Tag Archives: marvel

Star Wars, Pokémon, and LOL Surprise help US toys sales surge $3.5bn for 2020

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Entertainment brands Star Wars, Marvel, Pokémon, and LOL Surprise have been named among the top properties of 2020 to have helped US toy sales surge by $3.5bn according to the latest results from the NPD Group.

Combined, the top five properties – all the aforementioned plus Mattel’s fashion doll brand, Barbie – accounted for 13 per cent of all US toy sales on the year.

In an unprecedented year for the global toy industry, the NPD Group has attributed the 16 per cent sales growth of the toy sector for 2020 to diverted disposable income as parents – spending more time at home with their children – place greater value on play and toys, spending money saved from restrictions imposed in the fight against the pandemic.

For the year, toy sales in the US generated $25.1 billion, an increase of 16 per cent on the year prior.

Nationwide lockdowns and restrictions across the US saw disposable income diverted from usual mainstream entertainment avenues to toys, as well as the onset of federal stimulus checks.

While toy sales through mid-March 2020 were flat on 2019, widespread lockdown measures led to an abrupt increase in sales. This was amplified by the distribution of stimulus checks beginning in April, resulting in the strongest month of growth for the year in May (an increase of 38 per cent).

The NPD Group states that toy industry growth peaked again in October with an increase of 33 per cent when the holiday season kicked off with Amazon Prime Day along with other retailer deals the same week.

“2020 was an unprecedented year for the US toy industry. The growth we’ve seen in the toy industry speaks to the fact that parents are willing to put their children’s happiness above all else,” said Juli Lennett, vice president and industry advisor, US Toys, The NPD Group.

“The industry’s resiliency is very much underpinned by the reality that, in times of hardship, families look to toys to help keep their children engaged, active, and delighted. Put simply, toys are a big part of the happiness equation.”

A major theme of the US retail scene over the course of the past year has been the surge in online shopping. Some retail closures and consumer hesitancy towards shopping in stores led to a surge in online toy sales. In the first three quarters of 2020, the online channel gained 10 share points from the 23 per cent share in 2019, leading to 75 per cent growth in overall online toy sales year over year.

Not only did pure play online retailers do well, but brick and mortar retailers that had buy online, in-store pickup, or curbside options, also outperformed.

The top dollar growth sub-segments in 2020 were sports toys, which includes skates, skateboards and scooters (up 31 per cent), fashion dolls and accessories ( up 56 per cent), building sets (up 26 per cent), games (up 29 per cent), and summer seasonal toys (up 24 per cent).

The top properties of 2020 included L.O.L. Surprise!, Barbie, Star Wars, Pokémon, and Marvel Universe. The top five properties combined accounted for 13 per cent of all toy sales on the year.

While units declined in seven of the 11 super-categories, average selling price increased in every super-category. The increase in average price was a key driver of the growth in dollar sales and was driven by a shift in product mix to higher-priced categories.

Asmodee to launch PAW Patrol, Pixar, Marvel, and Minions licensed Dobble

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Asmodee is launching four new licensed editions of its hit speed observation game Dobble this year thanks to a slew of partnerships with PAW Patrol, Pixar, Marvel, and Minions.

Dobble, a game in which players must spot a single matching image between two cards, has grown into a national phenomenon in recent years, becoming the UK’s best-selling game of 2018 and 2019 per NPD Group data.

The game has made a success of previously launched licensed editions through partnerships with The Gruffalo, LOL Surprise, and Harry Potter. In fact, it’s according to Asmodee that the Harry Potter edition practically flew off the shelves throughout 2019.

Beginning with Dobble Pixar, the four new games will be released across 2021, offering new opportunities for fans of each property to find a new way to enjoy the fast-playing game of Dobble.

“Dobble is a game whose format lends itself very well to great licensing crossovers, which we’ve already seen with the phenomenal success of the likes of Harry Potter Dobble,” said Anil Boodhoo, Asmodee UK’s national channel director.

“We’re excited to be partnering with four iconic brands on an ambitious release schedule as we continue to take Dobble from strength to strength.”

Retailers will be able to get an up-close look at these new editions, as well as find out what else is next for the Dobble brand and discover other major new additions to the Asmodee catalogue, at the third edition of AsmoFair – Asmodee’s own virtual trade show.

