The Care Bears weren't just colorful, stuffed animals--they were one of the biggest cultural and business success stories of the 1980s.

From a simple sketch to the eureka moment of their final creation, the story of the Care Bears is a testament to how to launch a child's brand with surgical precision.

When they finally hit shelves in 1983, it didn't take long for the Care Bears to become a pop culture phenomenon. With their very specific and strategic rollout, the Care Bears were hard to ignore.

Today, we look back at the history of a defining 1980s brand, the brand that may have been the gold standard in how to promote a kids' toy. Not only did the Care Bears become a billion-dollar brand, but they also beat Disney at their own game, and may have also led to the death of a beloved cartoon character...

• Karate Kid movie review: Patreon.com/80s