Convention - SDCC 2024: Hasbro Breakfast Showroom Unveils Nostalgic and New Collectibles

By Mulder, San Diego, L'ultime Skybox à Diamont Tower, 25 july 2024

The 2024 San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) kicked off with an exhilarating start as Hasbro hosted an exclusive press breakfast at The Ultimate Skybox, nestled within the panoramic Diamont Tower View. This year’s showroom was nothing short of a treasure trove for collectors and pop culture enthusiasts, unveiling a blend of nostalgic homages and fresh innovations that captivated attendees from the very beginning.

For fans of the 90s era of video arcades, Hasbro’s Marvel Legends line took a significant leap into nostalgia. The highlight was undoubtedly the reveal of the latest army-builder two-pack inspired by the iconic X-Men side-scrolling arcade game. Attendees were greeted by human-sized Sentinels, reminiscent of the game’s formidable antagonists. The packaging, with its pixelated artwork, left no doubt about its origins, evoking memories of quarters spent battling these very foes in the double-wide cabinets of yesteryears. This move by Hasbro not only caters to long-time fans of the franchise but also taps into the retro gaming renaissance, bridging the gap between comic book lore and video game culture.

Another standout reveal from the Marvel Legends series was the comic-style Kang, comfortably seated in his iconic time chair. While the future of Kang in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) remains uncertain, Hasbro made it clear that this figure is rooted firmly in the comic books, thus sidestepping any potential controversies surrounding the character’s on-screen portrayal. Collectors who focus on the comic book canon will likely see this as a must-have addition.

Hasbro didn’t stop there. They also teased fans with news of Pulse Con 2024, slated for September 13th, and dropped a bombshell with their Star Wars exclusive—a Black Series upscaled version of the original Episode I STAP with a Battle Droid. While the switch back to in-hand items and queues from last year’s preorder codes raised some eyebrows, Hasbro’s reasoning was clear. Fans want the tangible thrill of walking away from the convention with an exclusive item, a sentiment that resonated with many present.

However, one decision left some scratching their heads—Darth Maul on his speeder being designated as an exclusive. Given the character’s enduring popularity, many expected him to be available on a larger scale, but Hasbro remained tight-lipped about the rationale behind this move.

Continuing with their Star Wars line, Hasbro showcased the official 2024 Halloween figures, which had previously leaked at other outlets. The Grand Inquisitor, reimagined as Dracula, and Cad Bane, transformed into a Frankenstein-like creature with a bat-like Mynock, stole the spotlight. Although these figures are decidedly non-canonical, their creative designs received a warm reception, with many attendees appreciating the fun and imaginative twist they brought to the beloved characters.

On the Lucasfilm front, rumors had been swirling about the future of Indiana Jones figures, particularly those based on the controversial Thuggee characters from Temple of Doom. Hasbro’s team was quick to dispel any notions that Disney was imposing restrictions on these characters. However, they hinted that the much-desired Mola Ram figure might not be on the horizon anytime soon, leaving fans to speculate about what might come next for the franchise’s toy line.

The G.I. Joe series also made waves with the debut of the jet-packed hero Starduster in the Classified line. A standout feature was his accessory—a miniature cardboard box of G.I. Joe cereal, a whimsical nod that had fans wishing it were a real product. The final version of the highly anticipated HasLab Dragonfly was also on display, drawing considerable attention along with a selection of other recent releases that underscored Hasbro’s commitment to the beloved franchise.

Overall, Hasbro’s breakfast showroom at SDCC 2024 delivered a potent mix of nostalgia and new offerings, setting the tone for what promises to be an exciting convention. As fans and collectors continue to flock to the showroom, the buzz generated by these reveals will undoubtedly carry through the weekend, fueling discussions and anticipation for what’s to come in the world of collectibles.

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Photos and video  : Boris Colletier / Mulderville