A New Wave of Hasbro/Kenner Ghostbusters Product Hits Shelves

After the ball dropped in Times Square and the ol’ yearly odometer clicked over to 2024, eagle-eye collectors started noticing new Ghostbusters toys hitting shelves, particularly at Target stores. Well, Hasbro has made it official, here’s all the offerings they’re sending to a store near you to coincide with the release of Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, including another round of retro-release Real Ghostbusters Fright Features figures!

Ghostbusters Track & Trap Ecto-1

(Ages 4 and Up/ Approx. Retail Price: $29.99/ Available: Now)

The Ghostbusters are back, chasing down ghosts and ghouls through the streets of New York! Re-create favorite scenes from the entertainment with this Ghostbusters Track & Trap Ecto-1 toy car. Swing out the blaster seat and launch a projectile or deploy the rooftop drone trap to imagine chasing spooky specters up into the air. Includes a Fright Features Slimer toy accessory, featuring Ecto-Stretch Tech for rubbery, stretchable ghost play. This vehicle is compatible with the Fright Features 5-inch action figures each sold separately, subject to availability). Available now at participating retailers , including Target, Big Bad Toy Store and more.

Ghostbusters Zap & Blast Proton Blaster

(Ages 5 and Up/ Approx. Retail Price: $29.99/ Available: Now)

Many different ghosts haunt the world and with this Ghostbusters Zap & Blast Proton Blaster, kids can be ready for any unruly apparition! Gear up as an official member of the Ghostbusters with this proton blaster, featuring LED light effects and 20+ sound effects, inspired by the Ghostbusters entertainment. Blast any class apparition in normal mode or use the “Specter Wavelength” button in Ghost Getter mode, pull back on the barrel to charge-and-reveal a color-changing proton stream. Look for more Ghostbusters-inspired toys, including action figures, vehicles, role play toys, and more (each sold separately, subject to availability). Available now at participating retailers, including Target, Big Bad Toy Store and more.

Ghostbusters Squash & Squeeze Slimer

(Ages 4 and Up/ Approx. Retail Price: $29.99/ Available: Now)

Slimer, the mischievous green ghost from the Ghostbusters entertainment is back to haunt collections! This 7-inch Ghostbusters Squash & Squeeze Slimer interactive toy ghost features over 40 spooky sounds to discover with a jiggly, squishy texture that feels icky yet awesome to the touch. Fly, shake, or swing Slimer as he reacts with motion sounds. Press his tongue to hear munching sound effects, ghostly and ghastly burps and more. Look for more Ghostbusters-inspired toys, including action figures, vehicles, role play toys, and more (each sold separately, subject to availability). Available now at participating retailers.

Ghostbusters Fright Features 5-inch Figures

(Ages 4 and Up/ Approx. Retail Price: $9.99/ Available: Now) 

The Ghostbusters are officially back in business, chasing down ghosts and ghouls through the streets of New York! This Fright Features Callie Spengler, Gary Grooberson, Phoebe Spengler, and Trevor Spengler 5-inch figures features entertainment-inspired design and detail, 5 points of articulation, and comes with a Ghostbusters toy Proton Pack with Ghostbusters blaster wand accessory. Also included in this Ghostbusters figure set is a Fright Feature Possessor accessory featuring Ecto-Stretch Tech. This fun, rubbery, ghost easily stretches, so kids and collectors can pull it over the figure and imagine her possessed by a poltergeist. Look for more Ghostbusters-inspired toys, including action figures, vehicles, role play toys, and more (each sold separately, subject to availability). Available now at participating retailers, including Amazon, Big Bad Toy Store and more.

Ghostbusters Kenner Classics The Real Ghostbusters

(Ages 4 and Up/ Approx. Retail Price: $14.99/ Available: Now)

Join The Real Ghostbusters as they rid New York City of pesky poltergeists! Kenner Classics Ghostbusters toys are designed to replicate the original 1980s Ghostbusters figures, based on the animated series The Real Ghostbusters. Fans can relive the nostalgia with collectible packaging that features the original Kenner branding. Look for more Ghostbusters-inspired toys, including action figures, vehicles, role play toys, and more (each sold separately, subject to availability). Available now exclusively in-stores at Target and at other participating retailers beginning in April.

