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Hasbro 2012 International Licensing Expo Press Release

Date: Monday, June 11th 2012 3:44pm CDT
Categories: Press Releases, Company News
Posted by: El Duque | Credit(s): Hasbro

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Hasbro has issued the following press release regarding their presence at tomorrow's 2012 International Licensing Expo in Las Vegas:

June 11, 2012

Hasbro Film, Television Programming and Licensed Merchandise Driving Global Retail Growth

LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Hasbro, Inc. (NASDAQ: HAS) is set to arrive at the 2012 International Licensing Expo in Las Vegas on June 12 to showcase its global mega brands, including TRANSFORMERS, NERF, MY LITTLE PONY, LITTLEST PET SHOP, MONOPOLY, PLAYSKOOL and G.I. JOE. Ranked as a top 10 global licensor based on annual retail sales, Hasbro is continuing to expand its worldwide licensing programs, invest in resources and talent and generate incremental revenues from merchandise, digital gaming, box office and television programming.

"Hasbro continues to accelerate its retail footprint based on highly innovative and on-trend licensed merchandise and supporting programs that resonate with today's global consumer," said Simon Waters, Senior Vice President, Global Brand Licensing and Publishing at Hasbro. "Our track record and relationships with retailers and licensees worldwide has positioned the company to become the preeminent provider of immersive lifestyle brand experiences for the entire family."

This year's show lineup underscores Hasbro's global momentum at retail through key licensing categories including apparel, publishing, consumer electronics, digital gaming, home, food, and toys. Brands such as BATTLESHIP, TRANSFORMERS, MY LITTLE PONY and LITTLEST PET SHOP are also anchored by major motion picture releases as well as hit television programming created by Hasbro Studios and broadcast on more than 30 networks in more than 160 countries.

TRANSFORMERS
Hasbro's iconic TRANSFORMERS brand has become one of the most successful entertainment franchises of the 21st century and features the heroic AUTOBOTS and the villainous DECEPTICONS engaged in an epic battle on multiple story telling platforms including film, television, digital gaming, publishing and theme parks. Hasbro provides its broad TRANSFORMERS fan base with high value, age-appropriate merchandise including digital gaming, toys, apparel, sporting goods and more.

MY LITTLE PONY
The MY LITTLE PONY franchise continues to be a worldwide favorite with fans of all ages, largely fueled by the global popularity of the MY LITTLE PONY: FRIENDSHIP IS MAGIC animated series which airs in more than 160 countries and is also available on iTunes as well as Netflix. The extensive merchandising program reaches across all major categories including apparel, publishing, toys and accessories.

LITTLEST PET SHOP
Ranked as one of the toy industry's top brands for girls as well as one of the hottest lifestyle properties, the demand for LITTLEST PET SHOP remains strong in 2012 with licensed products in more than 20 categories, including apparel, accessories, publishing and domestics. The momentum will continue to roll throughout the year as tween girls eagerly await the launch of the new Hasbro Studio animated comedy series that centers on the life of a fun-loving, human character, Blythe and the adventures of the pets that she cares for at the LITTLEST PET SHOP. The series is slated to premiere later this year in the U.S., with expected international expansion to follow.

NERF
Hasbro continues to expand its NERF franchise through targeted social media campaigns, cutting-edge technology and captivating competitive events. With more than 60 licensees signed on, the No. 1 blaster property will expand its presence in a host of licensing categories, including sporting goods, electronics, accessories and apparel. The NERF brand provides fans with the ultimate in exciting, high-action gear for competitive play with key collaborations such as the Nike and NBA All-Star Kevin Durant program, as well as the edgy fashion statements created by Second Chance and No Fear in Europe.

About Hasbro
Hasbro, Inc. (NASDAQ: HAS) is a branded play company providing children and families around the world with a wide-range of immersive entertainment offerings based on the Company's world class brand portfolio. From toys and games, to television programming, motion pictures, digital gaming and a comprehensive licensing program, Hasbro strives to delight its global customers with well-known and beloved brands such as TRANSFORMERS, LITTLEST PET SHOP, NERF, PLAYSKOOL, MY LITTLE PONY, G.I. JOE, MAGIC: THE GATHERING and MONOPOLY. The Company's Hasbro Studios develops and produces television programming for markets around the world. The Hub TV Network is part of a multi-platform joint venture between Hasbro and Discovery Communications (NASDAQ: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK), in the U.S. Through the company's deep commitment to corporate social responsibility, including philanthropy, Hasbro is helping to build a safe and sustainable world for future generations and to positively impact the lives of millions of children and families every year. It has been recognized for its efforts by being named one of the "World's Most Ethical Companies" and is ranked as one of Corporate Responsibility Magazine's "100 Best Corporate Citizens." Learn more at http://www.hasbro.com.

© 2012 Hasbro, Inc. All Rights Reserved

HAS-LIC

Official Images: Hasbro SDCC 2012 Exclusives

Date: Thursday, June 7th 2012 11:17pm CDT
Categories: Cartoon News, Toy News, Event News, Game News, Company News
Posted by: El Duque

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Our friends at Hasbro have supplied us with the official images of the their exclusives for this year's SDCC. Not just the Transformers exclusives, we've got them all: G.I.Joe, My Little Pony, Star Wars, and Marvel. Click here to view the full gallery of SDCC 2012 Hasbro exclusives.

This year's Transformers exclusives include:

• The Transformers/G.I.Joe Crossover H.I.S.S. Tank Shockwave set, which features Destro, a Constructicon deco B.A.T., Tiny Soundwave with cassettes, and more.
  
• Transformers Prime "Rust In Peace" Zombie Cliffjumper with Dark Energon accessories in special packaging
  
• Transformers: Fall of Cybertron Bruticus Giftset in game accurate deco

Activision Publishing Highlights Immersive and Innovative Slate of Video Games at E3

Date: Monday, June 4th 2012 9:40am CDT
Categories: Event News, Game News, Press Releases, Company News
Posted by: Seibertron | Credit(s): Activision

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


ACTIVISION PUBLISHING HIGHLIGHTS IMMERSIVE AND INNOVATIVE SLATE OF VIDEO GAMES AT ELECTRONIC ENTERTAINMENT EXPO 2012

Slate Features Three Blockbuster Franchises- Call Of Duty®: Black Ops II, Skylanders Giants™ And Transformers™: Fall Of Cybertron

Santa Monica, CA - June 4, 2012 - Cutting-edge innovation and experiential digital entertainment will be on display from Activision Publishing, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Activision Blizzard, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI), at the 2012 Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3 Expo) taking place at the Los Angeles Convention Center on June 5 - 7, 2012. Highly anticipated and fan-favorite titles Call of Duty®: Black Ops II, Skylanders Giants™ and TRANSFORMERS™: FALL OF CYBERTRON lead Activision's line-up of blockbuster titles being showcased in the South Hall, booth #647.

