Raving Toy Maniac

Sanrio and Uglydoll® Partner to Create a Limited-Edition Hello Kitty® Collection

June 10, 2013 -- Green Brook, NJ -- Sanrio, Inc. the global lifestyle brand best known for pop icon, Hello Kitty, has announced a partnership with Pretty Ugly, LLC, owner of Uglydoll, to create global, co-branded collaboration with Hello Kitty and Uglydoll characters. Uglydoll's unique aesthetic, famous for defining 'ugly' as distinctive and unique, will be combined with the iconic style of Hello Kitty to create a selection of limited-edition collectibles.

TOYNAMI LAUNCHES THE MUCH ANTICIPATED STREET FIGHTER X SANRIO SERIES 1 PRODUCTS

(Van Nuys, California – MAY 2013) - Toynami is pleased to announce the May launch and availability of the new STREET FIGHTER X SANRIO® SERIES 1 Plushes! In conjunction with the historic marketing partnership between Sanrio and Capcom, Toynami presents the first of a full line of STREET FIGHTER X SANRIO® crossover products!

With STREET FIGHTER X SANRIO®, Toynami celebrates an epic genre and culture combination. This first release of collectible plushes presents Hello Kitty as Chun-Li, Ryu, and M. Bison in 3 different sizes. A 4-inch clip-on coin purse allows fans to take their favorite characters everywhere. The 6-inch mini plush is just the right size for your desk or car, and the 10-inch large plush is perfect for the most dedicated fans. This SERIES 1 set is not to be missed!

Legendary KISS Founders Gene Simmons And Paul Stanley Are Going To Rock 'n' Roll The Hub Network With "KISS Hello Kitty," A New Animated TV Series In Development

LOS ANGELES, March 28, 2013 -- The Hub Network, the fastest growing children's cable network, has optioned the rights to a new series, "KISS Hello Kitty" (working title), based on the highly successful KISS x Hello Kitty line of products from Sanrio, maker of Hello Kitty, a pop icon since 1974.

KISS, an iconic rock band known for its creative merchandising, and Hello Kitty, one of the most unique and popular lifestyle brands, came together in 2010 for an unexpected collaboration - KISS x Hello Kitty. This global collection of hugely desirable co-branded products connects KISS and Hello Kitty followers all over the world with hundreds of licensed items across all categories, including apparel, toys, electronics, stationery, and back to school merchandise, among others.

March 2013 - Funko has announced a new 3D POP! Vinyl Bookmark based on Hello Kitty.

This bookmark should be in stores anytime now.

NECA UNVEILS NEW PRODUCT LINE-UPS AT NEW YORK TOY FAIR

Agreements with Sanrio and DC Comics Intensify Extensive Movie and Video Game Licenses

(RTM note: for pictures of the toys mentioned below, please check out the galleries over at AwesomeToyBlog.com.)

NEW YORK, NY - February 10, 2013 - National Entertainment Collectibles Association (NECA), a world leader in licensed consumer goods, revealed a robust line-up of new products at the 110th American International Toy Fair in New York.

Along with a substantial list of movie and video game licenses, the company announced a new partnership with Sanrio for a line of products targeted at adult fans of Hello Kitty and friends.

"We are honored to be part of such a beloved brand with such a rich history," said Joel Weinshanker, President and CEO of NECA. "So many fans, our team included, grew up with the Sanrio brand, and we're thrilled at the opportunity to serve this adult market."

Hello Kitty® Hits 10 million "Likes" on Facebook

Hello Kitty Joins Adidas, Burberry, Converse, Lacoste, Levi's and Nike on Social Media Success

TORRANCE, Calif., Sept. 5, 2012 -- Hello Kitty's devoted fans have helped the iconic brand achieve 10 million "likes" on Facebook, a milestone reached by an elite few lifestyle brands. Hello Kitty launched her Facebook page in 2009. Sanrio® Inc. (http://www.sanrio.com) is the parent company of pop icon Hello Kitty.

Alongside Adidas, Burberry, Converse, Lacoste, Levi's and Nike Football, Hello Kitty has hit the exclusive 10 million Facebook mark. Social media is part of the brand's strategy to continue the word of mouth success upon which Sanrio was built. As the brand forgoes traditional multichannel, advertising-supported campaigns to drive awareness, Hello Kitty hit her 10 million "like" achievement due to the unsolicited loyalty she garners from committed fans around the world. Hello Kitty did not have to ask her fans to "like" her - they just did.

February 2012 - JAKKS Pacific

Winx Club

Winx Club, the hot new Nickelodeon show, is an animated modern fantasy adventure series that follows six best friends – Bloom, Stella, Flora, Musa, Tecna and Aisha – enrolled in Alfea College, the finest fairy school in all the realms. When trouble arises, the Winx Club transform into beautiful fairies who use their unique magical powers to fight villains and save the world from evil. Now you can collect all the fairies and relive their magical adventures with the new line of dolls, play sets and role-play items from JAKKS Pacific and Creative Designs International!

The 11.5" Basic Fashion Dolls feature the Winx Club girls in their fashion-forward 'everyday' outfits straight from the show. With seven points of articulation and a beauty brush included, you can style your friends for a fabulous night out. Available in two Collections, Concert and Everyday. (SRP $12.99) The 11.5" Deluxe Fashion Dolls feature the six friends with eleven points of articulation, super deluxe trend-setting outfits and spectacular hinged wings showcasing beautiful Believix style. (SRP $19.99)