Join the Crossrip for a Commentary on a Classic Real Ghostbusters Episode

In case you missed it last week, the Ghostbusters Interdimensional Crossrip podcast introduced a new segment: Unsolicited Dic Peeks - where we take a look at classic animated Ghostbusters cartoon episodes and provide a full commentary! Our first episode, “Knock Knock” is one of the best and most beloved episodes of Real Ghostbusters. Check out the Crossrip page to watch or listen, or watch the full podcast and commentary below via our YouTube channel. Make sure to subscribe via your favorite podcast catcher or on YouTube to keep up with future episodes!

Hands-On with Hasbro's Latest Offerings

Our friends at Hasbro were kind enough to send along three items from their latest wave of 2021 offerings: the Kenner Retro Ghostpopper, Playskool Heroes Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man, and the revised edition of the Transformers mash-up Ectotron! All three are fantastic items for kids and collectors alike. Below are a few of our thoughts, and make sure to tune into this week’s episode of The Crossrip where Troy and Chris will chat through their thoughts in video and audio podcasting form!

Ghostpopper

A blast from the past as one of the few Real Ghostbusters Kenner items that I had as a kid (I had the proton pack, trap, Ghostpopper, and Ghost-Zappers to call my Ghostbusting arsenal back in the day). Currently a Wal-Mart exclusive, this reissued popper is almost identical to the one offered in the late 1980’s with a few key differences. Immediately noticeable is the blue coloration of the body of the thrower. While not entirely out of the ordinary for the Kenner line (most if not all of the throwers and weapons were the same distinctive blue), the original Ghostpopper had a black matte body. Most likely this change had to be made due to new restrictions on toy companies not being able to make weapons a color that could be mistaken for real. Also a change due to the times, lots and lots of warnings and advisories printed on the bottom of the body of the thrower. The packaging is a near one-to-one replica of the original box, again with more safety messaging (and the child model is now sporting safety glasses). I seem to remember the original Kenner box having three targets, where the reissue only has Stay-Puft and Slimer cardboard cutouts. Aside from that, it is 100% the exact toy that you may have had as a kid and perfect for the next generation of Ghostbuster to begin their journey as well.

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Playskool Heroes Stay-Puft

More for the younger set, but an outstanding sculpt and a great likeness of Puft - which for some reason is always tough to nail down. Being Playskool, nice to have a toy for those aged 3-and-up but with my little one found that the button on the top was just a little too difficult for a three-year-old’s finger to chunk down and change the face. But, ever-resourceful, she quickly figured out she could just spin the face and that was a whole lot easier and just as much fun.

Articulation at the hip of Puft gives him a bit of a wobble that simulates walking and kind of turns him in to a bobblehead/hula doll, which is a fun touch as well. In fact, there’s a surprising amount of articulation on the figure, including arms and hands that allow a wide variety of poses.

Transformers Ectotron (Ghostbusters Afterlife Edition)

If you weren’t fortunate to pick up the original issue of the Ecto-1 Transformer in 2019, now is your chance to pick up the figure on a blister cardback with a few differences that make it Ghostbusters Afterlife specific. A Target exclusive, Ectotron is pretty much the same with a few rust details and slightly modified Ecto-Goggles, a translucent Muncher figure is now included along side the Slimer figure that was originally offered. And, still in the package the item is a great display piece just as its predecessor.

Check out a hands-on of all-three on this week’s Crossrip by hitting the link here or watching the video below!

Our thanks again to Hasbro for providing these for review, here’s more information on each of the three items, all available for purchase now!

