In order to generate some pre-retail heat, Toronto, Canada-based Spin Master has been busily building awareness about Bakugan Battle Brawlers from the ground up. The toy line is based on new series Bakugan co-produced by Nelvana, Spin Master and Japan’s Sega, TMS and Japan Vistec. Spin’s been hosting a series of epic-warrior events throughout Toronto to mark the series’ bow on Canuck net Teletoon earlier this month, and so far, more than 30,000 kids have eagerly lined up to get their mitts on special collectible figures being given away at various venues.

The toys are starting to land at Canadian retailers now, but they’ve already made their Japanese debut. To clarify for the over-12 set, Bakugan Battle Brawlers are sphere-like orbs that pop open to unveil powerful Bakugan warrior action figures. The property also has a card-game that rewards strategic thinking and game-playing.

The full line of products including game sets, collectible booster packs, battle arenas and wrist launchers will be available in major Canadian retailers in early August with a full complement of season two merch hitting stores next spring.