Running from January 17 to 23rd 2021, the event now features a 360-degree virtual tour of a fully built show stand that brings attendees even closer to the feel of an in-person show. With weekend and evening meeting slots available, retailers can head to asmofair.co.uk for more information or to book a meeting.

Wow! Stuff’s collectables range Wow! Pods tops the Amazon Best Seller Charts

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Wow! Stuff’s recently-launched and hit collectable range, Wow! Pods has risen to in the sales ranking to top the charts on Amazon’s Best Seller list in two categories, a result that the company cites as ‘all the more impressive,’ given that the brand’s TV ads haven’t even aired yet.

“We have some super TV commercials waiting in the wings which were due to air across the usual TV channels in the UK,” said Richard North, Wow! Stuff CEO. “We had seen the sell-through success in other territories and now at UK retail without any promotions at all, so decided to launch with our social media campaign from the KidsKnowBest team.

“The sales at our retail partners has beaten everyone’s forecasts and we’ve now sold out several times and are ranked number one in two categories across Amazon: Kids’ Play Action figures and Collectables Figures and Memorabilia.

“Facebook comments are extraordinary, fans just love them and 2021 will reveal loads of new great brands and rare models for fans to add to their collections.”

Marvel, DC, Harry Potter, and Pixar brands are among the leading licenses within the Wow! Pods collection, while Facebook comments indicate that the Wow! Pods collection has already picked up a broad age range of fans and collectors.

One social media comment read: “See, you’re advertising with young kids which means I’m gonna feel stupid buying em… I’m still gonna. I’m 52 and a nerd so the hell with it.”

Disney invests heavily into streaming as it details new Star Wars, Marvel, and Pixar content slate

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UK Disney fans could be forgiven for thinking it was Christmas morning as they woke up to the news that the entertainment studio had detailed a raft of some 35 new television series, including ten from Marvel, ten based in the Star Wars universe, new Pixar animations, as well as 15 new movies to be released on Disney Plus in the next few years.

It was possibly the spoonful of sugar needed to help the digestion of the concurrent update that over in the US, the Disney streaming service was to up its prices, while forecasting that the platform will attract between 230m and 260m subscribers by 2024. The surge will, no doubt, be fuelled by the latest scheduling of releases.

Amid the announcement, Lucasfilm confirmed that multiple new Star Wars shows are coming to Disney Plus, including two spin-offs of its The Mandalorian series with Star Wars: Rangers of the New Republic and Star Wars: Ahsoka, with Rosario Dawson – who having just appeared in The Mandalorian in the role of Ahsoka Tano – taking on the lead role.

The biggest news to emerge from the Star Wars universe, however, is that Darth Vader is returning. Hayden Christensen will be reprising his role, alongside Ewan McGregor for the long-awaited Obi-Wan Kenobi standalone series. Production on the series is set to start in March 2021, and will be set after the events of Revenge of The Sith, meaning that Christensen will be playing the role of Darth Vader, rather than that of Anakin Skywalker.

Disney also confirmed a standalone show based on Lando Calrissian, as well as Star wars Visions, a series of short films from Japanese anime creators. Meanwhile, The Acolyte will be a ‘mystery-thriller that will take viewers into a galaxy of shadowy secrets and emerging dark-side powers in the final days of the High Republic era’, while A Droid Story ‘will introduce us to a new hero guided by R2D2 and C3PO’

On top of that, two new Star Wars films will be on the way, with Taika Waititi and Patti Jenkins attached to each.

Yet, despite the barrage of announcements to come from the studio, not forgetting the further 10 series from the Marvel franchise, the slate of Pixar films, and 15 movies to be released on Disney Plus, the firm still warns that the unit would lose money until 2024, underscoring, some have commented on the punishing economics of online entertainment.

The Financial Times reports that Disney plans to double its annual content investment to about $15bn by 2024, at which point its streaming business will turn a profit, the company predicted.

Funko’s Loungefly brand sees sales surge and global growth of 25 per cent

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While it’s true enough that the world’s pandemic crisis saw some of the biggest forms of live entertainment hit the pause button for the best part of the year, the likes of Disney’s portfolio of theme parks that draw all manner of pop culture enthusiasts year on year, the desire among fans to buy into their favourite brands hasn’t been diminished.

At Loungefly, the lifestyle and gifting division of the pop culture specialist, Funko, 2020 has seen sales ‘go through the roof.’ The business has told Licensing.biz that it has seen a massive surge in numbers of sales, amid a 25 per cent global growth of its branded products portfolio, proof that the pandemic hasn’t dampened the world’s culture of fandom.

