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So, we were out looking for some Avengers toys recently, and my son is wondering why he can’t find a Black Widow Marvel Super Hero Masher. I thought maybe they just hadn’t put it out yet, so I got my Google on and found that there is no such thing. She is also missing from all the Avengers packages of toys, the single action figures packages, and larger figurines. What the heck?
Then he wanted a Gamora from Guardians of the Galaxy. No? None of those either? Um, these are major characters- want to explain why there are no toys available? At least not in the local Target or Toys R Us as of this post.
I went through all my Toy Fair photos, and there just weren’t any- at least not in “masher”, Titan Hero, or Hulk Busters lines. You know, the popular variaties? Nor in the “dress up” or role play items like masks or other “gear”. Know who else was missing from the “masher” line? There will soon be a Star Wars line. Ask me where Princess Leia is? Not. There.
He also pointed out that there is no Spider Girl or Spider Woman in the new Web Warriors toy series. Black Widow was also missing for the “Avengers” Potato Head pieces. Part of the reason I didn’t notice the void is because I am not an avid superhero fan, and don’t read comics or watch the TV shows and movies much. The other part of me just didn’t notice- which is sad. I noticed them missing from the masher line, but thought perhaps it was something weird, like they didn’t want to cross genders maybe? But they are crossing species, flora, robots, et all with humans- as long as they are all male trees, raccoons, robots, dinosaurs, etc. Actually, the first Jurassic Park movie had all female dinosaurs (you know, for control)- so maybe the new Jurassic World mashers are female? Hm, lets find out. So, I’m thinking Gamora’s head on Hulk’s body isn’t the worst thing in the world, right? They are both green, after all.
I’m annoyed that they have cut females out of the superhero game. I didn’t play with them as a kid- but neither did my brothers. My son LOVES them, and has tons. His first love was Wonder Woman, and we had the hardest time finding toys when he was little. She was really his foray into Superheros- he found a collection of DVDs at yard sale when he was 3, and watched them over and over. The TV show version, not cartoons. His birthday party that year was Wonder Woman.
What I want to know is the reason. Are women (even MAJOR players like Black Widow, Gamora, and Princess Leia for Pete’s sake) not valid enough to make toys of? Is the assumption that no one will buy the toys? That there are no girls that like superheroes, or boys that will play with women action figures? Because we have a Hero Masher of a sentient tree. But Gamora, that’s going too far? I don’t get it.
My son’s 3rd birthday cake- Wonder Woman (and the toy she came with, Omac)
I feel badly as a mother and as a woman that I didn’t notice. I should have. I’m not a fan, I don’t love these shows- but I should be paying better attention to what my son loves. Lesson learned. Can figures be found? Yes- that’s why the internet has Amazon and the world has comic book stores. But these toys need to be included in the popular kid’s lines as well, not just for adult fans and collectors. You can find a Deadpool Hero Masher. Deadpool. That’s way off the main line for kids, but you can get that one at Toys R Us. And the villain Electro and Skaar, son of Hulk (I’ve never even heard of him). But forget about Black Widow.
I’m far from being the best educated on super heroes and hero toys- I know some people devote their lives to this. All I know, is that the female ones are hard to find in general, and in my own experience.
And don’t get me wrong- I’m not bashing the stores, brands, or anything else- I just don’t understand where the women are. We’re 52% of the population, after all 😉
My son loves the masher line of toys- they are for sure his favorite. It’s a huge bummer they are not more inclusive, as a line and in general, of women heroes. What will our kids grow up thinking? Women are to be dismissed, and no matter how great their efforts and accomplishments, not worthy of being in a box with the Hulk. Maybe I’m over thinking. Maybe I just want my son to have his favorite toys. Maybe I wish it weren’t an issue.
Maybe they will release the characters soon. That’s what I’m hoping.
Interesting point you’ve brought up!