Bandai UK adds extensive Robozuna range to portfolio, including collectibles, vehicles, figurines and playsets.
ITV Studios Global Entertainment (ITVS GE) has appointed Hengxin Shambala Kids (Guangzhou) Cultural Industry Development (HSK) as master toy partner in China, along with Bandai as UK distributor for the upcoming action TV series Robozuna.
HSK, based in China, will develop and manufacture the Robozuna toy line, and distribution will be managed by Bandai in the UK.
A Netflix Original animated series, Robozuna follows 14 year old Ariston and his homemade robot Mangle as they join a team of robot gladiators known as Combatabots, whilst fighting to free their oppressed nation from the evil Corvus Imperium.
This original IP will launch across multiple platforms simultaneously in autumn 2018, including linear broadcast in the UK, SVOD around the globe through Netflix, YouTube Kids with short-form content, and in apps and gaming in partnership with award-winning UK-based Kuato Studios. Global social media influencers Ethan Gamer and Ali-A both star in the series and will be involved on an ongoing basis in promotion, as well as creating unique online content to supplement the series.
An extensive toy range has been developed, including Collectible 2.5” Battle ‘n Stack Combatabots, 5” Battling Feature Robots, a Transporter Vehicle Playset, Role Play and 12” Mega Mangle Figurine. The toy line is planned for spring/summer 2019 following the series launch in autumn 2018. Additional consumer products will rollout from autumn/winter 2019.
Nic Aldridge, managing director, Bandai UK, commented: “We are delighted to be working with ITV and HSK on this exciting project. Robozuna will be a great addition to our 2019 portfolio. Having seen the series content and supporting online material we feel that it will translate perfectly into a strong toy line. We know that the robot battling play pattern will resonate with our target audience of boys aged 4-9. We believe that Robozuna is the breath of fresh air that the boys action figure market is looking for.”