"The level of creativity driving video games has never been greater. Our industry has the greatest talent in the world and E3 gives us all a chance to showcase the innovative titles that will continue to make games the leading form of entertainment today," said Eric Hirschberg, CEO of Activision Publishing. "This year's line-up is one of our strongest, and we can't wait for our fans to see for themselves."

Activision's full E3 Slate Includes:
Call of Duty: Black Ops II - The most groundbreaking and ambitious Call of Duty to date, Call of Duty: Black Ops II pushes the boundaries of the record-setting franchise and will turn the future black for everyone worldwide on November 13th. Set in the year 2025, Call of Duty: Black Ops II propels players into a near-future, introducing them to a fiction that is taking root in today's headlines. Advanced weaponry, robotics and drone warfare define the battle space and challenges players to ask, "What happens when someone steals the keys" and turns our greatest strengths into our greatest weaknesses? Strike Force Levels bring a fresh take on single-player missions, introducing players to sandbox-style gameplay and branching storylines for the first time in franchise history. With equally ambitious Zombies and multiplayer modes yet to be unveiled, Call of Duty: Black Ops II delivers the complete package, offering fans the most expansive Call of Duty experience ever. (Developed by Treyarch for Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and Windows PC.; not yet rated by the ESRB.)

Skylanders Giants - Skylanders Giants builds upon the breakthrough fundamentals of the Skylanders Spyro's Adventure™-- merging the physical and virtual realms with an innovative line of cross-platform toys with "brains," which players everywhere can magically bring to life in the world of Skylands. Using the mystical Portal of Power®, players once again lead a team of heroic Skylanders in a new adventure to save their world. Portal Masters will journey through new areas of Skylands, encountering new enemies, solving fun puzzles, overcoming different hazards and obstacles, and finding a variety of collectable rewards and treasure. Skylanders Giants introduces sixteen new characters to build on the magic of Skylanders Spyro's Adventures, including super-sized giants with powers to match, as well as the new LightCore™ Skylanders that light-up in the game and in the real-world as players transport them to Skylands using the Portal of Power. Additionally, the game features new Hero Challenges, more Battle Mode gameplay, and advanced integration across console, handheld, mobile and Skylanders UniverseSM. (Developed by Toys for Bob for Wii™, Nintendo 3DS™, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 system, Windows PC and mobile devices; not yet rated by the ESRB.)

TRANSFORMERS: FALL OF CYBERTRON - TRANSFORMERS: FALL OF CYBERTRON allows players to experience the darkest hours of the war between the AUTOBOTS and DECEPTICONS as they vie for control of their dying home world. Fans will fight through both sides of the TRANSFORMERS' most epic battles that culminate in their legendary exodus from CYBERTRON. With the stakes higher than ever, players will embark on an action-packed journey through massive, war-torn environments designed around each character's unique abilities and alternate forms, including GRIMLOCK's nearly indestructible T-Rex form and the legendary COMBATICONS combining into the colossal BRUTICUS. Taking the franchise's competitive multiplayer to all-new heights, TRANSFORMERS: FALL OF CYBERTRON lets fans go head-to-head in blistering AUTOBOT vs. DECEPTICON matches after creating their own unique characters with the most in-depth, advanced customization ever before seen in a TRANSFORMERS game. Additionally, High Moon Studios is announcing at E3 that they have listened to the passionate PC fans and have been working closely with fellow developer Mercenary Technology to create a PC sku that will launch day and date with the console versions on August 28. (Developed by High Moon Studios for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 system and by Mercenary Technology for Windows PC; rated "T" for Teen on all platforms by the ESRB.)

The Amazing Spider-Man™ - Go beyond Sony Picture Entertainment's Columbia Pictures feature film and find out what happens next in The Amazing Spider-Man video game, which brings Spider-Man's free-roaming, web-slinging action back to New York City. Players take on the role of a young Peter Parker discovering his new Spider-Man powers and added Super Hero responsibilities, using the game's innovative Web Rush mechanic to swing freely around Manhattan, combat a variety of criminal activities and take on classic Marvel Super Villains, such as Rhino, Iguana, Felicia Hardy and more. Set against an original story crafted by Hollywood writer Seamus Kevin Fahey (Spartacus: Vengeance, Spartacus: Gods of the Arena, Battlestar Galactica) that takes place entirely after the events of the upcoming feature film, The Amazing Spider-Man video game delivers an immersive and cinematic adventure allowing players to truly harness the power of your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man. (Developed by Beenox for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 system, Wii, and Nintendo 3DS, with a Windows PC version slated for release later in the year; developed by Other Ocean for Nintendo DS™; rated "T" for Teen on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 system and Wii and "E10+" on Nintendo DS by the ESRB.)

007™ Legends - Celebrating the Bond franchise's 50th anniversary, the latest installment in the video game series - 007 Legends - launches gamers back through time to relive a selection of James Bond's iconic and intense undercover missions from the popular films. A first-of-its-kind Bond video game, 007 Legends features an original, overarching storyline tying together five classic Bond movie-inspired missions plus a sixth mission based on this year's highly-anticipated movie - SKYFALL - which will be available post launch as free downloadable content, to offer the most diverse Bond gaming experience yet! Delivering the action that gamers expect from a Bond game, 007 Legends equips players with state-of-the-art spy gadgets, an arsenal of weapons, and sleek vehicles as they jet off to exotic locations and utilize Bond's unmatched combat abilities, quick wits, class and style to take down notorious villains and their brutal henchmen and perform impressive stunts. (Developed by Eurocom for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 system and Windows PC; not yet rated by the ESRB.)

