Toy Fair 2018: Hasbro – Disney, Star Wars, Marvel
Year after year, Hasbro is the biggest highlight of Toy Fair because they make products for three of Disney’s biggest brands: Marvel, Star Wars, and Disney Princess and its adjacent properties. Their collection is so massive that they typically don’t have enough room to show it all off inside the Javitz Center with the rest of Toy Fair. Instead, they host events at an off-site location where they blow me away annually with their innovative approach to toys for both kids and adults.
One of the biggest surprises was the launch of a new app called Hasbro Pulse, which will make it easier than ever before for fans to get notified about new and upcoming releases. You can also track your toy collection digitally by scanning barcodes and their system is backdated ten years past for any Marvel and Star Wars products. You can make wish lists to share with your friends and family, and can even purchase some items directly through the app. Best of all, the app is free. And now we dive into our first category, Marvel.
Marvel
Marvel Legends, the premium collectible line of action figures aimed at adults, has so many releases coming up that I got lightheaded hearing about them all. It’s hard to even choose where to start, so I’ll go biggest to smallest. 12-inch Black Panther and Wolverine make their debut this year, with Black Panther being the first movie inspired character in the 12-inch line. He uses the latest technology to create a lifelike swappable head of Chadwick Boseman.
[gallery link="file" size="medium" ids="236346,236347"]In the more common 6-inch series, a new line called “Ultimate Rider” pairs Marvel characters with their vehicles. Hasbro promises that you will never see another Ghost Rider figure without his bike, and Ghost Rider is one of two figures in this introductory wave, in addition to Wolverine.
[gallery link="file" size="medium" ids="236351,236350,236352,236353"]In wave 2 of the Spider-Man series, fans will find House of M Spider-Man, Scarlet Spider, Doc Oc, Cloak and Daggar, Daredevil and Electra. The Build-a-Figure in this wave is SPDR.
[gallery link="file" size="medium" ids="236356,236358,236355"]Wave 2 of Avengers: Infinity War features Black Knight, Malekith, Ant-Man, and Wasp figures. Like the 12-inch Black Panther, both of these last two figures have perfect likenesses to Paul Rudd and Evangeline Lilly.
[gallery link="file" size="medium" ids="236902,236901"]Another X-Men 6-inch line is coming soon, with a Build-a-Figure of Apocalypse when you collect the entire set. A new Magneto is part of the line with new effects in his hands, as well as Sabertooth, Psylocke, Storm, Gladiator, and Tiger Stripe Wolverine.
[gallery link="file" size="medium" ids="236904,236903,236905"]This Fall, Sony’s Venom movie hits theaters and Hasbro has a Marvel Legends Venom collection, with a Build-a-Figure that will be announced at a later date. This collection features Venom, Carnage, Scream, Poison, and Spider-Ham. There are other Venom toys aimed at kids that were in this same display.
[gallery link="file" size="medium" ids="236907,236908,236911,236910,236909,236906"]Deadpool 2 is also on the release schedule from Fox, and wave 2 of Deadpool will feature Omega Red, Deadpool’s X-Force costume (Toy’s “R” Us Exclusive), Lady Deadpool, Bishop, and a Deadpool who forgot to put on pants. The Build-a-Figure in this wave is Sauron. There will also be two 12" Legends figures in this line. For kids, there are play weapons, masks, and action figures. PSA: Deadpool 2 will be rated R. Lastly, Deadpool Monopoly is sure to be hilarious.
[gallery link="file" size="medium" ids="236913,236914,236915,236919,236920,236912,236921,236916,236918,236917"]To celebrate the 10th anniversary of Marvel Studios, Marvel Legends is releasing ten sets themed to ten of the films. An Iron Man 2-pack provides a new sculpt of Robert Downey Jr.’s head along with a Mark I, Iron Man’s Mark VII from The Avengers, a 3-pack from Iron Man 3 with Pepper Potts and Mandarin (Toy’s “R” Us Exclusive), Ronan from Guardians of the Galaxy (Game Stop exclusive), Avengers: Age of Ultron Hulkbuster vs. Hulk (Target exclusive), and Captain America: Civil War 2-pack with Cross Bones and a new Chris Evans head. The tenth piece is themed to Avengers: Infinity War, which will be revealed later.
