Hasbro Pulse Con September 22, 2023

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HASBRO REVEALS JAM-PACKED PULSE CON 2023 SLATE OF PROGRAMMING FOR THE ULTIMATE VIRTUAL FAN EVENT RETURNING SEPTEMBER 22
Co-Hosted by Dan Larson and Thew Adams the Pop Culture Celebration for the Fans Continues with Exciting Announcements for Iconic Brands TRANSFORMERS, G.I. JOE, POWER RANGERS, DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, MAGIC: THE GATHERING, and Premier Collaboration Brands: Marvel and Star Wars™, Plus Special Guest Appearances and Launch of an Updated Selfie Series Experience

Livestreamed Exclusively on the Hasbro Pulse YouTube Channel for Fans 16+ in the US and Canada and 18+ in the UK, EU, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, and Taiwan

Hasbro today announced the return of Hasbro Pulse Con 2023 on September 22, continuing the promise of providing fans a front row seat to amazing content, products, conversation, community building, and more. Available for FREE for adult fans and live-streamed exclusively on the Hasbro Pulse YouTube Channel, Hasbro Pulse Con reaches fans across the globe, including the US, Canada, UK and for the first time – the entire European Union, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, and Taiwan. Popular YouTube Creators Dan Larson of Secret Galaxy and Thew Adams (@toygrind) take over hosting duties for this year’s pop culture and fandom celebration, with the festivities set to kick off at 8 a.m. PT / 11 a.m. EST. The event will end at 1 p.m. PT / 4 p.m. ET at which point Hasbro Pulse Premium Members gain early access to select convention exclusives and pre-orders revealed during the day before all fans access at 2 p.m. PT / 5 p.m. ET. Learn more about early access to Hasbro Pulse Con product drops and more here.

Pulse Con 2023 is all about products this year! With a concentrated focus on the toys and brands fans love, the event will feature product-forward content, including engaging brand panels, exclusive product drops, over 30 new product reveals, exclusive Pulse Premium Member opportunities, and the highly anticipated launch of the updated Hasbro Selfie Series experience. The event will showcase content from Hasbro’s iconic brands, including TRANSFORMERS, G.I. JOE, DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, POWER RANGERS, and MAGIC: THE GATHERING, along with premier collaboration brands, including Star Wars™ and Marvel from The Walt Disney Company.

Throughout the day’s virtual event, viewers can look forward to special guest appearances from special guests including Simon Bennett (Executive Producer, Power Rangers Cosmic Fury) and other special programming during the show.

Also, tune in during the show for a reveal of the POWER RANGERS Pulse Con exclusive product.

Attendees can expect a robust slate of programming, including brand panels featuring some special guests and the launch of updated Hasbro Selfie Series experience, Hasbro’s personalization platform that allows fans to add their own face to figures with fan-favorite character designs from Marvel, G.I. JOE, GHOSTBUSTERS, POWER RANGERS and Star Wars™ characters, gets a substantial update this year promising even more customization options with the addition of glasses, beards and more hairstyles.

Below is a peek inside the brand panels on TRANSFORMERS, G.I. JOE, POWER RANGERS, DUNGEONS & DRAGONS and MAGIC: THE GATHERING, along with premier collaboration brands Marvel and Star Wars™.

