Mattel CEO Robert Eckert cited potential sales from toys based on The Dark Knight and Speed Racer as reasons for optimism for 2008 even as he was explaining Mattel's numbers for the first half of 2007 in which revenues rose by 6.5% to $1.2 billion. Domestic sales actually declined by 3% as Barbie continues to lose marketshare to Bratz and other competitors, but the dip in U.S. sales was easily overcome by overseas sales, which rose a lusty 18%.

Sales of Mattel's Hot Wheels and related products were up by 20%, and Barbie sales were up 6% with international sales more than overcoming domestic declines.  Sales for Mattel's Entertainment unit, which makes DC-based toys as well as games, was down 2%, with no prime DC-based movies premiering in 2007 to drive sales.