The Pop Insider - No. 16 - Spring 2023

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IN THIS ISSUE

ISSUE NO. 16

FEATURES

DEPARTMENTS

16 | THAT’S NOT

12 | FROM THE EDITORS

ALL, FOLKS!

Express yourself through merch.

Celebrate Warner Bros.’ 100th anniversary with new products and experiences.

14 | NERDY NEWS

The Latest Headlines in Pop Culture and Merch

22 | DROP IT

LIKE IT’S HOT

Drop culture makes some collectibles harder to get than Taylor Swift tickets.

56 | THE REWIND: SUPER MARIO BROS. Looking Back at Almost Four Decades of Mario

26 | SHOW ME THE GOODS

62 | GEEK BOSS:

Spring has sprung and so has all this new merch.

ALLISON CIMINO

The RockLove founder creates fandom-inspired jewelry that shines with 24K storytelling.

58 | MIND FLAYERS & WAFFLE MAKERS

Photo: THEGINGERB3ARDMEN

Dungeons & Dragons rolls out merch for the masses.

POP JUNIOR / 45

46 | NEXT-GEN NEWS

What’s New in Kids’ Products and Entertainment

48 | SPIDEY SWINGS INTO THE HEARTS OF PRESCHOOLERS

Marvel’s Spidey and His Amazing Friends assembles pint-size avengers.

51 | SHOW ME THE GOODS: KIDS’ MERCH New Merch for Mini Fans

SCAN TO SUBSCRIBE TO THE POP INSIDER!

On the cover: WB100 “Looney Tunes Heroes” KUNUFLEX Short Sleeve Shirt | Source: RSVLTS

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FROM THE EDITORS

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EXPRESS YOURSELF with a Little Help from Your Favorite Fandoms

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ometimes, a T-shirt is not really just a T-shirt. LEGO sets aren’t always toys; action figures are not necessarily meant for play; and a mug can serve a higher purpose than holding coffee. When key characters, memorable quotes, or instantly recognizable iconography are applied to these everyday objects, they transcend their standard functions and achieve something much, much greater.

Merch brings us together. Each licensed product we accumulate as fans becomes a window into our personalities.

These items signal to others what our values are, what we do in our spare time, and where our interests lie. Merch can start conversations, form friendships, and even spark curiosity and create new fans.

Thanks to a rich assortment of streaming networks, there’s more content to consume than ever before, which means we’ve also got a ton of new merch to enjoy. In this issue, our Show Me the Goods section highlights apparel, accessories, collectibles, and more featuring more than two dozen different brands. Check out all the stuff that will make you empty your wallet starting on page 26.

And while new is always fun, we also know that the classics never go out of style. Warner Bros. is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year with lots of new products. We’ve got the low-down on some epic crossovers, special events, and more featuring the studio’s iconic catalog on page 16.

Some collectibles are easier to get than others. Drop Culture is becoming more common in the fandom world, which means more and more companies are releasing short-lead product drops in limited quantities, leaving fans scrambling to get their hands on these highly sought-after items. Learn more about this trend on page 22.

When fandoms jump entertainment avenues, it opens up a whole new world of merch possibilities. To celebrate Mario’s CGI-animated debut on the big screen in The Super Mario Bros. Movie, 12 | Issue No. 16 | THE POP INSIDER

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we’re taking a look back at the history of the Mushroom Kingdom savior on page 56. Plus, Dungeons & Dragons has officially moved off the tabletop and into theaters with Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves — check out some of the new merch for the film hitting your favorite retailers on page 58.

It’s never too early to introduce your most beloved characters and franchises to the next generation, and our Pop Junior section is full of new toys, games, accessories, and more featuring kid-friendly versions of stuff from the fandoms you love. Check out our Show Me the Goods: Kids’ Merch edition starting on page 51, and see how Marvel is growing Spidey’s web of fans on page 48.

Our fandoms are a part of us, and merch helps us show off the entertainment we are most passionate about.

We are super grateful to bring a new selection of awesome products from fandom-focused companies to you, dear readers, in yet another incredible issue of The Pop Insider. Be sure to follow us on Instagram @thepopinsider for even more sneak peeks at the latest merch! ✪

CEO Laurie Schacht laurie@popinsider.com VICE PRESIDENT & PUBLISHER Jackie Breyer jackie@popinsider.com EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Ali Mierzejewski ali@popinsider.com Marissa Silva marissa@popinsider.com SENIOR EDITORS Madeleine Buckley madeleine@popinsider.com Jacqueline Cucco jc@popinsider.com James Zahn james@popinsider.com ASSOCIATE EDITOR Nadia Velit nadia@popinsider.com EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Annabelle Canela annabelle@popinsider.com SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR Nicole Savas nicole@popinsider.com ART DIRECTOR Joe Ibraham joe@popinsider.com JUNIOR DESIGNER Elena Sorce elena@popinsider.com NEWS WRITER Bug Hartsock INTERNS Maggie Dougherty • Omar Letson • Ashley Pelletier BUSINESS OPERATIONS MANAGER Bill Reese bill@popinsider.com EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING James Devin jd@popinsider.com SALES & MARKETING EXECUTIVE Stephanie Infantino stephanie@popinsider.com SALES & MARKETING ASSISTANT Rivers Jackson rivers@popinsider.com

Follow us @thepopinsider!

ABOUT THE EDITORS: Ali Mierzejewski and Marissa Silva are editors-in-chief of The Pop Insider and The Toy Insider. They report on trends affecting the toy and pop culture industries, including the latest in TV, movies, video games, collectibles, and more. They have been featured on ABC World News Now, Good Morning America, The TODAY Show, MSNBC, Fox Business, and dozens more. Follow them on Twitter @ohsotrendy and @thattoygirl.

THE POP INSIDER, Spring 2023 — “THE POP INSIDER” (ISSN-2641-5496) is published quarterly by Adventure Media & Events, LLC, 307 Seventh Ave., Room 501, New York, New York, 10001. Periodicals postage paid at New York, NY 10001 and additional mailing offices. © 2023 Adventure Media & Events, LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form, or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.

Printed in U.S.A. Subscription rates: $48 per year. THE POP INSIDER is a trademark and service mark of Adventure Media & Events, LLC registered in the United States Patent & Trademark Office Postmaster: Send address changes to THE POP INSIDER, c/o Adventure Media & Events, 307 Seventh Ave., Room 501, New York, New York, 10001 or e-mail bill@popinsider.com.

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NERDY NEWS compiled by Ali Mierzejewski, editor-in-chief

MINECRAFT GETS A GLOW UP TO CELEBRATE 15 YEARS In 2024, Minecraft will celebrate its 15th anniversary — and the gaming brand is ready to strut the runway with some brand-new collabs.

Minecraft has partnered with top fashion brands to launch new apparel and accessories for fans of the block-style game. Brands that will help bridge the physical and digital space include Lacoste, Burberry, Crocs, and PUMA. These partners join more than 150 brands you know already making Minecraft merch across toys, games, publishing, apparel and accessories, paper goods, seasonal items, and more. And there’s more to come down the pipeline in food and beverage, consumer electronics, collectibles, health and beauty, and more.

Along with these new categories, fans can expect new entertainment, content, games and game updates, and more across this year and next as the brand celebrates 15 years. ✪ Minecraft Trench | Source: Burberry

THE LITTLE PEOPLE LOTR SET IS ONE TO RULE THEM ALL Mattel Creations’ exclusive Little People Collector The Lord of The Rings Battle at Weathertop Set will be the most “precious” piece in your collection.

Part of the ongoing Little People Gold Label series, the set depicts Frodo, Sam, Merry, and Pippin at the Battle at Weathertop, but re-imagined in the signature Little People style. Each 2.5-inch figure holds a weapon of defense: Merry and Pippin with knives, Frodo with the ring, and Sam with his frying pan. The display features a cardboard background, depicting menacing Ringwraiths lurking behind the hobbits.

The window packaging features gold foil accents and a special lightup component. When fans switch on the battery-operated light — which is located on the back of the package so you don’t need to open it fully — the translucent Frodo figure illuminates to mimic the moment he slips on the ring and becomes invisible. This set is available now from Mattel Creations. ✪ Source: Mattel Creations

BRING MAGICAL CREATURES ON THE GO WITH HARRY POTTER TAMAGOTCHIS Fans can channel their inner Newt Scamander and raise their favorite fantastic beasts from the Wizarding World with these new Tamagotchis from Bandai Namco Toys & Collectibles America.

The new Harry Potter Tamagotchi Nanos come in two case styles: Hogwarts Castle in blue and Magical Creatures in red. You will need to feed, pet, and play with the magical creatures to keep them from running away. The Tamagotchis feature four different mini games, and how you interact with the Tamagotchi will determine which of the 11 magical creatures decides to appear.

The new Harry Potter Tamagotchis are available for preorder now, and will hit shelves on July 18. ✪

Source: Bandai Namco Toys & Collectibles America

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by Madeleine Buckley, senior editor

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hen Harry, Albert, Sam, and Jack Warner officially founded Warner Bros. Studios, bubble gum hadn’t been invented yet, Polaroid photos wouldn’t exist for another 25 years, and it would be more than 80 years before Apple launched the first iPhone. In that year — 1923 — not a single American home had a television set.

