Raving Toy Maniac

February 2012 - Hasbro has sent out a statement regarding the availability of Transformers Prime First Edition figures in the United States:

TRANSFORMERS fans,

As we greatly value our TRANSFORMERS fans and consumers, we appreciate the opportunity to clarify and explain the current situation with TRANSFORMERS PRIME First Edition figure availability in the U.S.

We very much apologize for the miscommunication with our great retailers in the U.S. Regrettably, as a result, the TRANSFORMERS PRIME First Edition Wave 2 Deluxe, Wave 1 Voyager and Entertainment Pack figures were posted for pre-sale in error. Final product was not produced for these figures to ship within the U.S. As such, any consumer who placed a pre-sale order with Big Bad Toy Store or Entertainment Earth in the U.S. received a note that their order had been cancelled and these orders will not be fulfilled. While it is common for Hasbro to cancel production and/or shipment of collectible figures prior to being listed for pre-sale, this particular situation was unique. We deeply regret this circumstance and understand your frustration.

February 3, 2012 - Hasbro has sent out an update about GI Joe movie toys:

Yo, G.I. JOE fans!

As fans around the world get ready for the new G.I. Joe Retaliation commercial set to air during this weekend's Big Game, we wanted to let you know that the reveal of the full line of new G.I. Joe Retaliation action figures is now live at http://www.hasbro.com/gijoe/en_US/retaliation.cfm!

Based on the eagerly anticipated new movie, starring Dwayne Johnson as Roadblock and Bruce Willis as Joe Colton, the new 3 3/4-inch action figures depict all of the key characters from the film, while capturing the all-out ninja action at the center of G.I. Joe Retaliation. The full line also features new vehicles and role-play items based on the film, as well as the amazing 10-inch electronic Ninja Commando figures of Snake Eyes and Roadblock, with an innovative weapon-drawing feature.

Hasbro Reports Revenue and Earnings Per Share Growth for 2011

• Full-year net revenues increased 7% to a record $4.29 billion compared to $4.00 billion in 2010;
• Full-year International segment net revenues up 19% to $1.86 billion; Up 16% excluding the positive impact of foreign exchange;
• Boys category revenues increased 35% and Preschool category grew 4%;
• Eleventh consecutive year of full-year earnings per share growth; Full-year 2011 EPS of $2.82 per diluted share versus $2.74 per diluted share in 2010;
• Repurchased 10.5 million shares of common stock during 2011 at a total cost of $423.0 million and an average price of $40.42;
• Paid $154 million in cash dividends during 2011; On February 2, 2012, Board approved a 20% increase in the quarterly dividend to $0.36 per share.

Relativity and Hasbro Team Up to Bring Stretch Armstrong to the Big Screen

Targeted for April 11, 2014 Release

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. -- January 30, 2012 -- Relativity Media has partnered with global branded play company Hasbro, Inc. to develop and produce a live-action tent-pole film based on Stretch Armstrong, the iconic action hero figure launched in the 1970s, it was announced today by Relativity's Co-President, Tucker Tooley and Hasbro's President and CEO, Brian Goldner.

Relativity will be the domestic distributor and will release the film internationally through its network of foreign output partners. The film is targeted for an April 11, 2014 release date.

The film will be produced by Relativity's CEO, Ryan Kavanaugh (The Fighter), Hasbro's Goldner (Transformers) and Bennett Schneir, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, Motion Pictures (Battleship). Tooley (Immortals) will serve as executive producer.

EXCLUSIVE Over-Run and Shattered Glass Drift available for Pre-order early this week!

Fort Worth, TX - January 30, 2012 - Fun Publications, Inc., licensee for Hasbro's official Transformers Collectors' Club, The TCC, is thrilled to show off the final images of this years two member exclusives... Over-Run (AKA Runabout) and Shattered Glass Drift!

The Transformers Collectors' Club features a bi-monthly magazine, discounts on product from the TCC store and packages to the official Transformers Collectors' Convention BotCon, Prizes from Club contests, Members Only Forum, Free Membership to the online auction site MCAX.com, ability to purchase Members Only exclusives and T-shirts and of course, the FREE Membership Incentive Figure shipped to members in a white mailer box! This year's FREE figure is the hotly anticipated Runamuck!

Action Figures, Role Play Accessories, Vehicles, Construction Sets and More Toys Than Can Fit Into a Smuggler's Cargo Hold Land at Toys"R"Us Stores and Toysrus.com on January 30 in Anticipation of Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace in 3D

January 2012 - Star Wars fans, action figure collectors and construction enthusiasts are feeling a ripple in the Force as the 3D version of Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace approaches its theatrical release on February 10. To help Jedis and Padwans prepare to watch this classic installment in the Star Wars Saga in a whole new way, the broadest selection of Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace toys are traveling at lightspeed to Toys"R"Us stores nationwide.

Hasbro and Marvel 'Hero Up' in 2012 with Expanded Line Based on 'MARVEL SUPER HERO SQUAD'

Super Hero Adventures, Based On the Hit 'Super Hero Squad' Cartoon Coming to The Hub, Will Debut New Action Figures, Playsets and Plush at New York Toy Fair

PAWTUCKET, R.I. -- January 18, 2012 -- Hasbro, Inc. continues to grow and expand its long-term strategic partnership with Marvel Entertainment, LLC, as the global branded play company announces an expanded line of products in its MARVEL SUPER HERO ADVENTURES line. The MARVEL SUPER HERO ADVENTURES brand, which launched under the PLAYSKOOL banner in Fall 2011 based on the popular MARVEL SUPER HERO SQUAD animated program, will bring new excitement from the MARVEL Super Hero Universe to preschoolers and fans of all ages in 2012.

January 3, 2011 - Hasbro has sent a message regarding the 2012 Star Wars toys:

We wanted to take a moment and quickly clarify a discrepancy in the retail launch date of Hasbro's first 2012 items that began popping up online over the holidays. January 30, 2012, is the date for Hasbro's STAR WARS product to go on shelf in all countries except the U.K., which is setting now. If you've posted any other date, or have received questions from your readers, please note that 1/30 is the set date. Thanks!

Also, please keep an eye out in the weeks ahead for an announcement of Hasbro's New York Toy Fair news and activities!