Transformers: Generations – Transformers Collaborative: Ghostbusters: Afterlife Ecto-1 Ectotron

(Ages 8 and Up / Approx. Retail Price: $59.99 / Available: January 1, 2021)

Worlds collide in this TRANSFORMERS-Ghostbusters mash-up as the iconic Ecto-1 Cadillac from the Ghostbusters: Afterlife movie converts to a TRANSFORMERS robot – the ECTO-1 ECTOTRON! He ain’t afraid of no ghosts. ECTOTRON stands at 7 inches tall, converts between Ecto-1 and robot mode in 22 steps, comes with a Proton Pack, blaster accessories, the classic 1984 Slimer ghost figure, the new Ghostbusters: Afterlife Muncher ghost figure, and an issue number 1 of the Transformers/Ghostbusters Ghosts of Cybertron comic book from IDW Publishing, featuring an exclusive cover. The figure also features an updated head sculpt, including updated Ecto-Goggles, inspired by Ghostbusters: Afterlife and afterlife Tech Specs showing the capabilities of ECTOTRON, including strength, speed, and bust-abilty.

TRANSFORMERS robots have always been MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE, but now, through the TRANSFORMERS Collaborative, fans can experience these larger than life characters as they team-up, mash-up, and meet up with other characters, teams and people who share this same special quality. Available exclusively at Target.

GHOSTBUSTERS KENNER CLASSICS GHOSTPOPPER

(Ages 8 and Up / Approx. Retail Price: $19.99 / Available: January 1, 2021)

Poltergeist popping action is back with the GHOSTBUSTERS Kenner Classics Ghostpopper from Hasbro! Inspired by the classic blaster from Kenner, this retro Ghostpopper is a must have for any Ghostbusters fan and features original Kenner deco and package art inspired by the iconic look from the 80s. Comes with six soft foam Ghostpops and three cut-out ghost targets. Available exclusively at Walmart.

GHOSTBUSTERS PSA STAY PUFT MARSHMALLOW MAN

(Ages 3 and Up / Approx. Retail Price: $14.99 / Available: January 1, 2021)

Inspired by the Ghostbusters entertainment franchise, this GHOSTBUSTERS Stay Puft Marshmallow Man figure brings mega fun to exciting adventures! Sized right for small hands, this bulky 10.7-inch figure features articulation and multiple preschool-perfect facial expressions. Kids can press the button on Stay Puft’s head to change his expression and imagine fun stories! Available at most major retailers nationwide.

Hasbro PulseCon Unveils Two New Toy Products

This past weekend was Hasbro’s big virtual PulseCon toy event, a two-day livestream extravaganza that included their biggest brands and some rocking performances, particularly from Jack Black and Kyle Gass and the rest of Tenacious D.

Amid the festivities were two big product reveals. Both of which went up for pre-order on Saturday 9/26 (and in the case of the Ecto, sold out almost immediately).

Here’s all the info on the new products!

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GHOSTBUSTERS KENNER CLASSICS GHOSTPOPPER

(Ages 8 and Up / Approx. Retail Price: $19.99 / Available: January 1, 2021)

Poltergeist popping action is back with the GHOSTBUSTERS Kenner Classics Ghostpopper from Hasbro! Inspired by the classic blaster from Kenner, this retro Ghostpopper is a must have for any Ghostbusters fan and features original Kenner deco and package art inspired by the iconic look from the 80s. Comes with six soft foam Ghostpops and three cut-out Ghost Targets. Available exclusively at Walmart.

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GHOSTBUSTERS PLASMA SERIES ECTO-1

(Ages 14 and Up / Approx. Retail Price: $49.99 / Available: January 1, 2021)

Commemorate the next chapter in the Ghostbusters story, GHOSTBUSTERS: Afterlife, with the GHOSTBUSTERS PLASMA SERIES ECTO-1 1/18th-scale collectible of the iconic Ecto-1 vehicle from Hasbro. Featured in the all-new GHOSTBUSTERS: Afterlife movie, this collectible features premium deco with incredible detailing inspired by the updated look of the new Ecto-1 as seen in the 2021 movie. The GHOSTBUSTERS PLASMA SERIES ECTO-1 collectible also features opening doors, movable pieces, and more features inspired by the movie. Available exclusively at Target.