Global sales at Loungefly are now estimated to generate up to $100,000,000 by 2021, while Truffle Shuffle, one of the company’s key retailers in the lifestyle space, has confirmed that it now manages to sell somewhere between 2,000 to 3,000 Loungefly bags per month on average.

Head of softlines, Funko EMEA, Rich Smith

“Sales this year have been incredible, and growth has exceeded expectations, with all things considered,” Rich Smith, head of softlines, Funko EMEA, told Licensing.biz. “We have seen huge success behind some of the Disney properties which are not as mainstream, such as Peter Pan, Lady and the Tramp, and Pixar’s Wall:E. Our evergreen properties such as Mickey, Star Wars, and Disney Princess have also continued to serve us well too.”

It’s according to Smith that demand in the pop culture lifestyle space this year has, in part, been fuelled by an unsatisfied itch among the fandom space; one that has been exacerbated by the closure of events and destinations like theme parks or conventions throughout the year. As a result, the scene’s audience of fans have taken to engaging with their favourite brands via other means.

“Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the gigantic fanbase who normally save up and visit the Disney Parks haven’t been able to and have therefore spent the money they would normally spend at the parks on product from retailers across Europe and Loungefly,” said Smith.

“Loungefly opens Funko up to a different customer base and vice versa for Loungefly. So many of the fans are wanting to get more product that ties into their collections. The beauty of the Funko umbrella is that you can buy a Marvel backpack, a Marvel t-shirt, a Marvel mug, a Marvel keyring, a Marvel advent calendar, and so forth, all under one roof, with consistent imagery: the perfect collection.”

Among the best-selling items within the Loungefly portfolio this year, it has been the mini backpack range that has stood out as its leading line. Across this range – and akin to its collectables business – Funko’s Loungefly works with a broad licensing portfolio that spans the likes of Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, Harry Potter, Warner Bros, DC, SpongeBob SquarePants, Hello Kitty, Pusheen, MTV, Clueless, and beyond.

“Loungefly is unique as we are a brand who collaborates with some of the world’s most loved licenses,” continued Smith. “We will continue to grow our offering and will continue to add more licenses to our already strong portfolio. We like to look for a license with an impeccable following, and who fits within our brand goals. They also, of course, need to appeal to our fanbase, who we listen to – a lot.”

Like the rest of the waking world, this year has seen Loungefly witness its biggest consumer trend within the online shopping space, and currently boasts a network of retailers 90 per cent made up of purely online players.

“To build on this from here, we will continue to push growth across the EMEA region with some key retail partners, as well as continue to expand our offering on our very own online store,” said Smith.

“Look out for a ton of new exclusives in 2021.”

Super Mario, Cocomelon, Back to the Future: Here’s the long list of all DreamToys 2020 picks for this Christmas

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This year’s long list of DreamToys – the predicted best-selling toys and games for Christmas 2020 – is a mix of ‘those that have kept families entertained over lockdown’ and boundary pushing innovation destined ‘to impress under the Christmas tree.’

Alongside the DreamToys Top 12 Toys for Christmas, the committee has released a fuller, longer list of toys and games that it believes will be topping wish lists across the country this festive season, featuring familiar names like Barbie an Peppa Pig alongside new lines such as Fifi the Flossing Sloth and Squishmallows.

Family favourites Scrabble, UNO, and Cluedo also make an appearance in time for the season.

Gary Grant, chair of the DreamToys selection committee, said: “2020 has been a challenging year for all, but toys have entertained and educated many during lockdown.

“This year’s list represents a mixture of those toys which have kept families company during these difficult times, and innovation which will impress under the tree. We hope toys will continue to bring joy to all families over the festive period – as they have always done.”

There are seven categories this year, each designed to highlight the wildly different and varied types of play that children can take part in.

