What term did Hasbro coin in 1964 and reuse heavily in the 1980s to avoid calling their toys 'dolls'?
Chapter 1

The rise of media franchise toys

Chapter 2

The dawn of virtual companions

Chapter 3

The portable video game revolution

Chapter 4

The playground craze and collectibles

YOUR GOAL

Master of Classic retro toys

Ch 1 · The rise of media franchise toys
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marcus How mutant turtles conquered the world

Jul 10

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marcus Media Franchise Toys

Buy the toy! (Buy the toy!) They made the show just to sell the toy.

Jul 9

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marcus The hidden Japanese origins of Transformers

Jul 10

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How mutant turtles conquered the world

marcus An indie comic book parody turned into a multi-billion dollar toy empire.

Jul 9

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The hidden Japanese origins of Transformers

marcus Hasbro adapted Japanese Takara toys into a massive Western franchise with Marvel Comics' help.

Jul 9

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Classic Toon Toys*
    *   *Retro Toy Rama*
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BETA

marcus Sort classic cartoon toys by their release decade to discover how retro pop culture evolved.

Jul 6

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Fun Fact

Transformers names: Marvel writer Bob Budiansky created the name Optimus Prime in 1984.

Jul 9

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Glossary
tie-in (noun)
A commercial product, such as a toy or book, associated with a media property like a film or television show. In 1983, Mattel pioneered this by launching an animated series specifically to market He-Man action figures.

Jul 9

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Gossip

Which 80s cartoon vehicle is coolest?

Jul 9

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Quiz

What unique physical feature did the 1982 G.I. Joe figures introduce to allow better weapon holding?

Jul 9

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marcus The articulation battle of G.I. Joe

Jul 10

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Quiz

What was the name of He-Man's cowardly pet tiger who transformed into Battle Cat?

Jul 9

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marcus The power of He-Man toy cartoons

Jul 10

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Quiz

Which toy company took a risk on the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in 1987?

Jul 9

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Quiz

What term did Hasbro coin in 1964 and reuse heavily in the 1980s to avoid calling their toys 'dolls'?

Jul 9

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Quiz

Which comic book company helped Hasbro write the backstories and names for the Transformers in 1984?

Jul 9

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Quiz

Which Japanese toy company originally manufactured the transforming robots that Hasbro imported?

Jul 9

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Quiz

Why did Mattel create the Masters of the Universe cartoon in 1983?

Jul 9

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Quiz

What size did G.I. Joe figures shrink to in 1982 to match Star Wars figures?

Jul 9