Family Guy: Back to the Multiverse - Family Guy: Back to the Multiverse features an all-new original narrative which is an expansion on the popular episode, "Road to the Multiverse", turning the outrageous world of Family Guy into an action-packed video game filled with nods to the long-running comedy. Playing as either Stewie or Brian, each with unique abilities and weapons, players will battle their favorite Family Guy characters as they advance through 'Multiverse' themed levels in their pursuit to battle Stewie's evil twin, Bertram, who has returned and is hell-bent on destroying Quahog. Fans will also be able to team up in co-op multiplayer mode or compete against each other in competitive multiplayer levels - all with a Family Guy twist. (Developed by Heavy Iron for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 system; not yet rated by the ESRB.)

For assets and more information on Activision's E3 video game line-up, please visit http://www.activision.com/presscenter.

About Marvel Entertainment
Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world's most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of over 8,000 characters featured in a variety of media over seventy years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in entertainment, licensing and publishing. For more information visit www.marvel.com.

About Hasbro
Hasbro, Inc (NASDAQ: HAS) is a branded play company providing children and families around the world with a wide-range of immersive entertainment offerings based on the Company's world class brand portfolio. From toys and games, to television programming, motion pictures, digital gaming and a comprehensive licensing program, Hasbro strives to delight its global customers with well-known and beloved brands such as TRANSFORMERS, LITTLEST PET SHOP, NERF, PLAYSKOOL, MY LITTLE PONY, G.I. JOE, MAGIC: THE GATHERING and MONOPOLY. The Company's Hasbro Studios develops and produces television programming for markets around the world. The Hub TV Network is part of a multi-platform joint venture between Hasbro and Discovery Communications (NASDAQ: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK), in the U.S. Through the company's deep commitment to corporate social responsibility, including philanthropy, Hasbro is helping to build a safe and sustainable world for future generations and to positively impact the lives of millions of children and families every year. It has been recognized for its efforts by being named one of the "World's Most Ethical Companies" and is ranked as one of Corporate Responsibility Magazine's "100 Best Corporate Citizens." Learn more at www.hasbro.com

About FAMILY GUY
FAMILY GUY follows the adventures of endearingly ignorant dad Peter Griffin and his hilariously odd family of middle-class New Englanders - wife Lois, daughter Meg, son Chris, baby Stewie and dog Brian - in Quahog, Rhode Island. The animated series, which features the voice talents of Seth MacFarlane, Alex Borstein, Seth Green and Mila Kunis, is a 20th Century Fox Television production. Seth MacFarlane is creator/executive producer. Mark Hentemann and Steve Callaghan serve as executive producers/showrunners, while Chris Sheridan, Danny Smith, Alec Sulkin and Wellesley Wild are executive producers. Become a fan of FAMILY GUY on Facebook at www.facebook.com/familyguy and follow the series on Twitter at www.twitter.com/familyguyonfox (@familyguyonfox).

About Twentieth Century Fox Consumer Products
A recognized industry leader, Twentieth Century Fox Consumer Products licenses and markets properties worldwide on behalf of Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation, Twentieth Television and Fox Broadcasting Company, as well as third-party lines. The division is aligned with Twentieth Century Fox Television, one of the top suppliers of primetime entertainment programming to the broadcast networks.

About Activision Publishing, Inc.
Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Activision Publishing, Inc. is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and leisure products.

Activision maintains operations in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Sweden, Spain, Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, Australia, China and the region of Taiwan. More information about Activision and its products can be found on the company's website, www.activision.com.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Statements: Information in this press release that involves Activision Publishing's expectations, plans, intentions or strategies regarding the future, including statements about the expected release dates of CALL OF DUTY: BLACK OPS II, THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN, TRANSFORMERS: FALL OF CYBERTRON, 007 LEGENDS, SKYLANDERS GIANTS, and FAMILY GUY: BACK TO THE MULTIVERSE, are forward-looking statements that are not facts and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause Activision Publishing's actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements set forth in this release include unanticipated product delays and other factors identified in the risk factors sections of Activision Blizzard's most recent annual report on Form 10-K and any subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. The forward-looking statements in this release are based upon information available to Activision Publishing and Activision Blizzard as of the date of this release, and neither Activision Publishing nor Activision Blizzard assumes any obligation to update any such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements believed to be true when made may ultimately prove to be incorrect. These statements are not guarantees of the future performance of Activision Publishing or Activision Blizzard and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond its control and may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations.


Microsoft, Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox LIVE, and the Xbox logos are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies.

"PlayStation" is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

Wii, Nintendo DS and Nintendo 3DS are trademarks of Nintendo.

SKYLANDERS GIANTS, SKYLANDERS SPYRO'S ADVENTURE, and LIGHTCORE are trademarks; SPYRO'S UNIVERSE is a service mark; and CALL OF DUTY, CALL OF DUTY BLACK OPS, SPYRO, PORTAL OF POWER, and ACTIVISION are registered trademarks of Activision Publishing, Inc.

HASBRO and its logo, TRANSFORMERS, and its associated characters are trademarks of Hasbro and are used with permission. ©2012 Hasbro. All rights reserved. Game ©2012 Activision Publishing, Inc.

MARVEL, Spider-Man, and all related characters: TM & © 2012 Marvel Entertainment, LLC and its subsidiaries. Licensed by Marvel Characters B.V. www.marvel.com. Game © 2012 Activision Publishing, Inc.

007 Legends and related James Bond trademarks ©1962-2011 Danjaq, LLC and United Artists Corporation. 007TM and related James Bond trademarks are trademarks of Danjaq, LLC and licensed by EON. Game code ©2012 Activision Publishing, Inc.

All other trademarks and trade names are the properties of their respective owners.

Paramount Delays G.I.Joe: Retaliation Until March 2013

Date: Wednesday, May 23rd 2012 10:34pm CDT
Categories: Press Releases, Company News, Digital Media News
Posted by: El Duque | Credit(s): L.A. Times, Yahoo! Finance

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This isn't Transformers news, but considering the long standing connection between the two fandoms we decided to put this on the homepage. This Summer's highly anticipated G.I.Joe: Retaliation has been delayed until 2013! Despite being a mere five weeks away from the film's release date, the millions already spent promoting the film, and the toys already showing up on retail shelves, Paramount has pushed the release date back until March 29th of next year. The main reason for the delay appears to be a decision to post convert the film to 3D.

Los Angeles Times wrote:The move surprised even the film's director, Jon M. Chu, who early this week still expected the movie to open next month.

In an interview Monday with The Times, the 32-year-old director expressed excitement about the impending release date and a new trailer, and sounded like a filmmaker who felt he had already cleared the toughest hurdles of post-production.