· Marvel: Join Marvel product experts from Hasbro for exciting reveals and announcements during the 2023 Pulse Con Marvel Legends Series panel. This year’s panel promises never-before-seen Marvel figures from Hasbro, and will feature Hasbro’s Dwight, Ryan and Dan to discuss exciting news around the popular Marvel Legends product line from Hasbro.
· Star Wars™: During this panel, fans can join members of the Hasbro Marketing & Design teams, including Jing, Chris, Priya, Emily, and Eric as they talk about the popular Star Wars line from Hasbro, including the Black Series and the Vintage Collection. Attendees will get an in-depth look at Hasbro’s latest action figure and premium roleplay offerings from throughout the saga. Word on the Holonet is there may also be a few surprises…
· Magic: The Gathering: Find out what's coming soon from Magic: The Gathering's Secret Lair. Join Wizards of the Coast's Senior Business Manager Emily and Global Product Marketing Manager Steve as they reveal new cards and upcoming collaborations between Hasbro and Magic: The Gathering.
· TRANSFORMERS: We’re kicking off a momentous celebration of product: 40 years of Transformers products! Join the Hasbro Transformers Marketing and Design teams as they unite over the next chapter of the Transformers Legacy Generations line. The festivities continue as we will induct a new member to our Hall of Fame – quite a legendary human.
· G.I. JOE: Yo Joe! It’s always a good time for Emily, Lenny, and Tony to discuss new top-secret and exciting reveals from the G.I. JOE Classified Series. You won’t want to miss this Pulse Con panel, including a special appearance from our fantastic toy photographer Matthew Cohen (@shootingthegalaxy).
· Power Rangers: Ranger Nation – Tune in for the Power Rangers panel at Pulse Con with Emily and Jordan. You don't want to miss out on all the exciting toy news and a sneak peek of the highly anticipated “Power Rangers Cosmic Fury” series, which will have a special guest appearance by Executive Producer Simon Bennett. It’s going to be morphinominal!
· Dungeons & Dragons: Find out what’s just released and coming in the next few months from D&D, including fan-favorite themes revisited. Hasbro’s Marketing Manager Emily shares the excitement of the newest supplements for the World’s Greatest Roleplaying Game.

Additional programming details and full schedule for Hasbro Pulse Con can be found on HasbroPulseCon.com. To stay up-to-date, fans can sign up for the Hasbro Pulse newsletter or follow @HasbroPulse on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

 

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Fans who participate will have the opportunity to get their hands on Hasbro Pulse Con Exclusive items, including:
· TRANSFORMERS Legacy Evolution Armada Universe Powerlinx Hot Shot and Armada Universe Jolt


· Star Wars: The Black Series Starkiller & Troopers

 

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· Marvel Legends Series Detroit Steel


· G.I. JOE Classified Series Crimson Strike Team: Baroness, Tomax, & Xamot, 82

 

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To commemorate 100 years of delivering the wonder of storytelling and the exhilaration of play to audiences across the globe, Hasbro today announced that Alan Hassenfeld and The Hassenfeld Family Foundation will donate $1 million to four purposeful charities benefiting kids and families everywhere: Games for Change, Hasbro Children’s Hospital, One Tree Planted and Toys for Tots. Hasbro is empowering its passionate fan base to choose how the $1M donation will be distributed. Beginning September 22 at the fan-favorite virtual event, Hasbro Pulse Con 2023, and running until November 30, fans can vote for one of the four charities to donate to through each purchase they make on HasbroPulse.com.

On December 6, for Global Day of Joy, Hasbro’s company-wide day of service intended to spread the joy of play through employee-led volunteer projects, donations will be granted to the four charities based on the number of votes each received from the Hasbro Pulse voting campaign. The organization taking 1st place will receive $400K, while the 2nd place takes $300K, 3rd place earns $200K and 4th place gets $100K.

“As I reflect on Hasbro’s humble beginnings and commune with my grandfather, Henry, through my Ouija board, I wonder if he and his brothers could imagine that the company would stand the test of time 100 years later,” said Alan Hassenfeld. “I think they would be proud to see how the company has grown throughout these decades, while remaining true to our original family purpose of bringing smiles to children and families. Special thanks to our greatest asset over the years – our people – for making that mission possible. Also, thanks to the kids, fans and families all over the world and our communities and partners for believing in our brands. Lastly, thank you to my family, especially my father, Merrill, and visionary brother, Stephen. Hasbro’s 100th year is only the beginning, and I can’t wait to see where our next 100 years takes us.”

“Thanks to the Hassenfeld family, Hasbro has created joy and community through the power of play for 100 years,” said Kevin Colman, Senior Director of Global Philanthropy & Social Impact at Hasbro. “On behalf of the Hasbro family, we want to extend our thanks once again to the Hassenfelds for instilling purpose at Hasbro and continuing to guide us in making a positive impact for children and families in our community.”

