Idle Hands

Toy Fair 2012 : Our Lunch with Hasbro..and 200 Other Snorting Geeks

2012-02-11T22:16:00.007-05:00

Toy Fair 2012 is well underway now!! So..what have we been doing for the last 2 weeks? Warm up, son! Today, Hasbro packed their theater to capacity to many a nerdling and rolled out all their newest from the worlds of Transformers, Spider-Man, Avengers, Marvel Comics, Star Wars and G.I.Joe. After their presentation, you get little more than ONE HOUR ..maybe an hour and a half..to shoot THE WHOLE SHEBANG. Your obstacles...

- Sunday reporters who thought a lovely jaunt off to the fun fair would be awesome and brought their camera phone to capture all the glory. Of course this means their optimal shooting position is right in front of the displays for extreeeme close ups. Fantastic.

Actually..that was our only obstacle. That and there were too damn many of us. Good times. My one regret is I see these Hasbro reps so infrequently, it sucks I have to devote all my time to shooting right up to when they boot me out the door. No time for love, Dr. Jones. ~sigh~ At any rate, many a pretty plastic was unveiled, tough you'll note the "power items" found their way onto the interwebs in these past weeks. I had nothing to do with that. Here's what you missed if you weren't playing the home edition of the game on Twitter with me (but this is the extended version)...

Do u know why it always snows on this day? The angels are weeping for the 250 nerds packed into the Hasbro Collector Day event. Truth.

Transformers Universe MMO on the way! Free to play.

16 new Transformer Kre-O mini figures coming this yr

Optimus Maximus holds 9 cyberverse figures. HUGE. Coming this fall.

Transformers Fall of Cybertron vid game: iacon wasteland, insecticon hives and sea of rust landscapes. Bruticus gameplay – destroy all comers with a devastating arm cannon and rotor blade shield. Autobots scream as Bruticus blasts them to slag. Also saw Grimlock bite a Decepticon in half!

Transformers Fall of Cybertron vid game: Shockwave and a deluxe scale combiner Bruticus toys coming.

Over forty new Generations figures on the way for Transformers.

Fifty figures and nine vehicles in stores for GIJoe Retaliation May 30th. Battle Kata Roadblock, Firefly (Ray Stevenson unmasked), Flint, Joe Colton Bruce Willis figure(!!!), Lady Jaye, Kim Arashikage and Blind Master (RZA) figures included. WU TANG MOFOS!! RZA includes his dream kung fu weapons like a 9 rings sword and that just might be a flying guillotine in his hands! Hasbro developed Battle Kata fighting style for GI Joe Retaliation and infused it into 10 inch Ninja Commandos figures. Snake Eyes can actually reach up and draw both his swords. Probably the coolest thing I've ever seen a toy do.

Star Wars: newly sculpted Bespin battle set figures Vader, Boba and Luke. Star Wars new vintage Grand Moff Tarkin, Shae Vizla, Ahsoka, Obiwan and Lumat Ewok, Nien Nunb in correct size coming. There will be a San Diego Comic Con Exclusive Star Wars Carbonite Freezing Chamber packaging with 6 figures. JAR JAR FROZEN IN CARBONITE will be the "must get" SDCC exclusive for 2012. The Jar Jar in the Carbonite packaging set fits inside the slab of carbonite! LIVE OUT YOUR FANTASIES!! Also coming.. New Star Wars vintage PRUNE FACE!! Thanks to Robot Chicken that's the only way I can say his name now. The “Fans Choice” Mara Jade Skywalker comes out in 2013.

Amazing Spider-Man: Marvel Legends scale 6 inches) Lizard on the way.. .seems like everyone is running with the short snout design. If he changes further in the film, it’s being kept a secret. NOTE:: One figure on display showed Lizard with transparent legs. Do you suppose he'll have a stealth power in the film? Why else put it into the toy?! Sure, he doesn't drive a quad in the film either...but you get my point. Don't be difficult.

Hasbro has a hip hop Avengers role play commercial with lil kids destroying New York...hehehe. I will beg Hasbro to let us run it, but I'm sure it will be on TV soon enough. Hawkeye and Black Widow in wave three of the action figures. Hasbro says the "mystery villain" is in the new trailer if you freeze framed. SHIELD Helicarrier looks kinda puny with Avengers figures on it..even at 3 feet long.

Marvel Universe Figures coming – Miles Morales Ultimate Spider-Man variant, Paper bag head Spidey variant, Hercules, Nighthawk, Vampire Jubilee and Death’s Head. Multi packs include Classic Falcon and Cap in 70s looks, an Inhumans pack , Uncanny X-Men with X-baby Cyclops, Longshot, Rogue and 1 other.

Marvel Legends – US Agent and Blade, Mystique in black, five more unrevealed figures on the way… and Hyperion!! You know..that guy from Squadron Supreme? Yea..I don't know either.

Best moment of the day: Whole shooting My Little Ponies, a fan is asked who her favorite pony is. She shrieks OMG I have no idea!! I laughed and said you'd think you asked her to pick her favorite child and the rest will be fed to the dragons. It was pretty severe. She loves them ponies.

For those on Facebook and r my buddies, I dropped a vid there of the Star Wars MTT Droid Carrier there a lil bit ago. I've also dropped some new goodies into Flickr...

CLICK HERE for new pics of My Little Ponies!

CLICK HERE for new Avengers Movie toy pics!

CLICK HERE to FINALLY see the for really real final look for The Lizard (maybe) in our Amazing Spider-Man Movie pic gallery!

Special thanks to Heather Buckley, Justin Aclin and Joe Moscone of HunterPR, Team Hasbro including Jerry, Darryl, Vicky and David Vonner as The Lizard.

It's Toy Fair Time!
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Toy Fair 2012 : Diamond Select : The Walking Dead

2012-02-11T09:12:00.001-05:00

Robert Kirkman, creator and writer of Image/Skybound's hit comic, "The Walking Dead," and writer/Executive Producer on the international hit television show based upon it, has joined forces with Maryland-based Diamond Select Toys, who will handle the toy license. DST has a 13-year-long history of producing quality toys and collectibles, many based on established comic book and horror properties, and is happy to be able to bring the book's well-developed characters and gruesome zombies to three-dimensional life as a line of Minimates and figural banks.

Skybound is Kirkman's imprint at Image Comics, where Kirkman and artist Charlie Adlard continue to produce the top-selling graphic novels in the country with "The Walking Dead." They topped the New York Times' bestseller list and captured four of the top ten spots for 2011 with "The Walking Dead." The AMC TV show based upon the survival drama comic garnered the highest ratings of any drama in the history of basic cable television in the United States with over 11 million people watching the season two premiere last October. As the first TV drama to be launched around the world simultaneously, "The Walking Dead" is in 120 countries, translated into 33 languages and is in 250 million households.

"We've all been following The Walking Dead since the first issue, and we are amazed at Kirkman's continuing ability to draw new readers into his epic, post-apocalyptic tale," said Chuck Terceira, director of Diamond Select Toys. "With the book's profile deservedly raised by the show's success, we thought the time was right to add it to our iconic toy lines. We feel that fans of our Universal Monsters and Ghostbusters Minimates lines will flip for our "Walking Dead" assortment, which includes key characters like Rick, Glenn and Andrea, as well as plenty of 'lurkers' and 'roamers.'"

"Diamond Select Toys has made some great toys over the years, and I am thrilled that they'll be taking on The Walking Dead next," said the book's writer/creator, Robert Kirkman. "I think a Minimates line has endless possibilities, and I can't wait to see all of my characters in their tiny 2-inch forms."

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Toy Fair 2012 : JAKKS Pacific : Pokemon

2012-02-11T08:59:00.002-05:00

Pokémon®, one of the top kids entertainments brands over the past 15 years, continues its successful franchise in 2012. Following on the launch of the hit video game, Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version, JAKKS Pacific is expanding its successful toy line in 2012 which brings to life the experience of a Pokemon Trainer: to catch, train and battle Pokemon in a quest to become a Pokemon Champion!

Throughout 2012, JAKKS will launch new figures and plush with all new Pokémon characters featured in the popular Black and White TV series, movies, video games and trading cards. This will be incorporated into many of the best selling toy lines including 3” Figures, Attack Figures, Mini Plush, Reversible Plush, Throw Poké Balls and the Pop n' Battle Launchers and Pokemon Catchers from the popular skill and action line launched last year.

Now, you can also train and battle your Pokémon in the Unova Region forest with the new Forest Battle Playset, available this Spring. The playset features a special motorized target base that works with all 3” figures. When the base is successfully hit with an attack disk, the Pokémon figure pops off in battle. Includes an attack figure and shooting base, 4 attack discs, target base and an additional 3” figure. The playset connects to the City Battle Playset for double the size and battling fun! (srp $24.99)

Fans of all ages will be able to accessorize and style their backpack, wardrobe, purses and other items with the new Pokémon On The Go Plush Clip-Ons! These plush clip-ons feature stylized designs of the most popular Black & White characters, and will be available in Fall 2012. They also include a feature that causes the Pokemon to shake and move when the clip-on string is pulled. (srp $5.99) Ages 4+

CLICK HERE for more images from JAKKS Pokemon toy line!

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Toy Fair 2012 : JAKKS Pacific : Winx Club

2012-02-11T01:34:00.007-05:00

Winx Club, the hot new Nickelodeon show, is an animated modern fantasy adventure series that follows six best friends – Bloom, Stella, Flora, Musa, Tecna and Aisha – enrolled in Alfea College, the finest fairy school in all the realms. When trouble arises, the Winx Club transform into beautiful fairies who use their unique magical powers to fight villains and save the world from evil. Now you can collect all the fairies and relive their magical adventures with the new line of dolls, play sets and role-play items from JAKKS Pacific and Creative Designs International!

The 11.5” Basic Fashion Dolls feature the Winx Club girls in their fashion-forward ‘everyday’ outfits straight from the show. With seven points of articulation and a beauty brush included, you can style your friends for a fabulous night out. Available in two Collections, Concert and Everyday. (SRP $12.99)

The 11.5” Deluxe Fashion Dolls feature the six friends with eleven points of articulation, super deluxe trend-setting outfits and spectacular hinged wings showcasing beautiful Believix style. (SRP $19.99)

Girls can rock out with their Winx Club dolls on the Winx Club Rock Concert Stage. Complete with music, sounds and an exclusive Bloom doll, it’s a great place for a Winx Club concert. (SRP $39.99)

A must-have for all Winx Club fans, the Magic Wing Bloom Feature Doll allows you to be in control of Bloom’s Believix transformation! Place Bloom in the Transformation Station, slide the lever to see magical lights, hear the Believix song and see Bloom spin as her wings attach and she transforms into a Believix fairy. With your help, she can fly off onto her next thrilling adventure. (SRP $29.99)

Offering all the best in girl power is our new line up of Winx Club 3.75” Action Dolls, available in Believix and Concert themes. With nine points of articulation and fine details, these mini dolls are super poseable, highly collectible and each comes with an accessory. (SRP $7.99)

The Winx Club 3.75” Action Dolls are perfect to play with on the Winx Club Frutti Music Bar Playset. This cool, iconic environment features music, a dance stage, a transformation chamber and a place to shoot dragon flame/fire? powers and battle evil villains. (SRP $29.99)

Building on the diverse Winx Club doll line, Creative Designs International (CDI) has created a beautiful assortment of musical toys, role-play dresses and fairy wings for girls who want to transform themselves into their favorite Winx Club character.

With all new original Winx Club music backed by Nickelodeon’s star talent, CDI has created fabulous products to bring out the inner rock star in all Winx Club fans. Practice your moves before you head to the Frutti Music Bar! The Winx Club Dance Mat allows you to dance to the beat of three signature Winx Club songs. Icons light up on the console to show you where to step on the mat. Comes with speakers, three tempos and volume control. The perfect gift for any aspiring dancer! (SRP $29.99)

Rock out with your very own Winx Club Rock Star Guitar! The signature guitar shape and built-in Winx Club songs are perfect to play along to. Guitar features light up strings and neck; as well as bass, drum and keyboard buttons for more interactive fun! Also includes guitar pick necklace that you can play your guitar with. Style the guitar to make it your very own with trendy stickers, included. (SRP $29.99)

Sing along to your favorite Winx Club song with the Winx Club Rock Star Microphone! A Winx Club song is already built into the mic or you can plug in your MP3 player to sing along with your favorite songs. Glitter printed wing designs make this microphone edgy and fabulous! (SRP $14.99)

The Winx Club Believix Dress Assortment comes in styles modeled after the dresses Bloom, Stella and Flora wear on the show. Bold colors, deluxe fabrics and fashion-forward designs make these a must-have for all Winx Club fans! (SRP $19.99)

Add to the beauty of the Winx Club role-play dresses with the Winx Club Sparkling Wings Assortment, featuring iconic, deluxe Believix wing designs with prints signature to Bloom, Stella and Flora. Girls will fall in love with the glitter prints and bold colors! (SRP $9.99)

A fabulous tutu and beautiful set of fairy wings all in one? Fantastic! The Transforming Tutu Assortment magically transforms from chic skirt into Believix tutu complete with gorgeous wings! Comes in four signature styles: Bloom, Aisha, Stella and Flora. (SRP $19.99), Ages 4+

CLICK HERE for the rest of our JAKKS Winx Club pics!

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Toy Fair 2012 : JAKKS Pacific : Men in Black 3

2012-02-11T01:07:00.006-05:00

Will Smith & Tommy Lee Jones return as Agents J and K in the third installment of the sci-fi action comedy blockbuster series, Men In Black. Leading U.S. toymaker JAKKS Pacific has the worldwide master toy license for the third movie and products will hit shelves in Spring of 2012 to coincide with the film's May 25, 2012 worldwide release.

