Hasbro's HasLab Returns - This Time with TWO in the Box!

After quite a bit of teasing over the past couple weeks, on 10/27 Hasbro revealed the big announcement it had been hyping: the next crowd-funded Ghostbusters HasLab in their series!

The super-successful Spengler Proton Pack was a tough act to follow, but this go-round Hasbro is offering two for the price of one - a replica Ghost Trap and accompanying PKE Meter to go with it! For $299.99 (US) you get both items, plus whatever stretch goals are accomplished in the funding period - which ends on December 11th. So if you want in on this, better act now before the holidays kick in and you forget!

Both items are incredibly cool. This was a quick and easy “Yes please!” for me. The Ghost Trap looks to improve upon the Matty Collector trap offered several years ago in a few places. And also improving on the previous Matty Collector release, the PKE Meter adds the Ghost Taser functionality and red handle button seen in Ghostbusters: Afterlife. Not only that, but Hasbro is touting that the PKE Meter will be a real, working EMF Meter to help you track down those decaying electrons that supernatural entities are known for.

If you’re interested, don’t delay - make sure you back the project sooner than later both so that you don’t miss out and also so that you can help unlock all the stretch goals, which include utility belt offerings, patches, and more!

Hasbro also offered some explosive surprises coming both with 40th Anniversary of the original Ghostbusters film hitting in 2024 and the new as-of-yet untitled Ghostbusters: Afterlife sequel scheduled for release in March.

Here’s the full press release from Hasbro with all the info fit to print:

Ghostbusters Plasma Series HasLab Two in the Box! Ghost Trap & P.K.E. Meter

(HASBRO/Ages 14 years and up/Crowdfunding price: $299.99/Estimated to ship in late Fall 2024)

*Limit of 5 per customer. Standard shipping and handling to the contiguous United States included for Pulse Premium Members. Shipping and handling charges will be calculated at the time of checkout for non-Pulse Premium Members.

A lot has happened since we saved the world with our first-ever HasLab—the Ghostbusters Plasma Series Spengler’s Proton Pack life-size replica (no longer available). That’s why, here at the Ghostbusters HasLab Lab, we’ve been working on something special for fans and collectors: the highly anticipated sequel to the smash-hit Hasbro Pulse Ghostbusters HasLab, the Ghostbusters HasLab 2!

The Ghostbusters Plasma Series has equipped fans with a stunning Neutrona Wand and a breathtaking Proton Pack, and now we’re pleased to announce that spooky specters and ghosts can run… but they can’t hide—not from the Plasma Series Two in the Box! P.K.E. Meter and Ghost Trap premium adult collectible set!

This crowdfunded project will run from October 27, 2023, to 11:59pm ET on December 11, 2023, and requires 10,000 backer orders to begin production. If the suspension, shocks, brakes, brake pads, steering box, transmission, and rear end hold up as we drive this campaign to the finish line, the project is estimated to ship in late Fall 2024.

Ghostbusters TM & © 2023 Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

HASBRO and all related logos and trademarks are trademarks of Hasbro, Inc. © 2023 Hasbro.

THE PSYCHOKINETIC ENERGY METER (AKA THE P.K.E. METER)

It’s no secret Egon Spengler was a very hands-on, DIY kinda scientist, often cobbling together his hardware from common, everyday items, and the P.K.E. Meter is no different. Egon used an old electric shoe polisher for the bulk of this handheld piece of tech, which trades in footwear for phantasms, determining specter location and quantification. The P.K.E. Meter acts like a divining rod when near a spectral being, with a pair of motorized arms extending outward from the sides, embedded lights flashing in sync with detectable spectral frequencies.

