YEAR OF THE JOE:
After making our way into Hasbro's posh theater, the lights dimmed and Hasbro's presenters took the stage to proudly announce that this, the 25th anniversary of the 3-3/4 inch line of figures would be
"The Year of Joe". They started off the show with shots of the teaser posters for this summer's highly anticipated movie and then followed those up with a big-screen presentation of the teaser trailer that first aired during this year's Super Bowl.
When the trailer ended and the lights came back up, the reps from Hasbro unleashed their plans for the next 12 months. Some of the key points they touched on included a
'Hall of Heroes' line of classic figures that will be voted on by JOE fans themselves. Other classic figures included two 5-packs that will be released in the spring and be followed up with two
'Attack on Cobra Island' 7-packs. After a springtime focus on the classic line, Hasbro jumps right into their movie line of figures with both guns blazing. JOE fans can expect 35 single carded, movie-based figures on packaging that both pays tribute to the 80's line of figures while incorporating dynamic new designs including a Cobra competing new logo for the JOE's.
To go with all of these movie inspired figures, Hasbro will be dropping over 15 vehicles on collectors. Composed of two different assortments, Alpha and Bravo, fans can expect new vehicles like the Cobra Gunship sharing shelf space with updated classics like Night Raven. But the cherry on top of the JOE sundae is the PIT Mobile Headquarters. Measuring in at 2 feet tall by 3 feet long when fully expanded, this mammoth playset will include features such as vehicle ramps, jail cell, lights, sounds and even a ping-pong table. An exclusive General Hawk figure and foot pegs for 84 (yes, 84!!!) figures round out what could be Hasbro's most impressive playset ever. GI Joe or otherwise.
MORE THAN MEETS
THE EYE:
From the comfortable surroundings of their own private theater, Hasbro representatives took the stage to share their 2009 plans for two of their heavyweight franchises. First up was Transformers which is not only prepping for the release of a highly-anticipated movie sequel, but also celebrating the toy
line's 25th anniversary.
From the animated line, fans can expect update to core characters like Prowl and Starscream in addition to newer fan favorites such as Arcee and Wreck-Gar. A
'Universe' line will focus on the history of the toy line as characters from Dinobots to Minibots and everything
in between. Once again fill toy shelves. All of this leads to the summer release of
'Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen' and the supporting toy line. Diehard collectors can look forward to both new and old
movie-styled characters including Roll Bar, Dirt Boss and Bumblebee. The item that received the most buzz though was the
Constructicon 6-pack of vehicles that when transformed will combine to form the mammoth Devastator.
Team Marvel also had a lot on their plates for 2009 with action figures and accessories planned for several of their lines. Fans of Spiderman, Wolverine and Iron Man can expect classically styled figures as well as ones based on the characters respective animated television series. Everything from vehicles to battlepacks and playsets to Super Hero Squad packs will be spinning their way to toy shelves everywhere over the next few months. The biggest splash this year for any Marvel line looks to be made by the Marvel Universe line of high-quality action figures. Celebrating
Marvel's 70th anniversary, fans will be rewarded with 34 new figures come March 1st and a chance to vote for a fan favorite figure online with the top five
vote-getters getting produced. Other Universe-themed items coming fans way include a
mail-in offer for a Nick Fury figure, comic 2-packs, role playing sets, Luke Ellison dioramas and exclusive items that will only be available at this
year's San Diego Comic Convention.
PHOTO GALLERIES
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