[gallery link="file" size="medium" ids="236922,236926,236927,236928,236929,236930,236931,236932,236925"]In that last section, you may have noticed quite a few store exclusives and Hasbro has a few more retailer specific releases that aren’t part of a wave. Wal Mart will have a Thanos figure in time for Avengers: Age of Ultron. Target has the Black Panther 2-pack with Killmonger and Everett Ross. Toys “R” Us has a Black Panther Shuri/Klaw 2-pack and an upcoming X-Men: Days of Future Past Wolverine and Sentinel 2-pack. Lastly, Walgreens will have Thing, Mr. Fantastic, and the Silver Surfer.
[gallery link="file" size="medium" ids="236933,236934,236935,236936"]Two new premium role play items are also coming for adult collectors. The Black Panther helmet uses a flexible back to securely place it on your head without any locking hinges. It lights up like his suit in the film at the push of a button and the eye shields can be opened or closed at your command.
The Infinity Guantlet is 18-inches long and features real sounds from the film, Avengers: Age of Ultron. Your fingers can control the glove’s fingers and with it, you can rule the galaxy.
[gallery link="file" size="medium" ids="236941,236940"]Video game fans will be interested in the Marvel Gamerverse line of action figures, based on Marvel vs. Capcom and Contest of Champions.
Moving away from the adult collectors market, a new line of toys themed to the Sony animated film Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse will launch a new toy line. Spider-Man also remains an evergreen toy property with classics like the web slinger and Titan Hero Series figures available.
[gallery link="file" size="medium" ids="236953,236943,236944,236945,236946,236947,236948,236949,236951,236952"]Black Panther is also celebrated with a toy line of pretend play items and action figures.
[gallery link="file" size="medium" ids="236955,236956,236957,236958,236959,236960,236961,236954"]When Ant-Man and the Wasp hits theaters this summer, kids will find more pretend play and action figure items to step into the roles of both heroes. Of particular interest is the “Shrink & Strike Ant-Man” figure, which shoots out a smaller version of himself.
[gallery link="file" size="medium" ids="236962,236963,236964,236965,236966,236967,236968"]Hasbro’s Mighty Mugs line of face-spinning characters launched last year with Star Wars. Marvel gets in on the action in 2018 with many characters joining the line. Each figure has three expressions. Pushing a button on top of their head rotates the face to the next emotion. They’re a really fun desk tchotchke.
[gallery link="file" size="medium" ids="236970,236971,236972,236973,236974,236969"]Monopoly adds a new level of wacky hilarity with a Deadpool edition and Rubick’s Cube gets reimagined as Spider-Man in the new Rubick’s Crew line.
[gallery link="file" size="medium" ids="236975,236976"]Preschoolers can enjoy Marvel fun with a few products as well. First is the 26-inch Iron Man play set, which is compatible with all of the Marvel Super Hero Adventures.
[gallery link="file" size="medium" ids="236977,236978,236979,236980"]Play-Doh also has two new play sets that help kids create their own Marvel fun.
Lastly, Mr. Potato Head has Marvel-themed sets in several sizes. Classic size is available as Iron Man or Spider-Man, and a Hulk/Iron Man combo pairs the classic size with a mini Potato Head. A four pack assembles Captain America, Iron Man, Hulk, and Black Widow. And smaller sets are available as Spider-Man, Hulk, and Ant-Man.
[gallery link="file" size="medium" ids="236982,236983,236984,236985"]For Disney and Star Wars Hasbro toys, proceed to the next page.
Disney
The majority of Hasbro’s Disney licensed products are based around Disney Princesses. In case that isn’t your forte, we will begin with the non-princess related items. First is a new board game for ages 10 and up called Disney Song Challenge. This card-based game requires players to sing Disney songs out loud. But if they don’t know the words, they have to spin the wheel and perform whatever silly task it lands on.
Disney Pixar Incredibles 2 receives the Monopoly Junior treatment later this year, with exclusive tokens themed to all of the family members except Jack Jack, who is too young to play anyway (ages 3 and up).
Play-Doh has two play sets themed to Mickey and Minnie Mouse. Mickey’s play set allows kids to create Mickey’s House and some of his friends, whereas Minnie’s set is themed to baking, with cookie cutters, trays, and a Play-Doh icing bag.