Collect your favorite heroes and villains from the upcoming movie with the MIB3 4” Figures with Small Accessory. Watch as each accessory transforms into something unexpected for added play value. Agent J comes with a ring accessory that transforms into a Sonic Drifter. Agent K comes with a ring accessory that transforms into an Alien Orbiter. (SRP $8.99) Enrich your role-play experience with the MIB3 4” Figures with Large Accessory. Agent J comes with a Neuralyzer that transforms into a Hover Cannon. Agent K's Noise Cricket transforms into a Cosmic Hopper! (srp $14.99)

Who is everyone’s favorite four-legged MIB agent? Frank the Pug! Now you can have your very own wise-cracking partner with the Frank the Pug 6” Talking Plush. Complete with fun phrases straight from the movies, this soft plush comes wearing his signature suit and tie. The perfect companion for all agents trying to protect the earth from the scum of the universe! (srp $11.99-$14.99) Ages 4+

Creative Designs International, a division of JAKKS Pacific, has creative fun and interactive role play toys for increased aspirational play. Squeeze the gross MIB3 Alien Slime Figures and watch the slime ooze out! Slime goes back inside the figure for storage. (SRP $4.99) Zap evil villains with the MIB3 Mini Blaster. Features lights and sounds that are activated when you press the trigger (srp $4.99)

Pick up your very own MIB3 Electronic Neuralyzer, just like the one you see in the movie! Press buttons to activate different light and sound features, including Will Smith’s voice. (SRP $9.99) Everything you need to become an MIB secret agent! The MIB3 Secret Agent Role-Play Set includes toy gun with light and sound features, dark shades to disguise your identity and an ID badge to get into off-limit rooms! (srp $14.99)

Keep in touch with your fellow agents with the MIB3 Walkie-Talkie Communicators. These high-tech, stylish and hands-free walkie-talkie communicators will make you feel like you just stepped out of the movie! (SRP $14.99) The big bad gun from the new movie! The MIB3 Light and Sound Atomizer features electronic blasting sounds, pulsing lights and rotating gun barrel to scare off any evil villains! (srp $24.99) Ages 5+

CLICK HERE for more images of JAKKS Men in Black 3 toys!

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Toy Fair 2012 : JAKKS Pacific : Monsuno

2012-02-11T00:52:00.005-05:00

JAKKS Pacific, Inc. (Nasdaq: JAKK) debuts the much-anticipated toy line based on the original animated entertainment franchise Monsuno™. The comprehensive toy line features innovative, kid-controlled action figures, accessories, combat sets, collectibles, electronics and integrated role play and brings the larger-than-life adventures of the Monsuno animated series into kids’ hands.
“The strong reception we have received thus far for Monsuno underscores our belief that Monsuno is poised to become an outstanding international boys’ action adventure property,” said Stephen Berman, President and CEO, JAKKS Pacific, Inc. “We are excited to finally introduce our innovative, action-driven Monsuno toys and the animated series to children all over the world.”

Highlights for the Monsuno toy line include:
Unleash the power of your Monsuno monster with the Monsuno Metal Die-Cast Core. These collectible die-cast metal Monsuno cores are based on battling monster creatures from the Monsuno animated TV series. Awesome, extended spin performance at a great price! (SRP $2.99)

Spin into action and transform into battle with the all-new Monsuno Cores and Transforming Action Figures. Collect hundreds of favorite characters from the Monsuno Animated TV Series for amazing transformation reveal and controllable, fast-action battle play. Each 1-pack comes with 1 collectible Monsuno core, 1 transforming action figure and 3 collector game cards. (SRP $7.99)

The Monsuno Core Combat 2-Packs equip you with double the Monsuno action. Increase your collection or ‘Spin-Impact-Battle’ it out with friends! Each 2-pack comes with 2 collectible Monsuno cores, 2 transforming action figures and 6 collector game cards. (SRP $14.99)

Also comes in a 4-pack version - the ultimate gift or collector item! Monsuno Core Combat 4-Packs feature exclusive action figures & cores not available in the 1-Packs of 2-Packs. Each 4-pack comes with 4 collectible Monsuno cores, 4 transforming action figures and 12 Topps collector game cards. (SRP $27.99)

The Monsuno Wild Core brings motorized, electronic chaos to any battle. Be the first to spin your Monsuno Cores (sold separately) into impact with the Wild Core for a powerful payoff! Each Wild Core comes with an exclusive Topps collector game card. (SRP $14.99)

Be Monsuno battle-ready at all times! Take Monsuno Cores, Action Figures & Cards (each sold separately) on-the-go with the high-tech animation-inspired Monsuno Stock Clip. (SRP $7.99)

Maximize your Monsuno power and control with the Monsuno Strike Launcher. Squeeze launcher to release the core (sold separately) with animation-inspired lights and increased spin, speed and accuracy! (SRP $11.99)

Reap ultimate spinning chaos on the battlefield with the Monsuno Auto Strike Multi-Launcher. The Multi-Launcher rapid fires up to 5 cores (sold separately) with launch activated lights. (SRP $24.99)

Launch your Monsuno Cores and action figures (sold separately) into head-to-head battle competition in this high-tech engineered Monsuno Launch Zone Combat Set™. The Launch Zone allows for contained combat as competitors launch, spin and transform their Monsuno action figures into battle! (SRP $11.99)

No table? No hard floor? No problem! The Monsuno Strike Sector Combat Set allows for fast-paced Monsuno battle action anytime, anywhere. Quickly & easily snaps apart and folds up for easy transport. Comes with bonus on-the-go battle bag! (SRP $24.99)

JAKKS Pacific’s Monsuno product line is expected to be available at major retailers nationwide in March 2012. For more information, please visit www.monsuno.com.

The Monsuno animated series will premiere with two back-to-back half-hour episodes on Thursday, Feb. 23, at 8:00 p.m. (ET) on Nicktoons and will air in its regular timeslot on Thursdays at 8:30 p.m. In the 52-episode series, the fate of the world lies in the hands of a group of heroic kids who wrestle with the power to command and battle creatures called Monsuno. Monsuno will also air on Nickelodeon channels around the world, starting Summer 2012.

CLICK HERE for more images of JAKKS Monsuno!

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Toy Fair 2012 : JAKKS Pacific : Amazing Spider-Man

2012-02-10T21:50:00.014-05:00

Nothing mind blowing from JAKKS in the way of Amazing Spider-Man merch, as could be expected when Hasbro is doing the smaller scale figures and probably some super sized pieces while Diamond Select is taking on the 7 inch action figure format. JAKKS steps in with possible inventive chachkis like inflatable mini bop bags, a new vinyl type figure and a fairly innovative game (which incorporates Ultimate Spider-Man..but apples and oranges) while on the "most likely getting made" list are two mini figures (The Lizard and Spider-Man), some very basic costumes, a little carrying case and, from sister company Disguise, a basic Spidey suit with new school web shooters! Of course, this article is just an excuse to show off The Lizard once more before you are sick of him. We promise he will not sparkle like a Twilight Vampire in the movie (at least we don't think so).

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Toy Fair 2012 : Avengers Movie Aliens...Revealed??

2012-02-10T17:37:00.012-05:00

SPOILERS AHEAD...MAYBE!!

Toy Fair is a tricky beast. You look at hundreds of toys every day, and as you struggle to get them in focus and not blast them into the white zone with your flash, you barely have the opportunity to enjoy them. It is an enormous effort to do this, remember to ask questions WHILE you are doing this, and make sure you didn't forget or miss anything. That said, it should come as no surprise that I conducted 4 interviews, walked the 10 blocks to the train...got on the NJ transit train back to NJ and was 75% of the way home before I made a realization.

I shot an Avengers Movie Board Game....and I shot the aliens that were in it.

After 20 minutes of maniacal laughter I got home, whipped out the CF card and sure enough, there were my new best lil purple friends...and they sure do look like Skrulls. Hell, even the symbol on the dice looks like one. All I can say is THANK GOD I didn't look at the odd little plastic bits from across the room and say..naa..it's junk.

Now my JAKKS rep who had been giving me the tour said the game was something they were just testing, like many other things on the floor that day. They display these things for buyers to gauge an interest. If it's a thumbs up, it gets made. She expressed to me this was not likely getting the thumbs up.

SO...are the aliens in The Avengers Movie SKRULLS after all? You tell me! Why make a board game based on the movie and just randomly throw Skrulls in there? Does this mean they are absolutely in the movie? Of course not..but this is pretty convincing. I do think there are also Frost Giants in the film, as the evidence from the Super Bowl spot is undeniable, so why no Frost Giants in the game as well? Little angry blue people! The mystery continues....

CLICK HERE for our last blast of Avengers movie toy news!

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Toy Fair 2012 : Mattel : Barbie

2012-02-10T02:50:00.005-05:00

This one is gonna be a quickie since my eyeballs are slowly sliding out of my face holes. BARBIE!! She's a miracle. Now sing that to the tune of FLASH AHHHH and you'll get a laugh every time. Mattel continues Barbie's slow takeover of every job on the planet and every role ever created...everrrr..with all new Girlie Stuffs for 2012! Yay. Here's the loot. Scroll down to the bottom for a Flickr link for the eye candy. Also, some things don't have images available yet, so keep watching Idle Hands for pics from the actual show room. Also also, I left out info on anything listed as already released. Let's go Barbie!

Barbie® 3 Story Dreamhouse® : Every house needs an upgrade and the Barbie® 3 Story Dreamhouse® is no exception! Last year, Barbie® became an architect. This year, she’s renovated her own Dreamhouse® to be even dreamier. The fresh look features eye-popping pink columns and photo-real wallpaper. The new design has a more modern aesthetic but still has the same core play value that girls love. House features include three fabulous stories with lights and sounds providing a realistic home touch. $184.99 Available: June 2012

Barbie® Design & Dress Studio™ Doll : The possibilities are endless for Barbie® doll’s closet with the Barbie® Design & Dress Studio™ which lets girls design their very own fashions for Barbie® doll. The Design & Dress Studio™ comes with everything a girl needs to create customized fashions for Barbie® including cloth dress templates, stencils, fabric markers and decorative stickers. With infinite design possibilities, the studio gives girls the opportunity to become a real-life fashion designer while also nurturing their imagination and creativity. After the dress is customized, it easily tears away from the included ‘design paper frame’ to reveal a one-of-a-kind, wearable outfit for Barbie®. Doll set includes:
• Barbie® doll with dress
• 4 flat fashions
• 2 plastic stencils
• 1 holographic sticker sheet
• 3 marker pens
• 1 pair of shoes and necklace

$21.99 Available: December 2011

*Refill pack assortments available: $10.99

Barbie® Design & Dress Studio™ Refill Pack Assortment : Girls can continue the design fun by adding more details to their one-of-a-kind outfits with the Barbie® Design & Dress Studio™ Refill Pack. Each pack features a different design theme, stickers, foil decorations and ruffles/bows. Additionally, the packs feature easy-to-use materials and all the necessary tools needed to keep design play going. Includes three additional flat fashions. Each pack sold separately. $10.99 Available: December 2011

Barbie® Hair-tastic™ Color & Design Salon™ Doll : Barbie® Hair-tastic™ Color & Design Salon™ Doll allows girls to become the ultimate stylist with superstar client – Barbie®! Girls can add color, sparkles and designs directly onto Barbie® doll’s hair for extra flair. Using the included spray on color, stencils or by creating personalized freehand designs, girls can make their wildest hair styles become a reality. All color and design washes out allowing for endless hours of hair play fun like only Barbie® can provide. $26.99 Available: June 2012

Barbie® Hairtastic! ™ Cut & Style™ Doll Assortment : Every girl knows the perfect hair style makes a complete outfit. This year, Barbie® doll introduces an interactive way for girls to play and style Barbie® doll’s long locks with the Barbie® Cut & Style™ doll. Using the included pink “scissors“, girls can snip and style Barbie® doll’s hair into a super-sleek, high-fashion bob or use hair extensions to create a long style. Each doll comes with trendy fashions, hair piece-count and hair extensions for endless hours of homemade hair play. *Scissors do not have sharp edges. $17.99 Available: December 2011

Barbie® I Can Be™ Fashion Designer : Barbie® doll has always been a fashion icon, but this year Barbie® will be ‘behind the seams’ as Barbie® I Can Be…™ Fashion Designer. An iconic trendsetter and with more than 125 careers under her pink belt, Barbie® channels her inner artist to embark on an exciting career in fashion design. Just like competitive fashion shows on TV, Barbie® doll’s new career is fast paced and fun with lots of rewarding challenges. Dressed for success, Barbie® sports a chic black tunic with sparkly leggings for long drawn out design sessions. Tools of the trade such as a wearable wrist pincushion and a tape measure are included ensuring Barbie® gets the job done with style and flair. The designing doll also carries a tablet so she can sketch, style and research anywhere she finds imagination and inspiration. $13.99 Available: January 2012

Barbie® Jet Ski : Whether traveling by sea or plane, one thing is for sure - Barbie® is always traveling in style! The new Barbie® Jet Ski is a way for Barbie® sisters to make a stylish splash and create memories together. The brightly colored Jet Ski fits all four sisters with three seats (dolls click in place) and room for one to ride along on the attached floating inner-tube ring. Jet Ski really floats in water and includes one Stacie® doll. $26.99 Available: June 2012

Barbie® Puppy Play Park™ : In addition to spending time with her sisters, Barbie® doll loves spending time playing with her pups and teaching them new tricks. This storyline comes to life for girls with the new Barbie Puppy Play Park™ playset. Barbie® doll teaches her pups tricks and they actually respond! Barbie® claps and cheers on her pups as they react to the clicking and clapping sound by following Barbie®, sliding down the slide and fetching a ball. Girls also can activate the puppy by clapping. $26.99 Available: July 2012

Barbie® RC Convertible : Barbie® doll has had almost everything from a Dreamhouse® in Malibu to the perfect boyfriend, but she’s never had her own Remote Control convertible like this. Driving the Barbie® play experience onto new roads, this stylish ride can move forward and backward. Appropriately painted Barbie® Pink with sparkly accents and decals, this fashionable street-stopping two-seater will have girls racing Barbie® doll and friends around town (wearing the included seatbelts, of course). The Convertible is powered by 4 AA batteries and uses a pink handheld remote (requires 2 AAA batteries). Dolls sold separately. $31.99 Available: June 2012