"It's been a crazy journey but we're almost there," he said. "I'm excited for people to finally see it or even finally get a glimpse. I'm really excited about it."

The full L.A. Times article can be read by clicking here.

See the official press release below:

PAWTUCKET, R.I.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Hasbro, Inc (NASDAQ:HAS - News), and Paramount Pictures, announced today that G.I. JOE: RETALIATION will now be released in 3D. The film, originally slated for release in June 2012, is scheduled to be released March 29, 2013.
“It is increasingly evident that 3D resonates with movie-goers globally and together with Paramount, we made the decision to bring fans an even more immersive entertainment experience,” said Brian Goldner, Hasbro’s President and CEO.
“In 2012, we continue to have several strong motion picture and television entertainment backed properties that are selling well at retail and our entertainment strategy remains strong and on-track,” Goldner said. “Through our own Hasbro Studios for television and in partnership with several movie studios including Paramount, Universal, Sony and Relativity, we are creating entertainment experiences around many of our highly popular iconic brands. For the full year 2012, we continue to believe, absent the impact of foreign exchange, we will again grow revenues and earnings per share.”
Certain statements in this release contain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements include expectations concerning the Company’s potential performance in 2012, including with respect to its revenues and earnings per share, and business goals and may be identified by the use of forward-looking words or phrases. The Company's actual actions or results may differ materially from those expected or anticipated in the forward-looking statements due to both known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Specific factors that might cause such a difference include, but are not limited to: (i) the Company's ability to design, manufacture, source and ship new and continuing products on a timely and cost-effective basis, as well as interest in and purchase of those products by retail customers and consumers in quantities and at prices that will be sufficient to profitably recover the Company’s development, manufacturing, marketing, royalty and other costs; (ii) global economic conditions, including recessions, credit crises or other economic shocks or downturns which can negatively impact the retail and/or credit markets, the financial health of the Company’s retail customers and consumers, and consumer and business confidence, and which can result in lower employment levels, less consumer disposable income, and lower consumer spending, including lower spending on purchases of the Company’s products; (iii) other factors which can lower discretionary consumer spending, such as higher costs for fuel and food, drops in the value of homes or other consumer assets, and high levels of consumer debt; (iv) other economic and public health conditions in the markets in which the Company and its customers and suppliers operate which impact the Company's ability and cost to manufacture and deliver products, such as higher fuel and other commodity prices, higher labor costs, higher transportation costs, outbreaks of disease which affect public health and the movement of people and goods, and other factors, including government regulations, which can create potential manufacturing and transportation delays or impact costs; (v) currency fluctuations, including movements in foreign exchange rates, which can lower the Company’s net revenues and earnings, and significantly impact the Company’s costs; (vi) delays, increased costs or difficulties associated with the development and release of planned entertainment supporting the Company’s products and brands and consumer interest in and acceptance of such entertainment; (vii) the concentration of the Company's customers, potentially increasing the negative impact to the Company of difficulties experienced by any of the Company’s customers or changes by the Company’s customers in their purchasing or selling patterns; (viii) greater than expected costs, or unexpected delays or difficulties, associated with the Company’s investment in its joint venture with Discovery Communications, LLC, to operate THE HUB network and the creation of new content to appear on the network and elsewhere; (ix) consumer interest in and acceptance of the joint venture network, and programming created by Hasbro Studios, and other factors impacting the financial performance of the joint venture and Hasbro Studios; (x) greater than expected costs or unexpected delays or difficulties associated with the creation of Hasbro’s Gaming Center of Excellence and the execution of the Company’s strategy for driving innovation and immersive play experiences in its gaming business; (xi) unexpected delays or difficulties in the Company’s execution of its plans to drive growth and increased profitability in its U.S. and Canada business; (xii) the inventory policies of the Company’s retail customers, including retailers’ potential decisions to lower the inventories they are willing to carry, even if it results in lost sales, as well as the concentration of the Company's revenues in the second half and fourth quarter of the year, which coupled with reliance by retailers on quick response inventory management techniques increases the risk of underproduction of popular items, overproduction of less popular items and failure to achieve tight and compressed shipping schedules; (xiii) work stoppages, slowdowns or strikes, which may impact the Company's ability to manufacture or deliver product in a timely and cost-effective manner; (xiv) the bankruptcy or other lack of success of one of the Company's significant retailers which could negatively impact the Company's revenues or bad debt exposure; (xv) the impact of competition on revenues, margins and other aspects of the Company's business, including the ability to secure, maintain and renew popular licenses and the ability to attract and retain talented employees in a competitive environment; (xvi) concentration of manufacturing for many of the Company’s products in the People’s Republic of China and the associated impact to the Company of public health conditions and other factors affecting social and economic activity in China, affecting the movement of products into and out of China, and impacting the cost of producing products in China and exporting them to other countries; (xvii) the risk of product recalls or product liability suits and costs associated with product safety regulations; (xviii) other market conditions, third party actions or approvals and the impact of competition which could reduce demand for the Company’s products or delay or increase the cost of implementation of the Company's programs or alter the Company's actions and reduce actual results; (xix) the risk that anticipated benefits of acquisitions may not occur or be delayed or reduced in their realization; and (xx) other risks and uncertainties as may be detailed from time to time in the Company's public announcements and Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) filings. The Company undertakes no obligation to make any revisions to the forward-looking statements contained in this release or to update them to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this release.
About Hasbro
Hasbro, Inc. (NASDAQ:HAS - News) is a branded play company providing children and families around the world with a wide-range of immersive entertainment offerings based on the Company's world class brand portfolio. The Company’s five major motion pictures to date have generated more than $3 billion dollars at the global box office. From toys and games, to television programming, motion pictures, digital gaming and a comprehensive licensing program, Hasbro strives to delight its global customers with innovative, well-known and beloved brands such as TRANSFORMERS, LITTLEST PET SHOP, NERF, PLAYSKOOL, MY LITTLE PONY, G.I. JOE, MAGIC: THE GATHERING and MONOPOLY. The Company’s Hasbro Studios develops and produces television programming for markets around the world. Programming in the U.S. is distributed on The Hub TV Network, a multi-platform joint venture between Hasbro and Discovery Communications (NASDAQ: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK). Through the Company's deep commitment to corporate social responsibility, including philanthropy, Hasbro is helping to build a safe and sustainable world for future generations and to positively impact the lives of millions of children and families every year. It has been recognized for its efforts by being named one of the “World’s Most Ethical Companies” and is ranked as one of Corporate Responsibility Magazine’s “100 Best Corporate Citizens.” Learn more at http://www.hasbro.com.

