Flashback: June 1995 1.
2.
What’s Hot! TV Promoted Toys 1. Sky Dancers (Lewis Galoob Toys) 2. Batman Figures (Kenner) 3. X-Men Figures (Toy Biz) 4. Ultra Spawn Figures (Todd Toys)
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5. Butterfly Barbie (Mattel) 6. Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers
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Figures (Bandai) 7. Polly Pocket (Mattel) 8. Barbie Bubble Fairy (Mattel) 9. Gargoyles Figures (Kenner) 10. Bubble Toons (Cap Toys)
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90 • THE TOY BOOK
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Izzy, the mascot of the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, will be featured in two animated TV shows to air on Turner Network Television. Atlanta Centennial Olympic Properties has also announced that 38 companies have signed on to produce Izzy-related merchandise, ranging from toys and playing cards to numerous lines of casual sportswear for children and adults. 2. Strategy Licensing is representing The Puzzle Place, the newest addition to the PBS daily preschool programming block. The show espouses the values of multicultural diversity, tolerance, and self-esteem using puppet characters to educate preschoolers in a playful and entertaining way. 3. Barney will become a permanent attraction at Universal Studios Florida this summer. “A Day in the Park with Barney” will bring to life Barney’s make-believe preschool play world in an imaginatively interactive musical show and hands-on educational playground. 4. Zombie Dinos: From the Planet Zeltoid combines entertainment with education in this multifaceted game, from MacPlay. The host, Dexter the Talking Dinodroid, encourages children in their learning adventures, giving game-control instructions, game-play tips, and positive feedback. 5. Abrams & Gentile Entertainment is building a licensing program around the Sky Dancers brand. The doll went national in February, and the brand is going to be an animated TV series in 1996.
MAY/JUNE 2015