Barbie® Sisters Cruise Ship : What’s better than a cruise? A cruise with your sisters and best friends! The new Barbie® Sisters Cruise Ship is a way for all four sisters to spend quality time together while traveling the high seas. From steering the ship as captain to being a passenger splashing around in the pool, there are endless opportunities for girls to create their own imaginative storylines and vacation fantasies. The Cruise Ship includes lots of unexpected pop-up compartments and play space with hidden decks, panels, umbrellas, lounge chairs, a swing and more. The ship features a large pool (for real water play) with water slides the sisters can race down. This stylish vessel folds up for quick and easy storage - saving space for the Barbie® Dreamhouse®, Car and Ken®! All aboard! Dolls sold separately. $89.99 Available: July 2012

Barbie® Sisters Golf Cart™ : Golf carts have never been more glamorous! The Barbie® Sisters Golf Cart™ lets Barbie® sisters hit the greens in style, cruising around in a golf cart built for four. With moving wheels and pretty decals, this pink and blue vacation ride can take Barbie® sisters on hole-in-one fun! Skipper® doll included. $26.99 Available: June 2012

Barbie™ in a Mermaid Tale 2 DVD : Surf’s up for Barbie™ when she returns in her first sea-quel™as Merliah™, the fun and fashionable surf champion from Malibu who’s secretly a mermaid princess. Merliah™ and her friends from Barbie™ in a Mermaid Tale make a splash when she heads to Australia for a major surf competition. The adventure starts when the evil mermaid Eris escapes from her whirlpool with plans to take over the throne of Oceana. Merliah™ and her sea friends dive in to stop her, saving the day down under! In this new adventure, Merliah™ learns that anything is possible when you stay true to yourself. $14.95 Available: March 2012

Barbie™ The Princess & the Popstar Diamond Fairy Assortment : Girls will love playing out the magic of “Barbie™ The Princess & the Popstar” with the Diamond Fairy assortment. With fun colored hair, sparkle wings and music-inspired outfits, these adorable mini fairies are perfect for little hands!. $6.99 Available: June 2012

Barbie™ The Princess & the Popstar DVD : In “Barbie™ The Princess & The Popstar,” Barbie™ plays princess Tori™ who dreams of leaving her royal life for the life of her favorite popstar Kiera™. Simultaneously, Kiera™ is tired of performing and her superstar lifestyle and dreams of becoming a real-life princess. The two find each other and magically trade places. However, not everything is as easy as it seems. The two girls soon learn that it’s better to be yourself and come to appreciate the lives they had before the transformation. Girls and moms will love the fun music with classic tunes re-written in Barbie™ style with eye popping animation this will become a new Barbie™ film favorite! $14.99 Available: September 2012

Barbie™ The Princess & the Popstar Keira™ Doll : In the new movie “Barbie™ The Princess & The Popstar,” Tori™ dreams of singing and dancing like her favorite popstar Keira™, while Keira™ dreams of becoming a princess like Tori™. Just like in the film, the Keira™ doll transforms from popstar to princess. Kiera™ doll trades in her purple hair and performance outfit for sophisticated princess-worthy brunette locks and a fancy ball gown. In addition to a cool look that transforms from dress to ‘do, this doll also sings! With a simple touch to her necklace, Kiera™ doll will “sing” two songs from the DVD $25.99 Available: June 2012

Barbie™ The Princess & the Popstar Lights & Music Castle : Every princess needs a castle! Girls will spend endless hours reliving their favorite movie moments from “Barbie™ The Princess & the Popstar” with this magical mini-castle. Containing three floors of fun, light-up musical note stairs and a stage that plays music, this castle is the ultimate in performance, friendship, fashion and house play. Perfect for small doll play, it takes up minimal floor space for mom. Set includes two mini-dolls. $49.99 Available: June 2012

Barbie™ The Princess & the Popstar Tori™ Doll : In the new Barbie™ DVD, “Barbie™ The Princess & the Popstar,” Barbie™ takes center stage starring as Tori™, a royal princess who dreams of becoming a popstar. Just like in the film, Tori™ doll trades in her blonde locks and ball gown for rockin’ pink hair and a concert-chic outfit. In addition to a cool look that transforms from dress to ‘do, this doll also sings! With a simple touch to her necklace, Tori™ doll will “sing” two songs from the DVD. $25.99 Available: June 2012

CLICK HERE for all the Barbie images you can handle!

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Toy Fair 2012 : Mattel : Monster High

2012-02-10T01:37:00.018-05:00

When we last looked into the Girlie Stuffs, we uncovered some pre-order listings for Barbie and the mega popular Monster High doll line! Now, I will begin this bit of coverage with a rant. WHAT'S A BROTHER GOTTA DO TO GET A FREAKIN JUSTICE LEAGUE HALL OF JUSTICE PLAY SET? HMMM??!! And no..the Young Justice Build-a-front-of-a-building diorama doesn't count. HELL Batman is mega popular but when is the last time we got a Bat Cave?? Monster High is barely out of diapers and they've got a car, a coffin bed set, a steel slab bed set, a bubbling sleep chamber and now...A HIGH SCHOOL PLAY SET!!! Seriously. The world..she ain't fair.

And now back to Girlie news. ALL NEW Monster High stuff on the way...

Monster High® Create-A-Monster Design Lab : Reflecting the fun “freaky flaws” they see in themselves, Monster High™ fans have been designing and sharing their unique monsters creations via UGC since the brand launched. Providing this dedicated fan base with even more monstrous customization opportunities, is the new Monster High® Create-A-Monster Lab. Now girls can build their own Monster High® ghouls simply by selecting a torso, set of limbs and a head from the Create-A-Monster kits. By placing the monster parts in the Design Lab, they can apply any of the desired “skins,” which range from spider webs to stitches and more! With the Create-A-Monster Design Lab, girls have endless combinations to concoct their own “perfectly-imperfect” Monster High® ghoul. $39.99 Available: June 2012

Monster High® Ghouls Rule Doll Assortment : Rooted in the dynamic storytelling moments of the brand’s first direct-to-DVD movie, the ghouls of Monster High™ come out of hiding this Halloween to take back this haunting holiday in fang-tastic, over-the-top costumes. Clawdeen Wolf®, Frankie Stein®, Draculara® and Cleo De Nile® dolls each featuring killer hairstyles, sparkles and accessories that pay homage to their famous monster heritages, revolt against tradition and restore Halloween to a day when monsters celebrate their individuality and show everyone that it’s okay to Be Yourself. Be Unique. Be a Monster.™! (Really...u copyrighted "Be a Monster? Good luck with that.) $22.99 Fall 2012

Monster High® High School : The most iconic spots in Monster High® are finally getting some freaky fabulous time in the spotlight. In response to fan demand, girls can now showcase their favorite student bodies in the very first Monster High® High School. This two-story school features some of the most recognizable rooms from the webisodes including the iconic school entrance through the gargoyle statues, the mad science classroom, creepateria, casketball court and, of course, the ghouls’ creepy cool coffin-shaped lockers. Using the included stickers and decorations, girls can transform the creepateria into the perfect spot for the big school dance. When class is dismissed, the set folds up neatly for easy storage. $79.99 Available: June 2012

Monster High™ Ghouls Rule! DVD by Universal Pictures : Monster High™: Ghouls Rule!, marks the first direct-to-DVD animated, feature-length film to be released by Mattel’s Monster High™ brand in partnership with Universal Pictures. Featuring CG animation, Monster High™: Ghouls Rule!, chronicles Halloween at the most fang-tastic school in town - and things are about to get scary! For years, students were warned that Halloween is a day when the \"Normies\" torment and taunt innocent monsters. But when Frankie Stein™ and her friends discover that ghouls used to rule Halloween, the monsters revolt against tradition! They decide to take back Halloween and restore it as a day when monsters celebrate their individuality and show everyone that it’s okay to Be Yourself. Be Unique. Be a Monster.™! Available: Fall 2012

Monster High: Back and Deader Than Ever by Lisi Harrison : Filled with Lisi Harrison\'s trademark wit and her own fresh twist on the horrors of fitting in, Monster High: Back and Deader Than Ever, marks the fourth and final book in the New York Times Bestselling Series created in partnership with Mattel. Set around the teen children of the world\'s most famous monsters, in Monster High: Back and Deader Than Ever, the Monsters are out of hiding and Draculaura (Lala) is flashing her fangs with pride. But when Daddy Drac (Mr. D.) pays her a surprise visit, everything goes batty. Mr. D. thinks they should have their own school but Lala isn\'t ready to give up the rights they fought so hard for. When she hears about a glamorous contest, where the winning schools get mad moolah and a chance to star in a national ad campaign, Lala decides to bite. It\'s father against daughter in a battle for Salem\'s student body. Despite the many challenges, Lala is determined to save Merston High. But she might die twice while trying. $17.99 Available: April 2012

CLICK HERE for lots more pics of Monster High from Toy Fair 2012!

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TOY FAIR STARTS TODAY!!!

2012-02-10T00:52:00.005-05:00

Yes, we are actually in our 3rd week of "Toy Fair" because there are toy fairs all over the world now. Yes, the ACTUAL show doesn't start til Sunday. ....BUT..our full on, really for real "we just shot 300 pictures at X and here they are" coverage starts TODAY so assume a safe distance from your keyboard so you don't drool all over it and warm up your pre-ordering finger (which just sounds dirty any way you word it). Of course, as in nature, there will be a calm before the storm, so no need to hit refresh all day. Our down n dirty coverage won't start until Friday night, but we should be able to squeeze out some twitpics and twitter info live from the showroom, so keep watch! Until then...get some rest...for me..who is not allowed to sleep until Wednesday.

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Toy Fair 2012 : Marvel Select Ultron

2012-02-09T14:24:00.004-05:00

YES!! Someone at Diamond Select looked at the numbers and said hmm..we are making a lot more money on those figures that seem to be in scale with Marvel Legends. LET'S MAKE MORE!! At so it was, that Marvel Select did shower the earth with the likes of Colossus, Juggernaut, Hulk, Abomination, Thanos...and now..~tears up~..finally..a classic Ultron.

Sure, those ball hips are ugly as sin, but beggars can't be choosers.

MTVGEEK got the exclusive today and posted these bits...

A Diamond Select Release! Designed and Sculpted by Gentle Giant! DST has made plenty of Avengers in its Marvel Select line, but they've never made the team's greatest foe: Ultron! The unkillable robotic creation of Dr. Hank Pym, Ultron is depicted in his classic form, in the same 7-inch scale as the rest of the Marvel Select line. Plus, he comes with a detailed display base depicting the fallen forms of Ant-Man and the Wasp, and features multiple points of articulation, for a variety of humanity-despising poses. Ultron comes in oversized collector packaging, and is only available on the specialty market!

Figure SRP: $21.99

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Toy Fair 2012 : The Horror of GOOD LUCK TROLLS!!

2012-02-09T13:31:00.003-05:00

The scariest things in life....never stay dead. It figures the company licensing these lil suckers is called "Dam Things." They may as well call their CEO ALUCARD and complete the image!! EEEEVIL THINGS.

The Good Luck Trolls became one of America’s biggest toy fads in the early 1960s, and again in revivals over the years. In 2003, the Toy Industry Association commemorated them as one of the hundred most creative toys of the twentieth century. History repeats itself like never before in 2012, when Dark Horse Deluxe offers up these beloved and timeless figures in various iterations!

Thanks to a law passed by Congress, the US copyright for the Good Luck Trolls has been restored to its rightful Danish owner. Now Dam Things has licensed to Dark Horse the right to issue the Good Luck Trolls in the ever-popular “mystery box” style assortment, marking the first new troll products in the US in many years. Dark Horse’s vice president of Product Development, David Scroggy, notes, “When we considered developing the Good Luck Trolls for the first time, we were confident that they would resonate with our audience of pop-culture fans and modern collectors. We think that they are likely to be embraced by our young-adult consumers.”

“Dark Horse has been very successful with the mystery box and we look forward to seeing them include the Good Luck Troll in their program,” says Calle Østergaard, CEO of Dam Things in Denmark. This all-new assortment of colorful designs, featuring an array of hair colors and exotic surface treatments from glitter to metallic to flocked, are sure to stun both collectors and casual fans as they make their first appearance at Toy Fair 2012!

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DC Comics Announces Smallville Season 11

2012-02-09T13:05:00.002-05:00

Fans of the smash-hit TV series Smallville haven’t had much to cheer about since the show ended its critically acclaimed 10-year run on The CW last May. That’s all going to change with the upcoming new comic book series from DC Entertainment: SMALLVILLE SEASON 11. Written by former Smallville show scribe Bryan Q. Miller, the new digital first series will be published digitally on April 13, 2012, with new digital chapters released weekly thereafter. Additionally, the online chapters will be offered in a print periodical, along with an episode guide to the hit television series, with the first print issue released on May 16.

The new comic book series picks-up where the show left off (with Clark officially now as Superman!) and features other fan-favorite characters including Oliver Queen/Green Arrow, Chloe Sullivan-Queen, Lois Lane, Lex Luthor, and General Lane. The book features an all-star creative team – in addition to Miller, SMALLVILLE SEASON 11 creators include print cover artist Gary Frank (SUPERMAN SECRET ORIGIN), digital cover artist Cat Staggs and interiors by Pere Perez (BATGIRL).

“Six months after Clark Kent donned the cape and took to the skies to save Earth from Apokolips… enter Season 11!” enthuses Miller. “New allies abound! New enemies afoot! And old friends return where they’re least expected! Pere and colorist Chris Beckett have done a fantastic job of capturing the look of the show and the players, and Gary and Cat are knocking it out of the park on covers. I couldn’t be more excited to help give seasoned viewers and new readers an all-access pass to Clark’s first year in the cape.”

