The Energon Pub

[El Duque]

Hasbro's Transformers are among the twelve finalists for induction into the National Toy Hall of Fame this November! Of the twelve, two will join the list of 46 previously inducted toys, which includes G.I. Joe, Barbie, and Mr. Potato Head. However, our beloved robots in disguise are up against some stiff competition with Star Wars action figures, Mattel's Hot Wheels, and the pogo stick also in the running.

Hasbro claimed seven of the twelve nominations:

• Transformers
• Twister
• The Rubik's Cube
• Jenga
• Star Wars Action Figures
• Simon
• Wizards of the Coast's Dungeons & Dragons (a Hasbro Subsidiary)

Source: ABCNews

[Menasorwheels]

Star Wars will be the one to beat. I'm surprised Hot Wheels hasn't already been inducted. Hope TF gets it!

[Seibertron]

Star Wars will be the one to beat. I'm surprised Hot Wheels hasn't already been inducted. Hope TF gets it!

Not sure about Star Wars. I feel like they're just there because they're the "cool" kids, the hot cheerleader, the popular jock, whatever. What is Star Wars big contribution? They made small action figures popular for boys? Reinvented boys toys as 3 and 3/4" figures? Yeah, that was a game changer, but it's just a size contribution to boys toys. I think Transformers toys is a more ingenious concept, though it's hardly original either ... it was just the first to make the concept mainstream. From a technical standpoint, Transformers has produced more original toy concepts and technologies than any other comparable action figure line like Star Wars and GiJoe. However, Transformers existence is owed to GIJoe's 1982 revitalization, which is owed to the popularity of Star Wars which made 3.75" figures popular.

[SpaceSkull]

You know it's going to be Pogo stick. Because, we see those all the time.
Kids can't get enough of them pogo sticks!

[Seibertron]

You know it's going to be Pogo stick. Because, we see those all the time.
Kids can't get enough of them pogo sticks!

But it is a long standing traditional toy that far outdates any of the beloved commercial brands such as Star Wars, GiJoe, or Transformers. It would depend on who's on the panel that decides the finalist.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pogo_stick

[rpetras]

Don't count out Hot Wheels.

It is a longstanding line that crosses generation lines, like Pogo sticks.
It is still in wide distribution today, like TF or Star Wars.
It has appeal to kids as well as collectors, which toys like Jenga, Twister and Simon do not.
It delves into other media, like TV shows, party plates, McDonalds prizes, etc.
It is a brand icon. Like Band-aid, Xerox or Q-Tip, Hotwheels defines the small car toy.
It is also an icon of childhood. Any grandmother knows what Hot Wheels are. While they may be aware of Star Wars or TF, most people can identify, and identify with Hot Wheels.

As much a fan as I am of both TF and Star Wars, my money would be on Hot Wheels.

[RK_Striker_JK_5]

Come on, Transformers!

[PrymeStriker]

Eh, if, and I did say if, the TFs lose, just remember this:

Transformers are More Than Meets The Eye...