I assume a toy maker starts by jotting down new ideas. If I were a toymaker I would look for the new shows coming out. What is going to be the new and rising cartoon? What is or was the most popular comic book? I think the hardest part would be finding a toy that is not already invented or already being invented. But what is it that actually attracts a child to a toy is what I want to know. Is it the size or the color or the texture? Or is the level of attraction because of the commercial the toy was advertised in? I suppose it all goes hand and hand. Just look at the immediate popularity of toys from hit TV shows or movies. If you don’t know what to get a child for their birthday but you know they love Batman, you’re probably going to buy them a Batman toy. TV shows can do wonders for toy sales.

It’s funny to look at the different ways toys are promoted if it’s a boy versus if it’s a girl. Look at the action filled commercials a boy’s toy would be set in. A girl’s toy commercial has some uppity song and shows the audience all the different ways you can change your dolls hair color or clothes. Do you think there are gender specific toy makers?

Whenever a new, successful kids’ television show comes along, you can bet that a line of toys is right around the corner.

Let’s think back to the early 1980s and remember the classic Masters of the Universe series. We all remember the show, and many of us probably still have the opening monologue somewhat memorized: “I am Adam, Prince of Eternia, defender of the secrets of Castle Greyskull…”. Magic times for kids during that one! The toys were very detailed and there were a lot of them.

Another hugely successful series was (is) the Transformers. The first wave came around in 1984 and was an instant hit; so big, in fact, that the generation of children around today is enjoying another go-around with them. There have also been two movies out in the last couple years, and another one on the way.

How about the GoBots? Did anyone know that they actually reached the market BEFORE the Transformers? You’d never know it, because the Transformers totally dominated them in terms of sales.

Even in a short article such as this, I need to mention Star Wars toys, of course. Has there been a larger following for any other toys over the last 30 years? There are thousands and thousands of collectors of Star Wars toys, and some of the original, unopened ones can surely command some high dollars. You’ll notice that kids today are still playing with Star Wars toys, as this series is one that just seems to cross generations with ease.

The show keeps itself interesting with consistent plots yet there’s none of the re-hashing of stories like you find in a lot of shows designed for kids. It’s the classic fight between good and evil, yet valuable lessons can be learned, as one of the main characters of the show is Ben’s grandfather, who is always ready to impart his wisdom on the kids.

With the power of the Omnitrix, Ben is able to change into ten different aliens to defeat the bad guys he and his crew encounter. It’s a switch-up from a lot of other shows, as these powers aren’t really something that Ben wanted. The Omnitrix strapped itself onto his wrist like a watch, and he’s stuck with this responsibility. Neat idea, huh? And he’s still a kid and still acts like a kid, but with a heightened sense of responsibility at times because of his position and powers.

Anyway, that’s just sort of a very brief synopsis of the show…more to come later. But for now, welcome to the site, enjoy the articles and conversation, and tell us what you think of the show!