What you did not know about Kenner toys

Kenner Products, often referred to simply as Kenner, was a prominent American toy company known for its innovative toys and action figures. Here are ten lesser-known facts about Kenner and its current status as of June 1st, 2024:

1. Founding and Early Years: Kenner was founded in 1946 in Cincinnati, Ohio, by Albert, Philip, and Joseph L. Steiner, initially as a soap company before transitioning to toy production.
2. Star Wars Partnership: Kenner secured a licensing agreement with Lucasfilm in the late 1970s, launching the immensely popular Star Wars action figure line in 1978. The success of this line helped propel Kenner to new heights in the toy industry.
3. Innovative Toys: Kenner was known for its innovative approach to toy design, introducing features such as action figures with movable limbs and vehicles with interactive elements.
4. Expansion and Acquisition: Throughout its history, Kenner expanded its product lines to include various genres like superheroes (DC Comics and Marvel), cartoons (The Real Ghostbusters, Super Powers Collection), and popular franchises (Alien, Jurassic Park).
5. Merger with Hasbro: In 1991, Kenner was acquired by Hasbro, another major toy company. Hasbro continued to produce toys under the Kenner brand for several years.
6. Closure of Kenner Brand: By the mid-2000s, Hasbro phased out the Kenner brand name, consolidating its toy lines under the Hasbro umbrella.
7. Legacy in Toy Collecting: Kenner's vintage toys, particularly the Star Wars action figures from the 1970s and 1980s, remain highly sought after by collectors worldwide, contributing to its enduring legacy.
8. Influence on Pop Culture: Kenner's toys not only reflected popular culture but also helped shape it, with iconic products that became synonymous with childhood play and imagination.
9. Collectors' Market: The vintage Kenner toys market continues to thrive, with collectors avidly seeking rare and mint-condition items from the company's extensive catalog.
10. Current Status: As of June 1st, 2024, Kenner as a standalone brand no longer exists. Its legacy lives on through the enduring popularity of its toys and the nostalgia they evoke among generations of fans and collectors.

These points highlight Kenner's significant contributions to the toy industry and its lasting impact on popular culture, despite no longer operating under its original name.