Warner Bros. Consumer Products kicked off the world's largest toy trade show, the 2005 American International Toy Fair -- in New York City from Feb. 20-23, 2005 -- with a new lineup of licensed toys and products inspired by one of the world's most popular superhero franchises: BATMAN.
Delivering more Batman action than ever before, Warner Bros. Consumer Products and its partners lead this year's show with a licensing program that captures the Caped Crusader in all his forms, including a new toy and electronics line inspired by this summer's upcoming theatrical release, BATMAN BEGINS; Warner Bros. Animation's new television series, THE BATMAN; as well as toys based on the classic Batman, from the pages of DC Comics. The lineup from key partners includes Mattel, Thinkway, Techno Source, Art Asylum, Rubies Costumes, Corgi USA and Craig/Kid Station Electronics, among others.
"BATMAN is one of the largest and most distinguished franchises of all time and we're excited to bring several diverse toy lines to fans of all ages," said Dan Romanelli, president, Warner Bros. Worldwide Consumer Products. "The world of Batman, with its strong appeal, suspense, action, strength, speed and agility, provides an array of material for our licensees to draw upon in their product lines. The creativity, expertise and strength of our partners will be on display with a collection of products that reflects the true spirit of Batman. Our slate is full as we look ahead to a multitude of television and film properties that are relevant to the all-important toy category."
In addition to Batman, Warner Bros. Consumer Products brings to the trade show CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY. From puzzles, to games, to activity sets and more, licensees including Funrise Toy Corp and Games For All Reasons will unveil an enchanting new collection based on the upcoming Tim Burton film.
A new line of toys from Mattel, LEGO and others, based on the latest film in the Harry Potter saga, HARRY POTTER AND THE GOBLET OF FIRE, will focus on magical and imaginative play patterns. In addition, McFarlane Toys introduces its new product lineup based on Tim Burton's stop-motion animated fantasy feature film, CORPSE BRIDE. Capturing the film experience, this line will include collectible action figures, bendable figures, PVC and plush toys, fashion dolls, bobbleheads, novelties, gifts and more.
Television properties will be supported by a number of key licensees. Warner Bros. Consumer Products and Cartoon Network recently announced that Mattel has been appointed the master toy licensee for Cartoon Network's newest hit animated television show, HI HI PUFFY AMIYUMI. Mattel is planning to launch a full line of toys at retail, beginning in fall 2005.
Other top-notch licensees from Warner Bros Consumer Products, such as JAKKS Pacific, Pop Rocket, Bandai America, KIDdesigns, Wizards of the Coast and more are debuting their collections at Toy Fair, showcasing many of their new and ageless properties, including SCOOBY-DOO, JUSTICE LEAGUE, TEEN TITANS, CODENAME: KIDS NEXT DOOR and others.
Warner Bros. Consumer Products, a Warner Bros. Ent. Co., is one of the leading licensing and retail merchandising organizations in the world.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