As for the PulseCon event itself, you can hear Troy’s thoughts on this week’s episode of the Crossrip podcast, but here’s how the run of the show ended up going.

Part 1: Classic Ghostbusters

Panelists: Ernie Hudson, Hasbro Ghostbusters Brand Team

We’ll begin by celebrating the iconic 1984 film. Tune in for ghostly surprises, classic toy news, and a visit from a very special guest: Ernie Hudson, otherwise known as Winston Zeddemore from Ghostbusters! Get ready to hear him answer your fan questions!

Part 2: The Making of Kenner The Real Ghostbusters Toys

Panelists: Mark Boudreaux, Hasbro Ghostbusters Brand Team

We’ll continue our journey through the 80’s with an inside look at the making of the Real Ghostbusters toys from original Kenner toy designer, Mark Boudreaux. Next, you’ll see behind the scenes of sculpting with Dave. Finally, meet the Hasbro team that relaunched the Kenner Real Ghostbusters toys in 2020. Hear about how they answered the call to bring this beloved toy line back for the fans and be the first to see the next Kenner Real Ghostbusters toy to hit shelves!

Part 3: Ghostbusters Afterlife

Panelists: Jason Reitman, Hasbro Ghostbusters Brand Team

We’ll end our celebration with a nod to the future… the new Ghostbusters Afterlife feature film, coming to theaters in March 2021. Academy Award-nominated, Golden Globe-winning filmmaker Jason Reitman, director of Ghostbusters Afterlife, will take you on a tour of the Ecto-1 that was used in the new film. He’ll end his tour with an exciting reveal! You’ll then hear from the Hasbro team about the next toy inspired by the Ghostbusters Afterlife film to hit shelves!

A fun event to reach out to the fans during this stay at home pandemic to be sure. Safe to assume this is only the beginning of awesome merch to come from Hasbro given all that was seen at the New York International Toy Fair, and all that’s still to be revealed when Ghostbusters Afterlife hits theaters in 2021!

Get Ready to Get Real Tomorrow

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Just a gentle reminder that the IDW Ghostbusters/Real Ghosbusters crossover Ghostbusters: Get Real hits your local comic shop and online stores tomorrow! The official solicitation gives only a few details of the story reading: "When a confrontation with the elder God Proteus goes awry, Peter, Ray, Winston and Egon will meet... THE REAL GHOSTBUSTERS!" But writer Erik Burnham was kind enough to give GBHQ a small sneak peek through a quick interview on the day the project was announced.

Definitely looking forward to giving the series a read, look for more here on GBHQ (possibly even an infamous Fritz-review) in the future!

The Private Sector: Pride, Prejudice, and HFCS

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The following article appeared on ProtonCharging.com and GBFans.com on March 24th, 2010 as part of my syndicated weekly column, The Private Sector:

There were few things that you looked forward to in any given elementary school day: recess, getting to see the cute sixth-grade teacher Mrs. Bull who was a good twenty years your senior, running home from the bus to catch cartoons in the afternoon, and… oh yeah, before it became un-cool to bring your own lunch to school -- lunchtime… 

I was among the fortunate who were blessed with a new lunchbox every year, and looking back – it was interesting the gimmicks and devices that were used to sell things to us to occupy those lunchboxes year after year. 

I’m sure you already know where I’m going with this: Ecto-Cooler. 

But bear with me while I build dramatic tension a bit… Gotta give the people what they pay for. Wait; do I get paid for this? Guys? Anyway… 

I could wax nostalgic for pages and pages about all the food stuffs that were available for my school lunch as a kid (Dunkaroos, Fruit by the Foot), but from around 1981 to 1990ish, there was a war being fought on the grocery store shelves. 

The war to be the sugar water “drink” of choice in kids’ lunchboxes. 

Think about it, Hi-C, Kool-Aid, Squeez-It, Capri-Sun, I could go on and on with the options that were available for kids to implore their parents to buy for them. Each, of course, had some sort of a gimmick that set them apart from their competition in the hopes that maybe leading you to obesity or diabetes in pouch form would be more appealing than the other guys. 