In the 100 years since, thanks to Warner Bros.’ early adoption of sound in movies, what started as a tiny studio has expanded into one of the largest players in the global media landscape. Warner Bros. has launched and grown some of the most iconic movies, TV shows, and franchises of all time, ranging from clas-

sics like Singing in the Rain and Casablanca to pop-culture influencers like Friends and massive blockbusters including the Harry Potter film series and The Lord of the Rings trilogy.

Conversations surrounding the studio’s 100-year anniversary and how to commemorate it began about three years ago, as the company knew that a celebration of this length and size would take extensive planning. According to Robert Oberschelp, general manager of North America and senior vice president of global franchise management and brand product at Warner Bros. Discovery, the consumer products team had a few goals when designing and releasing

merchandise for the occasion, including honoring the studio’s long and varied history, appealing to all Warner Bros. fans, and telling a cohesive story throughout the year.

Something that makes Warner Bros. stand out from other studios, Oberschelp says, is the wide variety of genres that its content encompasses — from intense horror films to family-friendly cartoons and everything in between — along with the sheer volume of content. In fact, when his team started researching for the anniversary, even Oberschelp was surprised by the extent of Warner Bros.’ catalog.

“It’s funny, when you start going through old rosters and old archives and

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then even just Googling,” he says. “Some of the titles I didn’t even know were our titles. But it’s 100 years — how do you manage 100 years? I would say it was a lot of research, a lot of deep diving.”

That research went beyond the archives and directly to the public, as the company hosted studies and surveys to find out what devoted Warner Bros. fans wanted to see for this anniversary celebration. Warner Bros. also honed in on the multigenerational appeal of the studio’s massive, diverse catalog — nearly everyone alive today grew up watching Warner Bros. content.

“It’s just a way for us to bring the generations together and close that gap between the great-great-grandchild and a great-great-grandmother or grandfather,” he says. “It’s being able to have those connection points and the ability for the older generation to introduce a younger generation and vice versa. …

The child who’s reading Harry Potter and

their parents look back and say, ‘Oh my god, I read that book. I saw that movie.’”

For these reasons, the consumer products team sought to re-imagine its many iconic brands and titles into cohesive product drops that fans of all ages (and income levels) could enjoy.

One way to do this?

Combine different intellectual properties (IP) into fun mashups.

Throughout this year, a variety of products — including collectibles, apparel, home goods, and more — will feature classic Looney Tunes characters dressed up as characters from other Warner Bros. properties, from Scooby-Doo and The Wizard of Oz to Friends and DC Comics.

Oberschelp says that the Looney Tunes were the obvious choice to

Above: The Wonder Woman and The Lord of the Rings Warner Bros. 100 Posters from Trends International feature simplified imagery from the franchises. | Source: Trends International Below: At Fever’s candlelight concert events, fans can listen to music from their favorite franchises performed in a beautiful, candlelit setting. The Warner Bros. concert series began in April.

Source: Fever

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1. WB100 "LOONEY TUNES HEROES" KUNUFLEX SHORT SLEEVE SHIRT RSVLTS MSRP: $70 | Available: rsvlts.com

2. LOONEY TUNES MASHUP SERIES NEW ZEALAND MINT MSRP: $180 | Available: nzmint.com

3. WB 100: BUGS BUNNY AS SUPERMAN MOVIE MANIACS 6-INCH POSED FIGURE MCFARLANE TOYS MSRP: $24.99 | Available: Amazon, Entertainment Earth, mcfarlanetoysstore.com

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take on Warner Bros. cosplay, as the characters are synonymous with the studio. “They are a part of the pop-culture sensation.

They really represent the Golden Era of animation and these characters, they’re beloved. … Our Looney Tunes are the ultimate fans for Warner Bros.”

While the company is creating and launching some of these products through its Warner Bros. Shop, which will host a variety of limited-edition anniversary merch throughout the year, the team also tapped some existing licensing partners, including Funko, McFarlane Toys, and RSVLTS for these crossover items.

RSVLTS, an apparel company known for its fandom-enhanced button-down shirts, was one of the first companies to launch a Looney Tunes mashup item with its WB100 “Looney Tunes Heroes” KUNUFLEX Short Sleeve Shirt.

Its design features a “The storytelling that we collage of the Loodo, the entertainment that ney Tunes dressed as DC heroes with we put out, it sticks with a commemorative somebody for a very, very WB100 tag inside. long time and helps hold “Our ‘Heroes’ butwho they are. Whether it be ton-down both looks and feels very in line empowerment, whether it with RSVLTS’ other be inclusiveness, whether it Warner Bros. collecbe an escape.” tion offerings,” says Mike Shriner, director of communications - Robert Oberschelp, and brand strategy Warner Bros. Discovery at RSVLTS. “However, these items will forever be special due to the centennial occasion.”

Outside of the mashup series, Warner Bros. Consumer Products will release items that highlight the evolution of its shield-shaped logo over the years, as well as a new art series from the in-house creative team that depicts key logos and elements from popular Warner Bros. franchises in a cohesive, minimalist style.

This new art is available now on various posters and prints from Trends International. Each piece features the same color scheme, which, according to Trends International’s Director of Communications Pam Fettig, makes all of these anniversary posters pair well together. “For me, it’s difficult to choose between Gremlins and Goonies, so why not have both in a similar style to decorate my wall? I think that’s what makes this 100th series special,” she says.

The desire to bring fan-favorite franchises together also carried into the licensed, location-based experiences from Warner Bros.’

Global Themed Entertainment Group, according to Peter van Roden, senior vice president of global themed entertainment at Warner Bros. Discovery. “We didn’t want to just focus on one IP, but rather find ways for fans to re-live all their favorite stories and characters and help bring generations together,” he says. “We pay close attention to what fans are interested in and make sure we

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have something for everyone.”

Some of the themed experiences that fans can expect for the anniversary celebration include a special centennial exhibit at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour, highlighting many of the studio’s most notable productions. There will also be activations at Warner Bros. theme parks around the world, including live shows, character appearances, and anniversary merchandise. Fans can also look forward to worldwide pop-up events throughout the year, including interactive experiences and photo ops.

One anniversary experience that van Roden is especially excited about is the Candlelight: 100 Years of Warner Bros. concert series, in partnerhip with Fever. These shows are taking place in more than 100 cities and feature a string quartet playing music from the Warner Bros. library by the light of thousands of flickering candles. “The venues that are selected to host the concert series are breathtaking, creating a oncein-a-lifetime musical experience,” he says.

These experiences will continue throughout the calendar year, as will the new product reveals. Warner Bros. commissioned a diverse group of 10 artists to put their own spin on the Warner Bros. archive and create a collection of original artwork. The pieces will be available on a variety of projects and also play with IP crossover.

Oberschelp is especially excited about this product release because it highlights the deeply personal connection that many of us have to Warner Bros. content. “Each one of [the artists] was inspired by something different and it goes back to their childhood memories,” he says. “The storytelling that we do, the entertainment that we put out, it sticks with somebody for a very, very long time and helps hold who they are. Whether it be empowerment, whether it be inclusiveness, whether it be an escape.”

For Oberschelp, that childhood tie is to the movie Singing in the Rain. He fondly recalls running up and down the curb holding his umbrella, harboring dreams of becoming a singer. While he never realized that specific dream, he recently couldn’t help but marvel at a new, crystal-clear, digitized clip of a movie that shaped his youth.

This passion and connectivity are, ultimately, what the Warner Bros. team hopes the consumer products for this anniversary can commemorate.“I think it’s the memory,” he says. “We all have memory boxes and consumer products is a place where you can buy, and you can keep, and it’s for you. Or you can get it and share that special moment. … We want to make sure we super-serve all of our fans. So we’re going to do everything from high-end runway to our mass and value. So [to our fans], shop everywhere. We want to make sure that everybody gets a piece of history and is able to celebrate with us.” ✪

4. WB100 CASABLANCA X LOONEY TUNES ADULT T-SHIRT WARNER BROS. SHOP MSRP: $29.95 | Available: wbshop.com

5. WB100 HOT WHEELS THEMED ENTERTAINMENT ASSORTMENT MATTEL MSRP: $2.49 each | Available: major retailers

6. LOONEY TUNES X SCOOBY-DOO MASH-UP POP! FIGURES FUNKO MSRP: $11.99-29.99 | Available: Amazon, Big Bad Toy Store, Entertainment Earth, Walmart, funko.com

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Madeleine Buckley is a senior editor at The Pop Insider, where she covers the latest news and trends in pop culture merch, fandom events, and conventions. She is a movie score enthusiast, a mediocre knitter, a proud Syracuse alumna, and a Marvel lover. You can usually find her at the movies or hanging out at home with her super-pup, Parker.

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you’ve ever set an alarm for a product launch, frantically refreshing your browser every two seconds in a mad dash to get a coveted T-shirt, a new Funko Pop!, or a limited-edition Monster High Skullector doll, then you know the stress and the thrill of drop culture.

While supply and demand have always fueled shopping patterns, drop culture has grown into a beast of its own within fandom communities, especially with the rise of social media. Companies use drop culture as a marketing tool to launch new merch in extremely limited quantities, often releasing a “drop” at a specific time and date to create a sense of urgency — some might even call it panic — as shoppers rush to get their hands on the hot, new items.

This strategy began in the fashion world as streetwear brands like Supreme had people lining up in the streets throwing money at hyped-up merch ranging from branded T-shirts and parkas to suitcases and crowbars. Drop culture has since made its way into fandom communities, seen in the lines wrapped around booths at comic conventions as collectors empty their wallets on exclusive merch, or in theme parks where mayhem ensues whenever Disney drops a new character-themed popcorn bucket.

