# Co-Branded Feline Toys Hello Kitty is Given a Mazinger Z Makeover with This Brand New Toy By Malika Renee Butss | Published 2016-01-06 | Life-Stages Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mazinger-z References: [chiclaunches](http://chiclaunches.com/hello-kitty-mazinger-z/) & [nlab.itmedia.co.jp](http://nlab.itmedia.co.jp/nl/articles/1601/06/news117.html) Super robot Mazinger Z and Hello Kitty join forces for a co-branded toy that displays both of the characters' recognizable aesthetics. While Hello Kitty is an international figure people of all ages have come to love and appreciate, Mazinger Z is a lesser known character from a manga series. With both characters originating in Japan, the two brands have come together to create one outstanding toy which gives the iconic feline a robotic makeover. With this toy, Hello Kitty is coated in Mazinger's iconic chrome as well as its red, blue, black and yellow accents. The toy comes with a series of new modes and features which include driving modes, flight mode, underwater mode and a rocket punch launcher. Fans of both Mazinger Z and Hello Kitty can expect this toy to launch in May 2016 for 7800 yen. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.2/10 - Popularity: 74% | Activity: 13% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Gen Alpha - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/life-stages) > [Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/toys) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Co-branded Toys:** The collaboration between Mazinger Z and Hello Kitty showcases the potential for co-branded products to appeal to a wider range of consumers. - **Iconic Character Mashups:** The merging of Hello Kitty and Mazinger Z highlights the trend of combining beloved characters from different franchises to create unique collectibles. - **Multifunctional Toys:** The inclusion of various modes and features in the Mazinger Z x Hello Kitty toy reflects the demand for highly interactive and versatile playthings. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Toy Manufacturing:** Toy companies can explore co-branding opportunities to leverage the popularity of established characters and create innovative and desirable products. - **Comic/manga Industry:** Collaborations between characters from different manga series present an opportunity to engage fans from multiple franchises and expand the reach of the comic industry. - **Collectibles Market:** The introduction of limited edition, mashup toys like the Mazinger Z x Hello Kitty toy taps into the growing collectibles market, enticing enthusiasts to add unique pieces to their collections. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Character Crossover Figures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/skullpanda-x-sanrio.md) - [Collaborative QSR Kids-Meal Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sanrio-and-tmnt.md) - [Cartoon Cat-Like Toothbrushes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/moon-oral-beauty.md) - [Cartoon Cat Toothpastes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/special-edition-toothpaste.md) - [Expansive QSR Toy Ranges](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hello-kitty-happy-meals.md) - [Cartoon Cafe Collectibles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/miniverse-make-it-mini-food-hello-kitty.md) - [Cartoon Cappuccino Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hello-kitty-cappuccino.md) - [Reimagined Fast Food Mascots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hello-kitty-and-mcdonalds.md) - [Holiday-Edition Anime Plushies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/godzilla-and-hello-kitty.md)