Transformers: Prime wins one Daytime Emmy Award, also nominated in four other categories

Date: Thursday, May 10th 2012 10:41am CDT
Categories: Cartoon News, Event News, Press Releases, People News, Company News, Digital Media News
Posted by: Delicon | Credit(s): The Hub, The Daytime Emmy Awards

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Courtesy of the following press release from The Hub, we now know that Transformers: Prime has been nominated in several categories for the 39th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards. Not only that, but Christophe Vacher, Supervising Color Designer for TF:Prime has already been announced as the winner for "Outstanding Individual Achievement in Animation."

Prime has also been nominated for "Outstanding Directing in an Animated Program," "Outstanding Achivement in Sound Editing - Animation," "Oustanding Achievement in Sound Mixing - Animation" and perhaps most importantly for "Outstanding Special Class Animated Program."

Here is the Hub's press release which also features the network's other nominees.

Hub TV Network Receives 14 Daytime Emmy Nominations

For Immediate Release
May 9, 2012

PROGRAMMING ON THE HUB TV NETWORK HONORED WITH 14 DAYTIME EMMY® AWARD NOMINATIONS AND ONE EARLY WIN FOR ‘TRANSFORMERS PRIME’

Nominations for Series “Transformers Prime,” “R.L. Stine’s The Haunting Hour: The Series,” “Family Game Night,” and “My Little Pony Friendship is Magic”

LOS ANGELES – Original television series on The Hub Television Network were honored with 14 nominations this morning when the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) announced this year’s Daytime Emmy® Awards honoring outstanding achievements in all fields of daytime television production. The programming on The Hub TV Network, a destination for kids and their families, was honored with the multiple nominations and one earlyDaytime Emmy®Award win for Outstanding Individual Achievement in Animation for “Transformers Prime.”

In addition to its nomination for Outstanding Special Class Animated Program, “Transformers Prime” was also nominated in three other categories. “R.L. Stine’s The Haunting Hour: The Series” received seven nominations. The pop-culture phenomenon series “My Little Pony Friendship is Magic” earned two nominations, while game show host Todd Newton of “Family Game Night” gained his second consecutive nomination.
“We’re thrilled that our programming has been honored with multiple nominations. It’s a significant recognition of our commitment to being a destination for quality programming,” said Margaret Loesch, President and CEO, The Hub. “It’s also a deserving salute to the outstanding work of the many individuals at our various production companies who make these great programs.”

“Transformers Prime” (Saturdays at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT) is produced by Hasbro Studios. “R.L. Stine’s The Haunting Hour: The Series” (Saturdays at 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT) is produced by Front Street Pictures in association with The Hatchery, LLC. “My Little Pony Friendship is Magic” (Saturdays at 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT) and “Family Game Night” (Saturdays at 3 p.m. ET/12 noon p.m. PT) are also produced by Hasbro Studios.

A full list of The Hub’s Daytime Emmy® Award nominees follows:

OUTSTANDING SPECIAL CLASS ANIMATED PROGRAM
“Transformers Prime”
Roberto Orci, Executive Producer
Stephen Davis, Executive Producer
Shuzo Shiota, Executive Producer
Alex Kurtzman, Executive Producer
Jeff Kline, Executive Producer
Duane Capizzi, Supervising Producer
Mandy Safavi, Producer
Rafael Ruthchild, Producer
Shinji Santoh, Producer
Meiko Sato, Line Producer
Therese Trujillo, Animation Producer

OUTSTANDING GAME SHOW HOST
TODD NEWTON, as HOST
“Family Game Night”

OUTSTANDING PERFORMER IN A CHILDREN'S SERIES
DAKOTA GOYO, as JOSH
“R.L. Stine's The Haunting Hour: The Series”

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN COSTUME DESIGN/STYLING
“R.L. Stine's The Haunting Hour: The Series”
Farnaz Kahaki-Sadigh, Costume Designer
Natalie Simon, Costume Designer

OUTSTANDING DIRECTING IN AN ANIMATED PROGRAM
“Transformers Prime”
David Hartman, Supervising Director
Vinton Heuck, Director
Shaunt Nigoghossian, Director
Todd Waterman, Director
Jamie Simone, Voice Director

“R.L. Stine's The Haunting Hour: The Series”
Neill Fearnley, Director
Ken Friss, Director

OUTSTANDING INDIVIDUAL ACHIEVEMENT IN ANIMATION
**WINNER
“Transformers Prime”
Christophe Vacher, Supervising Color Designer

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN MAKEUP
“R.L. Stine's The Haunting Hour: The Series”
Debbie Lelievre, Key Makeup Artist
Sarah Bergeest, Key Makeup Artist

OUTSTANDING ORIGINAL SONG - CHILDREN'S AND ANIMATION
“My Little Pony Friendship is Magic”
Every Pony
Daniel Ingram, Composer & Lyricist

“My Little Pony Friendship is Magic”
Find A Pet
Daniel Ingram, Song Writer

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN SINGLE CAMERA EDITING
“R.L. Stine's The Haunting Hour: The Series”
Charles Robichad, Editor

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN SINGLE CAMERA PHOTOGRAPHY (FILM OR ELECTRONIC)
“R.L. Stine's The Haunting Hour: The Series”
Michael Balfry, Director of Photography

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN SOUND EDITING – ANIMATION
“Transformers Prime”
Robbi Smith, Dialogue Editor
Robert Poole II, Sound Effects Editor
Roy Braverman, Foley Editor

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN SOUND MIXING - ANIMATION
“Transformers Prime”
Ray Leonard, Re-Recording Mixer
Mike Bieriger, Re-Recording Mixer

About The Hub
THE HUB is a multi-platform joint venture between Discovery Communications (NASDAQ: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK) and Hasbro, Inc., (NASDAQ: HAS) with a goal of entertaining, enlightening, empowering and educating children and their families. The cable and satellite television network features original programming as well as content from Discovery's library of award-winning children's educational programming; from Hasbro's rich portfolio of entertainment and educational properties built during the past 90 years; and from leading third-party producers worldwide. The Hub lineup includes animated and live-action series, as well as specials, game shows, and family-favorite movies. The network extends its content through a robust and engaging online presence at http://www.hubworld.com. The Hub rebranded from Discovery Kids on October 10, 2010, and reaches over 64 million U.S. households. The Hub logo and name are trademarks of Hub Television Networks, LLC. All rights reserved.