Fans will be happy to know that not only have the HasLab Lab Lab Techs included classic P.K.E. Meter features, such as Ghost Detection Mode, but they’ve also included a very special upgrade. Yes, that’s right, the HasLab P.K.E. Meter 1:1-scale premium adult collectible features Egon Spengler’s personal upgrade from his time as the Dirt Farmer, in Summerville: Taser Mode! Taser Mode, if you’re unfamiliar, turns the P.K.E. Meter into a taser that forces an apparition to reveal itself… or explode in a burst of marshmallow goo, as we know from Podcast’s dealings with the mischievous Mini-Pufts in the Ecto-1.

THE GHOSTBUSTERS PLASMA SERIES P.K.E. METER

Scanned from the Prop

Innovative Real Life EMF Detection Mode

Multi-LED Display Panel

Motorized LED-Lined Wings

Entertainment-Inspired Sound Effects

Mode Slide Switch

Ghost Detection Mode

Low Ionization, High Ionization, and Mute Settings

Taser Mode (Spengler Upgrade) with Toggle Switch

Display Stand

THE GHOST TRAP

Needing something to contain and transport paranormal entities to a more permanent housing facility (namely the Ecto-Containment Unit), Ray Stantz and Egon Spengler designed the Ghost Trap. Consisting of a main chassis and a removable cartridge, the Ghost Trap has limited battery life and was never meant to accommodate ecto-plasmic beings for any extended period.

This 1:1-scale premium adult collectible features everything fans love about this vital piece of ghost-bustin’ gear, including the removable cartridge, high-powered LEDs, premium metal finishes, functioning diecast metal wheels for smooth deployment, and more! This thing is so gorgeous that ghosts will be throwing themselves at you just for a chance to get trapped within this highly detailed, premium collectible!

THE GHOSTBUSTERS PLASMA SERIES GHOST TRAP

Scanned from the Prop

Ghost Trap with Removable Cartridge

Working Activation Pedal

Working High-Powered Internal LEDs

Working Multicolored LEDs

Entertainment-Inspired Sound Effects

Functioning Trap Doors and Rumble Motor

Premium Metal Finishes

9-foot Pedal-to-Trap Connection Cable

Docking Station Display Stand

Functioning Diecast Metal Wheels for Remote Deployment

Ghostbusters to Ghostbusters 2 Aesthetic Conversion

Ghostbusters, Ghostbusters 2, and Ghostbusters: Afterlife Modes

WARNING: Do NOT look directly at the Ghost Trap’s energy field, when activated, as there exists the potential for stray muons in the body to be drawn out through the eyes, and with them, one’s eternal soul.

UNLOCK #1: THE SUPERNATURAL STARTUP UNLOCK

Beautiful, you’re hired. Welcome aboard. Here’s your Supernatural Startup Unlock!

If you want to suit up then you’re gonna have to study up, because the last thing you want is to be unprepared when in the presence of a nasty, focused nonterminal, repeating phantasm, believe you me, buster. Get to know your supernatural elimination equipment with the Supernatural Startup Unlock. Bust this unlock and you’ll receive a handy 18”x24” P.K.E. Meter and Ghost Trap blueprint poster, which, quite frankly, will look pretty boss displayed on your favorite wall.

Speaking of boss displays, you can really spruce up any joint with a few perfectly placed slaps. That’s why we’ve included some sick sticker designs, inspired by the Ghostbusters universe, including Ray’s Occult Books, Stay Puft Marshmallows, and more!

Think you know what else we have in store? Fancy yourself as an aspiring psychic? Then you’re in luck because you’re going to love testing the limits of your psychic abilities with a set of five 4.5”x7” ESP cards, inspired by Dr. Venkman, and updated with a Dr. Stantz flair. Oh, we also took out a third mortgage on the HasLab Lab to give these cards a premium linen-backed finish!

And if that’s not enough, you can slap a screen-accurate ‘84 No Ghost patch replica on your flight suit. Re-created to match the screen-used Ghostbusters patches from the original 1984 smash hit, this patch is the perfect addition to the shoulder of your suit.