I remember, as a kid, the “juice” isle stretched as far as the eye could see, with all sorts of juice box, pouch, and bottle options to choose from. It only makes sense that the marketing folks would spend countless dollars to make you identify their brand above all others. (Now, juice boxes are relegated to an end cap or a small shelf next to the “real” juices… interesting, no?). 

But while Squeez-It and Capri-Sun had unique packaging that was immediately identifiable, Kool-Aid and Hi-C stuck to the tried and true juice box format. So what could they do to get notice? Kool-Aid opted for awesome advertising with the oft Seth MacFarlane parodied Kool-Aid Man, who became more identifiable than any of the flavored drinks they sold. Plus Kool-Aid devised the genius idea of Kool-Aid points, which you could redeem packages of their juices for “Kool” (nyuck, nyuck) usually Kool-Aid Man themed gear. 

Hi-C, on the other hand, had me sold the minute they developed a Ghostbusters themed beverage in Ecto-Cooler. 

It’s a pretty genius idea, actually. When you think about it on the simplest level, the drink has absolutely nothing to do with the Ghostbusters property. The first thing that comes to mind when seeing the mucus-like ectoplasm in the Ghostbusters film and in the animated show isn’t “citrus tangerine goodness.” (Unless there’s something the fan community isn’t telling me?) The drink wasn’t even really the same green color as your favorite paranormal entity and mine. But it didn’t matter, the minute they slapped Slimer on the packaging and named the flavor “Ecto-Anything,” it was sold to me. 

This is what Star Wars did to us… but I digress… 

Having had parents with a strict “milk once a day” rule – Ecto-Cooler at lunch meant that I had to endure drinking low-fat milk for dinner every night, but I didn’t care. It was worth it. Ecto-Cooler made me feel cool. Like I was drinking an officially endorsed drink from the Ghostbusters. No matter what a dweeb I actually was in real life, I was a Ghostbuster at lunch. Which, okay, arguably still made me quite the dweeb. But endearingly so, right? Right? 

I would beg and plead with my mom at the grocery store for Ecto-Cooler like a Mogwai wanting a snack after midnight. When Hi-C stated selling two liter cans of their beverages, the thought of cracking open one of those cans gives me more joy than tapping a keg of the finest brew as an adult today. Ecto-Cooler was the drink of choice when friends came to visit, just like scotch is for the suits in their executive offices. “Hey Brian, thanks for coming over, can I offer you an Ecto-Cooler? Boy, did you see Mrs. Bull today?” 

It probably makes me beyond shallow, but Ecto-Cooler became associated with childhood, it became associated with a simpler and more enjoyable time. Much like a generation before me drank YooHoo, I drank Ecto-Cooler. 

Of course, once the bane of our existence known as “nutrition” became a concern for families everywhere, the portion sizes of Ecto-Cooler slowly diminished. The boxes went from being monolith-sized, to matchbox-sized. Shortly after that, it ceased to be a juice and became a soft drink. It even suddenly became “An Excellent Source of Vitamin-C” (and pure sucrose by the tablespoon, probably) before eventually disappearing completely. It was missed, but life went on as juice boxes gave way eventually to Kool-Aid Koolers, which eventually gave way to it being cool to buy my lunch and drink school sanctioned milk, which gave way to a soda machine in high school, which eventually gave way to… I don’t know… girls. 

There was a time around 2002 or 2003ish that Ecto-Cooler made a quiet and understated return, re-themed and renamed Screamin’ Tangerine. And I’m not ashamed to say that I, Troy Benjamin, at that time about to graduate from college, bought juice boxes by the case full. It was all a desperate attempt to take myself back to that moment in my childhood that Ecto-Cooler reminded me of. 

Okay, well and when we discovered how good Ecto-Cooler and Vodka combined; it also became a means to inebriation. 

But it’s strange to think that a marketing ploy during a highly competitive era where beverage companies were throwing everything at the wall to see what stuck became associated in such ways. 

And it’s funny how much I want it back.