This marketing tactic means that shoppers don’t have the luxury to mull over their potential purchases for weeks on end. You used to be able to casually browse for and snag a Loungefly backpack that you wanted with ease, but now it seems like fans snatch up new drops quickly after the product listings go live online, as was the case with both the Lisa Frank AOP Holographic and the Spider-Man Triple Pocket Multi Logo Mini Backpacks. And while the early bird gets the worm with products sold at physical locations, when it comes to e-commerce, it is quite literally a race to get the products in your digital cart and complete the check-out process as quickly as you can before they sell out. Sometimes the merch might even be gone by the time you enter your credit card information.

ELUSIVE EXCLUSIVES

by Jackie Cucco, senior editor

“Limited-edition drops bring scarcity and urgency to an e-commerce world in which consumers can shop whenever and wherever they want,” says Mighty Jaxx’s Chief Strategy Officer Brian Tan. “When consumers do not succeed in securing a product, it leaves them wanting more. This enables brands to generate hype, nurture loyalty, and build strong relationships with their communities.”

Mighty Jaxx is a collectibles company that

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makes designer toys and NFTs. Eleven years after the company launched, it continues to find new ways to bring art toys to a wider fanbase through collaborations with popular brands and licenses across entertainment, sports, fashion, music, and gaming. Some of Mighty Jaxx’s recent buzzworthy drops include the Potato Head by Stella Peaches, a $159 take on Hasbro’s Potato Head designed by a 9-year-old girl; a $169 figure of SpongeBob SquarePants with artist Jason Freeny’s signature dissection treatment; and smaller, more affordable versions of half-skeleton pop-culture icons by Freeny that go for $12.99 each.

“Limited-edition drops go hand-in-

hand with collectibles, as it adds to the mystique of the item through exclusivity,” Tan says. Fans feel extra-special when they can be a part of the elite crowd that owns something that not everyone was able to get — that’s part of the fun of collecting.

Drop culture obviously appeals to the sense of FOMO — or “fear of missing out” — but the high-stakes shopping experience also heightens the act of collecting as a whole. “Even if it’s a product

you may not exactly want, the rush that comes with knowing you were able to hunt and secure a limited collectible is an experience that many in this space find worth it altogether,” Tan says.

SOCIAL SHOPPING

While many companies used to rely on shoppers populating their stores to purchase new products in person, drop culture is evolving with the digital social scene. Livestream shopping platforms like Whatnot and NTWRK are changing the game to create ways for consumers to access new product drops via apps and to buy rare items through resellers with peace of mind.

Spider-Man Triple Pocket Multi Logo Mini Backpack, XXRAY Plus SpongeBob SquarePants figure, Potato Head by Stella Peaches, and Lisa Frank AOP Holographic Mini Backpack | Sources: Loungefly/Mighty Jaxx

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The Dim Mak x Dungeons & Dragons collection features rare artwork from the Dungeons & Dragons archives. | Source: Dim Mak

Founded in 2018, NTWRK is built on a model of daily product drops, livestream shopping festivals, and exclusive partnerships with brands and creators. NTWRK recently partnered with DJ Steve Aoki’s streetwear brand Dim Mak for a Dungeons & Dragons capsule collection. Some other successful collaborations include a livestream giveaway with Hulu featuring set props from The Orville: New Horizons and custom Orville jackets from Free & Easy, an exclusive drop of the Misfit x Atari 50th — Artist Edition JK5 Wrist Watch, and a giveaway featuring limited-edition Atari VCS consoles and joysticks embellished with Swarovski crystals depicting JK5’s artwork.

“Our drops usually only last one week or so before selling out, while some of the rarer anime collab drops go even faster,“ says Dim Mak Creative Brand Manager Brandon Sun. “We love NTWRK because it allows us to directly communicate with our community and grow our brand among other adjacent brands.”

THE SECONDARY MARKET

Whatnot offers a little bit of a different experience than NTWRK, acting as a community marketplace where fans can buy, sell, and connect with fellow collectors. Whatnot got its start in 2019 as a social selling platform for Funko Pop! collectibles, and has since expanded to sell more than 80 different categories of product, including trading cards, comic books, sneakers, estate sales, and more, operating completely on live auctions.

Considering how quickly some Funko Pops! sell out at conventions and online, this platform gives fans a

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way to get their hands on rare collectibles that they may have missed during the official product drops. In February, Whatnot extended its partnership with Professional Sports Authenticator to include Funko Pop! figures. The partnership first began with trading cards, but now collectors who buy Funko Pops! through Whatnot can also get the figures authenticated and graded before the collectibles are shipped to make sure they are legitimate.

“I think the community and entertainment aspect of livestream shopping is what’s driving more people to shop on apps like Whatnot,” says Ryan Larson, head of collectibles at Whatnot. “For example, card breaks (where sellers break open a pack of cards and viewers can buy-in on the pack) are a big draw on the platform. When a rare or highly sought-after card comes up, it’s a moment when the viewers from different

pockets of the country can all share in the excitement. It’s a shared experience that can’t be replicated,” Larson explains.

Whatnot recently added a new feature, called Drops, to make in-demand items more accessible to collectors so they can purchase hard-to-find items at retail prices. For example, a rare Freddy Bronze Chrome LE 24 Funko Pop! with an estimated value of $4,750 sold for $20 in May. “Securing access to a limited-quantity product is part of the collector lifestyle, yet many authentic collectors are left on the fringes, pushed out by buyers only interested in reselling at a markup,” Larson says. “We’re always continuing to evolve and serve the dedicated collector community, and our Drops feature is one way we do that.”

VIP ACCESS

Some companies are creating VIP membership programs to give collectors access to exclusive drops and members-only perks, like Mattel’s Hot Wheels Red Line Club and Barbie Signature, both priced at $9.99 per year. Not only do members get the chance to purchase exclusive merch, like Red Line Club Exclusive Selection Cars and Barbie Signature dolls, available only to club members, but they also get first dibs on other products through a priority window before they go on sale to the general public.

Love it or hate it, drop culture is revolutionizing the act of collecting and disrupting the market with new ways for fans to shop. This sales method draws on hype, exclusivity, and community to keep collectors pumped up for each new release, even if they aren’t quick enough to get what they want. Even as drop culture evolves, one thing will always stay the same: Fans will never stop collecting what they love. ✪ ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Jackie Cucco is a senior editor at Adventure Media & Events. She covers toy trends, reviews, and news for The Pop Insider, The Toy Insider, and The Toy Book. After her Tamagotchis finally go to sleep for the night, you can catch her watching horror movies or reading Stephen King novels.

Visit her on Instagram @saucyjac.

The limited Misfit x Atari 50th — Artist Edition JK5 Wrist Watch pays homage to retro gaming aesthetics. | Source: Atari

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THE HOTTEST FANDOM-INFUSED PRODUCTS RECENTLY RELEASED AND COMING SOON

SPOT IT!: FRIENDS ASMODEE Spot It! is back with an exclusive Friends edition.

Players will race to spot matching images inspired by the iconic mid-’90s series, including an oversized coffee mug, Rachel’s English trifle, a jellyfish, and more.

Play with up to eight of your friends or challenge yourself to four new mini games.

MSRP: $14.99 | Available: shop.asmodee.com

STRANGE NEW WORLDS GENUINE LEATHER JACKET HERO WITHIN This screen-accurate jacket is inspired by the new series Star Trek: Strange New Worlds on Paramount+. Made from genuine leather, it features premium stitch construction, embroidered patches, four inside pockets, and a USS Enterprise logo printed on the interior.

MSRP: $199 | Available: herowithinstore.com

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E.T. THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL 7-INCH CERAMIC PLANTER WITH ARTIFICIAL SUCCULENT SILVER BUFFALO This alien-enhanced planter is better than Reese’s Pieces! The 7-inch planter includes an artificial succulent you will never have to water.

MSRP: $19.99 | Available: Toynk exclusive

SOUTH PARK MUNCHKIN THE OP | USAOPOLY Combine monster hunting with adolescent antics.

Equip yourself with items such as Kenny’s Throwing Star or Towelie and become allies with friends like Butters Stotch to defeat Beelzaboot, ManBearPig, and other monsters. Plus, be sure to avoid curses like the Pandemic Special or backstabbing moves from other players.

MSRP: $29.99 | Available: Amazon, local game stores, theop.games

SPIDER-MAN PLAYING CARDS THEORY11 Get caught in theory11’s web with this new deck of playing cards inspired by the Marvel Studios Spider-Man trilogy. The cards feature red, blue, and gold foil along with embossed textures inspired by different versions of Spidey’s suit. Each card has completely custom artwork that fans won’t find anywhere else.

MSRP: $12.95 | Available: theory11.com

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SUPER MARIO ICON PATCHES EMBOSSED MINI BACKPACK BIOWORLD Join Mario on his adventures to save Princess Peach in style with this mini backpack that features patches with iconic game characters and a red, coin-embossed body with denim details. The backpack has a main compartment with an interior slide pocket and a smaller zip pocket on the front.

MSRP: $59.99 | Available: Amazon

POWERPUFF GIRLS PATCH ATA-BOY Add a little Powerpuff flair to your backpack, computer bag, hoodie, or jeans. This thick, high-quality, iron-on patch features Blossom, Bubbles, and Buttercup and measures approximately 3 inches wide.

