LOS ANGELES. June 11, 2020. Megalopolis Toys and Cloudco Entertainment, owner of both Madballs™ and Barnyard Commandos™, have partnered to launch a new line of classic/retro action figures for each of these two iconic brands.
Launched in 1985 as one of the original ‘gross out’ toy brands of the decade, Madballs went on to sell tens of millions of toys, inspire a series of animated specials and launch an extensive consumer products program that included comic books, softlines, video games, collectibles, seasonal and back-to-school products. Similarly, Barnyard Commandos was launched in the early 1990’s with its own animated series, a nationally advertised toy line and a full slate of licensed consumer product partners.
In this relaunch, Megalopolis Toys is developing 6” sculpts of characters inspired by classic archives Madballs and Barnyard Commandos in partnership with top industry design talent, including master sculptor James Groman. Groman is both the creator of the Barnyard Commandos IP as well a member of the original team that developed and launched Madballs. Each of the respective toy lines will start accepting pre-orders Summer 2020 and will be sold direct-to-consumer through Megalopolis.toys, the Megalopolis Toys mobile app and select specialty retailers Summer 2021.
“This will be the first wave of our new retro action figure line based on properties from the 80s and 90s, and the launch of our extensive Megalopolis: Premium D.N.A. line. These are properties that have been dear to me for over 30 years, and I am ecstatic to be able to bring them back.” – Ben Westover, Creative Director/Co-founder of Megalopolis Toys
“We are utilizing current technology for sculpting, deco and articulation to modernize these classic properties for old and new fans alike.” – Matt Westover, President/Co-Founder of Megalopolis
“The enthusiasm the Megalopolis team shows for this program is based in real fandom – their own! We’re excited to see our classic brands reimagined through their eyes.” – Robert Prinzo, Head of Global Licensing at Cloudco Entertainment
The deal was brokered by Brand Brilliant Consulting, LLC.
About Megalopolis Toys
Megalopolis Toys is the go-to retailer for premium action figures and pop-culture fandom, brings the Comic Con experience online with original streaming content on mobile and Web platforms.
Website: https://megalopolis.toys/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/megalopolistoys/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megalopolis.toys/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MegalopolisToys/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBAhWC9NXa-zhOK1P1Y14SQ
About Cloudco Entertainment
Cloudco Entertainment, formerly American Greetings Entertainment, is the owner for iconic entertainment brands such as Care Bears™, Holly Hobbie™, Madballs™, Packages from Planet X™, Twisted Whiskers™, Buddy Thunderstruck™, Tinpo™ and its newest IP, Boy Girl Dog Cat Mouse Cheese™. Cloudco Entertainment develops multi-platform entertainment franchises across all media channels and extensive consumer merchandising programs that immerse children and adults in brands they love.
About Madballs™
Introduced in 1985 by TCFC and AmToy, Madballs is a series of collectible characters that sold millions of toys and launched an animated series and a global consumer products programs all en route to achieving enduring cult and cultural status as one of the original “gross out” brands for kids, fans and collectors.
Website: https://www.madballs.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Madballs
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madballsx/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/madballsx
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC209lGESLl9g0lBcolWhryg
About Barnyard Commandos™
Created by toy designer James Groman for American Greetings in 1989, Barnyard Commandos is an action figure line produced by Playmates Toys. A French-American animated series based on the figures was produced by Murakami-Wolf-Swenson and the French company IDHH and launched the following year.
Media Contacts
Cloudco Entertainment
Leilani Ching, The Mavenry
Megalopolis Licensing
Marsha Armitage-Bristow, Brand Brilliant Consulting