Established in 1944 and based in Providence, Rhode Island, The Hassenfeld Family Foundation is a nonprofit organization focused on supporting individuals committed to the public welfare of Rhode Island’s citizens through outstanding service in its state, local, and nonprofit agencies.

Founded by the Hassenfeld brothers in 1923, Hasbro has been creating fond memories for generations of children and their families, one game, one toy, one story at a time. The Hassenfeld visionaries believed in doing good things and making the world a better place, and 100 years later, the company continues to be guided by that greater purpose. Throughout Hasbro’s time, the company has launched dozens of iconic brands that have not only persisted, but thrived, in media and pop culture. Through MR. POTATO HEAD, G.I. JOE, TRANSFORMERS, MY LITTLE PONY, MONOPOLY, PLAY-DOH, NERF, MAGIC: THE GATHERING, DUNGEONS & DRAGONS and many more, Hasbro aims to continue its mission in delivering captivating stories and play experiences for fans of all ages, all around the world.

 

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From an exciting Eragon 20th anniversary celebration with internationally bestselling epic fantasy author Christopher Paolini (The World of Eragon) to a spotlight on graphic novel adaptations with cherished children’s authors Mary Pope Osborne (Magic Tree House) and Francine Pascal (Sweet Valley Twins), we have something in store for everyone. See below for our full list of offerings, and please let us know if you have interest in reserving a seat at any of these events or scheduling an interview with any of our attending creators.

ATTENDING AUTHORS & ILLUSTRATORS
Amélie Wen Zhao, Song of Silver, Flame Like Night
Camryn Garrett, Friday I’m in Love; Full Disclosure
Chad Sell, Cardboard Kingdom series; The Stupendous Switcheroo
Chris Grabenstein, Mr. Lemoncello series
Christopher Paolini, The World of Eragon books
Colleen AF Venable, Katie the Catsitter series
Dan Thompson, Tig and Lily series
David Barclay Moore, Holler of the Fireflies; The Stars Beneath Our Feet
David Levithan; Two Boys Kissing; Every Day: The Graphic Novel; Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist
Delilah S. Dawson, Midnight at the Houdini; Camp Scare
Elizabeth Lim, Her Radiant Curse; Six Crimson Cranes
Elle Gonzalez Rose, Caught in a Bad Fauxmance
Francine Pascal, Sweet Valley series
James Kochalka, Green Eggs and Ham Graphic Novel
Lisa Springer, There’s No Way I’d Die First
Mary Pope Osborne, Magic Tree House series
Matthew Holm, The BIG Adventures of Babymouse series
Meghan Boehman & Rachael Briner, Dear Rosie
Mika Song, One Smart Cookie; Pizza My Heart
Zeba Shahnaz, Midnight Strikes
PANELS & SIGNINGS

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12TH

***** LOVE IN EVERY GENRE
11:45 AM – 12:45 PM, Room 1B-02
Fantasy? Check! Romance? Check! Graphic Novels? Check! . . . ***** love knows no bounds! Join powerhouse authors Camryn Garrett (Friday I’m in Love), David Levithan (Every Day: The Graphic Novel), Meriam Metoui (A Guide to the Dark) and A.S. King as they celebrate love in all its many forms and discuss their favorite ***** romantic tropes within each genre. Moderated by author Elle Gonzalez Rose (Caught in a Bad Fauxmance).
Book signing to follow in the celebrity autographing area (1:00-2:00 PM, Tables #1-4)

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RELUCTANT READERS: HOW TO ENCOURAGE YOUR KIDS TO READ
4:45 – 5:45 PM, Room 1B-02
Do you have a reluctant reader at home? Are you searching for ways to encourage your kids to read more? Join authors Max Brooks (Minecraft: The Village), Delilah S. Dawson (Midnight at the Houdini; Camp Scare), and Wesley Chu (The Art of Prophecy), as they talk about both the joys and challenges of raising a reader and how to best connect with your family through reading.

