Submitted By: Tony_Bacala
HASBRO PROPERTIES GROUP BRINGS YOUR FAVORITE TOYS AND GAMES TO MANY AREAS OF EVERYDAY LIFE IN 2004
There is a world of fun to explore in 2004 as the Hasbro Properties Group brings exciting new brands and cherished classics to a range of publishing, lifestyle and entertainment products. Children will have the opportunity to experience new introductions through such properties as WEEBLES and DUEL MASTERS, as well as enjoy new favorites from core brands like MY LITTLE PONY, TRANSFORMERS, G.I. JOE, TONKA, MONOPOLY and CANDY LAND.
Look for the following Hasbro brands to be showcased at the 2004 American International Toy Fair:
WEEBLES
Hasbro announces the 2004 return of those beloved, wobbly characters—the WEEBLES! The world of WEEBLEVILLE will be alive again this fall with motion, music and brilliant colors to inspire children’s imaginations and celebrate the simple joy of play. The WEEBLES characters will bring fun and laughter that is just plain silly to toddlers. This year, the Hasbro Properties Group is exploring a range of licensed WEEBLES products including books, apparel, accessories, juvenile products and nursery décor for launch in early 2005.
DUEL MASTERS
After topping the charts in Japan, the hot property DUEL MASTERS arrives in the U.S. in 2004. DUEL MASTERS is about battling monsters – or “Kaijudo!� – as players in the know exclaim. In Japan, the DUEL MASTERS Trading Card Game has ranked #1 in toy and game category sales for the past 11 consecutive months, according to Weekly Toy News. DUEL MASTERS has already hit the U.S. market with a comic book series by Dreamwave, creators of the best-selling TRANSFORMERS comic book series. In late February, the DUEL MASTERS animated series debuts on the Cartoon Network, followed by Wizards of the Coast’s U.S. introduction of a trading card game in March. The toys and games will follow beginning in fall 2004. A host of DUEL MASTERS consumer products are in the works including pending contracts for a DUEL MASTERS Gameboy game from Atari, Inc., a line of books from Scholastic, apparel from Freeze, as well as sporting goods, novelties, accessories and national consumer promotions.
MY LITTLE PONY
In 2003, the MY LITTLE PONY property returned as a highly popular lifestyle brand for little girls. Fans were able to make MY LITTLE PONY a part of every aspect of their lives from toys and apparel to backpacks and bedding. In addition to the success of the toy line, HPG’s MY LITTLE PONY publishing program was a huge hit in 2003 with over one million storybooks sold from Harper Collins (master publisher), Publications International, and Bendon Books. In 2004, little girls will have more MY LITTLE PONY adventures to enjoy, as multiple publishers work together to double the number of titles released.
There is even more to look forward to this year as both the MY LITTLE PONY toy and licensed product lines expand and the new theme – FRIENDSHIP BALL – is celebrated! Over 65 licensing agreements have been secured since 2003 with industry leaders in the areas of entertainment, apparel, greeting cards, and sporting goods to name a few.
For holiday 2004, Atari will bring the MY LITTLE PONY fantasy to the PC game market with the launch of a MY LITTLE PONY PC game. Under a pending contract, American Greetings will launch a line of MY LITTLE PONY greeting cards, party goods and gift wrap. Another new licensee, Fruit of the Loom, will introduce MY LITTLE PONY underwear for little girls. In addition, the current sporting goods offerings from Kent will be expanded by Mondo United with the launch of playground balls. New seasonal products will also be available in 2004 as Kurt Adler offers MY LITTLE PONY Christmas ornaments and holiday decorations. In addition, MY LITTLE PONY health & beauty aids and cosmetics will be available from Cosrich, Townley and Zooth.
TRANSFORMERS
Following yet another year of soaring success, Hasbro’s TRANSFORMERS brand celebrates its 20th year in 2004 as the legendary kid and collector favorite. Following last year’s TRANSFORMERS ARMADA story line, Hasbro gives the saga a riveting new twist in 2004 with TRANSFORMERS ENERGON. This theme will bridge all aspects of the TRANSFORMERS brand from toys to licensed merchandise.