Toy Fair 2012 : DC Direct Before Watchmen

2012-02-09T12:36:00.014-05:00

ONE MORE TIME...we dive into the DC Direct pool. I told you they had more to show! DCD send over word of their Before Watchmen collectibles and throw in some excellent official pictures of 2 of their pieces as well as some of their Dark Knight Rises statues and busts.

DC Direct, the exclusive collectibles division of DC Entertainment, announced today an extensive line-up of new collectibles based on flagship publishing and film initiatives. Leading into New York Toy Fair, DC Direct unveiled two new collectible statues based on character art from the recently announced BEFORE WATCHMEN, a series of all-new stories that expand on the universe of best-selling graphic novel, WATCHMEN. Prototypes for Rorschach and Comedian statues will be unveiled at the show, kicking off the new BEFORE WATCHMEN product line that will go on sale later this year, exclusively from DC Direct.

Also announced today is an extensive line-up of THE DARK KNIGHT RISES collectibles based on characters from the highly-anticipated upcoming Warner Bros. film. The line includes statues, busts and action figures based on iconic characters from the film including Batman, Catwoman and Bane.

“The DC Direct team has put together an amazing line-up for 2012,” stated Geoff Johns, Chief Creative Officer for DC Entertainment. “THE DARK KNIGHT RISES and BEFORE WATCHMEN lines are especially exciting, and the team has set the bar high as far as creative execution. We’re proud and psyched to share these collectibles with the world at Toy Fair. This is the tip of the iceberg with what we’ve got planned for DC Direct this year and beyond.”

DC Direct product descriptions include:

· BEFORE WATCHMEN Rorschach – 9” resin statue

· BEFORE WATCHMEN Comedian – 9” resin statue

· THE DARK KNIGHT RISES Batman Icon – 13” resin statue

· THE DARK KNIGHT RISES Catwoman Icon – 7” resin statue

· THE DARK KNIGHT RISES Bane Icon – 12.5” resin statue

· THE DARK KNIGHT RISES Batman Bust – 6.5” resin

· THE DARK KNIGHT RISES Catwoman Bust – 6” resin

· THE DARK KNIGHT RISES Bane Bust – 6.25” resin

· THE DARK KNIGHT RISES Batman Figure – 6.38” PVC

· THE DARK KNIGHT RISES Catwoman Figure – 6.38” PVC

· THE DARK KNIGHT RISES Bane Figure – 6.38” PVC

Other key DC Direct product lines that will be on display at New York Toy Fair include new MAD: Spy vs. Spy and Just-Us-League of Stupid Heroes products, as well as the complete new action figures series based on DC Comics - The New 52.

Note that the wordage on the 6 inch pieces went from "figure" to "figurine" and now back to "figure" with the add on PVC, which to collectors means "un-posable plastic statue".

CLICK HERE for our last story on DC Direct's DC Comics & MAD Magazine collectibles!

CLICK HERE for DC Direct's Batman: Arkham City action figures!

CLICK HERE for DC Direct's Dark Knight Rises collectibles!

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Toy Fair 2012 : More McFarlane HALO

2012-02-08T22:48:00.015-05:00

When we last heard from McFarlane, we had a full listing of all of their HALO offerings for 2012. CLICK HERE for that giant pile of info! Now we dig a little deeper and get to actually show you some of this video game based awesome. Note that all images are designs pending final approval, so they are meant to just give you an idea of what you can expect...and..you know...drool a little.

HALO 4 Series 1 Action Figure Assortment : Releasing before the game launches in this fall, Halo 4 Series 1 will offer fans a look at some of the characters from the new game. Many of these characters have yet-to-be-revealed and are so "Top Secret" that we can't even name them. We can tell you Halo 4 Series 1 marks the return of the most popular character of the Halo universe, Master Chief! Master Chief was last seen in Halo 3 entering into a cryonic sleep and telling Cortana to "wake me, when you need me" at the end of the game. Well, Master Chief is wide awake and ready for battle in Halo 4! The line is set to include included Cortana, Master Chief and 6 secret figures, to be revealed at a later date.

Deluxe Figures Frozen Master Chief with Cryotube : Stranded in deep space at the end of Halo 3, Master Chief entered a Cryotube aboard the ship Forward Unto Dawn, telling his artificial intelligence companion, Cortana, to "wake me, when you need me." Halo 4 begins with Master Chief waking up ready to face new threats and mysteries. Cryotube is approximately 9 inches tall and features a working door and a custom angled base. The Master Chief figure in this set features a light coating of frost and ice crystals; remnants of his hibernation between games. Figure also comes with an all-new weapon making its debut in Halo 4! There will be a second deluxe figure as well, which is being kept secret for now.

HALO Micro Ops Series 1 Large Carded Assortment : This ALL-NEW series consists of ultra-detailed miniature figures, vehicles, and locations from the entire Halo universe, at roughly 1:100/15mm scale. Halo Micro Ops covers the Halo universe from the tiniest Grunt figure to the largest Scarab vehicle, with all the pieces perfectly in scale with one another. The initial Micro Ops lines cover the Halo trilogy, Halo 3: ODST, Halo Wars, and Halo: Reach. Later lines will add figures, vehicles, and locations from Halo 4. Collectors can recreate their favourite Halo moments from campaign, multiplayer, or firefight…Or just create their own custom scene. This series includes the Falcon, Spartan Pilot, Trooper and Carter set and High Ground Bunker with Shade Turret, Trooper Spartan and Grunt set.

HALO Micro Ops Series 1 Small Box Assortment : High Ground Tower and Missile Launcher with 2 Team Blue Spartans set and High Ground Gate with Warthog and 2 Spartans set.

HALO Micro Ops Series 1 Small Carded Assortment : Warthog with a LAAG, Mongoose, 2 Spartans and a Trooper set, a Banshee and 2 Elites set, ODST Drop Pod with debris base, ODST Drop Pod with drag chute, Buck, Dare and the Rookie set, Ghost Vs. Wolf Spider Turret, Emile and an Elite set.

HALO: Universe Deluxe Vehicle: ODST Drop Pod : (shown at the start of the article) The ODST Drop Pod is a small single-occupant vehicle used by the United Nations Space Command (UNSC) to deploy an individual and his equipment from high orbit to the surface. Our Drop Pod features a removable door, two internal weapon racks, and a telescoping, articulated drag chute. Set also includes The Rookie, an Orbital Drop Shock Trooper, and the main player character of Halo 3: ODST. The Rookie includes his signature Silenced Magnum and Suppressed SMG, two weapons only found in the game Halo 3: ODST.

XBOX LIVE Avatars - HALO Series 1 : consists of eight 2 1/2"" tall figures: Master Chief, Carter, ODST, Flaming ODST Helmet and ODST T-Shirt, Green Operator Helmet and Reach TShirt, Elite Costume, rare Metallic Gold Master Chief, and very rare Warthog.

Each avatar figure will come disassembled and randomly packaged in a small, Halo-themed plastic ""blind"" capsule. The top and bottom of each cylinder can be removed, and each piece can be used as a display base.

CLICK HERE for JADA Toys HALO 4 lineup!

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Toy Fair 2012 : DC Direct... Everything Else!

2012-02-08T20:05:00.043-05:00

We've gone over DC Direct's Dark Knight Rises Statues, Busts and Figurines (but sadly, no action figures) and their Batman: Arkham City action figures, and now we'll show you just about everything else that was in that catalog some days back! Special thanks to Halestorm once again for the LIVE pics. Here's the rundown...

Superman & Batman Bronze Patina Statues - Batman in February & Superman in May

Justice League Action Figures - Superman in January, Batman in May, Green Lantern in June, Aquaman in June, Cyborg in October & Wonder Woman in October. (CLICK HERE for a bonus pic of Hawkman!) -more JL pics in the link at the bottom of the article.

MAD Magazine Just-Us League of Stupid Heroes - Series 1 in July with Alfred as Superman, Green Arrow and Aquaman. Series 2 in September with Alfred as The Flash, Green Lantern and Wonder Woman. Series 3 in November with Alfred as Batman, Robin and The Joker. Whom ever did this pic is a genius. LOVE the cardboard Hall of Justice!! GENIUS. (CLICK HERE for more MAD Pictures!) -another link at the bottom of this article

MAD Magazine Spy vs Spy Vinyl Assortment coming May 2012 with both Black and White.

Ame-Come Girl PVC Figures- White Canary in February, Wonder Woman as Star Sapphire, Wonder Woman in March, Raven (Dark and Light) in March, Hawkgirl in May, Black Lantern Flash in June, Arisia in August, (and not shown) Brainiac in September, Harley Quinn V.2 in October & Holiday Catwoman in November!

Batman: Black and White statue series - Sergio Argones Batman in stores NOW, Mike Mignola Batman this February, Sam Keith Batman in March, Jim Lee Batman in March, Darwyn Cooke Batman in July, Jock Batman in August, Brian Joker in September & Kelly Jones Bane in October (CLICK HERE for more images of the Black & White series and more statues!)

Green Lantern The Animated Series statues - Atrocitus in March, Green Lantern in May and Saint Walker in August

Cover Girls of the DC Universe: The New 52 Statues - Raven in May, Wonder Woman in July, Catwoman in September & Poison Ivy in November.

DC Comics The New 52 Busts - Cyborg in July, Batgirl in August, Grifter in August, Wonder Woman in September, Blue Beetle in September, Element Woman in October, Superman in October, Supergirl in November and SHAZAM! in November.

Batman 1:4 Scale Museum Quality Statue - September 2012

Catwoman 1:4 Scale Museum Quality Statue - February 2012

The Dark Knight Returns Batman vs Superman Battle Statue - August 2012

Green Lantern VS Parallax Battle Statue - March 2012

CLICK HERE for more images from this set!

CLICK HERE for more images of the Black & White series, Ame-Comi, MAD, Justice League and more!

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Toy Fair 2012 : Mattel's Girlie Stuffs

2012-02-08T18:34:00.005-05:00

Barbie and Monster High. I don't know much about their releases year round and can never find images of new product, but every year, I shoot them up...ALL FOR YOU!! Here's a quick list of retailer pre-orders that have just popped up for these magnificent pastel-infused, ultra popular dolls.

Barbie Khloe Kardashian Doll : Barbie Collector is partnering with the Kardashian sisters and is creating a doll of each sister in her likeness. Sporting a modified, more curvy sculpt, this Barbie Khloe Kardashian Doll is dressed in a long-sleeved tight black dress and carries a leopard clutch. Some assembly required. Ages 6 and up.

Barbie Kim Kardashian Doll : Sporting a modified, more curvy body sculpt, this Barbie Kim Kardashian Doll is dressed in a black lace mini-dress with a leopard corset belt. Some assembly required. Ages 6 and up.

Barbie Kourtney Kardashian Doll : This Barbie Kourtney Kardashian Doll is dressed in a fitted blazer with high-waisted shorts with leopard shoes. Some assembly required. Ages 6 and up.

The Idle Hands scientists have created an advanced, high definition image of what we believe the Kardashian dolls will look like. Enjoy.

Brave : Merida and Angus Doll Set : With this charming Brave Merida and Angus Doll Set inspired by the 2012 Disney Pixar movie Brave, girls can relive the special friendship between Merida and her most trusted confidante, her horse Angus. Brave is an inspired tale set in ancient times in the Highlands of Scotland, and Merida is the feature character. Ages 3 and up.

Brave : Merida Doll : Inspired by the Disney Pixar movie Brave, the Brave Merida Core Doll brings the feature character from the children's movie to life in a beautiful, sparkling fashion modeled after the movie! Brave is an inspired tale set in ancient times in the Highlands of Scotland, and Merida is the feature character. Ages 3 and up.

Brave : Transforming Triplets Dolls Set : Modeled after the very characters found in the Disney Pixar movie Brave, the Brave Transforming Triplets Dolls Set captures the mischief of The Triplets and their magical adventures in the 3D computer-animated film. Brave is a richly detailed movie that captures the mystery and spirit of ancient times in the Highlands of Scotland, and these characters play directly into the film's plot. Includes 3 dolls. Ages 3 and up.

Monster High Accessory Case : This excellent Monster High Accessory Assortment includes some totally cool accessories for your Monster High Dolls! As a slow-moving zombie, Ghoulia Yelps will get a kick out of this scooter, while Draculaura can pamper and primp in her powder room! Some assembly required. Ages 6 and up. Includes two individually wrapped packs that may contain Ghoulia Yelps' Scooter Accessory & Draculaura's Powder Room Accessory (subject to change)

Monster High Coffin Bean and Clawdeen Wolf Playset : All the cool ghouls hang out at the Coffin Bean. This awesome Monster High Coffin Bean and Clawdeen Wolf Playset comes with a coffee shop-theme piece-count and a fashionable Clawdeen Wolf in a ferocious outfit, it's the ideal gathering spot! Some assembly required. Ages 6 and up.

Monster High Costume Dolls : The ghouls have always stayed home on Halloween - but not this year with the Monster High Monster Costume Doll Assortment! They've decided to come out of hiding to take back the holiday dressed in over-the-top costumes that nod to their famous monster heritage. Some assembly required. Ages 6 and up. Assortment includes 6 dolls including: Clawdeen Costume Doll, Cleo Costume Doll, Draculaura Costume Doll & Frankie Costume Doll (subject to change)

Monster High Create A Monster Design Lab Playset : For even further Monster High Doll customization, girls can use their very own Monster High Create A Monster Lab! The laboratory comes with a whole lot of "skins" to create tons of combinations! Some assembly required. Ages 6 and up.

Monster High Create A Monster Lab Add On Packs : For more options to use with your Monster High lab, this Monster High Create A Monster Lab Add On Pack Assortment gives ghouls even more skins and limbs to make more monsters! Some assembly required. Ages 6 and up. Assortment comes with 4 different kits. Assortment breakdown not available at this time.