12,000 backers bust the Supernatural Startup Unlock. We shouldn’t have to raise the dead to hit that number, but if we do, don’t worry, we handle this kind of thing all the time.

UNLOCK #2: THE SECURE RECEPTACLE GHOST TRAP UNLOCK

Face it, ghost-bustin’ is a very active job, boots on the ground and packs on the backs.

Sometimes a pesky paranormal pest will flee… straight through a wall. A good Ghostbuster will give pursuit, which means regaining lost ground, thanks to that slimy, supernatural shortcut. It’s not easy to run—or even jog—with a Proton Pack strapped to your back. Thankfully, your pack is secure; your Trap should be, too!

When hustling down a hallway to catch up to a fleeing phantasm, your Trap is going to be hanging onto your belt for dear life. You don’t want to meet up with your target only to discover your Trap fell off somewhere along the way. That won’t be an issue with the Secure Receptacle Ghost Trap Unlock, which comes complete with a secure holster, created with premium soft goods and real metal.

Oh, and we’re throwing in another Ghostbusters patch! That’s right, we’ve got our very own exclusive Ghostbusters HasLab patch you can slap on your suit, add to your patch collection, or trade with fellow busters!

15,000 backers trap the Secure Receptacle Ghost Trap Unlock, ensuring your Ghost Trap will stick to you like glue when on the paranormal prowl!

UNLOCK #3: THE PSYCHOKINETIC ENERGY DETECTION UNLOCK

Carrying the P.K.E. Meter around in the breast pocket of your lab coat isn’t gonna cut it when on a call. Besides, you’ll have suited up, and the zippered breast pockets of the flight suit are even less adequate for storing this delicate piece of homemade machinery. Looks like we’re going to need another holster! Designed with premium soft goods and real metal pieces, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your Psychokinetic Energy Meter is strapped snugly to your waist.

Need another patch? Good, because you’re getting another patch! You love patches, we love patches, and we want to share the love! Unlock the P.K.E. Meter holster and we’ll toss in an exclusive Mini-Puft No Ghost logo patch. Yep, the adorable image of a Mini-Puft caught in the red No symbol as seen after the end credits of 2021’s Ghostbusters: Afterlife comes to life in an exclusive patch!

18,000 backers to detect the Psychokinetic Energy Unlock, ensuring you have everything you need to take your Ghostbusters Plasma Series supernatural elimination equipment on all your calls!

Ghostbusters Day 2022 Recap

Sony Pictures and Ghost Corps put on quite a show last night, as a Marvel Studios-like presentation and screening kicked off the first annual (yes, they’ve got the drive to do this once a year) Ecto-Fest celebration. Cast and crew from the films, Sony Pictures employees, lucky fans, and members of the press were all on-hand for the festivities which included announcements, teases, and a booming outdoor encore screening of Ghostbusters: Afterlife.

The evening began with a wonderful behind the scenes featurette with b-roll footage of Ernie Hudson arriving at the Ladder 23 filming location in downtown Los Angeles to film the “end tag” scene from Afterlife.

The featurette served as an introduction for the man who needs no introduction, Ernie Hudson himself. Dressed in a power suit that would make the chairman of Zeddemore Industries proud, Hudson revealed that the Sony lot will forever remember Ivan Reitman by naming the street in which Ghost Corps and the Ecto-1 are parked “Ivan Reitman Way.” Hudson then teased that the future for Ghostbusters was in good hands and, “I’m not allowed to tell you much more than that, but rest assured, we have a lot of Ghostbusting ahead. I’ll just say, if need be, the flight suit still fits.”

With that, the floor was turned over to Hasbro where Jenny Whitlock unveiled a limited to two edition of an Ivan Reitman Plasma Series action figure. One of which will reside at Ghost Corps’ office in Culver City, and the second will be auctioned off for Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles at a later date.

