Traditional superheroes are subverted in collectible toys
Implications - Traditional superhero action figures are being transformed into new, eccentric forms that often double as collectible items. This progression not only speaks to the desire for "alternative" heroes in pop culture, but also the modern fan's insistence on memorializing their favorite characters. Ultimately, these items suggest a convergence between children's interests and older consumers who wish to engage in a sense of play.
Workshop Question - How can you transform one aspect into a more playful experience for your consumers?
Trend Themes
1. Alternative Hero Collection - Traditional superheroes are being transformed into new, eccentric forms that capture the modern fan's insistence on having an alternative form of heroes to engage with, increase collectability and significant fan engagement. Business professionals in the toy industry can leverage such eclectic changes and provide various other customizations for collectors in the form of figurines and merchandising.
2. Geeky Bath Toys - Increasingly, iconic characters have been turned into their own line of bath toys, appealing to geekier audiences who love having their favorite characters to accompany them even in their daily routines. Opportunities for business professionals in the toy industry arise in the form of collaborations with iconic characters and cross-functional partnerships with companies and products that serve daily utility.
3. Designer Superhero Toys - As a response to fan encouragement and evolution of characters, sketch-inspired figurines are being released, which are inspired by paper drawing sketches and are huge on collector's lists. Opportunities arise in creating more unique designs which explore less explored universes of superheroes and creating innovative shareable experiences for fans.
Industry Implications
1. Toy Industry - Rise of eclectic customizations and high-end collectables in the toy industry for consumers of all ages offers ample room for innovation and creativity in designing new models for different audiences.
2. Bath Toy Industry - Adding iconic characters for kid-friendly bath toys and targeting adult collectors that have a geeky bend for characters bring opportunities for cross-functional partnerships with everyday utility products to create newer products and categories for audiences.
3. Fan Art Industry - Designing highly collectible figurines of lesser-known superheroes such as comic book villains, graphic novel characters, or animation characters provide multiple opportunities for fan artists to show their skill while simultaneously creating an untapped market for savvy entrepreneurs in the collectibles market.
4 Featured, 32 Examples:
131,919 Total Clicks
Date Range:
Nov 15 — Feb 16
Trending:
Mild
Consumer Insight Topics:
