Plastic Meatball is celebrating “420” with the first offering from its View Askewniverse collection, celebrating the stories and characters of filmmaker Kevin Smith‘s cinematic universe. Bluntman & Chronic, a dynamic-ish duo that first appeared in live action in Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back (2001), kick off the range when preorders go live today at 2 p.m. PT on the Plastic Meatball website. The Toy Book and our sister publication, The Pop Insider, have your first look at the new figures. Source: Plastic Meatball Plastic Meatball has been sharing sneak peeks of its View Askewniverse line ..read more

When the Bat-Signal goes up, you know The Dark Knight will soon swing into action … but when it’s 420? A Blunt-Signal can only mean a call for The Hemp Knight! Today, 4/19 (a day early, ya know — in case folks are busy tomorrow), Plastic Meatball will open preorders for its Bluntman & Chronic action figures. The duo marks the formal debut of Plastic Meatball’s View Askewniverse collection, celebrating everything from Kevin Smith‘s cinematic universe. Following a teaser on social media yesterday, The Pop Insider and our sister publication, The Toy Book, have your first look at the new figu ..read more

Miniland, renowned for its innovative educational toys and games, has unveiled its latest endeavor: Innovators in Inclusion. This initiative solidifies Miniland’s commitment to leading the charge in creating inclusive toys, and fostering values of tolerance, diversity, positive self-esteem, respect, and kindness. Clara Roque, National Sales Manager for Miniland USA, emphasizes the company’s dedication to normalizing differences and promoting acceptance from early childhood. She states, “Everyone deserves to be seen, heard, and accepted, and there is no better way to learn that lesson than thr ..read more

DJ deadmau5 is celebrating 25 years in the music industry with both his retro5spective tour and a new line of collectible plush clip-ons. The clip-ons, made by TOYMAK3RS, utilize blockchain technology to offer fans unique digital experiences.  The new deadmau5 clip-ons come in a variety of rarities. | Source: deadmau5 Six clip-on plush will be released with the launch, each equipped with a QR code offering digital VIP experiences, powered by Jellybean technology and the Aptos blockchain. Fans who scan their QR code will be given access to content personally selected by deadmau5. Each of ..read more

Barbie is one of the most popular toy brands for kids and adults. Mattel expands the iconic doll brand with its latest miniature collection: Mini BarbieLand. Mini BarbieLand is opening its gates to all fans with miniature versions of fan-favorite Barbie toys. Fans can create their own BarbieLand with 12 collectibles offering a buildable, playable, and pink experience. Fans of mini collectibles and Barbie will adore this line filled with reveal dolls, vehicles, and dreamhouses. The Barbie Pop Reveal toy takes on a miniature form. | Source: Mattel This mini-reveal set includes a dol ..read more

In partnership with Universal Products & Experiences, Mattel and Milestone’s Hot Wheels Unleashed 2: Turbocharged is releasing a new expansion featuring Fast & Furious. The Fast & Furious film series is known for its fast-paced car racing action. Mattel’s Hot Wheels brand is known for the same, and now the two have come together for a new expansion to the Hot Wheels Unleashed 2: Turbocharged video game.  The Fast & Furious expansion introduces four new vehicles. | Source: Milestone The expansion includes four new vehicles for players, as well as a themed environment. The ..read more

BRANDmate is preparing to welcome attendees June 19-20 with panels, a revamped website, and a concert. Spielwarenmesse eG’s third BRANDmate will take place in the Fredenhagen industrial site in Offenbach, Germany. The B2B networking event will once again bring together potential partners across the industry, with opportunities at the ready. New exhibitors are already registered for BRANDmate. | Source: Spielwarenmesse eG The show expects to see an even wider array of exhibitors than last year, with new faces including Crunchyroll, Kosmos, Strassenkicker, and EMP. They will be joining industry ..read more

TOMY International team members in the U.S., Europe, and Australia gave back to their communities during Q1. Inspired by Martin Luther King Jr. National Day of Service and overall company inclusivity ambitions, the teams at TOMY volunteered at different charities and groups. The recent volunteering efforts are part of the company’s long history of supporting its community. TOMY supported several causes that are important to team members across 10 offices. In Oak Hill, Illinois, TOMY hosted Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Metropolitan Chicago, where volunteers taught kids about toy designs and ..read more

Nominations for the 2024 Toy & Game Innovation Excellence Awards (TAGIE) Lifetime Achievement Award are officially open.  People of Play is looking for nominees with significant experience and accomplishment in the play industry, innovative product or marketing introductions, charitable efforts benefiting kids and their causes, and an unimpeachable record of integrity in the industry.  Last year’s Lifetime Achievement Honorees include Jill Barad, former CEO and Chairman of Mattel, and Rouben Terzian, the founder of Big Monster Toy. Other past Lifetime Achievement Honorees includ ..read more

Moose Toys expands its Bluey collection with a playset inspired by the long-awaited 28-minute special, “The Sign.” The Bluey Wedding 4-pack highlights the wedding between Bluey’s Uncle Rad and Frisky. The Wedding 4-Pack includes four characters from the Bluey 28-minute special. | Source: Moose Toys Little ones ages 3 and up are officially welcome to the Heeler family wedding! The figure playset features four 2.5-inch characters from the preschool series, including Bluey, Bingo, Uncle Rad, and Aunt Frisky.  The wedding is on, and all Heeler family members are ready to party. The groom we ..read more