Following that, Whitlock gave backers a glimpse at progress for the Spengler Proton Pack HasLab that was offered up for pre-sale crowd funding. The biggest reveals are that the Pack will weigh a mere 15-pounds and will be light on fans’ backs, includes real metal parts including the switches and Clippard Valves, and the Spengler Journal that was offered as an incentive will be double the page count than expected. A larger update is available on the Hasbro Pulse blog with photos of the most recent prototypes and more.

Next up was the head of Sony Pictures VR, Jake Zim (with special guest Logan Kim) who offered updates on their Meta VR experience and unveiled a new installation VR arcade called “Ghostbusters VR Academy,” which will be a two-story, two-part experience that allows players to train to be Ghostbusters and drive the Ecto-1 like a pro. The first part of the experience is a first-person perspective where you don a Proton Pack with a haptic feedback vest and capture ghosts in a team of four players. Following that, players head downstairs where they’re put in the driver’s seat for a simulated joyride of a new hover-prototype Ecto-1 through three levels of competition. The installation will be available at 400+ Hologate locations around the world later this year.

Zim and Kim yielded the floor to a filmed message from Dan Aykroyd himself, who taped a message from his family farmhouse. It is the same family farmhouse where his spiritualist great-grandfather served as the inspiration for Ghostbusters. Aykroyd teased that we’re all invested in the future of Ghostbusters, not just from an intellectual property and franchise perspective, but in the story that Afterlife opened up as well. We want to know what happened to Phoebe Spengler following the events at the Dirt Farm. We want to know what happened to the Ghostbusters in the time leading up to Afterlife and beyond. And with that, he was proud to announce the “spectral stewards and trusted keepers of the Cadillac keys” to the stage: Jason Reitman and Gil Kenan.

Reitman and Kenan had many announcements, all of which the running theme was inner-connectivity and a cohesive story that will fill in gaps, move the story into the future, and entertain Ghostbusters fans for years to come.

First up, the pair gave an update on the upcoming Ghostbusters: Spirits Unleashed console video game, which will allow players to compete either as Ghostbusters or as the ghosts themselves. Illfonic is working hard on the game for release later this year on consoles and PC.

Next, the first of the big reveals: Ghostbusters is returning to comics. Dark Horse Comics is the new license partner for Ghostbusters and Reitman and Kenan announced they are overseeing an in-canon mini-series that will be released at some point next year. A Variety article posted today says the Dark Horse series will bridge the gap between Afterlife and the upcoming sequel (more on that momentarily).

The duo then went on to announce the Ghostbusters animated feature film collaboration with Sony Pictures Animation has a creative team working hard on its development, and that the project was near and dear to the late Ivan Reitman’s heart. “This was a passion project of my father’s and it’s easy to understand why. The world of the unknown can only be properly explored through the limitless reach of animation,“ Jason Reitman told the crowd. Per Variety, Chris Prynoski (executive producer, “Beavis and Butt-Head Do the Universe”) and Jennifer Kluska (“Hotel Transylvania: Transformania”) are set to direct, with Brenda Hsueh (supervising producer, “Disjointed”) on board to write. Not much about the film was revealed but there were hints that new characters would be introduced.

More animation news came after that, with an extension of the announcement from this morning that Sony and Ghost Corps have partnered with Netflix to create a new animated Ghostbusters series. Reitman and Kenan assured fans that the new series will navigate an unexplored era of the Ghostbusters canon, which will be intriguing. “Between gaming, comics, television, and movies, we are going to tell the untold history of Ghostbusters while reaching into the future with characters you haven’t met from places you haven’t gone,” said Kenan on the world’s they are exploring in building out the universe.

