The 2024 San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) has once again proven to be the ultimate gathering for fans of pop culture, and at the heart of this year’s excitement was Hasbro’s Star Wars booth. Positioned as one of the most visited attractions on the convention floor, Hasbro’s presence at SDCC was a masterclass in fan engagement, offering a rich tapestry of new product launches, interactive experiences, and exclusive reveals that left Star Wars enthusiasts buzzing with excitement.
Upon entering the Hasbro booth, visitors were immediately immersed in the world of Star Wars, thanks to an innovative design that combined cutting-edge displays with interactive elements. The centerpiece of the booth was the Hasbro Pulse Toy Store, a collector's dream, featuring some of the most coveted Star Wars items on the market. The store was a hotspot for convention-exclusive merchandise, with the Black Series Darth Maul & Sith Speeder figure set being one of the most sought-after items. This set, which captures the iconic Phantom Menace character in stunning detail, became an instant hit among fans, many of whom lined up for hours to secure their piece of Star Wars history.
The excitement didn't stop at the merchandise. Hasbro’s booth was also a hub for live demonstrations and fan activities. Attendees could partake in creating their own G.I. Joe file cards or get airbrush tattoos featuring iconic Star Wars imagery, adding a personalized touch to their Comic-Con experience. Moreover, Hasbro introduced a unique interactive area where fans could engage with upcoming products, including a demo of the new TRANSFORMERS ONE Power Flip Optimus Prime, blending different fan universes within a single space.
One of the most highly anticipated events at the convention was the Hasbro Star Wars panel, held on July 26th. The panel, conducted by members of Hasbro’s Marketing and Design teams, was a deep dive into the future of Star Wars collectibles. The session began with a recap of the year’s biggest releases and then moved on to unveil new additions to the Black Series and Vintage Collection lines. Fans were thrilled to see figures from "The Acolyte," "Andor," and "The Mandalorian," including characters like Dedra Meero from "Andor" and Grand Admiral Thrawn from "Ahsoka." The reveal of the Armorer's Forge playset, featuring Grogu in his chainmail armor, was met with particular enthusiasm, highlighting Hasbro's commitment to bringing beloved Star Wars moments to life.
Hasbro’s Star Wars booth wasn’t just about showcasing products; it was also about creating an inclusive experience for fans who couldn’t attend SDCC in person. For the first time, Hasbro introduced the Pulse Fanstreaming Studio, a live streaming platform hosted by Toy Hunter’s Jordan Hembrough. This initiative allowed fans worldwide to tune in for exclusive content, including interviews with creators and celebrities, behind-the-scenes looks at product development, and live updates from the convention floor. Notable guests included voice actors from the original TRANSFORMERS series, comic book writer Robert Kirkman, and more, making the Fanstreaming Studio a significant extension of the SDCC experience.
The panel didn’t just look at the past and present; it also provided a glimpse into the future of Star Wars collectibles. Hasbro announced a new wave of figures that are set to join the Black Series and Vintage Collection, including Kelnacca from "The Acolyte," Moff Gideon in his Beskar armor from "The Mandalorian," and an Imperial Praetorian Guard. These upcoming releases, along with a new Force FX Elite lightsaber based on Baylan Skoll from "Ahsoka," promise to be major hits among collectors.
But perhaps the most exhilarating aspect of Hasbro’s Star Wars booth was its ability to bridge the gap between different eras of Star Wars fandom. The booth featured displays that celebrated the entirety of the Star Wars saga, from the original trilogy to the latest Disney+ series. This approach not only catered to long-time fans but also introduced newer audiences to the rich history of Star Wars toys and collectibles. The inclusion of pipeline reveals, like Prince Xizor from "Shadows of the Empire" and new troopers from "Ahsoka," underscored Hasbro's dedication to expanding the universe of Star Wars collectibles, ensuring that there’s something for every fan, regardless of their entry point into the franchise.
In conclusion, Hasbro’s Star Wars booth at SDCC 2024 was a triumphant showcase of what makes the Star Wars franchise so enduringly popular. By combining innovative product launches with immersive experiences and inclusive fan engagement, Hasbro not only honored the legacy of Star Wars but also paved the way for its future. As fans left the convention floor, many with exclusive items in hand and memories of a galaxy far, far away, it was clear that Hasbro had once again succeeded in capturing the hearts and imaginations of Star Wars enthusiasts around the world.
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Photos and video : Boris Colletier / Mulderville