You’re never too old for Nerf. The company introduced its first-ever mascot and it’s ready to hype up playtime just in time for the first day of summer. Murph, a faceless but human-shaped cluster of Nerf darts, is ready to get us all off our screens and outside wreaking havoc. Just like the good old days.
According to Nerf’s TikTok channelOpens in a new tab introduction, Murph weighs in at 10,000 Nerf darts and stands six Nerf blasters tall, so they clearly have their own set of units and measurements. Essentially a suit made of darts, Murph uses they/them pronouns. They are “a mascot that represents the playful spirit that lives inside us all and is unleashed through NERF.”
We saw this news thanks to IGNOpens in a new tab, which described Murph as “nightmarish.” I don’t see it. To me, it looks fun and also potentially like an endless supply of ammunition. Assuming Murph is on your side. There is one daunting passage in the company’s announcement. Murph will partake in “pop-up surprise and delight moments” and I’m not sure if that’s a promise or a threat. But I’m willing to bet you’ll hear the mascot coming, which is more than I can say about your sibling or friend. Who may be sneaking up on you right now.
NerfOpens in a new tab really has summer covered. They offer a Boba Fett-inspired blasterOpens in a new tab and a Mandalorian oneOpens in a new tab too. There’s also one for fighting XenomorphsOpens in a new tab (or siblings) that looks right out of Aliens. Nerf also makes Super SoakersOpens in a new tab. So if you’re tired of hitting people with darts, there’s always water.
Hasbro partners with Wizards of the CoastOpens in a new tab, makers of Dungeons & Dragons. So even indoor kids are covered in terms of summer playtime. But I’ll bet Murph can get people of all ages up and active, either through encouragement or sheer terror, depending on what you make of them.
Melissa is Nerdist’s science & technology staff writer. She also moderates “science of” panels at conventions and co-hosts Star WarsologiesOpens in a new tab, a podcast about science and Star Wars. Follow her on Twitter @melissatruthOpens in a new tab.