Monster High High School Playset : The ultimate accessory that looks just like Monster High, it's Monster High High School! Girls can play with and display all of their Monster High dolls in this fold-up high school set. Some assembly required. Ages 6 and up.

Monster High Party Dolls : Do you like looking snazzy and going to a dance party? Of course you do! Get glammed up with the Monster High Party Doll Assortment monster ghouls for the Polka Dot Dance Party! Some assembly required. Ages 6 and up. Assortment of 4 dolls may include : Lagoona Party Doll, Operetta Party Doll & Spectra Party Doll

Monster High Roller Maze Dolls : The star players of Roller Maze have all gotten injured so the ghouls of Monster High have to step in with this Monster High Sport Doll Assortment! Some assembly required. Ages 6 and up. Assortment of 6 may include: Roller Maze Frankie Doll, Roller Maze Ghoulia Doll, Roller Maze Lagoona Doll & Roller Maze Operetta Character

All items seem to be dropping this April. We'll be sure to shoot like crazy folks once Toy Fair 2012 actually starts, but if you want to see something specific, sound off in the comments below!

CLICK HERE to see the latest Monster High Dolls!

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Toy Fair 2012 : More Avengers Movie Figures from Hasbro & Diamond Select

2012-02-08T13:47:00.011-05:00

We've shown you plenty of Hasbro's Avengers movie products, and we hear a ton of them are hitting stores as we speak, but one character has been sorely missed in the pre-order lineups. BLACK WIDOW! The newest pre-order listings now have Black Widow on the board for The Avengers Movie Wave 3, alongside a "Villain Soldier" action figure. I'll be the first one to say those look like SHIELD soldiers escorting Loki to a holding cell, so don't shoot the messenger. This pic is straight off a retailer website, so while the image may be wrong, the listing is right. There is also a Cosmic Spear Loki in wave 2.

On a related note, we learned that there will be 7 figures in Hasbro's relaunched Marvel Legends 6 inch Action Figures Wave 3, but no names have been dropped yet.

We'll also take this opportunity to show you Marvel Select's brilliant Hawkeye and Hulk action figures. Here's the Marvel Select Avengers Movie action figure lineup...

Captain America (WWII outfit): Available now
Thor (Thor movie outfit): Available now
Loki (Thor movie outfit): Available now
Hulk: Coming in April
Iron Man Mark VI (Iron Man 2 movie re-issue): Coming in April
Hawkeye: Coming in May
Mystery Foe: Coming in May

Hawkeye : this 7-inch-scale Marvel Select figure comes with his trademark bow and arrows, and will look perfect alongside your other Select Avengers. Plus, he features 16 points of articulation, for a variety of action poses! Not shown is Hawkeye's detailed display base -- it combines with the base of our mystery movie villain figure to create a scene from the movie, and everything comes in oversized collector packaging

Hulk : Standing 8.25 inches tall, he stands a good inch taller than the rest of the movie-based Avengers DST has made, and features 16 points of articulation for a full range of smashing.

Diamond Select (parent of the sub-named Marvel Select) will also be cranking out Avengers Movie Minimates to add to their previously released Captain America, Thor and Iron Man movie lines. Hitting stores this spring will be two assortments of figures, one exclusively available at Toys "R" Us stores and on toysrus.com, and another only at comic book shops and specialty stores. Look for them in late April/early May. The figure lineups include...

Marvel Minimates - The Avengers Movie (Toys "R" Us/toysrus.com)
- Captain America & Thor
- Iron Man MK7 & Hulk
- Hawkeye & Black Widow (exclusive)
- Loki & Nick Fury (exclusive)

Marvel Minimates Wave 45 (Specialty stores/comic shops)
- Captain America & Thor
- Iron Man MK7 & Hulk
- REDACTED & REDACTED (exclusive)
- Maria Hill & REDACTED (short-packed exclusive)

CLICK HERE to read more about upcoming Hasbro Avengers Movie Products!

CLICK HERE to see a massive gallery of Hasbro's Avengers Movie toys!

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Toy Fair 2012 : Star Wars Scene It

2012-02-08T11:43:00.003-05:00

Today, Screenlife®, creators of the popular Scene It?® entertainment trivia games announced its 2012 retail lineup, which will be previewed at the upcoming NY International Toy Fair, booth #2931. In conjunction with the Scene It? brand’s 10th anniversary, for the first time ever, Screenlife will be launching a title based on one of the most iconic film series in history, with Scene It? Star Wars. Featuring stunning movie clips and engaging trivia across all six Star WarsTM films, the game extends the classic Scene It? experience with new Stars Wars-specific challenges, and new puzzle types that offer a rare look at behind-the-scenes materials that will delight as well as inform fans. Also previewing at Toy Fair in the Screenlife 2012 lineup, Scene It? Movie Night, which features blockbuster films of past and present, spanning hits from comedy, action, drama and beyond. Both of these Fall 2012 releases will introduce a new streaming capability to the Scene It? experience, offering players the option to stream gameplay on a variety of devices, as well as play from the patented Scene It? DVD.

“It’s a delight to bring Star Wars, one of the most popular and beloved film franchises of all time, to the Scene It? galaxy of rich entertainment trivia,” said Barry Watts, CEO of Screenlife. “2012 is shaping up to be a great year for movie fans, as we are bringing not only fantastic new titles like Star Wars and Movie Night to our lineup, we are giving players new ways to play with convenient streaming gameplay.”

Scene It? Star Wars

From the Battle of Naboo to the birth of Luke Skywalker, from the rise of Darth Vader to the fall of the Galactic Empire - Scene It? Star Wars delivers hours of fun spanning the complete Star Wars film saga. As one of the engaging new puzzle types introduced in this landmark title, the “Jedi Archives” challenges players to solve puzzles utilizing behind-the- scenes film assets, from storyboards, production stills, concept art and more. The Force will need to be with fans as they try to solve the “Finish the Line” puzzles, which task Star Wars devotees to complete key dialogue from the films. The “Imperial Listening Post” incorporates the fantastic sound effects of Star Wars, as players endeavor to identify the iconic hum of lightsabers, or the inspiration of Chewbacca’s signature voice. Emulating R2-D2’s famous projector, “Holonet Disruptions” presents clues in holographic projections, as first depicted in the original Star Wars. Available Fall 2012, ages 13+.

Scene It? Movie Night : This crowd-pleasing entertainment trivia game challenges player knowledge of the silver screen with all-new amazing clips, captivating trivia, and the most popular on-screen puzzles from the biggest Hollywood blockbusters of the past 20 years. From comedy classics like Wayne’s World and The Naked Gun, to edge-of-your-seat thrillers including Cloverfield and Paranormal Activity - to recent Oscar nominated films like True Grit and Bridesmaids, the fast-paced, star-powered fun makes Scene It? Movie Night THE party starter for both casual movie buffs and diehard film fanatics. Pass the popcorn, gather friends and family, and get ready to play Scene It? Movie Night! Available Fall 2012, ages 13+.

New Streaming Gameplay : With Scene It? Star Wars and Scene It? Movie Night, Scene It? proudly introduces a groundbreaking way to play. Players can choose to play using the included DVD or simply stream the content via their favorite web-enabled device, including laptops, tablets, and connected TVs. The streaming option offers added convenience while providing access to bonus content not found on the disc. It’s the best of both worlds for Scene It? fans!

For more information on Scene It? Star Wars, Scene It? Movie Night, or any other Scene It? game, visit www.screenlifegames.com.

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Toy Fair 2012 : Batman: Arkham City

2012-02-08T02:39:00.030-05:00

ARE YOU READY FOR HEAD EXPLODEY??!! You know what the best thing about having someone take excellent pictures for you is? You can actually enjoy them! The mighty, mighty Halestorm is back with a giant pile of DC Direct Batman: Arkham City action figure images that may make you weep with joy. In fact, they are soooo so pretty, they get their own article. My reaction is to start calculating how much I'll have to save every week to get these suckers. No freebies for Nomad. Upcoming Arkham City action figures include...

Batman Arkham City Action Figures Series 2 April 2012 : Catwoman (who I still swear was modeled after Yaya Han, even though the designer swears it isn't), The Riddler (who is an excellent mix of Frank Gorshin and a more punk rock Bing Crosby), Hush, Batman in Detective Mode (which is more beautiful than I could have possibly dreamed...gush) & Jervis Tetch AKA The Mad Hatter (with gang signing action).

Series 3 September 2012 : Clown Thug (which has a variant shown below..said to be 50/50 in cases. HEY!! ARMY BUILDERS!! Why didn't anyone else ever think of that?!), The Penguin, Ra's Al Ghul, Batman & Azrael. We suspect we'll see the last three at Toy Fair in NY next week!

Batman Arkham City Deluxe Collector Action Figures - This June: Killer Croc & Mr. Freeze followed by Titan Joker in November .

CLICK HERE for MORE images of Batman: Arkham City action figures from DC Direct!

CLICK HERE for DC Direct Dark Knight Rises Collectibles!

CLICK HERE to see Batman: Arkham Asylum Play Arts Kai Figures!

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Toy Fair 2012 : Big Chief's Doctor Who

2012-02-07T22:14:00.037-05:00

In a land with magnificent 12 inch action figures by Hot Toys, it's hard to get a fan's attention if you're a young company trying to make a name for yourselves. You'd have to come out of the gate with a license already worshiped by a legion of fans AND kick out a product far superior than those of your average toy slingers just looking to make an acceptable product for the kiddies. You'd need a phenomenon like...

DOCTOR WHO ...and you'd need to be like Big Chief Studios, who are just kicking all sorts of ass with their upcoming Who-swag. We've got an update, picture wise, courtesy of our new best friend Halestorm, so we'll just roll those out along with some previously revealed info for those new to the topic. I may make the wrong assumption in saying these are the same figures the previous text is based on, but we'll run with it anyway. Annnnd go.

Big Chief Studios 12 inch Collector Figures

Doctor Who 1:6 Scale Limited Edition Collector Figure : featuring the authentic likeness of Matt Smith, a jacket, shirt, cool bow tie, pair of bracers, pair of trousers, pair of boots, pair of socks, 6 interchangeable hands, TARDIS floor base with stand, Sonic Screwdriver (closed), Sonic Screwdriver (open), wallet with psychic paper, nano recorder gun, lash-up device, time lord consciousness cube, the Doctor's invitation with envelope, TARDIS door sign fragment, the Doctor's handkerchief & wristwatch.
Shipping 1st quarter of 2012 - MSRP (UK) 149.99 (around $200 US)

Amy Pond 1:6 Scale Limited Edition Collector Figure : featuring the authentic likeness of Karen Gillan, a jacket, shirt, skirt, pair of tights, pair of boots, 6 interchangeable hands, TARDIS Floor Base with stand, mobile phone, apple with smiley face, marker pen with lanyard, picture frame with photo, Raggedy Doctor & Amy dolls, pendant necklace, wrist watch and Amy's invitation with envelope!
Shipping the 2nd quarter of 2012 - MSRP (UK) 149.99

(NOTE: Figures and packaging are prototypes, not final product. The Doctor's jacket will be a different color on final product.)

Matt from Automattic Comics interviews Mark Andrews, Director of Big Chief Studios exclusively for doctorwhotoys.net

Next in line for production..THE WEEPING ANGELS!!

With countless monsters and aliens populating the universe, we wanted to choose a worthy adversary for our Eleventh Doctor figure. A Dalek perhaps? Maybe a Cyberman? After numerous discussions and brainstorming sessions, we kept coming back to arguably one of the show’s most scary creations – the Weeping Angels. The figure is currently at the earliest stage of development, but we have exciting plans for these terrifying characters.

We'll soon be getting the 10th Doctor as well, so start saving your cash! But there's bigger news..

EXPANSION PACKS!

Available exclusively at www.bigchiefstudios.co.uk, both Accessory and Costume Expansion Packs will be sold separately. In addition we will also release our articulated bodies for collectors to purchase, so that they may create an entirely new version of a character.

Starting with Expansion Packs for the Eleventh Doctor we have exciting plans for the range. The first Expansion Packs due for release later this year include:
“The Almost People” Costume Expansion Pack
1 x Tweed Jacket
1 x Blue Shirt
1 x Blue Bow Tie
1 x Pair of Boots (St. John’s Mining Facility)

“The Almost People” Accessory Expansion Pack
1 x Eleventh Doctor “Ganger” Portrait Head
1 x Sonic Screwdriver (Open)
1 x Torch
1 x Flesh Puddle with Face

“Closing Time” Costume Expansion Pack
1 x Green Three Quarter Length Overcoat
1 x Pair of Trousers with Blue Braces
1 x Pair of Boots

“Closing Time” Accessory Expansion Pack
1 x Eleventh Doctor Portrait with Stetson Hat
2 x Cybermats: 1 x Search Mode & 1 x Attack Mode
1 x Sonic Screwdriver (Closed)
1 x Toy Store Name Badge

Stay tuned for more details to follow soon. Oh and before you ask, the fez will make it into the range too. Fezes are cool!

We'll also take a look at Big Chief's Tenth Doctor 9" Dynamix Ultra-Stylized Vinyl Figurine, taking inspiration from the Doctor Who IDW comic series and made in a limited edition of 3 thousand.

CLICK HERE for a look at more Doctor Who merch!

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Toy Fair 2012 : Bruce Lee's Temple of Kung Fu

2012-02-07T16:24:00.011-05:00

Round 5 announces exclusive collaboration with art toy design legend Jeremy Madl, aka MAD, on its first ever release of Round 5 X Bruce Lee X MAD figures and the debut of Bruce Lee's Temple of Kung Fu line of collectibles.

The Temple of Kung Fu launch represents the first of several planned collaborations between Round 5 and established artists from the art toy space centering on the official Bruce Lee brand.

"There are so many different things to celebrate about Bruce Lee, the martial artist, the philosopher, the actor, but here we are just celebrating Bruce Lee - the legend," said Damon Lau, President of Round 5. "Working with MAD on a brand like Bruce Lee has been incredible, his passion for the brand is so evident in the design of this collection, which is amongst the best we've ever created."