Dolled Up:

Barbie Colour Reveal Mermaid Doll Asst – Mattel – £19.99

Cocomelon Bedtime JJ Doll – Bandai – £24.99

FailFix Epic Colour ‘N’ Style Makeover Pack – Moose Toys – £29.99

Hatchimals Pixies Crystal Flyers Assortment – Spin Master – £34.99

Kindi Kids Shiver ‘n’ Shake Rainbow Kate – Moose Toys – £39.99

L.O.L. Surprise! O.M.G. Remix 4-in-1 Plane Playset – MGA Entertainment – £89.99

L.O.L. Surprise! O.M.G. Remix Fashion Doll Asst – MGA Entertainment – £39.99

Luvabella Mealtime Magic – Spin Master – £64.99

 

Crafty Kids:

Aquabeads Star Bead Studio – EPOCH Making Toys

Cool Maker Go Glam Nail Salon Stamper – Spin Master

DOTS Rainbow Jewellery Stand Set – LEGO

Friends Jungle Rescue Base – LEGO

Gemex Deluxe Creation Station – John Adams

Kidizoom Studio – VTech Electronics

Stuff A Loons Maker Station – Character Options

The Original Spirograph Design Set Boxed – Flair Leisure Products

 

Licensed to Thrill:

Fortnite Battle Bus – Jazwares

Harry Potter Hedwig – LEGO

Jurassic World Epic Roarin’ T-Rex – Mattel

Marvel Bend and Flex (Asst) – Hasbro

Peppa Pig Peppa’s Shopping Centre – Character Options

Pokémon Carry Case Playset – Character Options

Star Wars 501st Legion Clone Troopers Set – LEGO

Star Wars The Mandalorian – The Child “Baby Yoda” – Mattel

Super Mario Adventures With Mario Starter Course – LEGO

 

Animal Farm:

Fifi the Flossing Sloth – Zuru

Hey Duggee Voice Activated Smart Duggee – Golden Bear

Little Live Pets Gotta Go Flamingo – Character Options

Present Pets (Asst) – Spin Master

Rainbocorns Wild Heart Surprise – Zuru

Smashers Dino Ice Age Surprise Egg – Zuru

Squeakee The Interactive Balloon Dog – Character Options

Sylvanian Families Adventure Tree House – Epoch Making Toys

 

Lockdown Showdown:

Cluedo Liars Edition Board Game – Hasbro

Dobble – Asmodee

Monopoly For Sore Losers – Hasbro

NERF Ultra One Motorised Blaster – Hasbro

Pensilly – Character Options

Pop Up Pirate – TOMY UK

Scrabble – Mattel

Super Mario Blow Up Shaky Tower – Epoch Making Toys

UNO Showdown – Mattel

Windy Knickers Board Game – John Adams

 

Tiny Treats:

5 Surprise Mini Brands Mystery Capsule – Zuru

Bright Fairy Friends – Funrise Toys

Heroes of Goo Jit Zu – Character Options

L.O.L. Surprise! Remix Hair Flip Doll – MGA Entertainment

Rubik’s 3 x 3 Metallic Anniversary Cube – John Adams

Squishmallows 7.5” – Squad 4 Asst – Jazwares

 

Awesome Automobiles:

Back To The Future DeLorean – Playmobil

Barbie 3-in-1 DreamCamper – Mattel

Hot Wheels Sky Crash Tower Playset – Mattel

Laser Battle Hunters Vehicle – Character Options

Micro Machines World Super Van City – Jazwares

PAW Patrol Dino Rescue Deluxe Vehicle – Spin Master

PAW Patrol Dino Rescue Dino Patroller – Spin Master

Technic Fast & Furious Dom’s Dodge Charger Car – LEGO

Toot-Toot Drivers Twist & Race Tower – VTech Electronics

 

In a year which has also seen fewer holidays and more time at home, the importance of toys has come to the fore. A survey of 2,000 UK parents with young children (aged 10 or under), conducted by OnePoll on behalf of the Toy Retailers Association, has shown that this year has led to not only increased time playing with toys but also to parents growing closer with their children.

When asked if their children had played more with toys this year, 46 per cent of parents said that this had been the case and that it was a result of lockdown. 56 per cent of parents stated that they have spent more time playing with their children this year, and a striking 88 per cent of those said that the increased playtime had resulted in them growing closer to their children.

As Christmas approaches, toys seemingly remain at the forefront of children’s minds with 86 per cent of parents saying that their children either already have requested or are expected to ask for toys this Christmas. 82 per cent of parents said that they planned on buying toys this Christmas for their children, demonstrating that they remain the go-to gift for children across the country.

Costume specialist Rubie’s opens digital doors of Nuremberg virtual showroom and tours

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Giants of the costumes and dress up market, Rubie’s isn’t letting the postponed calendar of trade shows stop it from putting on a show early next year, as it prepares to open the digital doors of its 365 dedicated Nuremberg showroom with exclusive virtual tours and live appointments.

