“Fraggle Rock” was a classic television show that was produced by the Jim Henson Company in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The show lived on in re-runs for several years, but became somewhat obscure in the 21st century. However, a renewed interest in 1980s pop-culture has brought the characters back, introducing them to a new generation of kids. In early 2017, a toy company Super Impulse announced the release of several “Fraggle Rock”-themed plush toys and playsets to coincide with the relaunch of the TV series.
Launched at New York Toy Fair, 2014 Super Impulse is committed to producing innovative toys and accessories for kids. They offer licensed and non-licensed products designed to entertain and provoke smiles., founder of Super Impulse, recently discussed the company and his hopes for its future:
Meagan Meehan (MM) of Entertainment Vine: How and when did Super Impulse form and why was that name chosen?
Alan Dorfman (AD): Super Impulse was formed in 2013, and launched officially at New York Toy Fair in 2014. We started with a line of floor display merchandisers that featured video monitors that played a video of the toys in the display – all impulse toys. That’s where we got the name Super Impulse.
MM: How many toys do you currently have on your roster?
AD: We currently have approximately 50 toys in our roster.
MM: When and how did you come to partner with the Jim Henson Company for “Fraggle Rock”?
AD: A member of our team, Daniel A. Chernek, was the co-founder of Sababa Toys. Sababa Toys did a Fraggle Rock line in the mid-2000s, when the Jim Henson Company was based in New York. It did very well, and he has an infinity for the brand. When we got the chance to bring it back, we jumped on it. Our team has the experience, know-how and love for the brand so it was a perfect fit.
MM: What most interested to you about the show? Why do you think it has such a long-lasting appeal?
AD: A whole generation grew up with the Fraggles; it’s part of their DNA. You can bring up Fraggle Rock to people of a certain age and they immediately break into the theme song. I think the show and the characters were such an important part of people’s childhood, so they are emotionally tied to it. Now, the generation who grew up with it want to share that same experience with their children. That is why Fraggle Rock is an important part of our culture.
MM: How would you describe the toys? Do you have a favorite?
AD: The first line of toys feature the two leaders of the Fraggles and the most popular – Red and Gobo. We are launching with 10″ plush and 4″ plush backpack clips of these muppet-like creatures. They are well made, with a lot of attention to detail. Later this year, we’ll offer a feature plush of Gobo – with the same great detail, and it will play the Fraggle Rock theme song when you squeeze his hand. Later we will have the whole gang, including Dooziers, that will be available in a smaller size beanbag plush and a collectible line of vinyl figures featuring both Fraggles and Dooziers. I don’t have a favorite, each one stands on its own, but when you bring them all together you can’t help but feel a nostalgic love for the whole gang.
MM: What plans have you for future Fraggle Rock products? Essentially, are you currently working on anything which you would like to discuss?
AD: As the brand continues to grow, so will our toy line. We have all kinds of fun ideas we’d like to bring to fruition, and we are excited to introduce them as time goes on!
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To learn more, visit the official Super Impulse website.
This is great news. I absolutely loved that show and the characters. It’s great to hear they are back, I’all look out for them!