Flashback: July 1995 1.
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1. Cap Toys’ Shout ’n Shoot II took water artillery in a whole new direction, with the ability to shoot 360 degrees around the wearer. In 1996, Cap Toys will have a new water gun to complement this toy in its second year. 2. Lewis Galoob Toys introduces the new die-cast Millennium Falcon from the Star Wars trilogy. 3. Kids and adults can turn ordinary balloons into colorful, magical gifts, centerpieces, or hanging decorations for all occasions with the FABalloon Fantastic Gift Maker. It comes complete with an assortment of decorating accessories. To use it, attach a balloon to the unit, pump it up, and use the arranging wand to fill it with included items as well as personal gift ideas.
Headlines at a Glance •
Warner Bros. has announced that Michael Jordan will star in a live-action, animated feature film opposite Bugs Bunny and other Looney Tunes characters. Space Jam is scheduled for release around Thanksgiving 1996 and will star Jordan himself.
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Radica Games Ltd. has formed a joint venture with Hasbro Inc. to develop, make, and distribute handheld electronic video games and other products.
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Greenman Bros. is investigating the possible sale of its wholesale business, Greenman Merchandising Services, in a move to free up capital that will allow the Noodle Kidoodle retail business to grow, according to the company. It has a target of 20 stores by the end of the current fiscal year, up from the five currently open.
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Toy Manufacturers of America has announced the first Fall New York Toy Preview Show, scheduled for October 9 to 13 at the International Toy Center and surrounding area in New York. More than 30 companies have committed their attendance.
50 • THE TOY BOOK
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On July 15, 1995, Snoopy, Charlie Brown, Linus, and Lucy made their debut on the World Wide Web at http://www.unitedmedia.com with comics, information on Charles Schulz, trivia challenges, an aroundthe-world tour by the World War One flying ace, and more. The Peanuts Web launch is an 11-week event leading up to the 45th anniversary of the comic strip on October 2.
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Todd McFarlane has announced that his toy company, formerly known as Todd Toys, has changed its name to McFarlane Toys. The name change was prompted after Mattel notified McFarlane that it has a doll in its Barbie line named Todd. The company felt that consumers may confuse an action figure line named Todd Toys as being associated with its Todd doll and interfere with the sales of both companies.
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Dragon Ball, a top-rated children’s animated series in Japan, France, Spain, and Hong Kong, is scheduled to debut in the U.S.
JULY/AUGUST 2015