Ruh roh! Some familiar creeps, ghouls, and ghosts are back in the toy department, and it will take an anthropomorphic Great Dane and some meddling kids to solve the mystery!
That’s right, Scooby-Doo! and the Mystery Inc. gang have been reimagined as part of the Playmobil universe — the iconic line of action figures, vehicles, and playsets that kids have been enjoying since 1974. Following a preview at New York Comic Con (NYCC) last fall, the first wave of Playmobil Scooby-Doo! toys is rolling into playrooms with Fred, Daphne, Velma, Shaggy, and — of course – Scooby-Doo!
At the center of the collection is the Mystery Machine. The iconic van is reimagined for Playmobil in a modern style that recalls the psychedelic styling of the original vehicle from the ’60s and ’70s with a profile closer to the van from the live-action films of the 2000s. The result is something that’s playable and rugged with a ton of great accessories and action features.
The front cab seats two figures and features dashboard cupholders for the included pretend travel cups. The rear cargo area features two individual seats and a folding bench seat (which also seats two) that are interchangeable. Two rear doors and a side door open to reveal the interior while a removable roof provides plenty of access to the figures and accessories. The main attraction is the illuminated monitor (powered by one AAA battery, not included) that can read ghost cards — clear plastic panels that show details on characters from Scooby-Doo lore. There’s even a cardholder included!
Kids can create their own adventures using the included map and spyglass along with other accessories, such as a pretend camera, flashlight, and Scooby Snacks. Figures of Fred, Daphne, and Velma come with the Mystery Machine.
To complete the crew, kids will need the Scooby & Shaggy with Ghost set, sold separately. The set includes Scooby-Doo!, complete with removable collar and dog tag; Shaggy with Scooby Snacks, a hamburger, and a leash; and a Ghost (some guy wearing a sheet) with a ghost card.
Playmobil Scooby-Doo! Mystery Figures (Series 1) includes 12 collectible ghosts that each come unassembled in a blind bag. Kids can assemble the pieces to reveal each ghost (a human in a costume, of course) — all inspired by famous villains from the franchise throughout the past 50 years. Each blind bag comes with a character sticker and a ghost card that is compatible with the illuminated reader inside the Mystery Machine.
The initial wave is a fine start to a collection that should be a hit with kids, collectors, parents, and grandparents who grew up enjoying Scooby-Doo!
The Playmobil Scooby-Doo! collection is available exclusively at Walmart through May, after which it will be available at retailers everywhere. The launch wave is just the beginning as additional characters, vehicles, and playsets are planned for later this year.
Last year, Scooby-Doo celebrated 50 years of adventure with the Mystery Inc. gang as Warner Bros. detailed plans to kick off the second half of the Great Dane’s century of fun.
This March, the Scooby-Doo! and the Lost City of Gold tour will hit the road bringing the gang to cities across North America in an adventure brought to life using cutting-edge theatrical technology, original music, puppetry, magic, song, dance, interactive video, aerial arts, acrobatics, and video mapping. Then, on May 15, audiences will experience a present-day reimagining of the franchise when the CGI-animated feature SCOOB! hits theaters everywhere.