To find the channel in your area, please visit http://www.hubworld.com and check the channel locator at the top of the page.

Visit The Hub on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/hubtvnetwork
Note: For artwork, visit http://www.press.discovery.com

--The Hub--

To see the FULL listing of nominees, click here.

[a]listdaily feature on Transformers: Fall of Cybertron

Date: Thursday, May 3rd 2012 5:38pm CDT
Categories: Game News, Press Releases, Company News, Interviews
Posted by: Delicon | Credit(s): thealistdaily.com, Activision, High Moon Studios

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Views: 79,341

Activision's upcoming (and highly anticipated) Transformers: Fall of Cybertron video game continues to generate a lot of buzz. [a]listdaily.com recently spent some time with High Moon Studios President Peter Della Penna and Marketing Manager Greg Agius to talk about the game and the brand in general. Below is an excerpt.

Transformers: Fall of Cybertron hits shelves on August 28th.

[a]list: How did you get a chance to do a game based on an original take on Transformers in the first place?

Peter Della Penna: It was pretty obvious to us and Activision, that our studio capabilities and sensibilities were a great fit for the Transformers license. Also, it was perfect timing for us to develop a Transformers game that was not based on the film property and did not interfere with the movie franchise release schedule. The natural place for us to go was back to our childhood roots in G1 and start telling the story of Transformers before they came to earth.

[a]list: What are ways that you look to bring in fans of the classic cartoon series? Do you try and tap veteran voice actors?

Greg Agius: Authenticity is our biggest strength at High Moon Studios. You walk around the studio and you see G1 fans everywhere. I'd say that bleeds through to the game in every way. The look and the feel all are heavily inspired by G1. But everything is updated so that it feels right and up to date with the look of a modern game. Landing original G1 voices like Peter Cullen to voice Optimus Prime and Gregg Berger to do Grimlock is another key. Transformers: Fall of Cybertron reboots your childhood and makes it cool again!

[a]list: What games do you try to emulate as far as being successful with a classic brand? Do you try and learn something from the recent Batman and Spider-Man games?

Peter Della Penna: Game wise I would say both Batman and Spider-Man are great references. Especially the Batman Arkham series where everything you do in those games drives the player back to the core of what makes Batman so cool. For us, it's about transformation and the variety of awesome characters in the Transformers lore.

To view the full article, click here!

Seibertron.com - The Ultimate Transformers resource!

Press Release: TRANSFORMERS PRIME - ONE SHALL STAND DVD

Date: Wednesday, April 25th 2012 11:57am CDT
Categories: Cartoon News, Press Releases, Company News, Digital Media News
Posted by: Seibertron | Credit(s): Shout! Factory

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Views: 95,559

For Immediate Release

TRANSFORMERS PRIME – ONE SHALL STAND
featuring the 7-part story arc
spanning the first two seasons of emmy® award-winning series
seamlessly edited together in this special presentation
produced by hasbro studios


OWN IT ON DVD JULY 31, 2012 FROM SHOUT! FACTORY

This summer, get ready for a special presentation of TRANSFORMERS PRIME for home entertainment. On July 31, 2012, Shout! Factory, in collaboration with Hasbro Studios, will debut TRANSFORMERS PRIME – ONE SHALL STAND DVD, featuring the compelling story behind the most iconic AUTOBOT ever, OPTIMUS PRIME, and an epic tale of deception, sacrifice, loyalty and triumph. Produced by Hasbro Studios, ONE SHALL STAND highlights the story that spanned the first two seasons of the acclaimed CGI animated series TRANSFORMERS PRIME, which currently airs on The Hub television network in the U.S and Teletoons in Canada. This action-packed story arc is edited together in a seamless, riveting special presentation for this home entertainment release. Packed with exciting bonus content, TRANSFORMERS PRIME – ONE SHALL STAND DVD delivers spectacular CGI animation and captivating family entertainment for all ages. This highly collectible DVD is priced to own with a suggested retail price of $14.97. Fans can pre-order now on Amazon.com
http://www.amazon.com/Transformers-Prim ... 594&sr=8-1?tag=seibertron07-20&

TRANSFORMERS PRIME boasts an all-star voice cast, including Peter Cullen, Frank Welker, Steve Blum, Jeffrey Combs, Ernie Hudson, Adam Baldwin, Gina Torres, John Noble, among other notables. TRANSFORMERS PRIME is produced by Hasbro Studios, with Alex Kurtzman, Roberto Orci and Jeff Kline serving as executive producers. Kurtzman and Orci served as writers for the feature films TRANSFORMERS and TRANSFORMERS: Revenge of the Fallen.

TRANSFORMERS PRIME – ONE SHALL STAND

With UNICRON’s awakening, extreme measures needed to be taken. An unlikely alliance formed between AUTOBOTS and DECEPTICONS to defeat UNICRON, a foe who could spell the end of the Earth. The action unfolds as the AUTOBOTS battle alongside MEGATRON against the evil UNICRON. Enemies became allies, allies became confidantes, and with the Matrix of Leadership, the planet Earth was saved.

Though at immeasurable personal cost, when OPTIMUS surrendered the Matrix, he lost more than the collective wisdom of the PRIME. He lost himself. With the power of the Matrix no longer within him, it would stand to reason that OPTIMUS has reverted to his pre-PRIME state as the historical archivist ORION PAX. MEGATRON manipulates the impaired OPTIMUS into joining the DECEPTICONS. But does the OPTIMUS and AUTOBOTS’ true key to salvation lie in the trusted hands of a teenaged boy named Jack?

DVD Bonus Content:
As excitement builds for this DVD, Shout! Factory and Hasbro Studios will announce in-depth bonus features and additional news in forthcoming months.