The first Temple of Kung Fu figures scheduled for global release this summer will feature a 3-inch blind box assortment of 28 characters including a variety of mystery characters, and will be available at select retailers around the world. In addition to the standard figures, Temple of Kung Fu will include hyper-limited chase figures featuring alternative colorways, costume designs, and accessories.

The Temple of Kung Fu will feature a broad variety of figures inspired by the legend and career of Bruce Lee, and those of Kung Fu history and lore.

MAD, best known for his collaborations with Kidrobot, is eager to be working on the Bruce Lee brand. "I've been a fan of Bruce Lee since watching his movies as a kid, and he's become such an icon I jumped at the opportunity to create this line," said MAD. "I think everyone will be blown away by our first release."

Buyers and media attending the New York Toy Fair from February 12-15 can stop by booth #4517 at the Jacob K. Javits Centre for a sneak peak of the Round 5 X Bruce Lee X MAD lineup.

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Toy Fair 2012 : Skylanders Giants On The Way

2012-02-07T11:29:00.012-05:00

Have you heard of Skylanders? If there were any children in your family at all, you would have! This was the hottest toy this past holiday season and stores are still having trouble keeping pegs stocked with even one figure (thanks in no small part to scalpers, I am sure!) The video game sees a wide array of monster heroes transported into play via a "portal". Buying a figure of that character allows you to use his strengths and powers any time you like, switching around your team on the fly! It's really rather ingenious and I expect to see at least 2 copy cats this year. Hell, wouldn't you play this with Marvel super Heroes?! I'd be all over it. Now, Activision announces the next step...

Bring Your Toys To Life™. This novel premise takes a monster step forward with the worldwide unveiling of Skylanders Giants, the follow-up to the most successful kids' IP launch of the year. Activision Publishing, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Activision Blizzard, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI), will debut the sequel at the North American International Toy Fair in booths 3151 and 3251 at the Javits Center in New York City from February 12-15.

Skylanders Spyro's Adventure uniquely combined collectible real-world toys with an epic virtual game world, creating a new platform for communal play that was embraced by parents and kids everywhere. Skylanders Spyro's Adventure was the #1 best-selling kids' franchise worldwide in 2011, as well as the #1 overall new IP launched in North America, according to The NPD Group, Charttrack and GfK.

According to The NPD Group, Skylanders Spyro's Adventure went on to become a Top-10 seller in North America and generated the greatest overall single-year sales, inclusive of software and accessories, of any new children's IP in North America, since NPD has been tracking the category.

Skylanders Giants builds upon the breakthrough fundamentals of the first game-merging the physical and virtual realms with an innovative line of cross-platform toy figures that have "brains," which players everywhere can magically bring to life in the world of Skylands. This next installment of the franchise features a variety of new characters, new challenges, a thrilling new story-driven adventure, and advanced integration across console, handheld, mobile and online:

Going Big: Skylanders Giants introduces eight new highly collectible figures that are more than twice the size of the main skylanders cast in both physical and virtual form. Their in-game powers and abilities reflect their colossal scale.

Bright Lights: Helping to further the real world magic of bringing toys to life, Skylanders Giants includes a set of characters that feature spectacular new light technology integrated into the toys, allowing the figure to light up when near or on the Portal of Power™. These characters have additional in-game benefits as well. Batteries are not required.

Brand New Skylanders: Eight new regular sized skylanders, each with their own unique powers, abilities, and personality, join the adventure alongside the Giants.

Forward Compatibility: Every beloved character from Skylanders Spyro's Adventure is 100% compatible with Skylanders Giants, leveled-up stats and customizations intact.

Wider Worlds: Portal Masters will see all new arenas and more gameplay options in Battle Mode for exciting head-to-head play, as well as enhanced Elemental Zones, new Hero Challenges, and other features that encourage players to collect and level up every character.

Skylanders Giants also features closer integration with Skylanders Spyro's Universe, the large online world that allows Portal Masters around the world to greatly expand their Skylanders experience.

"Skylanders Spyro's Adventure's success in 2011 validated an exciting idea-that with the right technology, and the creative minds to support it with engaging characters and story, we could define a new model for children's play," said Eric Hirshberg, CEO of Activision Publishing. "Skylanders Giants marks the evolution of this core concept. We've got super-sized figures, remarkably cool new characters that light up, as if by magic, and more ways to play and explore Skylands than ever before. We're delighted to announce the title at Toy Fair 2012 and can't wait for fans to go hands-on this fall."

Toys"R"Us has reaffirmed its commitment to Activision and the Skylanders franchise, and will remain a marquee retail partner for the launch of Skylanders Giants. "While it was still in development, we recognized the potential that Skylanders had to connect with our customers due to its unique merging of physical and digital play," said Jerry Storch, Chairman and CEO, Toys"R"Us, Inc. "The game was an enormous success last holiday shopping season, and the toys seem to evaporate as soon as they arrive on our store shelves. We're excited to continue our enthusiastic support for Skylanders with a comprehensive, global marketing program to introduce Giants to our customers."

Skylanders Giants Reveal Trailer by Nomadixxx
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Toy Fair 2012 : Dark Knight Rises Collectibles

2012-02-06T18:35:00.053-05:00

Ready? We are about to show you every damn thing you can buy for The Dark Knight Rises... that we could get our hands on. Those paying attention have noticed the new Bat-suit with it's sleeker design and grey highlights (less biker..more scifi), but the merchandise seems to only feature this suit half the time. In the past, when a toy company gets a design wrong, it is usually because the licensor could not release the images requested in time for production, forcing the toy company to move ahead with their best approximation (which in this case is the Dark Knight Bat-suit.) We don't know if this is what happened, but take that bit of info into consideration as you peruse the goods below. For my money, if I want a Dark Knight Rises action figure, I'm looking for the new suit! Mattel has excellent sculptors and designers on call, so I'm not concerned about quality at all. Keep watch of our Toy Fair coverage after the show actually starts to see what else is on tap for their line. Just know that the Mattel images below are official...but someone could have made a mistake? Ya never know. LET'S BEGIN!!

DC Direct have my favorite Batman merch this year with their Batman: Arkham City action figures and these Dark Knight Rises sculptural pieces. Here's the lineup...

Batman The Dark Knight Rises Catwoman 6" Figurine - Available July 2012
Batman 6" Figurine - July 2012
Bane 6" Figurine (not shown, but see a prototype HERE)- July 2012
Batman The Dark Knight Rises Catwoman Mini Bust - June 2012
Bane Mini Bust - June 2012
Batman Mini Bust - June 2012
Batman The Dark Knight Rises Catwoman 12" Icon Statue - June 2012
Bane 12" Icon Statue - June 2012
Batman 12" Icon Statue - June 2012

Note that DC Direct are know calling the 6 inch pieces "Figurines", confirming our suspicions that they will be more like PVC statues with no articulation. Sorta makes me sad.

Mattel continues their reign over domestic Batman action figures into 2012.

Action figures of Batman (played in the movie by Christian Bale), new villain Bane (Tom Hardy) and Catwoman (Anne Hathaway) are part of the lines coming out from Mattel this summer before the film's July 20 release date.

Like last summer's Green Lantern movie, there will be a Movie Masters line that is aimed more for adult fans and collectors with figures that are highly detailed and articulated, and a QuikTek assortment that has aspects like armor and other accessories you can snap on and off the Caped Crusader. Those are in addition to other figures, vehicles and playsets tied to the movie and the bigger DC Comics Batman franchise for kids of all ages. Need some specifics? Here's what we know...

Quick-Tek Batman figures (Batman and Bane) : Super cool! Super fast! Put your figure in the box and press the button. In seconds, Batman is equipped with armor and a weapon!

Batman Basic Figures (Batman and Bane variants) : To re-enact the movie's most thrilling moments and build an impressive collection! With all the familiar Batman characters (ie; 30 Batman, 2 Bane and MAYBE a Catwoman).

Bat Pod : The bike will have a button to fire a projectile and has transforming features that armor up the bike.

The Bat : Apparently this is the movie version of the Bat-wing. No further details yet.

Batman Quik Tek vehicle & figure : Press a button, and immediately transform (eg vehicle into plane) (seem to be smaller scaled like the Star Wars figure w vehicle packs)

Movie Masters: 6 inch collector friendly action figures featuring highly detailed sculpts and enhanced posability. The waves all contain Bat Signal parts to build a functioning device!

Next up..PPW TOYS presents...THE DARK SPUD RISES!!

In 2012 Mr. Potato Head leaps into the role of his favorite DC COMICS heroes in a new line of collectible figures. First up is “The Dark Knight” version of Batman, ready to launch this June in time for the July 24th theatrical release of “The Dark Knight Rises”. Classic Superman and Wonder Woman Spuds will follow in time for Holiday 2012, and more DC COMICS heroes and villains are planned for 2013.

“DC COMICS characters are a perfect fit for MR. POTATO HEAD”, says Dean Gorby, Business Manager at PPW Toys. “The appeal of these classic characters is strong both with young fans and collectors alike. And the incredible level of detail and humor that was put into each design is sure to please everyone”.

Of course, these being MR. POTATO HEAD toys means that all the components will be interchangeable and fans will be able to mix and match pieces with hilarious results. “But honestly, I think a high percentage of these figures will stay sealed in their packaging or displayed on desks and shelves.” says Gorby.

The line of figures will be available at specialty retailers and e-tailers starting Summer 2012. Watch www.ppwtoys.com for more details!

Where there is a pop culture phenomenon popping back into the public eye..FUNKO IS THERE!! Funko jump into the Batman movie pool with their signature styling on a number of products.

The Dark Knight Rises Pop! Heroes Vinyl Figures featuring Bane, Batman & Catwoman

The Dark Knight Rises Wacky Wobbler Bobble-Heads featuring Bane and Batman

THE DARK KNIGHT RISES PLUSHIES!! So far we've only seen Batman, but we are hoping Bane and Catwoman will join them...and how about some Jim Gordon love??!! All items are set to release 5/17.

MEZCO are also grabbing a piece of the licensing for their Mez-itz lines of merchandise and even throw in some items based on The Dark Knight. On tap...

The Dark Knight 6 inch designer Mez-itz Vinyl Figures featuring Batman & The Joker
Dark Knight Mez-itz 2 inch scaled Bat-Pod with Batman and The Joker
Dark Knight Mini Mez-itz 2 inch mini figure box set with Batman, The Joker, Scarecrow and Two-Face
The Dark Knight Rises Mini Mez-itz 2 inch scale Batmobile with Batman
The Dark Knight Rises Mini Mez-itz 2 inch scale Tumbler with Bane
The Dark Knight Rises Mini Mez-itz 2 inch scaled Bat-Pod with Catwoman
The Dark Knight Rises Mini Mez-itz 2 inch 2 packs with Batman & Catwoman and Batman & Bane
The Dark Knight Rises Mez-itz 6 inch designer vinyl figures of Catwoman and Bane
The Dark Knight & Rises Mez-itz 2 inch key rings with The Joker, Batman, Catwoman and Bane

CLICK HERE for more images of Dark Knight Rises merch!

SPECIAL THANKS to Halestorm for brilliant DC Direct pics!

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The Death and Return of Superman

2012-02-06T12:47:00.005-05:00

HAPPY MONDAY!! You're all back to work even though your geeky universe is spitting out new toy images at a remarkable pace, leaving you pretending to do work while you drink this in and watch all the Super Bowl commercials and trailers you didn't see because you're not sporty.

We get you.

To add to your distractions, we present "The Death and Return of Superman", a purely educational film created by Max Landis, one of our favorite people who COINCIDENTALLY just had his film Chronicle open in theaters across the planet! How's that for timing? This short film explains the events surrounding the diabolical Death of Superman story line, taking you on a magical journey INTO the comic itself while simultaneously giving you a glimpse into the minds of the DC executives involved in the comic's..umm...birthing. We'll go with birthing. As this is an epic tale, Max recruited his buddies to help out. The Death and Return of Superman stars Elden Henson, Elijah Wood, Mandy Moore, Morgan Krantz, Simon Pegg, Chris Hardwick, Misti Dawn, Jimmi Simpson, little Ronny Howard, Max Landis (as Max Landis) and many, many more. This is NOT a 5 minute movie, so keep this in mind when you hit play. You're gonna want to take this in all at once.

Max comments "The original rant was 45 minutes long, so of course we had to cut a bunch of stuff out for time, and because it was just too stupid. Like for instance the part where Pa Kent dies of a heart attack and literally GOES TO HEAVEN. AND SEES SUPERMAN. If I saw this video, I might nerd rage out so hard. But luckily I made it, so I'm pretty happy. Really I'd hope people just are with me, and happy that Guy Gardner and Bloodwynd get to be in a movie."

This is the funniest thing I've seen all year. I know it is only February...but I'm confident enough to make that bet right now.

Toy Fair 2012 : A My Little Pony Wedding

2012-02-06T02:10:00.022-05:00

This one is for the ladies...AND ALL THE BRONIES IN THE HOUUUUSE! What up ya crazy bastardos? Honestly, who am I to judge? I have an army of Gungans on purpose.

Annnywho..we continue our Toy Fair 2012 coverage with a bit o pink...a splash of yellow and a bucket full of purple. The pastels are surely flowing in Ponyville! Hasbro continues their ultra popular line of My Little Pony merchandise with a wedding and the promise of more boy ponies in 2012. Is this Hasbro's way of cashing in on the movie Bridesmaids, and simultaneously adapting it for little girls??!! Probably not, but that's damn funny. Here's the skinny...

Pony Clipstrips - 24 Collectible ponies with sculpted manes and tails. Each of the 3 waves will have a new theme and collector edition ponies to encourage collectibility.

Standard Pony Assortment - Each 3 inch Pony figure has a rooted mane and tail, perfect for styling and comes with new wedding themed accessories and comb. 18 characters to be released.