Book signing to follow in the celebrity autographing area (6:00-7:00 PM, Tables #1-4)

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13TH

MEET THEM BEFORE THEY BECOME STARS
2:45 PM – 3:45 PM, Room 406.3
Cassandra Clare, Leigh Bardugo, and Veronica Roth, all attended cons before their books hit the bestseller lists. Here’s your chance to hear from some of the hottest rising stars in young adult lit on their way to that next level. They’ll discuss how they got here, what led them to write their books, and what the future holds in store for them. Featuring Random House author Zeba Shahnaz (Midnight Strikes).

Book signing to follow in the celebrity autographing area (4:00-5:00 PM, Tables #1-4)

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ADAPTING BELOVED BESTSELLERS INTO GRAPHIC NOVELS
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM, Room 1B-02
From classics to beloved YA novels and children’s book characters to massive series that span generations, everyone wants a piece of the graphic novel game. Join Mary Pope Osborne (Magic Tree House: The Graphic Novel: Night of the Ninjas), Joe Sutphin (Watership Down: The Graphic Novel), Chris Grabenstein (Escape From Mr. Lemoncello’s Library: The Graphic Novel), and Francine Pascal (Sweet Valley Twins: The Graphic Novel: Teacher's Pet) as they discuss the art of adapting works into graphic novels for the new generation. Moderated by Art Baltazar.

Book signing to follow in the celebrity autographing area (5:15-6:15 PM, Tables #1-4)

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CHRISTOPHER PAOLINI BOOK SIGNING
5:15 PM – 6:15 PM, Celebrity Autographing Area (Table #2)
Acclaimed bestselling author Christopher Paolini (Eragon/Inheritance Cycle) will be signing books and meeting fans.

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WHAT’S HOT IN YA? AN UNDERLINED BUZZ PANEL
6:30 – 7:30 PM, Room 1B-02
Team Underlined is taking over NYCC with amazing book recommendations! Hear about the best new and upcoming sci-fi, fantasy, thrillers, romance, and more. Don't miss finding out about your next favorite book and author—and the chance to win early reads and prizes!

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14TH

A GAME OF CAT & MOUSE (AND A SQUIRREL): AN INTERACTIVE, ILLUSTRATED GAME OF TAG
10:30 – 11:30 AM, Family HQ (Room 1E01)
Who will win? Predator or Prey? Join in the fun as illustrators Art Baltazar, Dan Thompson (Tig And Lily), Matthew Holm (The BIG Adventures of Babymouse), and Mika Song (One Smart Cookie) race to draw audience recommendations while also trying to sabotage the other team. But don’t worry, we have our moderator and resident cat sitter, Colleen AF Venable (Katie the Catsitter), to keep everyone in check. Presented by Random House Children’s Books.

Book signing in Family HQ immediately after the event.

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CHRISTOPHER PAOLINI BOOK SIGNING
12:45 – 1:45 PM, Celebrity Autographing Area (Table #2)
Acclaimed bestselling author Christopher Paolini (Eragon/Inheritance Cycle) will be signing books and meeting fans.

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FANTASY TRADITIONS FROM AROUND THE WORLD
2:15 – 3:15 PM, Room 1B-02
Some of the most important and influential voices in both adult and YA fantasy are writing sweeping epics rooted in traditions from cultures beyond Europe and the United States. Hear these bestselling and critically acclaimed authors discuss how folklore from Asia and Africa inspired and informed their work. Featuring Random House authors Elizabeth Lim (Her Radiant Curse) and Amélie Wen Zhao (Song of Silver, Flame Like Night).

Book signing to follow in the celebrity autographing area (3:30-4:30 PM, Tables #1-4)

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MEET CHRISTOPHER PAOLINI! (FREE SIGNED BOOK GIVEAWAY)
5:00 – 6:00 PM, Book World Booth #3021/3220 (Table #1)
Meet internationally bestselling author Christopher Paolini and receive a free signed copy of Eragon while supplies last.

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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 15TH

MEET ELIZABETH LIM! (FREE SIGNED BOOK GIVEAWAY)
12:00 – 1:00 PM, Book World Booth #3021/3220 (Table #2)
Meet bestselling author Elizabeth Lim and receive a free signed copy of Her Radiant Curse while supplies last.