In the TRANSFORMERS ENERGON storyline, the battle of good vs. evil continues as the heroic AUTOBOTS and villainous DECEPTICONS search for the energon, the energy source that keeps the earth alive. The AUTOBOTS employ their new powers of “combining� to increase their ability to gain control of the ENERGON, while the DECEPTICONS tap into “HYPER POWER� to become bigger and even more ominous.
In 2004, entertainment and publishing vehicles that will engage fans in the new TRANSFORMERS ENERGON storyline include the Cartoon Network animated series, Dreamwave comic book and Atari video game. The Dreamwave comic book is expected to continue its remarkable success in 2004, after selling over two million copies in 2003. This year there are four unique series planned with 50 new titles.
Other exciting new licensees for TRANSFORMERS in 2004 include K2, Inc., launching K2 and Ride Snowboards featuring TRANSFORMERS character art, and Mondo United, introducing TRANFORMERS playground balls. Under a pending contract, TRANSFORMERS party goods, gift wrap and greeting cards from American Greetings would also be available in 2004.
G.I. JOE
Forty years ago, Hasbro revolutionized the way boys play by introducing G.I. JOE, the world’s first action figure. In 2004, kids can embark with the G.I. JOE team on another new and exciting adventure – VALOR VS. VENOM. The story is a progression of last year’s SPYTROOPS adventure and it will come to life like never before with the direct-to-video release of “G.I. JOE: VALOR VS. VENOM,� a new full-length feature packed with thrilling, non-stop action. The movie will be available in DVD and VHS this fall from Paramount Home Entertainment. One of the biggest marketing programs in the history of the G.I. JOE brand will support VALOR VS. VENOM, including a McDonald’s promotion, national advertising and an array of consumer products.
HPG’s publishing program is expected to build on its success in 2004 with the introduction of exciting new G.I. JOE titles. In 2003, the comic books sold a noteworthy 1.3 million copies and Scholastic books firmly established itself in the market after its 2003 launch.
Other exciting G.I. JOE licensed products coming soon include fun G.I. JOE camping and fishing gear from South Bend Sporting Goods and a unique G.I. JOE BellyWasher vitamin-c interactive beverage with a sculpted G.I. JOE 3-D character top.
CANDY LAND
For 55 years, the CANDY LAND game has been a favorite first game for preschoolers. In 2004, children will experience this classic game like never before with the game’s new look, updated characters and expanded story line. The excitement around the refreshed CANDY LAND game is reflected in the expanded licensing program for the brand this year, including the first-ever CANDY LAND movie scheduled for direct-to-video release in the fall. A range of publishing opportunities for the CANDY LAND brand are also being explored to celebrate this cherished property and its 55th anniversary!
GAMES
Hasbro Properties Group brings an element of fun to publishing, apparel, accessories and gaming with classic game brands. For “Generation X,� ages 18-24, Accessory Network is producing colorful, retro bags featuring fun images from TWISTER, MONOPOLY, SCRABBLE and OPERATION, in addition to a line of commodity stationery featuring game branded artwork. Also for adults, Direct Checks Unlimited has launched TWISTER, MONOPOLY, SCRABBLE and OPERATION branded checks and checkbook covers. An assortment of games branded greeting cards and scrap booking products will also launch in 2004.
About Hasbro Properties Group
The Hasbro Properties Group develops and expands Hasbro’s core brands such as G.I. JOE, TRANSFORMERS, MY LITTLE PONY, MONOPOLY and CANDY LAND, into a wide variety of entertainment and consumer categories. Hasbro Consumer Products Worldwide is the licensing and promotions arm of Hasbro Properties Group.
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Ó2004 Hasbro. All Rights Reserved.
DUEL MASTERS is a trademark of Wizards of the Coast, Mitsui/Kids Station and Shogakukan ©2003.
OPERATION is a registered trademark, licensed for use by Hasbro, Inc. © 2004 Fleet Financial Corporation.