[gallery link="file" size="medium" ids="236997,236996"]The Incredibles family also gets in on the Play-Doh fun with a set that allows kids to create their favorite Incredibles, this time with Jack Jack included.
And Disney Princess has a few Play-Doh sets themed to The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, Cinderella, Frozen, and Beauty and the Beast. These kits are mostly based around creating new gowns for each princess.
[gallery link="file" size="medium" ids="237001,237000,237003"]For Hasbro’s Disney Princess line of dolls, each princess has received new face sculpts to better reflect their animated likeness. Their standard dresses have also received a slight makeover, now featuring some pastel accents.
[gallery link="file" size="medium" ids="237009,237010,237011,237012,237013,237014,237015"]Their are several play sets coming out that feature multiple outfits and sidekick characters. Mulan, for example, is now available in her warrior gear and matchmaker robes. A Belle play set will feature two dresses, extra shoes, and Wardrobe to house them all.
[gallery link="file" size="medium" ids="237018,237019,237020"]A Tea Party collection is in the works that will pair each princess with a floral inspired tea party dress. There are several water play dolls on the horizon, including a color changing hair Rapunzel doll and a color changing fin Ariel.
Swimming Adventures Ariel is expected to be a popular toy for bath and pool time. Her battery operated tail has three points of articulation so she can swim like a real mermaid in the water.
The Pop-Up Palace allows kids to have a space-saving castle for their Princess dolls to play in. It pops up and expands to become over 2 feet tall. When collapsed, it can be uses to store a couple of dolls, making it both functional and fun. It’s full of charming accents from the Disney Princess fairytales.
[gallery link="file" size="medium" ids="237027,237006,237007"]The Disney Princess Little Kingdoms line continues to expand with new figures. One of the new play sets is Mulan Warrior Adventures. Cinderella’s Carriage Ride adds the Fairy Godmother to the line along with a translucent pumpkin coach for Cinderella to ride in. And the Floating Friends wave finds the princesses relaxing in the pool on a hot summer day (their rafts really float!).
[gallery link="file" size="medium" ids="237040,237032,237033,237034,237035,237036,237037,237038"]Kids looking for more kinetic fun with their Disney Princess play will love the Disney Princess Little Kingdom Magical Movers. Each princess becomes a top that sits in a base. Pulling the string spins the top and when set on a smooth surface, they dance around. It gets even cooler when you set them in certain vehicles, like a boat for Pocahontas, magic carpet for Jasmine, or horse for Cinderella. The spinning base of the princess powers the vehicle and they begin to move like magic.
[gallery link="file" size="medium" ids="237050,237049,237051,237052,237053,237043,237044,237045"]Two Magical Movers play sets are also coming soon, one themed to Tangled and the other to Beauty and the Beast. These multi-story sets allow kids to ignite their spinners at the top and watch the princesses travel down a series of slides and lifts, performing tricks until they land on a stage with a berm that keeps them within the designated area. They also come with a dance partner that clips on, allowing them to waltz with their princes.
[gallery link="file" size="medium" ids="237055,237054,237048,237046"]Elena of Avalor expands her fashion away from her signature red color with a few dolls themed to holiday episodes, such as a pink Carnival dress, white and red Navidad, and blue and yellow Joaquin dress. Some action figure play sets on a similar scale to Little Kingdom help bring Elena’s world to life, and new figures will join the line, such as a mermaid friend from an upcoming adventure that will debut this fall.
[gallery ids="237057,237058,237059,237060,237061,237062,237063"]Three new dolls will be released for Tangled: The Series. The most impressive one features waxy yarn for hair and a styling tool that allows for infinite style possibilities. It can keep a curl easily, but also be straightened back out without any water or heat. Cassandra joins Hasbro’s current line of dolls and a Rapunzel Vanity set adds furniture from her bedroom, a nightgown, and cloak for sneaking out on adventures with Cassandra.
[gallery link="file" size="medium" ids="237064,237065,237066,237067"]Moana continues to be a strong role model for kids and Hasbro has a few new dolls for her collection. Her royal dress is now available with a singing doll, while Pua Playtime Moana gives her a brand new dress and her pet pig. Kids looking for more creative fun will love the Stencil and Design Moana doll, whose skirt becomes a canvas and stencils become a guide. Dip the stylus in cold water to draw on her skirt. The drawings disappear when dry.
