INDUSTRY UPDATE
DHX MEDIA SIGNS JAKKS PACIFIC AS MASTER TOY PARTNER FOR MEGA MAN: FULLY CHARGED
DHX Media will premiere its new animated series Mega Man: Fully Charged, an original co-production with Dentsu Entertainment USA Inc. The series is based on the Capcom Mega Man video game franchise. Beginning Aug. 5, the show will air every Sunday on Cartoon Network in the U.S, and will debut on DHX Television’s Family Channel in Canada in the fall. Man of Action Entertainment serves as executive producer and story editor for the series. Episode trailers and feature clips for the new Mega Man: Fully Charged series will be available on DHX Media’s YouTube-based kids’ network, WildBrain. Master toy licensee Jakks Pacific will launch the consumer products program next spring. The line will include action figures, figurines, play sets, accessories, role-play items, and everyday dress-up and Halloween costumes. » Mega Man: Fully Charged
AMAZON TO PUBLISH HOLIDAY TOY CATALOG
In the wake of Toys “R” Us’ liquidation, Amazon will publish a holiday toy catalog. Amazon will mail the catalogs to homes and distribute them at Whole Foods Market, the grocery chain Amazon purchased last year. »
TOY ASSOCIATION ADVISES TOY COMPANIES TO CONSIDER ALTERNATIVES DURING NYLON RESIN SHORTAGE
The Toy Association learned from market sources that nylon 6/6 resin has become more difficult and expensive to obtain in markets worldwide, including China. According to the sources, tight supplies of adiponitrile (ADN) feedstock caused supplies of nylon 6/6 resin to become tight. This resin market tightness has led to higher prices for nylon 6/6, and some cite increases of more than 50 percent in the past several months. Some suppliers announced additional price increases on July 1. ADN suppliers are working to increase capacity, but tightness and higher prices are likely to persist into next year. While nylon (or polyamide) is not used in large quantities in toys, it is often the material of choice for critical applications such as gears, bushings, and bearings. Toy manufacturers may wish to consider alternatives for these applications, such as nylon 6 or acetal (polyoxymethylene). Members with questions may contact Alan Kaufman, senior vice president of
8 THE TOY BOOK | JULY/AUGUST 2018 | toybook.com
technical affairs at The Toy Association, at akaufman@toyassociation.org. »
Pint Size Heroes, Vynl, key chains, POP! apparel, and more. »
BARNES & NOBLE LAUNCHES SUMMER GAME NIGHT SERIES
MOOSE TOYS LAUNCHES FIRST SHOPKINS SHOPPIES BOY DOLL
Barnes & Noble Inc. launched its first Summer Game Night series at stores nationwide, featuring popular games from Barnes & Noble’s selection of game companies, including PlayMonster, Hasbro, and Asmodee. The series began on July 19 and takes place every Thursday at 7 p.m. until Aug. 23. Each week there is a new lineup of three games designed for families and friends. Featured games at every Summer Game Night event are available at a 10 percent discount to customers during the event. Additionally, customers receive a Buy One, Get One Free Frappuccino offer, and may purchase flatbreads for $5 at any store with a Barnes & Noble Café during the event. »
EPIC GAMES PARTNERS WITH JAZWARES, FUNKO FOR FORTNITE TOYS
Epic Games partnered with Jazwares and Funko Inc. to create Fortnite toys and collectibles. The deals were brokered by IMG. Jazwares will launch a Fortnite collection featuring true-to-game figures, Domez, loot boxes, play sets, environments, gamereplica weapons and tools, plush, vehicles, and more. The new range of toys will launch worldwide in December. The Fortnite-branded collection from Funko will launch this holiday season and will feature more than 10 different product lines, including Funko’s Pop! figures, 5 Star figures,
Moose Toys launched its first boy Shopkins Shoppies Doll at International Comic-Con: San Diego (SDCC). Chip Choc was available in the Double Scoop Delight Exclusive pack at the UCC booth during SDCC. The pack included an exclusive Peppa Mint with her brother Chip Choc. Only 1,500 units of this item were available for purchase. Moose Toys also released Golden Collection Cutie Cars packs with premium Carot Cake and Donut Deluxe cars. The gold Cutie Cars feature a premium die-cast finish. Only 500 versions of this pack were available at SDCC. »
SPIN MASTER ACQUIRES RIGHTS TO FUGGLER BRAND
Spin Master Corp. acquired the rights to Fuggler, a line of collectible plush dolls. Originating in the UK, the Fuggler monsters have quirky characteristics, featuring unique toothy smiles, eyes, and signature buttonholes. Available in 9- and 12-inch sizes, there are more than 50 Fugglers to collect. Rare Fugglers feature glow-in-the dark teeth and eyes. The plush are available at Target, GameStop, and Hot Topic, as well as specialty retailers. » STAY CONNECTED!
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