Hasbro’s brand marketing and design teams stormed into New York Comic Con with an action-packed showcase celebrating some of the most beloved toy lines in pop culture. The panel gave fans a first look at upcoming releases from Transformers, G.I. Joe Classified Series, and The Real Ghostbusters, highlighting Hasbro’s ongoing mission to blend nostalgia with next-generation design.
Transformers: Studio Series and Beyond
Transformers fans were treated to new details from the Studio Series line, including preorder timing for several recently revealed figures. The Hasbro team teased how upcoming releases will continue to expand the cinematic universe of Transformers toys — delivering screen-accurate sculpts and premium articulation that collectors crave.
Available for preorder starting tomorrow, the next wave of Transformers figures includes Airachnid, the sinister spider-like Decepticon making her long-awaited debut in the mainline, Barricade, the ever-intimidating Decepticon enforcer returning with updated sculpting and modern articulation, and 1986 Windcharger, the loyal Autobot minibot in retro-inspired packaging.
Leader Class additions include Nemesis Prime (from The Last Knight), whose dark, battle-scarred, and armed to the teeth sculpting complements his corrupted on-screen appearance, 1986 Soundwave, who is reengineered for screen-accurate proportions and transformation, and Age of Extinction Grimlock, the Dinobot leader who returns with updated paint applications and articulation to match his on-screen ferocity.
Your Retro Deluxe Collection cannot be complete without Wheelie and Outback, who join the nostalgic throwback line, styled after their original G1 toy releases.
The team then rolled out the heavy artillery with some truly unexpected and undeniably creative reveals that fuse Cybertronian technology with classic mythology and history.
Transformers: Hearts of Steel figures
Inspired by the fan-favorite comic book series, this series reimagines Autobots and Decepticons as Feudal Japanese Samurai Warriors. With this historical crossover, Hasbro introduced its initial two-pack featuring Optimus Prime, a noble, bull-drawn warrior hauling a wooden ox cart outfitted with Autobot insignia (Why isn’t he called Oximus Prime?!) and Starscream, who transforms into an eagle, drawing inspiration from Japan’s feudal fascination with falconry and hawking.
The samurai aesthetic gives both figures a detailed, battle-worn appearance, blending traditional Japanese armor design with mechanical interchangeable details that feel right at home in the Transformers universe.
Hasbro also teased that Megatron and Bumblebee will be the next characters to receive the Feudal Japan treatment, set to debut officially at London Comic Con later this year.
Ghostbusters Kenner Classics: A Blast from the Past
Ghostbusters fans got a special treat with fresh news from the Kenner Classics collection. The Hasbro crew pulled back the curtain on behind-the-scenes development, teasing fans with a fitting homage to the retro figures of the 1980s. Then, Hasbro unearthed a long-lost piece of Ghostbusters history, bringing fans face-to-face with a collector’s dream come true - the 1991 Ecto Glow Copter.
Originally planned for release in 1991 as part of Kenner’s The Real Ghostbusters line, the Ecto Glow Copter never made it past the prototype stage before the line was discontinued. Though it appeared in a late Kenner catalog, the toy itself became something of a Ghostbusters legend…until now. Over three decades later, Hasbro is finally giving the unreleased vehicle its proper debut as part of the upcoming Ecto Glow Capsule Collection, launching in July 2026, with an exclusive SDCC premiere. The Ecto Glow deco, complete with accessories and decals, is restored from original design references, a nostalgic nod to Ghostbuster toy history.
G.I. Joe Classified: A Cold Front of Action
Hasbro came locked, loaded, and ready for action, unveiling a new wave of G.I. Joe Classified Series figures and future projects that continue to expand the celebrated 6-inch line.
Joining the Classified ranks are several long-awaited characters and troop builders including Pythona and Ghost Viper (who were both previously announced), Hit and Run, with classic green fatigues and climbing gear inspired by his vintage appearance, Mole Rat, a subterranean Cobra operative with a grimy, battle-worn aesthetic, the much anticipated Lifeline, who comes equipped with his signature medical case which opens to reveal a detachable breather mask compatible with any figure in the line, Night Viper, a stealth specialist complete with visor and suppressed weaponry, and Big Lob, a fan-favorite from G.I. Joe: The Movie (1987), sporting his signature jersey, basketball accessory, grenades, and sidearm.
Hasbro also teased several upcoming figures currently in the pipeline such as a Female Crimson Guard army builder, Crazylegs, and Zap, an original member of GI Joe line. With this mix of classic callbacks and deep-cut fan favorites, Hasbro’s Classified Series shows no signs of slowing down—proving once again that knowing is half the battle.
Hasbro also announced a new collaboration with Walmart, which will offer a range of stylized diorama displays across several of its major brands: Star Wars, Marvel, Transformers, and G.I. Joe. Each set is designed to enhance collector displays with detailed backdrops and modular environments tailored to their respective universes. Expect a variety of styles and configurations that complement both modern and retro figure lines.
From Cybertron to the Arctic and beyond the paranormal, Hasbro’s 2025 toy lineup is all about honoring fan-favorite franchises while pushing creative boundaries. Judging by the excitement at NYCC, collectors will have plenty to add to their shelves before year’s end.
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