As I mentioned before, the craze of limited edition designer vinyl toys is sweeping not only the nation but the world. The problem is with toys/figures like these, when a trend gets super popular everyone wants in on the act and the money that comes with it. With that said, some of the big boys in toy making are making their move into the niche designer toy market.
Hasbro has recently released the first wave of its new 6 inch vinyl toy line Mighty Muggs. I’m not sure how successful this line will be in the eyes of vinyl collectors, but with an entry point of $9.99 and the mass release of the figures at stores like Target, Wal-Mart and other similar retail stores around the country these cute little guys should be very appealing to youngsters. Ultimately this is great for the designer toy market as it introduces vinyl toys to people at a younger age, which will expose more people to designer toys and in the process grow the market for such a product.
I saw the Han Solo and Chewie figures at Target the other day and almost couldn’t resist buying them, but I decided to hold out for either the Bobba Fett or a hopefully released one day Lando Calrissian. That is if Hasbro comes to their sense and produces the pimpest character in the Star Wars universe. Who else could pull off the line “Colt 45…Works every time?” But enough about my Billy Dee Williams obsession.
The first wave of Series 1 Star Wars Mighty Muggs includes the previously mentioned Han Solo, Chewbacca and Bobba Fett figures, as well as Darth Vader. Wave 2 will include Fett, Vader, Darth Maul and a Stormtrooper.
Series 2 is already being advertised online and will include Luke Skywalker, Mace Windu, C-3P0 and Obi-Wan Kenobi.
Coming in March of ’08 Hasbro will also be releasing a line of Marvel Legends Mighty Muggs. Series 1 will include Spider-Man, Iron Man, Wolverine and Venom. Here’s hoping a Jamie Madrox, the Multiple Man won’t be far behind!