[gallery link="file" size="medium" ids="237068,237070,237071,237072,237073,237075"]Anticipation is high as Disney Channel continues to promote Descendants until the launch of the third film next year. New to the collection in 2018 is fan favorite Dizzy, Drisella’s daughter from Cinderella.
[gallery link="file" size="medium" ids="237083,237069,237082,237081,237080,237079"]Frozen is also still very popular and the Frozen Little Kingdom set continues to grow with new play sets and Olaf figures in standalone packs. There’s also a new castle play set.
[gallery link="file" size="medium" ids="237084,237085,237086,237087,237088,237089,237090"]New dolls allow Elsa to magically interact with an Olaf figure and go on a sledding adventure. Hasbro also had a display for their Olaf’s Frozen Adventure line of dolls and Little Kingdom figures.
[gallery link="file" size="medium" ids="237091,237092,237093,237094,237095,237096,237097,237098,237100,237101"]A galaxy far, far away awaits on the next page.
Star Wars
Hasbro’s Star Wars Black Series line continues with a wave of figures from The Last Jedi, including another Rey figure, Rose, and a First Order Driver and Gunner. Admiral Holdo will make her debut in this wave, but most exciting to me was a 2-pack of Black Series porgs, which come in a tiny little box. They are adorable, hilarious, and I have to have them.
Black Series Centerpiece is a new concept that debuted last year, featuring a figure on a display base with room to add more figures. This year’s release is Kylo Ren on Jakku from The Force Awakens. The base lights up and makes a very striking impression.
From Star Wars Rebels comes a Captain Rex and Commander Wolf 2-pack, which will be exclusive to several retailers including Disney Store, Barnes & Noble, and Game Stop.
From the pre-Disney era, the Black Series is also expanding to include Hoth Leia in her iconic snow gear. Amazon will have an exclusive 3-pack of Red Squadron astromech droids, featuring R2-X2, R5-D8, and R2-D2 with a weathered exterior. Lando with the Gamorrean Guard will be a Target exclusive, and the guard has an articulated jaw. There is also a Zuckuss figure, which will be exclusive to Toys “R” Us.
Looking ahead to Solo: A Star Wars Story, Hasbro has a Black Series figure wave featuring Han Solo, Qi’Ra, Lando, Beckett, a Range Trooper, plus a Wal Mart exclusive Mimban Storm Trooper.
The Black Series isn’t limited to just action figures and vehicles, with props and costume pieces. New in 2018 is a Z6 Riot Baton from The Last Jedi, which has spinning elements in addition to lights and sound effects from the film. A new Darth Vader electronic helmet was also on display, with under helmet details.
[gallery link="file" size="medium" ids="237111,237113,237114"]Following the success of the 40th Anniversary Black Series packaging from 2018, Hasbro has launched The Vintage Collection, which packages modern Black Series figures in nostalgic packaging that mirrors the original Kenner toys. The first wave was on display, which features Supreme Leader Snoke, First Order Stormtrooper, Hoth Rebel Soldier, Jyn Erso, Kylo Ren, and Rey in her Jakku outfit. Wave 2 will feature a Death Trooper, Dr. Aphra, Rey in her Island Journey costume (Wal Mart exclusive), a Range Trooper, Mimban Storm Trooper (Wal Mart exclusive) and Han Solo from Solo: A Star Wars Story. They also teased a few figures from wave 3, which will include Cassian Andor and Luke Skywalker in his The Last Jedi costume. Lastly, they teased for 2019 a Vintage Collection figure of Saelt-Marae (Yakface).
[gallery link="file" size="medium" ids="237116,237118,237119"]The Vintage Collection isn’t limited to just figures and one of the Rogue One vehicles, Imperial Combat Assault Tank, will be part of the line.
A dream come true for longtime collectors, Hasbro is launching a crowd funding program called HasLab. Their first project is Jabba’s Sail Barge from Return of the Jedi. 5,000 fans are needed to make this dream a reality and the price is high at $499.99, but there’s no cooler way to display your figures and Hasbro has partnered with the Lucasfilm Archives to ensure that the ship is as detailed as possible, including new rooms created just for the toy like a cockpit and kitchen. It comes with a detailed Jabba the Hut figure and is designed by Mark Boudreaux. It comes with a detailed 64-page book about the making of the piece, free shipping, and a Vintage Collection themed collectible box. It measures 4 feet long, so be sure to clear a place of honor in your home and hearts for this collectible treasure. Shipping is free and it is expected to ship by February 2019. If you’re interested in owning this priceless treasure, be sure to register at HasLab before April 3rd. If the 5,000 goal is not reached, you won’t be charged and Jabba’s Sail Barge will sadly not be produced.