The new Virtual Showroom will be streamed through private viewings, providing buyers with an experiential approach to remotely research, interact and place orders from their expansive portfolio of global licensed brands.

Graham Gardiner, general manager EMEA, said: “Online retail and remote selling is one of the big growth areas for our sector. With the Virtual Showroom, we are bringing the same tailored personal showroom experience our customers are used to when they visit our Nuremberg venue, from the comfort of their home or office.

“At Rubie’s we’re keen to position ourselves at the forefront of digital excellence through our ecommerce website, HUB platform and now our virtual Showroom. We are adapting the way our business operates to respond not only to the current crisis but also to be at the forefront of long-term trends and adapt to the shifts in consumer behaviours.”

Rubie’s states that increasingly, digital viewing platforms are on the rise and quickly becoming key tools to accommodate growing expectations in the current climate. They’ve been adopted as a means of promoting brand to the marketplace in the absence of physical events.

Gardiner continued: “Last weekend over 40 Key Customers from around the world were treated to a one-on-one interactive experience by using a live broadcast demonstrations of all the new products from Marvel, Disney, Lucas, Sony, DC, Harry Potter, Universal, Looney Tunes, Power Rangers, and many others major licenses.

“By using our Nuremberg Showroom, we were able to meet and present with our key partners. Customers have appreciated the personal approach and effort we have made in bringing our inspirational showroom to their desks.”

Rubie’s is looking to repeat the event early next year in the absence of physical Trade Shows and will be expanding these events in order to accommodate access for more customers throughout the UK and rest of the world.

Pop culture retailer Geek Retreat to open 100 new UK stores as geek chic continues to rise

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The UK’s geek culture retailer, Geek Retreat, has detailed its plans to open 100 new stores on high streets across the country over the space of the next two years, part of its own plans to ‘breathe new life into town centres.’ The move follows the rapid rise in the popularity of the pop culture scene among consumers today, one that has given rise to the success of the Marvel franchise or the likes of Netflix’s Stranger Things.

The opening of the 100 new Geek Retreat stores will not only ride the crest of the current wave of demand in pop culture and games, but will create around 600 new jobs in the UK.

Board gaming, card trading and tabletop games make up an industry currently worth some £8 billion in the UK alone. This is predicted to grow by 3.1 per cent annually over the next three years, highlighting its continued popularity.

The Geek Retreat franchise – which opened its first store in Glasgow in 2013 and now employs 110 people – is a comic bookstore, gaming cafe and events hub rolled into one. It currently has 14 city-centre stores, including Glasgow, Newcastle, Birmingham, Leeds, the Wirral, and two in London, which stock geek culture merchandise like comics, posters, clothing, figures and memorabilia as well as games and trading cards.

New stores in Bournemouth, Northampton, Liverpool and are due to open shortly. Northwich and Chelmsford were the most recent stores to open, attracting the largest opening days to date.

All stores do and will commit to a COVID-19 secure environment, with social distancing and hygiene measures in place, to give customers extra piece of mind that they can visit in confidence. Small gaming events can take place with safety guidelines being carefully implemented.

Peter Dobson, chief executive of Geek Retreat, commented: “The UK’s gaming and hobby sector is a real success story and Geek Retreat is a home for the communities who are at the heart of this phenomenon. The wellbeing of our customers and staff has always been incredibly important to us – now more than ever everyone should expect a friendly, safe and clean environment to meet and play.

“We have made sure all of our stores are welcoming and accessible to gamers whatever their interests, providing a place for our loyal customers to get out of the house and play safely post-lockdown.

“This is particularly important for our more vulnerable customers, like those on the autistic spectrum, or with mental health issues where being in an inclusive, welcoming, and social environment is very important. It is strength of the relationships which our stores build with local communities that is a key driver of growth.”

H&A launches plastic-free gifts for kids as firm ramps up its sustainability drive

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The toiletry and health and beauty specialist, H&A has taken its own stance against packaging waste with the launch of its new plastic-free stocking fillers, a range that is hitting shelves across the UK this autumn. The new range encompasses a raft of Disney licenses, including Disney Princess and Marvel’s Avengers.

Having taken the opportunity to inject new creativity into its reinvented approach to packaging, H&A now boasts ‘not a closed box in sight,’ as the company encourages tear & shares with hidden messages throughout.

