Hawkins is calling once more. With the premiere of Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 — Netflix’s long-awaited animated spin-off — Jazwares has unveiled a compelling new product line that brings the Hawkins universe to life in collectible form.
The animated series, which premiered on April 23, 2026, sets its story during the winter of 1985, chronicling the untold adventures of the beloved Hawkins crew in a chapter that expands the mythology of the original live-action saga. The accompanying toy line, available exclusively at Target, is designed to mirror that storytelling ambition, offering both classic characters and fresh faces for collectors and fans alike.
Fan Favourites Return
At the core of the new collection are action figures of three of the franchise’s most iconic characters: Will Byers, Eleven, and Mike Wheeler. Each figure comes paired with accessories directly inspired by their on-screen adventures, giving collectors a level of narrative authenticity that goes beyond standard playsets.
Joining them in the lineup are figures for three brand-new characters making their debut in the Stranger Things universe: Gourde Hord, a possessed pumpkin; Vine Dog, a grotesque new minion; and Nikki Baxter, the newest inductee into the Hawkins Investigator Club. Their inclusion underscores how the animated format is actively expanding the franchise’s mythology, rather than simply revisiting familiar territory.
A Standout Innovation: The HIC Flashlight
Perhaps the most inventive product in the collection is the HIC Flashlight — a fully functional flashlight that allows fans to insert an included film disc containing two show-inspired scenes and project them onto any surface. It is precisely the kind of tactile, experiential product that elevates a licensing line beyond standard merchandise, positioning it firmly at the intersection of play and immersive storytelling.
In a market increasingly defined by digital entertainment, a physical product that actively recreates the atmosphere of the series is a smart and differentiated move, one likely to appeal as much to adult collectors as to younger audiences.
Strategic Timing and Retail Placement
The timing of the product launch, coordinated closely with the series premiere, reflects a well-executed co-release strategy that has become something of a gold standard in entertainment licensing. By ensuring product availability at Target, one of the United States’ most prominent mass-market retailers, Jazwares maximises visibility and accessibility for a franchise with a broad, multigenerational fanbase.
For the licensing industry, the Tales From ’85 collection represents a compelling case study in how animation spin-offs can serve as fertile ground for product line expansion, introducing new characters, refreshing legacy IP, and reaching both existing devotees and a new generation of fans discovering Hawkins for the first time.
Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 collectibles are available now at Target. Product samples are available upon request (subject to availability) through Jazwares’ press contacts.
