WAX has been chosen by the “big three” of the toy industry to bring all-time classics to the NFT ecosystem with a unique twist. Not only will WAX capitalize on the partnership with Hasbro, Funko, and Mattel but it also is the trusted partner for man well-known intellectual property including “SAW”, “The Princess Bride”, “Blade Runner”, and already had multiple massively successful NFT drops for Topps, Capcom, and others.
The latest news coming from these partnerships is this week’s upcoming launch of the Mattel Hot Wheels NFT Garage line which completes the trifecta WAX began with successful partnerships with Funko and Hasbro earlier this year.
WAX CEO and Founder William Quigley says, “As we innovate within the NFT space, WAX continues to align with incredible, iconic brands. To be entrusted by the “Big Three” of the toy industries is not only gratifying but it validates what WAX as a company is trying to do.”
Quigley loved baseball cards during his pre-teens, which prompted him to later become the founder of what would be one of the biggest NFT ecosystems: WAX (Worldwide Asset Exchange). While most might think Quigley’s crowning achievement would be to strike a deal with Topps Baseball Card company to manage and create NFTs with the MLB. However, Quigley was able to add another giant feather to his cap as WAX recently completed the rare “hat trick” as the official NFT partner for the toy industry’s “big three” – Funko, Hasbro, and Mattel.
Bringing a Classic Back to the Spotlight
These partnerships benefited the WAXP token in multiple ways, boosting its value to its all-time high of the last 3 years back on November 14th. The first of the drops launched by the platform was Hasbro’s Power Rangers NFT drop collection, which featured the iconic franchise that first swept through the American airwaves in the 1990s.
Available for a limited time and exclusively to Hasbro Pulse, the collection allowed Hasbro Pulse Premium members to gain exclusive access to purchase the collection on HasbroPulse.com, while supplies lasted. Fans were able to expand their collections with a Power Rangers NFT, uniquely transacted through the blockchain that can be redeemed for a special edition Dino Megazord.
Kwamina Crankson, Vice President and General Manager at Hasbro Pulse, says: “We were thrilled to partner with WAX to offer Hasbro’s first-ever NFT collection with the Power Rangers franchise. The WAX platform gives fans an easy entry point into the world of NFTs and digital collectibles.”
Quigley added: “WAX is the trailblazer in NFT innovation and we are going big with global play and entertainment company, Hasbro to integrate one of their most iconic brands, Power Rangers, into the blockchain ecosystem. Our vIRL technology is changing the way people shop and trade collectibles with consumers able to purchase NFTs and redeem them for a physical item.”
Pop Culture Also Has Its Place in the NFT Ecosystem
However, WAX’s partnership with Hasbro is far from the biggest milestone for the platform over the past year. Perhaps one of WAX’s most prolific partnerships lies in its connection to Funko, which has been extremely active in the NFT space lately as it launched its Iron Maiden Digital POP collection.
Iron Maiden is the first band to be immortalized as Digital POP characters. Funko’s Iron Maiden Digital Pop! NFT collection of course stars the iconic ‘Eddie’ who has featured on all the band’s album covers throughout their career. The collection was incredibly popular among metal fans, bringing a new community to the world of physical and NFT collectibles.
Chief Executive Officer at Funko Brian Mariotti said about the collection: “Iron Maiden and Funko fans alike appreciate creative genius in music and pop culture. Now, they can celebrate both in digital form.”
Funko also recently released their Digital Pop! Collectibles based on the iconic figure and fast-food icon with chubby cheeks and checkered overalls: Big Boy. The sensational Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT), a franchise that began in 1987 and became an instant hit, also joined Funko’s roster 34 years later with another exclusive Digital Pop! collection on the WAX Blockchain.
Bringing Speed to NFTs With Hot Wheels
Now, WAX is getting ready to launch the latest collection resulting from its collaboration with the leaders of the gaming industry. The more than 5,000 NFTs in this Mattel Collection are redeemable for real-life special edition die-cast cars, as part of this vIRLs (virtual+In Real Life) collection.
Quigley says: “Hot Wheels and Mattel have proven to be a perfect partner to showcase the unique offering our vIRL technology provides for collectors.”
Head of Digital Gaming at Mattel Andrew Chan stated: “Collectors will have a chance to obtain exclusive physical die-casts vehicles and importantly, the NFTs will be minted on the sustainable WAX blockchain. The Hot Wheels design team chose 40 new designs for fans to continue to build their collections of Hot Wheels digital NFT artwork and physical die-cast vehicles!”
Select tokens will unlock access to real-world Hot Wheels products including the Twin Mill, Rodger Dodger, Mach Speeder, SS Camaro, and the Bone Shaker, which is the rarest of them all. The collection will launch on November 16, 2021 at 10 am Pacific / 1 pm Eastern.