MSRP: $5.99 | Available: Amazon

THE LAST OF US PART II: JOEL AND ABBY FIGURES DARK HORSE COMICS Dark Horse Comics is bringing The Last of Us Part II to the real world (minus the cordyceps) with two 9-inch-scale figures. The highly detailed Joel and Abby figures feature game-accurate details and accessories, including Abby’s hammer and Joel’s guitar.

MSRP: $59.99 | Available: Big Bad Toy Store

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FALL GUY CABLE GUY EXG PRO For a Fall Guy, life is one chaotic obstacle course after another. This Fall Guy-inspired Cable Guy holds your phone or video game controller when not in use, while doubling as an adorable piece of room decor the other 98% of the time.

MSRP: $29.99 | Available: Amazon, exgpro.com (June)

HOUSE OF THE DRAGON SYRAX & CARAXES POSED FIGURES MCFARLANE TOYS You can’t have House of the Dragon without the dragons.

These detailed figures feature Princess Rhaenyra and Daemon Targaryen’s mounts. Each comes with large attachable wings and a sculpted base.

MSRP: $39.99 each | Available: Big Bad Toy Store, Entertainment Earth, major retailers

PUDGY PENGUINS NFT FIGURES PMI These collectible figures are based on the Web3 brand that features 8,888 unique collectible penguins that come with proof of ownership stored on the Etherium blockchain.

Each penguin figure comes with accessories, a certificate of authenticity, and a redemption code for a digital experience.

MSRP: $12.99 each | Available: Amazon

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THE OFFICE REACTION FIGURES ­— THREAT LEVEL MIDNIGHT SUPER7 This debut wave of The Office ReAction Figures pays tribute to the snubbed cinematic masterpiece Threat Level Midnight. Collect Michael Scott as Michael Scarn (pictured), Jim Halpert as Goldenface, Dwight Schrute as Samuel L. Chang, Darryl Philbin as President Jackson, Creed Bratton as Cherokee Jack, and, last and certainly least, Toby Flenderson as Hostage No. 4.

MSRP: $20 | Available: super7.com

IRON MAN AND HULK’S SCIENCE LAB TEE TEETURTLE What could Iron Man and the Hulk be making in the lab? They’re probably inventing a new shawarma recipe.

This 100% cotton, unisex T-shirt features Chibi-inspired versions of the two fan-favorite Avengers hard at work in a science lab.

MSRP: $25 | Available: teeturtle.com

ROTTEN TOMATOES: THE CARD GAME CRYPTOZOIC ENTERTAINMENT Based on the movie review website Rotten Tomatoes, this fast-paced party game asks up to 20 players to rank movies based on what they think their Tomatometer scores are. Wild Cards add to the fun, sometimes inviting all players to shout out answers at the same time. Featuring some of the most famous films of all time, this is the perfect game for a film buff looking to test their cinematic knowledge.

MSRP: $24.99 Available: Amazon, hobby retailers, cryptozoic.com

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PLAYMOBIL NARUTO PLAYMOBIL Display your favorite scenes from Naruto Shippuden with Playmobil’s latest line of figures. There are 24 different figures in the collection, including Naruto (pictured), Sasuke, Sakura, Kakashi, and more.

MSRP: $7.99 Available: playmobil.us

DC COMICS X UV BATGIRL COLLECTION HOBBIT HOLE POLYSTONE COLLECTIBLE WETA WORKSHOP “In a hole in the ground there lived a Hobbit.” These miniature replicas were designed by the same artists and craftspeople who worked on The Lord of the Rings films. Fans can place the individual dwellings in cabinets or on mantles, shelves, or window sills to create their own version of the Shire.

MSRP: $139 | Available: Big Bad Toy Store, Entertainment Earth, specfictionshop.com

UNIQUE VINTAGE While we may never get to see the Batgirl movie, at least we can enjoy this retro-inspired Batgirl collection from Unique Vintage. The assortment includes a romper, a dress, a caplet, a collared T-shirt (pictured), a skirt (pictured), and a knit top with Batgirl-inspired details, including the iconic logo and metallic gold elements. Each piece features Unique Vintage’s throwback flair.

MSRP: $58-98 Available: uniquevintage.com

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FISHER-PRICE LITTLE PEOPLE COLLECTOR SEINFELD MATTEL Hello … Newman. Add some friendly faces to your collection with Little People-styled versions of Jerry Seinfeld holding a microphone, Cosmo Kramer holding a chicken leg, George Costanza holding a chocolate éclair, and Elaine Benes (holding nothing because, you know ... the patriarchy).

MSRP: $24.99 | Available: Amazon, Mattel Creations, Target

DISNEY GEEKI TIKIS BEELINE CREATIVE Beeline Creative has given fan-favorite Disney characters a tropical twist with a new line of Geeki Tiki mugs, bowls, and other gifts. The collection will feature classic Disney characters including Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse (pictured), Pixar characters, and Disney Princesses.

MSRP: $29.99 each | Available: geekitikis.com

CRYOGENICS CANISTER PARAGON FX GROUP Sneak dinosaur embryos out of Jurassic Park with this discreet can of Barbasol! Inside this prop replica, fans will find a centrifuge rack with 10 tubes containing dinosaur embryos.

MSRP: $399.99 Available: paragonfxgroup.com

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PRINTED LEATHERETTE DICE TOWER FEATURING BELLS HELLS PATTERN FROM CRITICAL ROLE ULTRA PRO This dice tower is the ultimate tabletop gamer’s companion. Drop dice through three molded ramps to ensure randomized rolls. When you are done playing, you can flip up the attached tray to store more than 40 standard-size RPG dice and secure the tower shut with the strong magnetic closure.

MSRP: $50 | Available: ultrapro.com

DISNEY100 CELEBRATION GALLERY WRAPPED CANVAS ART BRAND STUDIOS Art Brand Studios joins Disney’s 100th-anniversary celebration with its Thomas Kinkade Studios Gallery Wraps. The new wrap features Minnie and Mickey Mouse as they hit the dance floor, ready to wow the crowds with their latest dance number.

MSRP: $99.95 | Available: thomaskinkade.com

STAR WARS: THE DECKBUILDING GAME FANTASY FLIGHT GAMES x ASMODEE In Star Wars: The Deckbuilding Game, two players take on the role of either the Empire or the Rebels in a battle for victory. As the game progresses, players strengthen the power of their starting decks with allies, troops, and capital ships; then use their assembled decks to attack each other’s bases.

The first person to destroy three enemy bases wins the game.

MSRP: $37.99 Available: Amazon, shop.asmodee.com

SESAME STREET HOODIE CAKEWORTHY Head back to Sesame Street in style with this unisex Sesame Street hoodie. The hoodie features everyone’s favorite neighbors, including Cookie Monster, Elmo, Big Bird, Ernie, Bert, and Oscar the Grouch on the sleeves and the whole gang all together printed on the back.

MSRP: $54.95 Available: cakeworthystore.com

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ASSASSIN’S CREED UNITY — NOTRE DAME 3D JIGSAW PUZZLE (860-PIECE) WREBBIT3D Jump out of your haystack, climb to a new vantage point, and rediscover one of the most iconic locations in Assassin’s Creed Unity: Notre Dame. This 3D jigsaw puzzle includes pieces featuring NPCs and items from the game, as well as self-standing props of Arno VIctor Dorian and Elise de la Serre.

MSRP: $64.99 | Available: Amazon, wrebbit3dpuzzle.com

NIGHTWING COLLECTION HEROES & VILLAINS Swing into Gotham City with Heroes & Villain’s Nightwing collection, which features everything Dick Grayson fans will love, including T-shirts, a hoodie, a bomber jacket (pictured), and a trucker hat.

MSRP: $25-120 | Available: heroesvillains.com

MARVEL — THOR 1 OZ SILVER CHIBI COIN NEW ZEALAND MINT Only the biggest Thor fans are worthy of collecting this 1-ounce, silver, Chibi coin. The coin is shaped like Thor, complete with his winged helmet and red cape. Its packaging features a comic-accurate Thor on a blue comic panel background. Collectors have a one in 10 chance of snagging a gold-plated chase coin.

MSRP: $99 | Available: nzmint.com

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BACK TO THE FUTURE — FLUX CAPACITOR LIMITED EDITION PROP REPLICA FACTORY ENTERTAINMENT Travel through time with the Flux Capacitor from Back to the Future. This prop replica looks, feels, and sounds like it is straight out of the DeLorean. It has two settings: idle, which features steady lighting and crackling sounds, and time dispersal, which replicates the scene from the film in which the DeLorean hits 88 mph and jumps in time.

MSRP: $1,199 | Available: factoryent.com (preorder)

AUTOBOT MINI WAFFLE MAKER UNCANNY BRANDS Autobots, roll out ... for breakfast! This non-stick mini waffle maker is perfect for Transformers fans. Simply pour in the batter and lower the lid. Before you know it, your favorite Transformer is ready for butter and syrup.

MSRP: $27.99 | Available: uncannybrands.com

DISNEY CASTLE COLLECTION 1,000-PIECE PUZZLES RAVENSBURGER Celebrate 100 years of Disney magic with 10 different Disney castle puzzles. Each illustration features a Disney heroine and a peek inside an incredible castle interior with a unique cross-section view.

