further. (Approximate retail price range: $7.99-$29.99; recommended age: 5 & up; available now-fall)

ComBat CONTROL Figures: Kids will be able to control their G.I. JOE figures like never before with new Combat Control. Awesome karate moves and punching power are available by manipulating slender control rods. Each figure's hand has a special grip that allows it to grab accessories from its backpack and activate sounds specific to each accessory. (Approximate retail price: $29.99; recommended age: 5 & up; available in fall)

D-Day Collection: In keeping with the G.I. JOE brand's tradition of commemorating historically-significant military events, Hasbro will introduce a line of four figures in the D-Day collection: Omaha Beach Army Infantry, British Royal Marine Commando, Pointe du Hoc Army Ranger and Ernie Pyle, the famous war correspondent. (Approximate retail price: $19.99-29.99; recommended age: 5 & up; available in April)

TRANSFORMERS

There are robots...and then there are ROBOTS IN DISGUISE! When Hasbro, Inc. introduced the TRANSFORMERS brand in the U.S. nearly 20 years ago, it popularized a unique concept - vehicles that kids can change to robots and back again.

This fall, Hasbro will introduce a new segment called TRANSFORMERS ARMADA. In addition to change and combination, the TRANSFORMERS ARMADA line features a new play pattern for the TRANSFORMERS brand -- integration. The line and television show will feature a new breed of TRANSFORMERS robots called MINI-CON TRANSFORMERS, which "plug" into larger TRANSFORMERS robots from the different assortments to enhance battle features and unlock hidden features, bringing more exciting elements of play and discovery for kids and collectors. Highlights of the line include:

Mini-Con FIGURES: TRANSFORMERS MINI-CON figures are small TRANSFORMERS figures that come in themed 3-packs. Each highly collectible MINI-CON figure changes into a robot and can plug into other larger TRANSFORMERS ARMADA figures to reveal a special battle feature. (Approximate retail price: $6.99; recommended age: 5 & up; Availability: starting August)

TRANSFORMERS ARMADA DELUXE, MEGA & ULTRA FIGURES: All figures in these assortments represent new versions of classic TRANSFORMERS robots along with some new characters. Each comes action-packed with its very own MINI-CON figure, which will unlock a feature of Deluxe, Mega and Ultra TRANSFORMERS ARMADA figures. (Approximate retail price range: $9.99-$24.99; recommended age: 5 & up; Availability: August)

TRANSFORMERS ARMADA SUPER BASE: The OPTIMUS PRIME figure is back as a semi-truck, but unlike anything you've ever seen before in the TRANSFORMERS line. When the cab of the truck is changed into a robot, the trailer automatically changes into a Super Base, using IR technology! The robot and the base can be combined to form the ultimate super robot! (Approximate retail price: $39.99; recommended age: 5 & up; Availability: August)

TONKA

Hasbro's TONKA brand has built a reputation for delivering much more than just vehicles, while still remaining true to its "tough" roots. In its 55-year history, the TONKA brand has evolved to include interactive play and personality-filled characters along with classic construction vehicles. The 2002 TONKA product line gives kids action-packed playsets and motorized stunt vehicles. Highlights of the line include:

TONKA POWER GRID: As little boys grow older, they get more curious about how things work. The TONKA POWER GRID lets them connect and control the power. This big rig's cab opens up into a giant construction workshop on wheels, with tools and workstations inside. "Power up" the tools by connecting three power grid motor cables into eight different power ports on the playset. Watch the gears grind and turn! Multiple power cables enable simultaneous plug-in play. (Approximate retail price: $32.99; recommended age: 4+; available August)

RADIO CONTROL BOBBLE BOYS ATV: The TONKA RADIO CONTROL BOBBLE BOYS ATV is an easy-to-use radio control vehicle that delivers a wild ride for the BOBBLE BOYS off-road rider on board. The vehicle comes with its own removable TONKA BOBBLE BOYS figure. The ATV styled handlebar control includes electronic engine sounds and phrases. A flexible suspension and shocks deliver bouncin' vehicle action. (Approximate retail price: $42.99; recommended age: 3+; available August)

TONKA JUNIOR

Hasbro is giving the TONKA line a "younger brother" in 2002. The TONKA JUNIOR product line debuts this spring for kids one to three years of age and offers a whole new generation a way to play tough!

Designed with the youngest toddlers in mind, TONKA JUNIOR products give little boys a way to play the way they naturally like to play, giving them an opportunity to have the kind of fun they see "big kids" having every day. With TONKA JUNIOR products, parents don't always have to say "no" to their young toddlers' desire to play rough and tough. The line's highlights include:

TONKA TOWN PLAYSET: Welcome to the magical TONKA TOWN, where nothing's as fun as gettin' the job done! This incredible playset features infrared (IR) technology that allows GARY GARAGE and CHUCK THE DUMP TRUCK vehicles to communicate with each other. Each vehicle "talks" and features motorized actions that "bring them to life." TONKA TOWN is also loaded with hands-on-play - kids can move boulder loads to get the construction work done and the playset features more than 20 electronic phrases. (Approximate retail price: $$42.99; Recommended age: 3+; Available: September)

BOP 'N GO TRUCK: This motorized truck is perfect for little kids on the move! Kids love to bop things and can make the truck go just by hitting the buttons on top with the pretend hammer. A switch for mom activates three different levels of Bop `N Go. Level 1: Bop `N Sounds - bop the cargo to hear electronic silly sounds. Level 2: Bop N' Go Back - bop the cargo and the truck motors forward or back, and then returns! Level 3: Bop 'N Go - keep on boppin' to keep the motorized fun rolling. (Approximate retail price: $19.99; Recommended age: 12 months & up; Available: February)

Hasbro (NYSE:HAS) 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.

---

Return to the 2002 Toy Fair Menu