Technical Information
TRANSFORMERS PRIME – ONE SHALL STAND DVD
Street Date: July 31, 2012
Running Time: +/ - 2 hours
Aspect Ratio: Anamorphic widescreen
Audio: English, Audio 5.1 Surround

About Hasbro
Hasbro, Inc. (NASDAQ: HAS) is a branded play company providing children and families around the world with a wide-range of immersive entertainment offerings based on the Company's world class brand portfolio. From toys and games, to television programming, motion pictures, digital gaming and a comprehensive licensing program, Hasbro strives to delight its global customers with innovative, well-known and beloved brands such as TRANSFORMERS, LITTLEST PET SHOP, NERF, PLAYSKOOL, MY LITTLE PONY, G.I. JOE, MAGIC: THE GATHERING and MONOPOLY. The Company’s Hasbro Studios develops and produces television programming for markets around the world. Programming in the U.S. is distributed on The Hub TV Network, a multi-platform joint venture between Hasbro and Discovery Communications (NASDAQ: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK). Through the Company's deep commitment to corporate social responsibility, including philanthropy, Hasbro is helping to build a safe and sustainable world for future generations and to positively impact the lives of millions of children and families every year. It has been recognized for its efforts by being named one of the “World’s Most Ethical Companies” and is ranked as one of Corporate Responsibility Magazine’s “100 Best Corporate Citizens.” Learn more at http://www.hasbro.com.
© 2012 Hasbro, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

About Shout! Factory
Shout! Factory is a diversified entertainment company devoted to producing, uncovering and revitalizing the very best of pop culture. Founders Richard Foos, Bob Emmer and Garson Foos have spent their careers sharing their music, television and film faves with discerning consumers the world over. Shout! Factory’s DVD offerings serve up classic, contemporary and cult TV series, riveting sports programs, live music, animation and documentaries in lavish packages crammed with extras. The company’s audio catalogue boasts GRAMMY®-nominated boxed sets, new releases from storied artists, lovingly assembled album reissues and indispensable “best of” compilations. These riches are the result of a creative acquisitions mandate that has established the company as a hotbed of cultural preservation and commercial reinvention. Shout! Factory is based in Santa Monica, California. For more on Shout! Factory, visit shoutfactory.com.

Hasbro Announces Its Newest Sustainable Packaging Initiative; Company to Improve Product-to-Packaging Ratios for Range of Global Brands

Date: Sunday, April 15th 2012 2:52pm CDT
Categories: Toy News, Press Releases, Company News
Posted by: LOST Cybertronian | Credit(s): Hasbro

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Views: 60,921

Hasbro has put out a press release regarding its newest sustainable packaging intitiative in an effort to reduce environmental impacts by minimizing material used.

Hasbro Announces Its Newest Sustainable Packaging Initiative; Company to Improve Product-to-Packaging Ratios for Range of Global Brands




Effort will reduce environmental impacts by minimizing material used

PAWTUCKET, R.I.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Global branded play leader Hasbro, Inc. (NASDAQ: HAS) today announced plans to reduce materials used in product packaging for many of its highly popular global brands, including MY LITTLE PONY, NERF and PLAY-DOH. This new initiative will result in an approximate 15 percent improvement in the average product-to-package ratio of brands and products included in the initiative, with retail availability of Hasbro products in the more environmentally-efficient packaging beginning this year.

Over the next two years, retailers and consumers will begin to see an even broader range of packaging efficiencies put in place, including redesigned disposable boxes and blister packs that use less material. As an example, a more efficient package design for the 2013 MY LITTLE PONY assortment pack is expected to reduce the size of shipping containers by 20 percent, creating transportation efficiencies.

Packaging that serves the dual purpose of long-term storage, such as game boxes, is not included in the initiative.

"Improving Hasbro's product-to-package ratio underscores our long-standing commitment to environmental sustainability," said Duncan Billing, Hasbro's Global Chief Development Officer. "This initiative is designed to streamline our manufacturing processes and reduces our use of natural resources, providing consumers with more manageable and environmentally responsible packaging for our products."

Reducing total packaging size is the most recent effort in a series of sustainable packaging initiatives by Hasbro, all of which are designed to minimize the environmental impact, including:
•Phase-out of PVC in packaging: In 2011, Hasbro announced plans to eliminate PVC from all new core toy and game packaging beginning in 2013.
•Elimination of wire ties: In 2011, Hasbro replaced all wire ties in its packages with ties made from paper rattan or bamboo mix to reduce environmental impact. The effort eliminated approximately 34,000 miles of wire ties — more than enough to wrap around the circumference of the Earth.
•Increasing recycled content: In 2011, Hasbro achieved its goal to derive at least 75 percent of paper and board packaging from recycled material, or from sources that practice sustainable forest management. By 2015, Hasbro plans to increase that target to 90 percent.
•Responsible paper sourcing policy: Hasbro implemented an aggressive paper sourcing policy in 2011, providing guidelines for suppliers regarding sustainable paper sourcing to help ensure that paper used in Hasbro products aligns with the company's commitment to environmental sustainability. Among the policy's key requirements is the expectation that suppliers will source paper with as much post-consumer recycled content as practical and financially viable. The company has communicated the policy to its suppliers, and has made it a part of its company-wide quality assurance procedures.

In addition to these leading sustainable packaging initiatives, Hasbro is committed to continuous improvement in corporate social responsibility. The company's CSR efforts focus on three key priorities: product safety, manufacturing ethics and environmental sustainability.

In recognition of Hasbro's companywide CSR efforts, the Ethisphere Institute named the company one of the "2012 World's Most Ethical Companies" in March 2012. Hasbro was also included among the 2012 winners of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Climate Leadership Awards, which recognize corporate, organizational and individual leadership in addressing climate change and reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

To learn more about Hasbro's CSR progress, please visit http://www.hasbro.com/csr.

About Hasbro

Hasbro, Inc. (NASDAQ: HAS) is a branded play company providing children and families around the world with a wide-range of immersive entertainment offerings based on the Company's world class brand portfolio. From toys and games, to television programming, motion pictures, digital gaming and a comprehensive licensing program, Hasbro strives to delight its global customers with well-known and beloved brands such as TRANSFORMERS, LITTLEST PET SHOP, NERF, PLAYSKOOL, MY LITTLE PONY, G.I. JOE, MAGIC: THE GATHERING and MONOPOLY. The Company's Hasbro Studios develops and produces television programming for markets around the world. The Hub TV Network is part of a multi-platform joint venture between Hasbro and Discovery Communications (NASDAQ: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK), in the U.S. Through the company's deep commitment to corporate social responsibility, including philanthropy, Hasbro is helping to build a safe and sustainable world for future generations and to positively impact the lives of millions of children and families every year. It has been recognized for its efforts by being named one of the "World's Most Ethical Companies." Learn more at http://www.hasbro.com.

HAS-PR

© 2012 Hasbro, Inc. All Rights Reserved.



