What’s the word for “fart” in Cantonese? How do you say “fish breath” in German? Stink Blasters, a new toy line of figures, collectible game cards, play sets, and vehicles, is breaking down international boundaries by breaking wind. Launched in January 2003, Stink Blasters are stinking up a storm worldwide with licensing agreements in over 30 countries on all five continents. The word — and smell — is spreading fast, with more even countries expected to jump on the gassed-up Stink Blaster bandwagon. Comprised of 24 collectible figures and 144 game cards, Stink Blasters are the most d’stinktive new toy line to hit the market in years. Smelly but lovable, characters like Butt Breath Bob, B.O. Brian, The Silent Gasser, Sweat Sox Sammy, Tony Anchovy and Rotten Egg Reggie are named after their own characteristic stink. Squeeze each figure’s head, and they blast a funky odor ranging from air biscuits to toe jam to tossed cookies. “These toys clearly speak a universal language that everyone understands,” jokes Joe Morrison, president of Morrison Entertainment Group (MEG), the makers of Stink Blasters. “Bad smells and bodily functions have made little boys laugh since time began, and we’re finding this to be true around the world.” The international appeal of Stink Blasters is underscored by the fact that the characters’ names translate easily into just about any language. In Italy, where Stink Blasters are known as “I Puzzone,” Barfin’ Ben has been re-dubbed “Vito Vomito,” while Blue Cheese Charlie has assumed the moniker of “Nicola Gorgonzola.” In Spain, Cow Pie Pete is marketed as “Tony Caca de Vaca.” Just imagine the name Butt Breath Bob translated into 30 different languages! After making a splash at Toy Fair in February 2003, Stink Blasters shipped over three million units to New Zealand, Australia, Italy, the UK and 30 other countries, where they blasted off retail shelves. As of February 2004, Stink Blasters will be available in thousands of U.S. stores nationwide including Target, Wal-Mart, Toys'R'Us, K-Mart and other major chains and toy stores. Stink Blasters are distributed by Spin Master Toys in the U.S. and Canada. Each Stink Blaster figure comes packaged with one of the 144 collectible game cards. Written in a bizarre, irreverent, hilarious style reminiscent of Mad Magazine, the cards give the inside poop on the different characters, their respective “crews,” and their rivals. The cards are also packaged and sold separately; each pack includes a card of scratch 'n sniff-style Stink Stickers, so kids across the globe can leave a stinky present for their friends in unexpected places. Adds Morrison: “Millions of kids of all nationalities have already caught the first whiff of what could be the next global toy trend.” To learn more about Stink Blasters, call Barbara Lewis, VP of Marketing at MEG, (310) 546-4405 or e-mail barbara@stinkblasters.com
rev 2/7/04