MSRP: $29.99 | Available: Amazon, specialty retailers

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MY HERO ACADEMIA TUBBZ COSPLAYING COLLECTIBLES NUMSKULL DESIGNS The latest additions to the Tubbz pond are ready to take on U.A. High. There are three My Hero Academia Tubbz: All Might, Katsuki Bakugo, and Izuku Midoriya. Each Tubbz collectible comes in a bathtub-shaped display box featuring the BNHA logo.

MSRP: $23 | Available: Amazon

DIE-CAST POKÉ BALL REPLICA SERIES THE POKÉMON CO. The Pokémon Co. has teamed up with The Wand Co. to create a lineup of Poké Ball replicas. The replicas each feature a die-cast metal shell and a front button that senses touch or motion and lights up. The Love Ball was the first installment in this series, with the Dive Ball following on its heels. Additional balls will release throughout the year, including a Net Ball and a Luxury Ball.

MSRP: $99.99 | Available: Pokémon Center

BST AXN TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES WAVE 4 THE LOYAL SUBJECTS The Loyal Subjects’ latest wave of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles action figures features ‘80s-inspired looks for Casey Jones (left), Donatello (middle), April O’Neill (right), and more. Each 5-inch figure features 31 points of articulation and comes with multiple heads, swappable hands, and character-specific accessories.

MSRP: $21.99 | Available: Entertainment Earth

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GARBAGE PAIL KIDS: MAD MIKE AND THE QUEST FOR STALE GUM (NES CARTRIDGE) IAM8BIT Pop this cartridge in your NES and it’ll actually work! As a throwback to the golden era of gaming, this brand-new game features four playable Garbage Pail Kid characters, six secret-filled levels, and its own trading card system. The game is available in both Stale Gum Pink and Mad Mike Blue color variants.

MSRP: $79.99 | Available: iam8bit.com

MARVEL GALLERY WANDAVISION SCARLET WITCH PVC DIORAMA DIAMOND SELECT TOYS Rising out of chaos energy, Wanda Maximoff prepares to unleash her true power in this sculpture. With detailed sculpting and paint applications, this Gallery Diorama comes in a full-color window box.

MSRP: $60 | Available: Amazon

STAR WARS: THE HIGH REPUBLIC: CHRONICLES OF THE JEDI INSIGHT EDITIONS For light and life. Set centuries before the Skywalker Saga, this ultimate guide will immerse Star Wars fans in the time of the High Republic. With stunning illustrations and never-before-seen artwork, this book teaches old and new fans alike about the characters, creatures, vehicles, and locations of the golden age of the Jedi.

MSRP: $45 | Available: Amazon

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STAR WARS “GALACTIC CHILD” 1,000-PIECE JIGSAW PUZZLE BUFFALO GAMES This 1,000-piece puzzle from the Star Wars Fine Art Collection features an image of Grogu from The Mandalorian printed on recycled puzzle board. It comes with a bonus puzzle poster as a handy reference to use while you’re piecing everything together.

MSRP: $14.95 | Available: buffalogames.com

LEGO AVATAR: THE WAY OF WATER SKIMWING ADVENTURE LEGO Re-create your favorite scenes from Avatar: The Way of Water and imagine exploring the magic of Pandora with this 259-piece set. Join Jake Sully and Tonowair, the Metkayina clan leader, as you cling tightly to the ferocious Skimwing and glide through the coral-rich ocean.

MSRP: $34.99 | Available: Amazon

CARE BEARS BEDTIME BEAR HOODED ROBE FOR ADULTS FUN.COM Bundle up and catch some Zzzs in no time with this soft and cozy robe, complete with details such as a small tail in the back, an embroidered patch on the front pocket, Bedtime Bear’s smiling face, and little round ears on the hood.

MSRP: $49.99 | Available: FUN.com

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GO BACKSTAGE WITH KIDZ BOP Kidz Bop is hitting the road this summer on the Never Stop Live Tour. A new series of audiobooks on Audible, Kidz Bop Never Stop: The Tour Bus Adventures, will chronicle the journey for kids.

Listeners can follow Giavanni, Cami, Egan, and Knowledge as they perform live, take road trips, have fun, and everything in between. All eight episodes will be available exclusively on Audible starting May 25. ✪

Source: Kidz Bop

compiled by Ali Mierzejewski, editor-in-chief

MATTEL ROARS INTO A JURASSIC JUNE WITH NEW 30TH ANNIVERSARY TOYS If you can believe it: It’s been 30 years since viewers first sat on the edge of their seats while watching the Murphys hide from the raptors in the kitchen in Jurassic Park. Mattel is going big for the anniversary with the Jurassic World ‘93 Classic collection, a line of toys designed for kids ages 4 and up that features retro packaging. The collection includes sets of action figures and vehicles that kids can use to re-create moments from the movie, Jurassic Park-themed walkie-talkies (pictured), and a T. rex figure that features real-feel skin and makes roaring sounds. The toys are currently available for preorder and will be in stores this month. ✪ Source: Mattel

COLLECT DIGITAL SQUISHMALLOWS IN THIS NEW MOBILE GAME Jazwares and East Side Games Group are working together to develop a mobile game inspired by the plush sensation.

With more than 2,000 Squishmallows characters currently available for purchase, fans will now have an opportunity to collect the plush characters online as well. Players can expect to see new characters in addition to fan favorites in the mobile game — which is set to launch later this year — and will compete to become the ultimate collector. ✪

THIS ENCANTO TONIE SHINES WITH MIRABEL’S MAGIC While we may say that we don’t talk about Bruno, we’d be willing to bet money that the songs from Disney’s Encanto are still echoing through the halls of your home.

To experience the Encanto songs and story in a new way, Tonies launched an Encanto Tonies Figure featuring Mirabel, the main character from the animated film.

Tonies Character Figures feature hand-painted details and a magnetic base so that kids can place them on top of the Toniebox speaker cube (sold separately) to activate the audio content. This new Disney Encanto Tonie Figure features a total run time of 58 minutes with five songs and two audio stories.

The Disney Encanto Tonie Figure is available now at us.tonies.com, Target, and specialty retailers for $17.99. ✪ Source: Tonies

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by Nicole Savas, social media editor

W

ith great power comes great responsibility, and parents hold the greatest power of them all: the ability to create future fans.

Introducing your kids to your favorite fandoms is one of the true treasures of parenthood, and Disney Junior makes it easy for superhero-loving grown-ups to get their kids in on the action-packed fun with Marvel’s Spidey and His Amazing Friends. The series, which first premiered in 2021, ages down the friendly neighborhood superhero to make him more accessible to preschoolers. Kids now have two full seasons of the show to enjoy, which currently airs on Disney Junior and is available to stream on Disney+.

MARVEL’S SPIDEY AND HIS AMAZING FRIENDS SUPERSIZED ACTION FIGURES HASBRO Preschoolers can battle it out with these chunky, 9-inch action figures of Black Panther and Hulk, inspired by the Disney Junior series. The poseable, supersized figures join the characters Spidey, Spin, and Ghost-Spider, each sold separately.

MSRP: $11.99-13.99 | Available: Amazon

AMAZING FRIENDS AND AMAZING STORIES

Marvel’s Spidey and His Amazing Friends follows Peter Parker (Spidey), Miles Morales (Spin), and Gwen Stacy (Ghost-Spider) as they work together to solve crimes, often with the help of other instantly recognizable Avengers.

And while every episode features an epic, Marvel-inspired plot line, important life lessons are also spun into each story. For example, in one episode from the first season, Spidey lets Doc Ock get away because he’s impatient and doesn’t want to wait for Black Panther’s help. After she escapes, the superhero duo has a quick chat on the importance of being patient and Spidey vows to do better next time.

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lessons, such as how to work as a team, the importance of community service, and more, in a digestible way. All of this schooling, of course, comes packaged with bright, CGI animations and a catchy theme song from Fall Out Boy’s Patrick Stump.

“I like to think that parents at home get excited when they see their favorite character show up,” says Harrison Wilcox, executive producer of the series. “They can then share that love and excitement with their kids who are, perhaps, learning about that character for the first time.”

Whether you ask parents on social media, the studio execs themselves, or the preschooler in your life (I reached out to my niece for comment, but she was busy with snack time), you’re sure to find out that one particular character seems to be a stand-out favorite: Ghost-Spider, aka Gwen Stacy. Stump’s “Super Hero On the Beat!” bop says it all: The savvy, animal-loving drummer is an A+ detective on the team, “connecting all the dots and collecting all the leads.” She’s strong, smart, and super cool, giving her the perfect trifecta for being a detective and a role model for preschoolers.

INTO THE KID-VERSE

Marvel’s Spidey and His Amazing Friends is not the arachnid-adjacent hero’s first swing into the world of cartoons. While there have been several Spidey-themed animated series throughout the last couple of decades, from Spider-Man Unlimited to Ultimate Spider-Man, this is the first preschool-targeted series to focus explicitly on the world of Spidey.

It’s important to note that this is a kids’ show, so adult fans should not expect it to be canon or feature the darker

MARVEL’S SPIDEY AND HIS AMAZING FRIENDS 6V BUMPER CAR FLYBAR Kids can hop into the driver’s seat with this working bumper car. It features fun graphics of all the Spidey pals, a soft rubber bumper to protect furniture, and LED lights.