Hasbro, Inc.
News Media
Gary Serby, 401-727-5582
or
Investor Relations
Debbie Hancock, 401-727-5401



Source: Hasbro, Inc.



News Provided by Acquire Media

Million Publishing LTD Generations Book Exclusive Artfire REVEALED!

Date: Friday, April 13th 2012 10:32am CDT
Categories: Toy News, Company News, Digital Media News, Collectables
Posted by: GetRightRobot | Credit(s): millionhero.jp

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Views: 77,566

Million Publishing has just posted several pictures of the highly aniticipated Transformers Targetmaster Artfire and Sparks! This is the retooled Transformers Generations Inferno and Reveal the Shield Solar Storm Grapple hybrid with a partnered Targetmaster Spark. Check out the pics below and get your preorder in at BigBadToyStore.com by clicking here!

Diamond Selects Comics and IDW Bringing Back the Battle Beasts!

Date: Thursday, April 12th 2012 7:09pm CDT
Categories: Comic Book News, Toy News, Company News, Collectables
Posted by: GetRightRobot | Credit(s): Diamond Select Toys, IDW Publishing

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Views: 80,784

Not everything that comes through here at Seibertron.com is Transformers related. This is one of those instances. IDW has been a part of the Transformers community for years now, and they have teamed up with Diamond Select Toys to bring another close relative of the Transformers universe to the comic and toy world, Battle Beasts!

Diamond Select Toys and IDW to Unleash the Battle Beasts at C2E2!

TImonium, MD (April 12, 2012) – Since 2010, Diamond Select Toys has been searching to find the right partner to introduce their Battle Beasts brand to a broader audience. Now the search is over, and DST and IDW Publishing have teamed up to immortalize a new breed of Beasts! At this year's Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo (C2E2), which runs from April 13-15, the two companies will offer a taste of what's to come: DST will give out an ashcan preview of IDW's upcoming BATTLE BEASTS comic-book mini-series, as well as an exclusive promo Minimate of one of the book's lead characters!

“We are thrilled to have found a partner in IDW, a company that understands toy fans just as well as they understand comic book fans,” said director of Diamond Select Toys Chuck Terceira. “Their experience with licensed comic books -- and with the dedicated fan bases they write for on a monthly basis -- is proof that the Battle Beasts brand is in the right hands, and we look forward to working with them for this mini-series, and, hopefully, beyond!”

The mini-series is written by Bobby Curnow (Godzilla Legends, Night of 1000 Wolves) and penciled by Valerio Schiti (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Donatello, Dungeons & Dragons: Eberron). It focuses on a group of renegade Beasts who return to Earth to protect the ultimate weapon (and the human who activated it) from an armada of their violent brethren. The ashcan will reprint the first eight pages of issue #1 in full color, and fans will be able to get a free translucent Minimate of the ram Vorin while supplies last. Both will be given away during C2E2 by DST at booth #311.

“BATTLE BEASTS is a great fit for IDW”, said writer Bobby Curnow. “What's so important about toys is they enable kids to build worlds in their imaginations, and create stories for those worlds. Since I never really grew up, getting the chance to help create the new Battle Beasts in comic form has been a fantastic and supremely fun experience. The world has been turned upside down with the arrival of the Battle Beasts, and we're going to have a great time showing just how crazy things get. IDW has a lot of experience finding riveting stories in toy-based licenses, and I hope BATTLE BEASTS is no exception. I know for a fact that Valerio is knocking it out of the park. His art is going to floor a lot of people.”

And the excitement does not stop there -- at San Diego Comic-Con (July 11-15), IDW will launch the BATTLE BEASTS mini-series with issue #1, and DST will unveil the first full wave of Battle Beasts Minimates, which will be in stores in late fall of 2012! The first wave of two-packs will focus heavily on characters who appear in the comic, and will have a gameplay element, as well. DST will also have an exclusive two-pack of Battle Beasts for sale at the show.

Minimates are 2-inch minifigures created by Art Asylum in 2002. This year marks the brand's 10th anniversary, and in that time Diamond Select Toys and Art Asylum have released over 1,000 Minimates for nearly 50 separate licenses. Highly detailed and highly poseable, each Minimate features 14 points of articulation and comes with plenty of interchangeable parts and accessories.

Visit BattleBeast.com for more information about the comic book and toy line.

Visit IDWPublishing.com to sign up for updates and learn more about the company and its top-selling books.

BATTLE BEASTS #1 ($3.99, 32 pages, full color) will be available in stores in July 2012. Diamond order code:

About IDW Publishing
IDW is an award-winning publisher of comic books, graphic novels and trade paperbacks, based in San Diego, California. Renowned for its diverse catalog of licensed and independent titles, IDW publishes some of the most successful and popular titles in the industry, including: Hasbro’s The TRANSFORMERS and G.I. JOE, Paramount’s Star Trek; HBO’s True Blood; the BBC’s DOCTOR WHO; Nickelodeon’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles; Toho’s Godzilla; Wizards of the Coasts Magic: The Gathering and Dungeons & Dragons; and the Eisner-Award winning Locke & Key series, created by best-selling author Joe Hill and artist Gabriel Rodriguez. IDW is also home to the Library of American Comics imprint, which publishes classic comic reprints, and Yoe! Books, a partnership with Yoe! Studio.

IDW’s critically- and fan-acclaimed series are continually moving into new mediums. Currently, Jerry Bruckheimer Films and Disney are creating a feature film based on World War Robot, while Michael Bay‘s Platinum Dunes and Sony are bringing Zombies vs. Robots to film.

About Diamond Select Toys
Diamond Select Toys and Collectibles, LLC, was founded in 1999 by sister company Diamond Comic Distributors, Inc. Headquartered in Timonium, MD, Diamond Select Toys was envisioned to create unique and exciting collectibles for children and adults alike, and today the company licenses a wide range of pop culture properties from partners such as Marvel Enterprises, Microsoft, Universal Studios, Twentieth Century Fox, Hasbro, MGM and Sony Pictures. In 2007, Diamond Select Toys acquired select assets of the New York based Art Asylum, creators of the global Minimates brand. Minimates have been recognized as the #1 selling block figure in the world and were the first toys ever to be inducted into the ToyFare Magazine Hall of Fame. In addition to Minimates, Diamond Select Toys manufactures a broad variety of products for the specialty and mass markets, including figures, statues, banks, role-play items, replicas and housewares.