Singles Tube - The perfect party gift, this My Little Pony tube comes with 4 core-cast mini ponies in a single purchase. Ponies have sculpted manes and tails and are in a smaller scale.

Deluxe Ponies - Each Pony has beautiful, large, wedding decorated wings and a matching animal friend! 2 characters on the way.

Vehicle Assortment - These vehicles allow girls to transport their ponies around Equestria. Each vehicle will come with 1 pont and accessories. Girls can play with the vehicle on its own or can attach it to the train set allowing more ponies to join the magical journey.

Bridesmaid Assortment - This play set includes all of Princess Cadence's special bridesmaids. Ponies have rooted hair and tail as well as beautiful bridesmaid dresses and accessories. 4 characters on the way with 2 in each pack. So far, no word of the "Bad Mexican Food Fiasco" playset. (i keed i keed)

Fashion Ponies - These princess fashion ponies provide little girls with all of the great hair play, dress-up play and sparkle they desire. The larger size (6 inch) makes it easy for little hands to play.

Forever Friends Figure Pack - This set contains 3 of the "Cutie Mark Crusaders" featured in series 2 programming. Dressed as flower girls, in-keeping with the wedding theme, this is the perfect castle playset accompaniment.

Princess Celestia - Princess Celestia is every little girl's dream! She is the most beautiful, magical unicorn a girl has ever seen. Plus, she is a princess and has long, flowing, multi-colored rooted mane and tail. Her wings light-up and move and she has magical sounds and phrases. Approximate size is 8 inches tall.

Princess Cadence - Princess Cadence is the most beautiful bride in Equestria. Her large scale, sparkly wings flutter and light up. She also speaks fun phrases and has sound effects. Dressed in a beautiful wedding gown, she is ready for her royal wedding to Prince Armor. (shown at the start of the article)

Friendship Express Train Set - Girls will love this cute play set to take all of their pony friends to their favorite Ponyville locations. Train set comes with an engine (motorized), caboose, Pinkie Pie Pony figure and 6 train track pieces.

Royal Wedding Castle Play Set - This beautiful castle play set provides girls with a fantastical place to play out wedding stories with the exclusive bride and groom ponies and exciting wedding themed accessories. The castle has movable features and is displayed in a partial window box, highlighting the exclusive ponies included.

As always, Idle Hands will be covering all the girlie stuffs right along side the roid rage heroes in tights and 300 Star Wars Clone Trooper variations, so keep your eyes glued right here for all your Toy Fair 2012 coverage! AND... It's HERE!!

CLICK HERE for our 2012 Toy Fair My Little Pony coverage!!

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What Geeks Watch the Super Bowl For

2012-02-05T22:55:00.010-05:00

**WARNING::SPOILERS AHEAD**

Let's get down to it. Did you watch the super bowl? Yea..that chick way in the back of the room just went WOOOO GIANTS!! The rest of you are just waiting for the best commercials and trailers to get online. That time..is now. Here's the geekiest of the geekiest...

THE AVENGERS: We'll begin with the movie making Marvel Zombies tear up with a mere mention. The dream team..realized. An amazing cast of actors and actresses..together at last doing what they do like no other. Can you wait any longer for this to hit screens? Yea..well yer gonna have to..but for now..we can give you HULK ACTION!!! Dig the extended preview...

Oh and those things attacking the city...perhaps..Frost Giants??!! U decide. We previously mentioned that one of the flying things is LOKI riding on a something or other, so Frost Giants always made sense...but I suspect there will be something more.
CLICK HERE to see all the TOYS!!

JOHN CARTER: Sometimes, the best man to save a planet is just a human man..made remarkable. Disney's scifi - super hero - fantasy blockbuster is closing in, and there is already a ton of eye candy out there...so here's some more to get you PUMPED! Another extended preview for you...

THE DOG STRIKES BACK: That damn Vader kid. How do you top him? You don't..that's how. You can TRY and fail miserably with Doctor Evazan dissing the Vader kid and Ponda Baba (AKA Walrus Man) standing by..but it just didn't measure up. Take a look...

MATTHEW'S DAY OFF: (AKA where the fuck is Cameron??!!) Matthew Broderick fakes sick and hits the town Ferris Bueller style to remind you ..once again..that life movies pretty fast..so buy a Honda CR-V before you drop dead. Ahhh..poetry.

G.I. JOE RETALIATION: OK..the first one...was less than inspiring. I SHOULD have learned my lesson but HOLEE DAMN I'm jazzed for this sequel. The Joes are back to business...and this time..it's NINJA BUSINESS!! ..at least you would think so by the titles of all the new toys from Hasbro. Dig the new trailer...

BATTLESHIP: I'll admit to laughing and pointing when I saw the first trailer which showed a Battleship being pierced by giant, peg-like missiles which exploded seconds later. It smelled like we were in for a ridiculous time. Now we see giant metal destructo-balls, and HALO looking creatures called the Regent wreaking havoc on a human race caught totally by surprise. IT'S WAR!! The Hasbro KRE-O Construction Sets revealed little in the way of a plot, so we hold out hope this film will offer something new to the already overflowing box of "Aliens kick our ass" movies. Here's the latest trailer...

TRANSFORMERS: THE RIDE 3D: Last up we get a teaser for Universal Studios newest attraction opening this May! It doesn't give anything away at all, but I figured my Bot-Heads would dig it...and it is always a good day when we get to hear those Optimus Prime and Megatron voices!! Here are the goods...

And now back to Toy Fair 2012 coverage!

Toy Fair 2012 : NECA Gears of War 3, Portal & More

2012-02-04T06:35:00.014-05:00

Oh man...it's just not going to end. It is 5am here on the east coast. The unseasonal sunny Spring like days have given way to a bitter chill and my apartment isn't nearly warm enough. My bed is calling and yet....there are MORE TOY BITS TO POST!!!! Yesterday I told someone Only NECA and Mezco will have anything new to show off at Toy Fair 2012 at this rate. Welp..I think we can almost scratch off NECA. Here's the latest...

Gremlins 2 Stunt Puppet Prop Replica : 30 inches tall with a realistic skin texture and hand painted details. Comes with a metal stand. 1k pieces world wide!

Gears of War 3 Action Figures Series 3 : “Journey’s End” Marcus, Savage Theron (2 different) and a COG Soldier.

Battle Damaged Robocop 7 inch Action Figure : A killer new sculpt showing Officer Murphy beaten down but still dishing our justice. NECA says this is a 100% NEW tooling!

Prop Replica Aperature Science Handheld Portal Device : Lights up! 1:1 scale! Does not really open portals with stolen Acme hole technology. Sad, I know.

CLICK HERE for NECA Hunger Games goods!
CLICK HERE for our last batch of NECA Action Figures including Friday the 13th, Rocky & Left 4 Dead!
CLICK HERE for NECA's Borderlands Action Figures!

Toy Fair 2012 : NECA on The Hunger Games

2012-02-04T04:33:00.029-05:00

When ever a trailer drops for this one, you can hear all the tween girls across the planet squeal with delight. Twilight, who? The Hunger Games are just beginning their media domination and NECA have got you covered with every trinket you can possibly imagine, emblazoned with the Hunger Games Mockingjay, the District 12 emblem and more. You want jewelry packed with innovation? Done. Craving prop replicas so you can pretend you have to go all Battle Royale on your classmates during your day trip to the park? Umm..we can help..sort of...please don't kill anyone. Here's a rundown of items we dug up on the interwebs...

7 inch scaled Action Figures of Katniss Everdeen, Peeta Mellark and Gale Hawthorne (with over 10 points of articulation!)
Katniss Bow Prop Replica
Hunger Games Prop Replica Jacket
Prop Replica District 12 Training Shirt
Hunger Games Beanies
Wristband
Grey Mockingjay Watch
Match Case Chain Necklace
Parachute Compartment Necklace
Katniss Charm Bracelet
Peeta Mellark Charm Bracelet
Parachute Charm Bracelet
Mockingjay Gyroscope Necklace
Coal Mining Bag Clip
District 12 Keychain
Hunger Games Stampers Set
Hunger Games Fleece Throws
District 12, 11, 5 and 2 Duffel Bags
District 12 and Mockingjay Backpacks
District 12 and Mockingjay Lightbulbs
District 12 and Mockingjay Laptop Decals
Hunger Games Magnetic Bookmarkers
Sticker Set
Training Days Strategy Game

CLICK HERE for more images of NECA's Hunger Games Merchandise!

Toy Fair 2012 : Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

2012-02-03T13:06:00.029-05:00

MTVGeek (and our awesome friend Lemonjuice McGee) broke the news and now...IT IS EVERYWHERE!! The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are back in a big bad way with a new cartoon looming and a giant heap of new toys which are more than likely to see us collectors disappointing the children when fighting over said toys at retail stores. Let's face it..their arms are under-developed. You gotta be fast. SURVIVAL OF THE DORKIEST!!

The new cartoon will premiere late this year with 26 half hour episodes starring your favorite heroes-in-a-half-shell; Michelangelo, Donatello, Raphael, and Leonardo with a slightly edgier look to them. Personally, I love it! It's a nice blend of the classic comic style, the old cartoon series and the current comics. Of course, the current pictures of the cartoon look like crazy CGI, making the toys far cooler in comparison, so we are in wait and see mode. Remember how hyped we were for Voltron...and look what happened there. Let's take a look at the toys!

Basic Action Figures : Each Turtle is wearing his signature bandanna and comes with their two core Ninja weapons. A bonus weapons accessory rack is also included. Each turtle figure is uniquely sculpted, with heights ranging from 4.25 to 4.75 inches. These figures have more than 15 points of articulation and are compatible with the new line of vehicles and playsets. They call this feature "Ninja Battle Boost". Characters include Shredder, a Foot Soldier, The Kraang, Master Splinter, April O'Neil and all 4 Turtles.

The Shellraiser! : Built to run either on the subway rails or on the busy streets of New York City, the Shellraiser delivers all the fire power needed for the Turtles to travel together to take down Shredder and the Foot Clan! With entrances on the top, in the front and on the side of the car, up to eight Basic Action Figures can fit inside. The Shellraiser really packs a punch with Ninja Battle Boost technology, including a spring loaded cannon on the top of the car and a side door that automatically opens with the touch of a button, sending kids’ favorite hero in a half shell flying out the side with 360 degree Ninja flip-kicking action, to wage battle on anything standing in its way!

Rippin' Rider includes classic Turtles details and texture, as well as "Finger Flick Missiles" that will destroy enemies on impact. Any Turtles figure will fit on this motorcycle.

Sewer Spinnin' Skateboard features Ninja Battle Boost technology that allows it to perform up to 10 different skateboard tricks (turn around on ramp, bump-n-go action, bump-n-spin action and wheelies!) on a ramp that is included.

Ninja Stealth Bike featuring an exclusive Raphael

Dragon Chopper featuring an exclusive Foot Solider : When ready for battle, simply push the activation button and watch as the action figure performs a 360 degree flip over the handle bars and lands on its feet, ready for battle!

Secret Sewer Lair Playset : Stands 42" tall with three levels, 20+ features and resembles the lair the Turtles live in on the new show. Features include: telescoping periscopes, rope swing and swing-down ladders, zip lines, elevator, Shredder statue, computer lab, doors that open and close, an ooze drain, trap doors, secret entrances and more! THIS WILL FIT OVER 50 FIGURES!!!

Deluxe Power Sound FX Collection : Every 6 months, Playmates wants to release a wave of Turtles with some sort of gimmick involved. This is the first wave! Each of the figures stands 5.5 inches tall and features proprietary wire coil activation in the arms and legs that triggers heroic battle phrases. The longer you pull back that limb, the longer the sound is activated and will not end until released, as in a Hiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii YA! karate chop yell. Shown are all four Turtles and Deluxe Power Sound FX Shredder.

Ninja Combat Gear : Each set includes the Turtle's authentic noise-making ninja weapon, signature bandanna and two throwing stars.

Leo's Electronic Stealth Sword : 2 ways to play: Ninja Battle & Ninja Training (allows you to practice or battle a virtual foe!) Leo's sword lights up with three different colors: Blue, Green or Red, has a motion sensor to track your movement (Leo trains you!), sound effects and 40 phrases by Jason Biggs who voices Leo on the cartoon.
Classic Collection Action Figures : In the style of the classic cartoon series! Each Turtle stands 6 inches tall, features more than 30 points of articulation and is authentically detailed to appeal to the true action figure collector. The line kicks off with all four Turtles, but if it does well, Playmates is fully prepared to take the line as far as we'd like including characters from the classic cartoon series and movies!

Battle Shell 11" Figures : Only available at Toys R Us, these fully articulated Turtles come with their core Ninja weapons that are stored either on their belt or their back holster, as well as secondary weapon accessories, which can be stored in the Turtles' opening back shells

CLICK HERE for more Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle eye candy!!

Keep Idle Hands bookmarked for the next two weeks as we go full on into Toy Fair 2012!

Toy Fair 2012 : THE DARK SPUD RISES!!

2012-02-03T05:29:00.007-05:00

We kid you not.

If you are an avid toy collector, you'll recognize Mr. Potato head as a Hasbro product. You'd also have noticed that Mattel handles the bulk of those mass market Batman toy releases. Now Hasbro grabs a slice of the Dark Knight merchandising with their Dark Knight Rises Batman Mr. Potato Head!!

This spud-tacular release re-imagines the caped crusader as he will appear in the third installment of Christopher Nolan's Batman franchise, but in the charming classic style of Mr. Potato Head. He's sMASHING!

Your Batato should be hitting shelves this Spring. Now..would it be too much to ask for a semi-peeled Heath Ledger Joker Spud? Please?

Update: It seems this product is made by a company called PPW Toys, the same people who brought you Star Trek, Elvis, KISS and The Three Stooges Mr. Potato Heads. Dig their crazy spuds at http://ppwtoys.com/!

