Hasbro Toys History

Hasbro is a brand that is well known for creating loads of brand-new toys inspired by the biggest entertainment franchises (including films, TV series, and video games). Though the company began as a textile business in the 1920s, the focus changed to toys in the early ’40s, and these products continued — and still continue — to define the business into the modern era.

The first Hasbro toys were simple doctor and nurse kits, but the brand didn’t find massive success in this industry until the debut of their Mr. Potato Head. Soon after this, the company started forming licensing agreements with major companies, such as Disney. They are not reliant on these licenses, however, having created their own lines, including G.I. Joe and Transformers. Interestingly, it was the G.J. line that led to the establishment of the term ‘action figure,’ which was coined to target young boys, who were less likely to purchase traditional dolls.

Boy Oh Boy! It’s a Hasbro Toy!

Today, toys made by Hasbro remain some of the most sought-after products in the collecting market, with fans of the brand and its licenses filling their shelves with high-quality action figures and play weapons, such as those under the banner of Nerf.

The Hasbro toy list is expansive, comprising big-name franchises like Star Wars, Marvel, Power Rangers, Ghostbusters, Transformers, and G.I. Joe. There are even lines dedicated to the sale of niche toys, the likes of which include the Black Series and Marvel Legends. For the first time, fans can hold in their hands an officially licensed collectable based on a lesser-known character that most brands would ignore.