Last, but certainly not least, the creative pair provided an update on the next live action Ghostbusters film that they are feverishly writing now. Reitman reminded fans that the codename for Ghostbusters: Afterlife was Rust City, a security title that became very clear when the film was released as both the geographical location of where the story took place, but also symbolic of the characters and world we knew. Well, now that the rust has been shaken, Reitman and Kenan gleefully teased that the security title they’ve been using for the new film is Firehouse. While we’re not clear on what the story will be, the two proudly announced that Afterlife ended with the Ecto-1 pulling into the firehouse bay and that’s where the next story will start: back in New York City. Though many news blogs and pundits my scoff at the announcement of a film’s code name, the announcement spoke volumes: Ghostbusters will be back in New York, back in the firehouse, and ready to bust some heads. In a spiritual sense, of course.

The evening was capped off with an outdoor screening of Ghostbusters: Afterlife in the cool Los Angeles air, with booming sound and a rowdy audience cheering and engaged throughout.

If this is the first of many Ecto-Fests to come, one can only imagine the scope and announcements and reveals that may be in store June of 2023. Until then, we let our imaginations run free and hang on tight for the future. It’s going to be a wild ride.

Get Ready for PulseCon 2020 - Hasbro's First Livestream Virtual Event

Hasbro has announced a live virtual event on September 25th and 26th where announcements across all its product lines, including Ghostbusters, will be made. The event follows in the footsteps of DC’s Fandome event providing targeted and focused convention experiences to a larger audience.

At the same time as the event, the exclusive “Tully’s Terrible Night” Plasma Series set will go on sale in the US & Canada via the Hasbro Pulse site.

More information on programming and when the Ghostbusters section of the virtual convention are to come, but until then here is the full press release from Hasbro:

HASBRO ANNOUNCES 2-DAY VIRTUAL EVENT “HASBRO PULSECON”

– THE ULTIMATE POP CULTURE CELEBRATION FOR FANS

Hasbro PulseCon Promises Front Row Access via Livestream to Hasbro’s Iconic Fan Brands, Music and Entertainment September 25-26, 2020; Only on the Hasbro Pulse YouTube Channel

PAWTUCKET, RI – August 31st, 2020 – Hasbro, Inc. (NASDAQ:HAS) today announced the first-ever Hasbro PulseCon, a 2-day virtual event that gives fans unprecedented access to their favorite Hasbro brands, music & entertainment. Taking place on September 25-26, 2020 exclusively on the Hasbro Pulse YouTube Channel and hosted by SYFY Wire on-air correspondent, writer, and producer, Jackie Jennings, Hasbro PulseCon promises fans in the US and Canada a front row seat to panels, talent appearances, brand reveals, product giveaways and more; connecting consumers to their favorite brands in an immersive, one-of-a-kind setting that, along with the eOne portfolio, will bring fans the best in entertainment, music, and toys. Announcements for new innovations and product reveals will take place for brands including Dungeons & Dragons, G.I. Joe, Magic: The Gathering, Power Rangers, Transformers as well as premiere partner brands Marvel, Star Wars™, Ghostbusters, and more.

PulseCon delivers the experience and connection of conventions for free and right from the comforts of fans’ homes. Highlights from the virtual event will consist of live unboxings, over 50 new product reveals and pre-orders, coveted Hasbro PulseCon exclusive merchandise, livestream panels featuring celebrities and audience Q&A, and surprise experiHasbro ences. “To be a part of this new virtual experience that celebrates fan culture and incorporates so many different iconic entertainment properties is truly a thrilling opportunity and I can’t wait for fans to check it out,” says Jackie Jennings, Hasbro PulseCon host.

“We are constantly impressed by our fan community and their unwavering passion for Hasbro brands. The Hasbro Pulse community was built with them in mind, and we’re excited to take fan-first engagement with our Pulse platform even deeper,” says Eric Nyman, Chief Consumer Officer, Hasbro. “We’re looking forward to celebrating the fans, providing community connection at a time where everyone needs it most, and ultimately delivering a peek behind the curtain on their favorite brands in a way only Hasbro can.”