[gallery link="file" size="medium" ids="237121,237122"]Moving away from the adult collectible market, a series of 3.75 inch figures are coming soon from Solo: A Star Wars Story. These use Force Link 2.0 technology, which has Bluetooth interactivity that allows kids to download updates as well as recognize nearby friends with Force Link, allowing figures to interact.
[gallery link="none" size="medium" ids="237124,237123,237125,237128,237129"]Star Wars: Forces of Destiny expands with new dolls, including Ahsoka Tano and Sabine Wren. The line also expands to include boys like Luke Skywalker, Kylo Ren, and Chewbacca.
[gallery link="file" size="medium" ids="237143,237144,237145,237147,237148,237149,237150,237146"]
Nerf has a few Star Wars items as well, including the Rival Blaster, which will launch at Game Stop and expand to Best Buy stores in the future. The Glowstrike Blaster will also be readily available.
Getting into more adorable territory, Ultimate Co-Pilot Chewie is a collaboration with Hasbro’s FurReal brand of animated pets. He has over 100 sounds and expressions and is guaranteed to be one of the hottest toys of 2018.
The Mighty Mugs line is about to explode with more Star Wars characters than you can count, including Maz Kanata. I already had Princess Leia in my personal collection, whose emotions include happy, angry, and sassy. Darth Vader was in my Hasbro swag bag and it’s hilarious how they’ve modified the shape of his eyes and mouth piece to slightly to convey sinister joy, force choke anger, and his general indifference.
[gallery link="file" size="medium" ids="237133,237134"]The classic game of Operation gets a Last Jedi spin with Chewbacca. Don’t worry, you’re not removing things from his body, but you are helping to get those adorable porgs out of his hair.
A new card game called “I’ve Got a Bad Feeling About This” offers game play similar to “Exploding Cats.” It’s great for the whole family and puts each player in funny situations, recommended for ages 12 and up.
The classic game of Monopoly receives another Star Wars overlay, this one themed to Solo.
Star Wars is also applied to Hasbro’s Mr. Potato Head line, with a four pack of mini figures themed to Yoda, Chewbacca, Kylo Ren, and R2-D2. Han Solo and Chewbacca are also available in the traditional sign just in time for the release of Solo. There’s also a BB-8 in a special storage container.
[gallery link="file" size="medium" ids="237138,237139,237140,237141"]Bonus: Power Rangers
In the past, Saban’s Power Rangers has intersected with both Disney and Fox. Originally broadcast on Fox Kids and with its first two theatrical films released by 20th Century Fox, Ranger mania was at its zenith during the Fox era. Disney acquired the franchise in 2001 with the purchase of Fox Family and continued the series until 2009, when they sold it back to Saban. Power Rangers is currently celebrating its 25th Anniversary and Hasbro recently announced that they will begin producing toys in 2019, winning the franchise from Bandai, who has produced toys since the series began in 1993. Brian Casentini, Producer of the series, was at Hasbro’s Toy Fair presentation to share news that the next series is called Beast Morphers, which will air on Nickelodeon (Nick has broadcast rights to the franchise through 2021). I have an incredible amount of nostalgia for this franchise and associate with both Fox and Disney, which is why I’m including it here and sharing that in addition to toys from the new series, Hasbro is promising throwback toys aimed at collectors like the Black Series and Legends lines.
Walking away from Hasbro's exhibit at Toy Fair 2018, I couldn't stop thinking about all of the cool toys I saw. Investing in Jabba's Sail Barge is tempting, and I plan to seek out the Marvel Studios 10th Anniversary Legends collection. But if I had to pick one item that's at the top of my list, it's definitely Ultimate Co-Pilot Chewbacca. Which Hasbro product are you most excited for in 2018? Leave a comment below.
Click here to see more Disney, Star Wars, and Marvel toys from Toy Fair 2018.