Marketing manager, Holly Orton, said: “What makes us stand out this Christmas is our ability to strip out unnecessary plastics without compromising on creativity. Our products are open, secure, and exciting; we have phenomenally talented designers whose passion for delighting children while reducing our plastic footprint has made this possible.

“Our showstopping gifts have never looked so good.”

Meanwhile, the H&A team has also successfully made all of it s secondary product packaging 100 per cent recyclable, as it anticipates a continuation in consumer enthusiasm for reduced plastic and enhanced creativity.

“As market leaders we know from experience how important it is for shoppers to see product at the point of purchase and our innovative card platforms, waxed papers, and folding display trays make our products visible yet secure,” continued Orton.

“Our progress on plastics is a huge source of pride and positivity for us and we have new developments for 2021 already in the making,” she concluded.

Marvel Mania returns to the global stage for fifth year with new retail and product initiatives

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The popular Marvel retail celebration, Marvel Mania, is making its return this year, bringing kids, families, and fans new ways to wear, connect, and play with the franchise, and it is all kicking off this month with a Marvel-sponsored Superhero Series sports challenge.

Now in its fifth year, Marvel Mania is recognised as the only campaign to bring all the Marvel Super Heroes together as it offers a suite of global retail activations, new content launches, and new products for fans of all ages. The campaign will continue with a host of global activity through to October this year.

Powered by Marvel, the ‘Superhero Series’ is the UK’s largest interactive sporting event dedicated to the nation’s 13.3 million people with disabilities. Six families and their celebrity team captains will be starring in a special shopDisney.com-sponsored Channel 4 programme as they take on this year’s ‘At Home Superheroes’ challenge.

Due to air on August 15th, the programme will be presented by Clare Balding and includes ‘Marvel Mania’at shopDisney break-bumpers. Supporting the at-home initiative Marvel will bring the energy of its iconic Super Hero characters to participants’ homes and neighbourhoods through downloadable games, signs and more to help participants feel like a true Super Hero.

“What started as a targeted retail campaign in the US has grown into an international celebration with a wide range of retailers and more than a hundred global licensees supporting worldwide,” said Paul Gitter, SVP, Marvel Licensing. “The success of Marvel Mania is a testament to the strength, power and diversity our characters represent on screen and beyond with amazing products and experiences.”

In Mexico, Marvel will be collaborating with a sporting and cultural phenomenon this October and in the US shopDisney.com will feature a month-long ‘Marvel Mania’ collector event to debut new products, content and Marvel-themed accessories and apparel.

In China, a Marvel ‘Find Your Power’ campaign will launch this fall with additional Asia Pacific region retail touch points, new product offerings, and multiple consumer activations running through 2021. Japan will feature “A Universe of Heroes” exhibition that celebrates the Marvel Cinematic Universe opening in Osaka, Japan from August 10 to November 23 with limited-edition products sold exclusively at the exhibition including Beams Marvel t-shirts designed by three local artists.

Supporting Marvel Mania will be robust merchandising programmes from major UK and European retailers including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Argos, Smyths, ASDA, Amazon and Carrefour as well as shopDisney and The Disney Store.

In the US Walmart, Target, Amazon, Kohl’s, Hot Topic, Box Lunch, FYE, Party City, Walgreen’s and Books-A-Million will all be taking part. Fans in Southeast Asia, the Middle East and India can look forward to an exciting line-up of Marvel campaigns now until November across the region’s largest online retailers and e-Commerce platforms, such as Lazada, Shopee, Flipkart and Amazon.

These campaigns will bring the latest Marvel merchandise online, from kids’ favourite Hasbro and LEGO offerings, to the ultra-affordable-but-chic MINISO for an added touch of “power” to any home and living space. Latin America rounds out the programme with support from El Palacio de Hierro, Walmart and Marathon. All participating retailers will feature unique ‘Marvel Mania’ promotions and special offers.

Additionally, an exciting cross-category merchandise portfolio spanning video games, publishing, apparel, accessories, toys and more will give kids, families and fans the biggest, broadest, and ‘most diverse merchandise line ever.’

Highlights include launches for the Marvel fanatics such as X-Men 20th Anniversary collectables toys from Hasbro, Marvel Zombies Funko Pop! collectables, the LEGO Marvel Studios Iron Man art set and more, while for kids there will be the likes of the BattleWorld Thanos Ship Showdown from Funko,  Spider-Man: Maximum Venom toys including Venom Burst Action Figures and role play from Hasbro, construction sets from LEGO, and Funko Pops.