Fans will also be able to get their hands on Hasbro PulseCon exclusive items, available only at Hasbro PulseCon in the US & Canada, including:

·        Ghostbusters Plasma Series Tully’s Terrible Night (Ages 4 and Up / Approx. Retail Price: $49.99 / Available: September 2020)

·        G.I. Joe Classified Series Snake Supreme Cobra Commander Action Figure (Ages 4 and Up / Approx. Retail Price: $29.99 / Available: September 2020)

·        Power Rangers Lightning Collection Mighty Morphin Lord Drakkon Evo III Figure (Ages 4 and Up / Approx. Retail Price: $49.99 / Available: September 2020)

·        Transformers: Generations War for Cybertron Trilogy: Quintesson Pit of Judgement 5-Pack (Ages 8 and Up / Approx. Retail Price: $69.99 / Available: September 2020)

·        Marvel Legends Series 6-Inch Hellfire Club Collection

(Ages 4 years and up / Approx. Retail Price: $79.99 / Available: September 2020)

·        Marvel Legends Series 6-Inch X-Men Marvel’s Logan & Charles Xavier Figure 2-Pack

(Ages 14 years and up / Approx. Retail Price: $49.99 / Available: September 2020)

·        Star Wars: The Vintage Collection Star Wars: The Clone Wars 501st Legion ARC Troopers Figure 3-Pack (Ages 4 years and up / Approx. Retail Price: $49.99 / Available: September 2020)

·        Star Wars: The Black Series Heroes of Endor Figure Set

(Ages 4 years and up / Approx. Retail Price: $109.99 / Available: September 2020)

·        Star Wars: The Black Series 6-Inch-Scale Hoth Wampa Figure

(Ages 4 years and up / Approx. Retail Price: $29.99 / Available: September 2020)

Additional details and scheduling will be announced soon. To stay up to date, fans can follow @HasbroPulse on Instagram and visit HasbroPulseCon.com for more details.

Hasbro's Ghostbusters Plasma Series Line Continues with the Keymaster(s)

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Hasbro, the new official action figure licensor for Ghostbusters for the foreseeable future, announced the next figure offering from their Hasbro Pulse “Plasma Series” line-up: Louis Tully and a Terror Dog (presumably Vinz Clortho) in “Tully’s Terrible Night!”

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The figure joins Ray Stantz, Peter Venkman, Egon Spengler, Winston Zeddemore, Dana Barrett, and Gozer in the 6” scale figure line (already available via the Hasbro Pulse website and other retailers including Target and Amazon). And not only shows Hasbro’s commitment to continuing the line, but also that there’s more on the way even with the current global pandemic.

Also in the Plasma Series line, and still up for pre-order in September is Spengler’s Neutrona Wand from the upcoming Ghostbusters: Afterlife film releasing in March of next year. As of now, the pre-orders for this awesome role-playing/prop replica appear to be on-time and shipping as planned.

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Tully’s Terrible Night comes with a suggested retail price of $49.99 and ships in September. More from the press release below!

GHOSTBUSTERS PLASMA SERIES TULLY’S TERRIBLE NIGHT
(Ages 4 and Up / Approx. Retail Price: $49.99 / Available: September 2020)

The premium, collectible Ghostbusters figure fans have been waiting for is here with the GHOSTBUSTERS Plasma Series Tully’s Terrible Night two-pack from Hasbro. Inspired by the original Ghostbusters movies, the 6-inch scale Louis Tully and Terror Dog action figures feature premium detail across multiple points of articulation, movie-inspired accessories, and photorealistic actor likenesses. Included with the Plasma Series Tully’s Terrible Night two-pack is a helmet accessory that makes a great addition to any Ghostbusters Collection.

Kids and collectors alike can imagine slimy struggles and eerie ecto-encounters from the Ghostbusters Universe with figures from the Ghostbusters Plasma Series. When ghastly ghouls and spooky specters come looking to paint the town dead, the Ghostbusters are ready to answer the call! Available at HasbroPulse.com in September 2020.