Kids want you to buy Bakugan toys (and anything else Bakugan-related), quite simply, because it’s all the rage right now. But why? It starts with a Japanese television series, bleeds over into a toy line, and will soon include video games and moves.

The TV show is set–wouldn’t you know it–in an alternate universe where creatures called the Bakugans live and thrive. In this alternate universe, one of the Bakugan–a sinister character named Naga–tried to integrate an artifact into himself.

Unfortunately for him and the rest of the world, the artifact split in two. Now many of the Bakugans–with the help of eight kids–are out to re-unite the artifact and restore peace, balance, and harmony to the world.

It may sound like a standard fantasy or superhero plot–and to some degree it is. But there’s a reason why this kind of plot is so standard: it captures the imagination of kids all over the world (and in this case, especially kids in Japan and America).

Of course it’s not just the plot that engages kids’ imaginations–it’s the cool monsters as well! And just like any children’s show that hits big in America, it now has a toy line based on it as well. And of course kids want to buy Bakugan toys–or get their parents to–as much as humanly possible.

The unique thing about the toys is that at first they appear to be little plastic balls–until you throw them into a fault surface and they sprout into little battle-monsters!

The toys are played with Pokemon-style cards. This stimulates kids’ imaginations and strategic skills, while giving them something tactile to latch on to. The toys are so unique and popular that they won the Toy Industry Association’s Toy of the Year award.

The original show and the toys have become so popular that a new series, several video games, and even a movie deal are in the works. And now you know why your kids want you to buy Bakugan!