Hasbro looks to heroes after Q1 loss.(Financial report)

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Weaker than expected demand for its toys caused Hasbro to record a $2.6 million loss during the first quarter--a figure the toy maker is looking to reverse significantly thanks to tie-ins with Marvel's "The Avengers," Sony's "The Amazing Spider-Man," Paramount's "G.I. Joe: Retaliation" and Universal's "Battleship" this summer.

Sales during the three-month period that ended April 1 dipped 3% to $648.9 million, and were particularly hit hard in North America where revenue was down 16%.

Entertainment and licensing revenue surged 19% to $29.3 million on the sale of TV programming in the U.S. and abroad, and continued box office coin from …