Something Old... REBOOTED

[Halvin McCobbes]

1993:

Hasbro releases the Smiling Critters, a series of scented animal plushies inspired by Care Bears & My Little Pony. It has inspired some success, with multiple TV series, and the brand continues to this day.

 

[Halvin McCobbes]

1981:

Hasbro creates Swapimals, a new attempt to cash in on the Care Bear craze. Known for being a flop, only two toys were made (Catbee, PJ Pug-a-pillar) before it was discontinued in 1982.

 

[Halvin McCobbes]

1985:

In Arkansas, a friendly entity resembling a PJ Pug-a-pillar toy is found. This would cause a revived interest in Swapimals, which would inspire Hasbro to make a 2nd gen of Swapimals. These plans would ultimately make the Smiling Critters. The entity would later become the pet of Chelsea Clinton.

 

[Halvin McCobbes]

1985-:

The Future of Television channel broadcasts Annoying Orange, a show about the titular character and his adventures in a world of talking food. Although popular in its first few years into the 90s, some believe the show has declined, and has endured a bad case of seasonal rot.

 

[Halvin McCobbes]

1996: Game executive Satoshi Tajiri creates a special ritual that creates an elemental familiars or spirits known as Pokémon. They become very popular.

 

[Halvin McCobbes]

1984:

Mattel releases Huggy Wuggy, a stretchy blue toy monster. It would gain modest reviews, but would be discontinued in 1986. This toy would inspire Mommy Long Legs.

 

[Halvin McCobbes]

1995:
General Motors releases the Chevrolet H-1, a vehicle powered by hydrogen capable of traveling for over 300 miles. It is one of three models of hydrogen cars publicly available today, along with the Toyota Mirai and the Hyundai Nexo.

 

[Halvin McCobbes]

1998:

Tom Hanks buys a H-1, starting a famous ad campaign.

 

[Bisexual-Mart]

(SN) In 2005, PepsiCo buys organic snack brand Kettle.

 

[Halvin McCobbes]

1980:

The Future of Television channel starts a Future Tunes block, with music videos by The Stupendium. Many were made to promote upcoming games, causing fans to theorize and make their own versions. The Stupendium would be one of the biggest hits of the 80s, with many of his songs entering the National Recording Registry.