MSRP: $129 | Available: Walmart

Spidey and Spin prepare for an adventure with Spidey’s robot companion, Trace-E. | Source: Disney

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moments from the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Instead, this iteration of Spidey serves more as a gateway into the fandom for our youngest heroes.

“As a lifelong Marvel fan, I’m able to help determine what aspects of the characters are necessary, but also which attributes don’t need to be addressed for this audience,” Wilcox says. The series tries to keep the essence of the characters the same, while also making it palatable for younger fans. Think of it as the first baby step into the MCU. You have to walk with Spidey before you can run (and cry inconsolably) with Spider-Man.

MERCH BUYERS OF THE FUTURE

Like modern geeks, the future comic convention attendees of America also need to have cool merch. While you can rock a Spider-Man button-down from RSVLTS, your kid can wear a “Go Spidey!” T-shirt from shopDisney.

And, of course, there’s always plenty of toys. Unlike the intricately sculpted, highly detailed Marvel Legends Spider-Man figures you may find gracing collectors’ shelves, toys based on Marvel’s Spidey and His Amazing Friends are created with play in mind. They are big, chunky, and durable enough to stand up to preschool playtime and also leave plenty of room for creative play. Kids are given the heroes, the toys, and the inspi-

ration, but they can make up new stories on their own. Hasbro has a huge line of super-charged toys available now, from vehicles and figures to a massive Crawl-R based on the one in the show. LEGO also recently got in on the action with sets designed for younger builders based on the HQ, the villain Rhino, and more.

“We get a new theme every year and we get to develop new toys based on that theme and that’s exciting for us,” says Greg Fisher, associate principal product designer at Hasbro’s Marvel team, “‘Glow Webs’ is [the theme for] season two and then next season, I can’t tell you what the theme is, but I know what it is ... [let’s just say] I’m so excited to make the toys.”

Parents and preschoolers can swing into the Marvel’s Spidey and His Amazing Friends fandom on Disney+.

Remember: It’s your responsibility. ✪

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: As the social media editor for The Pop Insider, Nicole Savas’ main career aspiration is to earn "Meme Queen" status. She gets all of her life advice from Michael Scott and there’s not a sitcom she hasn’t binged. A proud Hufflepuff, Savas is dedicated to writing as fairly as she can about her favorite fandoms (and including puns wherever possible).

MARVEL’S SPIDEY AND HIS AMAZING FRIENDS OFF THE WALL THROW PILLOW ZAZZLE Go webs go — and snuggle in for a nap! Kids can bring their Amazing Friends to the play room with this colorful pillow featuring Ghost-Spider, Spidey, and Spin.

MSRP: $33 Available: shopdisney.com

Marvel's Spidey and his Amazing Friends features Spidey, Ghost-Spider, and Spin along with some key Avengers. | Source: Disney

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THE HOTTEST NEW TOYS, BOOKS, AND MORE FOR NEXT-GEN FANS

NINTENDO CLUB MOCCHI- MOCCHITOMY The Club Mocchi- Mocchi- mega plush line of iconic characters and items from video games and pop-culture staples levels up with new additions from Nintendo’s The Legend of Zelda (pictured) and Super Mario Bros.

MSRP: $34.99+ | Available: Amazon

RAINBOW FRIENDS — MINIFIGURES PHATMOJO Drawing inspiration from the Roblox game, these 2.5-inch minifigures feature wacky poses. There are 10 total characters for kids to collect, including three special chase figures.

MSRP: $6.99 each | Available: major retailers

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STAR WARS AT THE BEACH KID BEACH HOODED TOWEL POTTERY BARN KIDS This durable towel features kids’ favorite Star Wars characters on a vacay far, far away.

Woven from pure cotton, it offers UPF 50 protection and is also available with personalization options.

MSRP: $42.99 Available: potterybarnkids.com

POKÉMON PIKACHU SLEEPING PLUSH JAZWARES Gotta catch all them Zzzs. Pikachu is super exhausted after a long day (relatable) and is ready for some post-training snuggles. The 18-inch plush features the Pokémon laying on his belly with closed eyes, blissfully snoozing away.

MSRP: $34.99 | Available: Amazon, Target, Walmart

BATWING BATTLE SET SPIN MASTER Fans can re-create their favorite high-speed battle scenes with this playset. It comes with 4-inch The Flash and Michael Keaton Batman figures that feature detailed sculpts and styling based on the upcoming film The Flash, plus a Batwing vehicle complete with an opening cockpit. Pull up the landing gear and help these heroes defend the world against chaos.

MSRP: $29.99 | Available: major retailers

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DISNEY100 HIGH-TOPS GROUND UP Celebrate 100 years of Disney in style with these sneakers that feature Disney besties like Simba, Tinker Bell, and Moana. These stylish kicks also feature the Disney100 logo on the woven tag and inner lining of the shoe.

MSRP: $60 (Toddler); $65 (Youth) Available: Kids Foot Locker

POP TATERS SUPER IMPULSE These are the ultimate pop-culture *mash* ups! This collection of 4-inch Potato Heads includes Optimus Prime, Bob Ross, Garbage Pail Kids, KISS bassist Gene Simmons (pictured), Sonic the Hedgehog, Dwight Schrute from The Office, The Dude from The Big Lebowski, and Good Luck Trolls. Each one has a removable outfit with interchangeable parts, including a surprise piece.

MSRP: $17.99 | Available: Hot Topic, Walmart

CARE BEARS LITTLE BESTIES SURPRISE FIGURES AND PLAY CUBBIES ASSORTMENTS BASIC FUN! Sharing is caring! These micro-scale, 1.25-inch Care Bears figures come in more than 30 styles with more than 70 mix-and-match accessories. The Play Cubbies environments double as storage for on-the-go play.

MSRP: $2.97 (Surprise Figures); $7.97 (Play Cubbies) Available: Walmart

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BEYONCÉ: A LITTLE GOLDEN BOOK BIOGRAPHY RANDOM HOUSE CHILDREN’S BOOKS & EBONY JR. OK, babies, now let’s get in formation. Written

by Lavaille Lavette with illustrations from Anastasia Magloire Williams, this biography tells the singer’s story from baby Bey to global superstar. Kids can feel inspired as they flip through these stories of the queen’s hard work and determination.

MSRP: $5.99 Available: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Target

STAR WARS GROGU TAMAGOTCHI BANDAI NAMCO TOYS & COLLECTIBLES AMERICA The iconic ‘90s toy gets a mashup with Star Wars’ cutest creature. The way that kids care for Grogu will change him into one of 12 different appearances, including three secret styles.

MSRP: $27.99 | Available: Amazon

JURASSIC WORLD: LOOK AND FIND 3D PI KIDS Pint-size dino lovers can grab the included glasses to experience a 3D adventure through Jurassic World attractions. Kids will explore action-packed scenes as they uncover 100 hidden objects and characters. The book features Look and Find play activities that encourage focus, exploration, and a roarin’ good time.

MSRP: $10.99 Available: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, BJ’s, target.com

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THE REWIND

1985

1988

1989

Super Mario Bros.

Super Mario Bros. 2

Super Mario Land

You are Mario! In the franchise’s first installment, players worked to save the Mushroom People from the Koopa, rescue Princess Toadstool from Bowser, and restore the fallen kingdom.

In this sequel, Mario traveled to Subcom, the land of dreams, with Luigi, Toad, and Princess Peach to help save its residents from Wart and his evil spell.

Once again, Mario had to save the day as he journeyed to the Chai Kingdom to save Princess Daisy from the space monster Tatanga and help restore peace to Sarasaland.

Nintendo Entertainment System

Nintendo Entertainment System

Game Boy

START

THREE DECADES OF LEVELING UP

For more than 30 years, we’ve had “Mama-mia”s and “wahoo”s ringing through our heads. Mario has become one of the most iconic characters of all time — and not just to modern gamers, but to generations of families.

Millions of people around the world have spent hours going on conquests to save Princess Peach, defeating opponents in Super Smash Bros. battle royales, and drifting in the fast lane of Rainbow Road in Mario Kart.

This year, with a theme park that opened at Hollywood Studios and a new feature film that hit theaters, Mario and his friends are still hot.

To celebrate, we took a look at their star-powered journey on the way to the top.

NEW IN 2023 Feb. 17

Super Nintendo World Opens in the U.S. Located in Universal Studios Hollywood, the Super Nintendo World theme park warp-pipes you into Mario’s world. Battle Team Bowser on Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, dine at Toadstool Cafe, and get star power from the merch at the 1-UP Factory store.

April 5

The Super Mario Bros. Movie Arrives in Theaters Illumination and Nintendo teamed up to bring Mario’s Mushroom Kingdom adventures to the big screen in this new feature film. It stars Chris Pratt as Mario, Anya Taylor-Joy as Princess Peach, Charlie Day as Luigi, Jack Black as Bowser, Keegan-Michael Key as Toad, Seth Rogen as Donkey Kong, Fred Armisen as Cranky Kong, Kevin Michael Richardson as Kamek, and Sebastian Maniscalco as Spike.

2020

35 ANNIVERSARY

Super Mario 3D All-Stars Nintendo Switch

“We’re finally at a point where people who played with Nintendo’s characters as children are playing with those same characters with their children. That longevity is special.”

— Shigeru Miyamoto, representative director, fellow, Nintendo (The New Yorker, 2020)

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1991

2006

2007

Super Mario World

New Super Mario Bros.

