The result, of course, has been a flood of toys based on everything from comic books to Westerns.
There have been a number of toys based on the Mare's Leg, from small cap guns to larger detailed toys complete with a holster.
Mattel holds the master license for toys based on any DC series in any medium.
A collection of soft toys based on the characters from the phenomenally popular Moshi Monster online game have also proved a surprise hit.
Lio Convoy appeared in this Japanese exclusive series with a new deluxe sized toy closely based on his original form.
Bandai, which specializes in toys based on cartoon characters, badly needs this hit.
Heaven & Earth is an integrated triad of toy, puzzle, and game all based on a single fantasy legend.
McDonald's had produced a line of toys based on the second film.
Jackson launched Michael's Pets, a range of soft toys based upon the animals the singer owned, in November 1986.
Burger King scored a hit with toys based on the "Shrek" film from DreamWorks.