Classic 1960s Toy Finally Makes Rebooted Return For A Modern Era

Image via Mattel Press Published Nov 6, 2026, 8:00 AM EST Sign in to your CBR account Nostalgia can be an incredible tool to spark enthusiasm for a particular franchise, and it is not uncommon for decades-old characters and stories to receive reboots that allow newer generations to appreciate them. From the Easy-Bake Oven to Barbie, numerous innovative toys emerged in the 1960s. Barbie's 2023 movie adaptation by Greta Gerwig was immensely popular, and Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots could be Mattel's next big hit. As its descriptive name suggests, Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robots features an interactive game format, allowing two players to control their own robot, either red or blue, and operate controllers to make them fight until one emerges victorious. The recognizable game, created by Marvin Glass and Associates and now owned by Mattel, is preparing to receive even more lore through an upcoming graphic novel series. A Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots Graphic Novel Is on the Way Thanks to Mattel Press Mattel Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots: We’re Gonna Need a Bigger Bot was recently announced and will be released on August 31, 2027. Written by Dustin Brady, author of the Trapped in a Video Game books, the no...