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ERAGON 20TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION WITH CHRISTOPHER PAOLINI
12:15 – 1:15 PM, Room 1B-02
2023 marks the 20th anniversary of Eragon, the highly acclaimed novel that launched the internationally bestselling Inheritance Cycle series. Come celebrate with author Christopher Paolini as he looks back at the last 20 years, from self-publishing Eragon at the age of 15 to collaborating with Disney+ on a forthcoming television adaptation. Attendees will also get an early preview of Murtagh, a full-length, standalone novel out this November that marks his long-awaited return to the World of Eragon.

Book signing to follow in the celebrity autographing area (1:30-3:00 PM, Table #2)

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DRAW WITH THE ARTISTS
12:30 – 1:30 PM, Family HQ (1E01)
Come and join the fun with each of these amazing graphic novel illustrators as they show you how they created their characters! A fun interactive session for all ages. Featuring Random House author Chad Sell (The Stupendous Switcheroo).

Book signing in Family HQ immediately after the session.

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HOW BOOKS & GRAPHIC NOVELS CAN HELP CHILDREN ON THEIR GRIEF JOURNEYS PRESENTED BY THE NEW YORK LIFE FOUNDATION
2:15 PM – 3:15 PM, Room 408
In the wake of the pandemic, opening the door for conversation around grief and loss is more important than ever. So in this panel, we’ll speak about how literature can be a valuable tool to prompt conversation around the difficult, but vital, topic of grief and loss in childhood.

Throughout the panel, we’ll weave in themes from the new graphic novel, Lost in the Middle, as well as other pieces of literature that tackle this subject matter. A continuation of a three-book series co-authored by The New York Life Foundation, Lost in the Middle’s purpose is to help middle school aged children and their families navigate grief after the death of a loved one. This new book was created in partnership with therapists and grief experts to showcase middle school characters of various backgrounds, experiencing various forms of loss (e.g. moving to a new city and away from your friends, losing closeness with a best friend, feeling distanced from a friend, missing out on experiences, worrying about a sick family member, etc). Ultimately, readers are left with a message of hope, and an understanding that grief and loss aren’t things we have to face alone — that collectively, we can get through life’s most difficult challenges together.

Will Reeve, son of Christopher Reeve (who famously acted as “Superman”), who himself lost his father at a young age, will act as the panel moderator to bridge the gap between Comic Con and the topic of childhood grief. Featuring Random House authors David Barclay Moore (The Stars Beneath Our Feet), Meghan Boehman (Dear Rosie), and Rachel Briner (Dear Rosie).

Book signing to follow in the celebrity autographing area (3:30-4:00 PM, Tables #1-4)

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CREEPY KIDS: THRILLS AND CHILLS FOR CHILDREN & TEENS
2:45 – 3:45 PM, Room 406.2
It's no secret that kids and teens love thrills and horror; from books like Coraline and One of Us is Lying to media like Five Nights at Freddy's and Missing, children and young adults can't get enough thrills. In this panel discussion, creators of horror or thriller works for kids and young adults will discuss their process, how they keep things kid friendly, and the books and movies that had them hooked as kids themselves. Featuring Random House author Lisa Springer (There’s No Way I’d Die First).

Book signing to follow in the celebrity autographing area (4:00-5:00 PM, Tables #1-4)

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MEET AMÉLIE WEN ZHAO! (FREE SIGNED ARC GIVEAWAY)
3:00 – 4:00 PM, Book World Booth #3021/3220 (Table #2)
Meet bestselling author Amélie Wen Zhao and receive a free signed advance copy of her forthcoming novel Song of Silver, Flame Like Night while supplies last.

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MEET CHAD SELL & COLLEEN AF VENABLE! (FREE SIGNED BOOK GIVEAWAY)
3:30 – 4:30 PM, Book World Booth #3021/3220 (Table #1)
Meet celebrated children’s graphic novelists Chad Sell (The Stupendous Switcheroo) and Colleen AF Venable (Katie the Catsitter) and receive free signed copies of their books while supplies last.