Super Mario Galaxy

Mario and Luigi’s planned vacay to Yoshi’s Island got interrupted by the sudden disappearance of Princess Peach. They jumped into yet another adventure to rescue her and Yoshi’s pals from Bowser and his minions.

Mario set out to find all of the Mega Mushrooms he could to get to the bottom of Princess Peach’s disappearance and the attack on her castle.

This side-scrolling platformer allowed for solo play, two-player modes, and four-player minigame battles.

Mario got celestial as he traveled across the galaxy to rescue Princess Peach and collect Power Stars to save the universe from Bowser. After players collected 120 Power Stars, they were able to play as Luigi for a new challenge.

Super Nintendo Entertainment System

Nintendo DS

Wii

2011 Super Mario Land 3D Nintendo 3DS

In the first platforming environment in true 3D, players jumped in as Mario to rescue Princess Peach from Boswer’s grasp, with fan-favorite details like the return of the Tanooki suit.

2013 Super Mario 3D World Wii U

After finding a sparkling Pipe outside of Princess Peach’s castle, Mario and his friends were transported to a fairy kingdom where they had to save the Sprinxie Princesses from Bowser’s clutches.

2019

2017

2015

Super Mario Maker 2

Super Mario Odyssey

Super Mario Maker

“It’s been over 20 years since we made Super Mario 64. Whenever we finish a game … it always inspires us to want to do more, and that feeling is what leads us into creating the next game.”

Players joined Mario and Cappy on a massive, globe-trotting, 3D adventure far from the Mushroom Kingdom to collect Power Moons to power up the Odyssey airship and save Princess Peach from Bowser’s wedding plans.

“Mario became so popular because the actions in the Mario game … are innate to humans everywhere … the simplicity of these experiences … that’s what really resonated with people.”

Nintendo Switch

— Yoshiaki Koizumi, senior executive officer, Nintendo (The Washington Post, 2019)

Nintendo Switch

Wii U/Nintendo 3DS

— Shigeru Miyamoto, representative director, fellow, Nintendo (NPR interview, 2015)

compiled by Ali Mierzejewski, editor-in-chief; all images courtesy of Nintendo

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by James Zahn, senior editor

U

ntil a few years ago, the mention of Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) to a casual observer may have conjured a certain stereotype: a group of fantasy “nerds” looking to disconnect with reality by role playing in realms of mystery, fantasy, and magic. While it’s true that countless adventures have unfolded in wood-paneled basements across the U.S., the sheer magnitude of the D&D fandom largely managed to evade the mainstream radar — until recently.

It all started nearly 50 years ago, when Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson turned their passion for wargames into a revolutionary new title that would essentially kickstart the tabletop role-playing game (TTRPG) industry. Together with Don Kaye and Brian Blume, they formed Tactical Studies Rules (TSR) to publish the first edition of D&D from their home base in southeastern Wisconsin in 1974.

In D&D, players assemble an adventuring party to go on epic quests while exploring fantasy worlds. The Dungeon Master serves as both storyteller and referee as players level up in experience throughout the game and its campaigns.

As its popularity quickly caught on, a new version, Advanced Dungeons & Dragons, was released and game components, including The Dungeon Masters Guide and the infamous d20 (a 20-sided die), became major parts of the pop-culture lexicon.

Rolling the die and jumping ahead a few years, TSR was sold to Wizards of the Coast (WotC), which in turn was acquired by Hasbro in 1999, just as a new generation of players discovered and embraced D&D. In 2000, the introduction of the Open Game License (OGL) swung open the gates for third-party publishers to create TTRPG products based on the groundwork that D&D laid out.

Thanks to a growing and community of new players and creators, the updated fifth edition of D&D that was released in 2012, and access to media platforms like YouTube and Twitch, creators and celebrity players were able to bring their collaborative campaigns to a global audience. The fandom was expanding, but the biggest boom for D&D in the mainstream was still yet to come.

DUNGEONS & DRAGONS PLUSH COLLECTION KIDROBOT

The Kidrobot x Dungeons & Dragons plush collection expands with a range of products including collectible, 3-inch plush charms, giant plush, and interactive feature plush inspired by classic D&D lore and the new film.

MSRP: $9.99-42.99 | Available: Entertainment Earth, kidrobot.com

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DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: THE GOLDEN ARCHIVE COLLECTION HASBRO

Fans can collect a franchise-spanning assortment of 6-inch-scale action figures that kicks off with characters from the new movie. Each figure features premium articulation and deco. The first wave includes Edgin, Holga, Doric, Xenk, Simon, and Forge. A deluxe Owlbear/Doric figure hits stores this summer.

MSRP: $24.99-44.99 Available: mass and specialty retailers

D&D GOES UPSIDE DOWN Stranger Things hit Netflix in 2016, dropping a new breed of D&D-inspired storytelling into living rooms everywhere.

In the first episode, a 12-year-old disappears after leaving a D&D campaign with his friends, setting the stage for an adventure packed with other nods to D&D lore. The success of the series did something that earlier, official entertainment (a 1983 cartoon, a 2000 movie) failed to do: It pushed D&D into the mainstream.

“D&D is cooler than ever,” says Liz Schuh, director of product management for D&D at WotC. “While portrayals in pop media have certainly contributed to record-breaking sales year after year, we

at Wizards believe the ease of entry into the modern rules for the game has allowed more people to fall in love with rolling dice with your friends. It’s a lot easier to learn how to play by watching your favorite content creators out there doing the same.”

Chef Mike Haracz is a notable member of the D&D community — a Dungeon Master in a fifth edition campaign that usually plays a couple of times each month — and a content creator himself.

The former manager of culinary innovation at McDonald’s has seen the growth of the fandom in recent years. “I love spotting a good D&D reference in other

places like TV, movies, and media,” Haracz says. “Obviously folks like Critical Role, Dimension 20, and a highly engaged TTRPG community have helped launch D&D into what it is today. The success of things like The Legend of Vox Machina on Amazon Prime, plus future programming [on the way] is also increasing the fanbase.”

A DANGEROUS MISSTEP ON THE WAY TO THE MOVIES Hasbro and WotC accurately bet that the accelerated growth of D&D would spark box office success for Dungeons THEPOPINSIDER.COM | #FuelYourFandom | 59

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DUNGEONS & DRAGONS DESK PAD & COASTER SET FANATTIK

Fuel your D&D fandom with this large, micro-textured, fabric-topped desk pad and non-slip coaster set. The pad features reinforced edges and a non-slip rubber surface to keep your keyboard in place for work or gaming.

MSRP: $20.76 | Available: wearefanattik.com

& Dragons: Honor Among Thieves.

The heist film from Paramount Pictures topped the international box office in March supported by a full range of new toys, games, and must-have merch of every kind. Additionally, Paramount+ ordered eight episodes of a live-action D&D TV series from eOne, and rumors persist that an unscripted series will follow in the months ahead.

But in an unprecedented snafu, Hasbro and WotC rocked the boat with the D&D community by making plans to deauthorize and replace the original OGL just months before the movie hit screens. Linda Codega, an entertainment journalist for io9/Gizmodo, broke the story that (at least temporarily) fractured the fandom. “[The OGL] gave away the whole farm in 2000, and by 2020, it was clearly untenable with the edicts of Hasbro’s money-first decision-making,” Codega says. “It was simply a decision they had in the works for years and with the new film they saw an opportunity.”

With plans for a revised OGL that called for hefty royalties from third-party creators, the backlash was swift with calls to boycott the then-upcoming film.

Ultimately, Hasbro and WotC quickly abandoned plans for a change and openly admitted in a statement that “It’s clear from the reaction that we rolled a 1.”

Codega says that “a lot of folks have moved on to other games and systems.

This was a breaking point in a lot of ways.

I don’t think that the online community will ever fully embrace D&D again, and divestment from WotC will only strengthen the TTRPG industry as a whole.”

EXPANDING THE CAMPAIGN With the OGL debacle seemingly banished and the movie hailed as a success, D&D is everywhere. By taking a “something for everybody” approach, Hasbro and WotC have assembled an epic team of partners to create a consumer products program on par with the biggest brands on the planet.

“It was important to the team to create a toy line that would appeal to both new fans of D&D — where maybe their first experience with the brand would be seeing the movie — and more seasoned adventurers who have been playing for years and are already actively engaged,” says Emily Bader, manager of global brand development and marketing for D&D, Hasbro. “We ultimately created a blend of movie- and lore-inspired products that have cross-audience appeal and, quite frankly, look pretty awesome.”

Hasbro’s line spans everything from NERF blasters and Dicelings (big d20 replicas that convert into dragon figures) to Cartoon Classics and Golden Archive action figures.

And, if Hasbro’s 6-inch scale D&D action figures aren’t your thing, NECA is offering a premium 7-inch line and Super7 will welcome D&D into the growing world of its 3.75-inch-scale, 1980s-style

ReAction Figures this summer.

Fashion collaborations with DJ Steve Aoki’s Dim Mak and actor Joe Manganiello’s Death Saves will put fresh threads on Dungeon Masters’ backs, while companies like Uncanny Brands, Ata-Boy, and Fanattik will deliver D&D-inspired home appliances and collectibles.

But that’s just the beginning as Hasbro, WotC, and their partners gear up for next year’s 50th-anniversary celebration of the game that started it all. According to Schuh, “The D&D Team has a lot of amazing things up the sleeves of their wizard robes for the 50th anniversary.”

One project already confirmed to be looming on the horizon in 2024 is a feature-length D&D documentary from Manganiello, who will co-direct with Kyle Newman (Fanboys).

While the possibilities for where D&D could ultimately go on and off screen are endless, it’s still the original analog game that keeps adventurers coming back to the table for more. ✪

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: James Zahn, best-known as The Rock Father, is a senior editor of The Pop Insider and The Toy Insider and is the editor-in-chief of The Toy Book.

Frequently called upon for expert commentary on the toy industry, he has been featured in The New York Times and Forbes, and has appeared on Yahoo! Finance, CNBC, BBC, NBC, ABC, CBS, FOX, CNN, and more. Connect with him on LinkedIn or follow him on Twitter and Instagram @therockfather.

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2 3

4

5

1. D&D ULTIMATE 7-INCH ACTION FIGURES NECA

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3. D&D STARTER SET: DRAGONS OF STORMWRECK ISLE WIZARDS OF THE COAST

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4. DICE SCROLL MAP - SWORD COAST FOR D&D 7

ULTRAPRO

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5. D&D MIMIC’S MYSTERY CHOCOLATE BAR FYE

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6. D&D: THE YAWNING PORTAL GAME AVALON HILL

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7. D&D WAFFLE MAKER UNCANNY BRANDS

MSRP: $44.99 | Available: uncannybrands.com THEPOPINSIDER.COM | #FuelYourFandom | 61

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GEEK BOSS

RockLove Jewelry Founder Allison Cimino Photo: THEGINGERB3ARDMEN

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F

rom the sacred scarab beetle charms of Ancient Egypt to the crown jewels housed at the Tower of London, different cultures have told stories through jewelry since the beginning of time. This extends to pop culture, too, as jewelry takes on deeper meaning in TV shows, movies, and comic books, like Wonder Woman’s Bracelets of Submission and the Kimoyo beads seen in Black Panther.

RockLove Jewelry Founder Allison Cimino has made an entire career out of this type of storytelling, giving fans a way to express themselves through their bling.

As RockLove’s sole jewelry designer, Cimino crafts fandom-forward collections of rings, earrings, bracelets, and necklaces using precious metals; enamel; custom-cut crystals; and fair-trade, genuine gemstones. Cimino takes iconic characters and movie moments and translates them into jewelry infused with personality. Some of her calling cards include 3D sculpts and articulated pieces that move, flip, or reveal in unexpected ways to enhance the world-building magic of various fandoms, like the Pixar X RockLove Up Adventure Book Locket that opens to reveal colorful enamel balloons and an engraved message, the Star Wars X RockLove LOLA Droid Necklace with two hinged wing panels that flap up and down, and the Pokémon X RockLove Pikachu Earrings that make Pikachu look like he’s hanging through your ear lobe with a tail that wiggles back and forth.

“I knew that I had a passion for creating jewelry that could become more than mere adornment — pieces that could hold deep meaning for my customers and become sentimental talismans,” Cimino says.

Whether you want to give Top: Pokémon X RockLove Pikachu Earrings Bottom: Star Wars X RockLove Ahsoka Tano Rebels Ring | Source: RockLove

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your fandoms a subtle wink in an understated way or pile it on with extra pride, Cimino makes sure the attention is in the details. She has created dozens of collections spanning fandoms like Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Studio Ghibli, Star Wars, Star Trek, DC, Dungeons & Dragons, League of Legends, Magic: The Gathering, and Pokémon — and the RockLove collaborations continue to expand.

Cimino’s knack for jewelry design goes back to her childhood. She grew up playing with Lisa Frank plastic bead sets, Bedazzlers, and seed bead looms, and she always received a craft kit for every birthday and holiday gift. She even chose the role of town goldsmith when her third grade class created an interactive Medieval village.

“It wasn’t until college that I seriously considered jewelry design as a full-time career,” Cimino says. “A traumatic allergic reaction to a nose ring inspired me to study abroad, where I learned the intricacies of creating precious metal jewelry from scratch, allowing me to create and wear nickel-free jewelry that I could trust.”

After completing an apprenticeship in traditional jewelry-making techniques in Florence, Italy, Cimino moved to New York City and began working in the Diamond District. In 2007, she founded RockLove, with early collections inspired by gothic Victorian mourning and 1950s pinup imagery like anchors, nautical stars, and ship helms. She began handcrafting jewelry in her home studio and selling it online and at pop-up events, while also collaborating with musicians, authors, charities, and other artists.

In the performance world, when two artists across different disciplines are inspired to work together, they earn the nickname “rock loves,” expressing a mutual appreciation for each other’s talents and a desire to create something spectacular as they unite — a fitting inspiration for Cimino’s company name. Cimino’s RockLove projects eventually took on formal licensing deals that grew to include giants like Star Trek and Disney.

“I am particularly drawn to the intricate and fantastical worlds of Star Wars, Star Trek, Middle-earth, and other fantasy

Cimino wearing the Pixar X RockLove COCO Sugar Skull Earrings and Marigold Necklace Photo: THEGINGERB3ARDMEN

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GEEK BOSS

and science-fiction franchises,” Cimino says. “These fandoms offer an abundance of visual inspiration, from otherworldly creatures, technologies, languages, and garb, but they also convey greater messages about environmental awareness, inclusivity, unity, and hope. By incorporating elements from these fandoms into my designs, I aim to create pieces that not only appeal to fans of these worlds, but also to people who appreciate the deeper meaning and cultural significance behind the designs.”

Cimino has been a Trekkie since she was 7 years old, when she spent nights staying up late watching reruns of Star Trek: The Next Generation with her father. In a twist of fate, CBS contacted Cimino to create a line of Star Trek jewelry in 2014, and RockLove now focuses only on licensed pop culture collections.

That 7-year-old girl never would have imagined that she would later create a necklace prop that would appear on Star Trek: Picard.

“That is a total fandom root for her,” says Allison “LuLu” Lazar, RockLove’s chief operations officer and chief experience officer, who has worked with Cimino for the past 10 years. “When she saw the Omega necklace on screen and Sir Patrick Stewart handled it, she was like, ‘Oh my gosh, this is the moment. Sir Patrick Stewart has touched my work.’”

Fellow Trekkies can get their own Dahj & Soji Omega Necklace from RockLove, made from the same sculpts as the jewelry made for the TV series. RockLove also has a Women of Star Trek collection featuring earring replicas of some pieces worn by inspiring women from three different Star Trek series; a Klingon collection inspired by the Klingon armor in Star Trek: Discovery; and a Crystal Delta collection featuring Starfleet insignias in garnet red, citrine yellow, and sapphire blue crystals to represent the Starfleet uniform colors.

RockLove’s influence extends from outer space to Wakanda as well. The late actor Chadwick Boseman wore RockLove’s original Kimoyo Bead Bracelet during the Black Panther press tour after

“I knew that I had a passion for creating jewelry that could become more than mere adornment — pieces that could hold deep meaning for my customers and become sentimental talismans.”

— RockLove Founder Allison Cimino

Cimino studied precious metal jewelry craftsmanship in Florence, Italy. | Photo: THEGINGERB3ARDMEN

64 | Issue No. 16 | THE POP INSIDER

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Cimino spent a year in collaboration with Marvel Studios for its development. “It is always an exciting and rewarding experience to see celebrities wearing my designs, particularly when they are the actors or creative minds that bring the fandoms we love to life,” Cimino says. “These moments are truly indescribable, and I feel honored to have played a small role in the world of entertainment.”

RockLove first released the Black Panther Kimoyo Bead Bracelet in 2018, and then rereleased it last year with some upgrades: The new version has a Legacy-edition prime bead with a glass core and “Wakanda Forever” engraved glyphs.

“When Chadwick Boseman passed, it was a huge loss,” Lazar says. “Allison said she wasn’t ever going to release the Kimoyo Beads again just because of that direct connection, but in a way of honoring both Chadwick Boseman and the potentials of the future, she donated $25,000 to the United Negro College Fund prior to us releasing the Kimoyo Beads to create a positive

sensibility around it, but also hoping that her one impact — RockLove’s impact — will give bright and exciting futures to those who that fund goes out to.”

As an all-women team, RockLove boldly goes where no man has gone before, and Cimino makes it a point to support other women in whatever ways she can. Although the jewelry designs are meant to be unisex, RockLove uses a family-owned, woman-run factory and has several collections supporting strong women. In addition to the Women of Star Trek collection, all of RockLove’s exclusives at D23 Expo 2022 were dedicated to empowering female characters from Disney, Marvel, and Star Wars.

As RockLove approaches its 15th anniversary, there are some exciting collections in the pipeline, including collaborations with video game producers Sony PlayStation, Activision Blizzard, and Bandai Namco. Cimino will continue to use jewelry designing as a medium to tell stories, limelighting the details that create the fabric of a fandom. ✪

Left: Disney X RockLove The Princess and the Frog Storybook Pendant, Star Trek X RockLove Yellow Crystal Delta Collection, and Marvel X RockLove Black Panther Legacy Collection | Source: RockLove Below: Cimino sketching jewelry designs | Photo: THEGINGERB3ARDMEN

"All successive text and paragraphs are Uni Neue Heavy Italic 11 pt. with a 17 pt. leading. All successive text and paragraphs are Uni Neue Heavy Italic 11 pt. with a 17 pt. leading.

All successive text and paragraphs are Uni Neue Heavy Italic 11 pt. with a 17 pt. leading."

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