Toy Fair 2012 : Bif Bang Pow's Pop Culture Explosion

2012-02-03T02:14:00.009-05:00

ONE WEEK!! ..but it's not like we haven't been pelting you with new toys for the last three weeks in a row. It's just next week..we'll be doing a lot more of that. ARE YOU PSYCHED???!! Do they say psyched anymore? I'm old. At any rate, Bif Bang Pow gets their Toy Fair mojo flowin' and blasts out a batch of previews for your trembling eyeballs. BEHOLD!!

Dexter Dark Passenger 3 3/4-Inch Action Figure : features 10 points of articulation and includes a handsaw and welder's mask with flip-down visor. July 2012

The Twilight Zone Henry Bemis Bobble Head : In the intriguing 1959 The Twilight Zone episode "Time Enough at Last," actor Burgess Meredith played badgered booklover Henry Bemis, a nearsighted bank clerk who found himself in the post-apocalyptic world following a nuclear attack. Henry returns now as a wonderfully detailed 7-inch scale black-and-white resin bobble head that measures about 6 3/8-inches tall, including the base. Complete with cracked eyeglasses, he's seated among stacks of his beloved books!

Icons of the Twilight Zone Bobble Head Revisited : Following the astonishing success of Bif Bang Pow!'s first Icons of the Twilight Zone Bobble Head, this "Revisited" version measures approximately 6-inches tall x 4-inches wide. You'll find classic symbols from the show in black and white, of course. They include a clock with bell, a cracked window with trees in the background, E=MC2, a doll with hair, and that unforgettable eyeball. The clock, the window, and E=MC2 all bobble! If you acquired the first one, and especially if you missed out on it, don't miss this resin Twilight Zone Icons Bobble Head! July 2012

The Twilight Zone Cyclops and Alicia Action Figures : Bif Bang Pow!'s incredible line of fully articulated action figures grounded in Rod Serling's enduring The Twilight Zone TV series rolls on with this extraordinary assortment. Each 1970s-style figure stands 8-inches tall in shades of black and white, and features episode-specific fabric clothing, in addition to multiple points of articulation. They make excellent collectibles and appreciated gifts for any Twilight Zone aficionado! Each figure comes individually carded in blister packaging.

This Series 8 set includes 2 individually packaged action figures (subject to change):
1x Cyclops
1x Alicia

He may not be 500 feet tall, but this frightful Cyclops Action Figure from "The Fear," the penultimate episode of the The Twilight Zone, certainly grabs your attention. Emulating the overblown one-eyed monster except in stature, he's one tricky alien you'll actually want to invade your collection!

This unique Alicia Action Figure from "The Lonely," one of the first Twilight Zone episodes to be produced, brings you the beautiful(?) female android played by actress Jane Marsh... complete with rooted hair and an unforgettable face. You may not be exiled on an uninhabited asteroid, but you're sure to appreciate Alicia all the same! June 2012

Also on tap for retro action figures (but have been shown before) are...
The Twilight Zone Alien and Nurse Action Figures - June
The Twilight Zone Maya the Cat Girl and Santa Action Figures - October

The Twilight Zone Stainless Steel 750ml Water Bottle : The Twilight Zone Water Bottle is crafted of stainless steel and holds 750 ml of your favorite beverage. It features black-and-white artwork of the show's logo and the door that any true-blue The Twilight Zone devotee will instantly recognize. Now you can quench your thirst and satisfy your need for more Twilight Zone at the same time! July 2012

Doctor Who TARDIS Playset with K-9 Action Figure : This extraordinary TARDIS Playset is based on the ever-popular sci-fi TV series Doctor Who. It measures approximately 11-inches tall x 5 1/2-inches wide x 5 1/2-inches long when closed, and includes an opening door and a bonus figurine of the Doctor's trusty cyberdog, K-9. The TARDIS' interior is truly amazing with its transparent time rotor that can be raised and lowered, and the detailed Master Control Console that features various authentic controls and readout displays. In a retro 1970s style, the TARDIS Playset is made of thick dollhouse-like cardboard, and scaled for a Bif Bang Pow! 8-inch Doctor Who figure (not included). Magnetic strips ensure that the playset walls snap closed when you're traveling through time and space. October 2012

Doctor Who K-9 Bobble Head : This first-ever Doctor Who bobble head spotlights K-9, the well-liked robotic canine from the long-running British sci-fi TV series. The irresistible 7-inch scale resin bobble head is sure to delight that Doctor Who fanatic in your life! July 2012

Doctor Who TARDIS Bobble Head with Sound : Travel in style with the Eleventh Doctor! With this extraordinary TARDIS Bobble Head, the entire TARDIS bobbles... and it includes the signature materialize and dematerialize sounds! Measuring approximately 6 3/4-inches tall x 2 3/4-inches wide x 2 3/4-inches long, the one-of-a-kind bobble head is meticulously detailed and features a remarkable Doctor Who-themed base with a button to activate the sound. You simply gotta get one of these! July 2012

Six Million Dollar Man Steve Austin & Bigfoot Action Figures : It's been a long time since the world has seen collectibles of the original Col. Steve Austin, "a man barely alive," so Bif Bang Pow! is excited to bring these 8-inch scale Six Million Dollar Man action figures to loyal fans of the celebrated TV series everywhere. Continuing Bif Bang Pow!'s successful partnership with EMCE Toys, these truly unique figures feature multiple points of articulation, series-true fabric clothing, and a retro style that hearkens to the bestselling "Mego" action figures of the 1970s and 1980s... only better than they were before... better, stronger, and maybe even faster!

This set includes 2 individually packaged action figures (subject to change):
1x Steve Austin Action Figure
1x Bigfoot Action Figure

Col. Steve Austin is brought back to life once more in this Steve Austin Action Figure that presents the likeness of actor and pop-culture icon Lee Majors in a bright-red outfit and shoes, complete with a rubber "lead pipe" that's flexible enough to be bent. The figure can hold it, too. This unbelievable figure even has "bionic" details, plus includes a sound-effect accessory.

Standing an impressive 9 5/8-inches tall, the Bigfoot Action Figure spotlights the hulking character featured in multiple episodes of The Six Million Dollar Man. The intimidating protector of aliens from outer space includes silver-metallic eyes, a fur-like suit, and a sound effect.

Six Million Dollar Man Oscar Goldman & Fembot Action Figures : It's been a long time since the world has seen collectibles of the original Col. Steve Austin, "a man barely alive," so Bif Bang Pow! is excited to bring these 8-inch scale Six Million Dollar Man action figures to loyal fans of the celebrated TV series everywhere. Continuing Bif Bang Pow!'s successful partnership with EMCE Toys, these truly unique figures feature multiple points of articulation, series-true fabric clothing, and a retro style that hearkens to the bestselling "Mego" action figures of the 1970s and 1980s... only better than they were before... better, stronger, and maybe even faster!

This set includes 2 individually packaged action figures (subject to change):
1x Oscar Goldman Action Figure
1x Fembot Action Figure

Any fan of The Six Million Dollar Man will be quick to recognize this action figure of Oscar Goldman, head of the Office of Scientific Information (OSI). Goldman is dressed in a suit jacket, pants, and shoes and comes with his signature breifcase

Your SMDM collection is incomplete without your very own Fembot Action Figure. This female-robot facsimile features a dress, scarf, belt, high-heeled shoes, rooted hair, and an unforgettable face that's to die for. On second thought, maybe not!

The Six Million Dollar Man 750ml Water Bottle : Steve Austin in action! In blazing metallic-red and white, the Six Million Dollar Man streaks across the face of this 750 ml water bottle like a man possessed. Fashioned of stainless steel, this is a highly collectible and intensely useful item that loyal fans of the celebrated TV series will want to take with them wherever they may run. July 2012

Battlestar Galactica Cylon & Captain Apollo Action Figures : Direct from the 1978 science-fiction television series Battlestar Galactica, these 8-inch scale action figures feature multiple points of articulation, episode-specific fabric clothing, and a retro style reminiscent of the bestselling "Mego" action figures of the 1970s and 1980s. Continuing Bif Bang Pow!'s successful partnership with EMCE Toys, they bring the show's most popular characters to 3-dimensional life for BSG fans new and old!

This set includes 2 individually packaged action figures (subject to change):
1x Capt. Apollo Action Figure
1x Cylon Centurion Action Figure

Arguably the central character of Battlestar Galactica, Viper spacefighter pilot Apollo (as portrayed by actor Richard Hatch) heads up this 2-pack. Dressed in authentic BSG attire that includes pants, jacket, belt, and boots, Captain Apollo's accessories include a well-detailed pistol and removable helmet.

Commander Adama's son is joined by a fearsome Cylon Centurion, armed to the teeth with both a rifle and a sword. Hyper-detailed in metallic-silver and black, this 8-inch figure is one to keep your eye on! July 2012

Battlestar Galactica Lt. Starbuck and Android Sister Figures : Direct from the 1978 science-fiction television series Battlestar Galactica, these 8-inch scale action figures feature multiple points of articulation, episode-specific fabric clothing, and a retro style reminiscent of the bestselling "Mego" action figures of the 1970s and 1980s. Continuing Bif Bang Pow!'s successful partnership with EMCE Toys, they bring the show's most popular characters to 3-dimensional life for BSG fans new and old!

This set includes 2 individually packaged action figures (subject to change):
1x Lt. Starbuck Action Figure
1x Android Sister Action Figure

Featured here is Viper-pilot hotshot and notorious gambler and womanizer, Lieutenant Starbuck of the Colonial Service, as played by actor Dirk Benedict. Clad in authentic pants, jacket, belt, and boots, Captain Apollo's best friend brings his excellently detailed removable helmet and pistol accessories to the party.

Be careful when someone wants you to meet their sister. Standing 8-inches tall in her shiny dress, beads, and white pumps, this Android Sister Action Figure sports enough eyes and mouths for two people! Care to ask this Tucana alien out for dinner and a nice romantic movie? July 2012

For those wondering about the fate of the Venture Brothers 3 and 3 quarter inch action figure line, all hope is not yet lost! The sales team is giving it until the end of February to collect all their feedback and pre-order totals before making the final decision...so put your money where your mouth is! You want a straight up Venture Brothers action figure universe? CLICK HERE to put your pre-order in today and by August, we might have the start of something awesome!

CLICK HERE for more Bif Bang Pow toy images!
MORE Bif Bang Pow from NY Comic Con!

Toy Fair 2012 : Kitt-O! Construction Figures

2012-02-02T16:41:00.024-05:00

INNOVATION! In a world dominated by 3 and 3 quarter inch and 6-7 inch action figures, we are always looking for something different to cut through the white noise. At UK Toy Fair, Kitt-O presented a little something new with their paper construction figures. These are said to lay out like WizKids' punch out construction table top game pieces (Pirates / Star Wars)..only this time...THE GAME IS ALL IN YOUR MIND!!! Kitt-O kick things off in a big bad way with offerings from the worlds of...

Star Wars

Doctor Who

Little Big Planet

and Monsters from Triclops Studios

These little critters will show up..at some point...some place...because when you google Kitt-O you get Japanese food. Yup!

Toy Fair 2012 Preview : Evil Dead 2 Action Figures

2012-02-02T14:20:00.004-05:00

Along with the 6 billion toys we get to see every year at Toy Fair, we know full well that before, during and after the show, the toy isles will be packed with new plastics. My wallet hurts already. NECA will be a part of this peg packing event with their Evil Dead 2 action figures hitting stores later this month! We got our hands on TWO of the firs figures; Deadite Ash and A Farewell to Arms Ash, and took them over to Dread Central for a test run.

CLICK HERE to dive right into Evil Dead 2 action figure madness!

Toy Fair 2012 : A New Look at the MTT Droid Carrier

2012-02-02T13:12:00.005-05:00

We may be getting rained on at the moment with new images previewing all we'll see at Toy Fair 2012, but we don't want to overlook the little details. In this case though...it's a BIGGUN'! Hasbro's annual "BFV" (aka big fucking vehicle) has been revealed as the MTT (multi troop transport) Droid Carrier from the final battle between the Gungans and the Droids in The Phantom Menace. Now we know the propper name of this potentially massive ship is the "Trade Federation MTT Droid Carrier" (aka the name his momma calls him when she's pissed.)

The most iconic vehicle from Episode 1 comes to life with 20 combat-ready droids and full battle action sounds, weaponry and motorized droid deployment.

What we know: The MTT comes with 20 figures, but only 4 are actually real, articulated action figures. The other 16 are pre-posed set pieces. (That's 16 in the deployment area, 2 in the cargo bay, 1 in the..we'll call it the cockpit..and one hanging off the side like he is crazy cousin Jed Droid.) Since the figures pictured are all standing up, we can't even tell if they will fold down..but we can hold out hope. Hasbro knows we'll cry like babies if the droids can't at least unfold and be accurate to the scene. There is also said to be an Obi-Wan action figure included...for whatever reason they had for doing that. "Throw an Orbiwahn in there! The kiddies love that Orbiwahn feller!" said old man Rufus Hasbro in the planning stages. The mind boggles. This sucker is coming up as $129.99 at Target.

What we assume: "Battle Action Sounds" should mean a plethora of sound effects and droid phrases from that final battle scene. The last offerings had a ton, so we expect the same. (The AT-AT had somewhere in the neighborhood of 10 phrases and 8 sound effects.) "Motorized Droid Deployment" COULD mean the the droid holding arms fold out with the touch of a button. We do not expect the droids will pop up into fighting position, if they can fold at all...but hell..wouldn't that be just swell?

How big is it? With the power of the maths, we estimate (and this will be really rough..) 12 inches tall and 20 inches long. That's just from eyeballing the picture and comparing it to the size of an average droid. Of course I suck at math so I welcome an expert to give a better total.

What we wish for: An easter egg where you push the sound effects button in a particular pattern and hear Gungans screaming for their lives and dying horribly. "Misa bursting from the neckwounds!! Double ouch time!! ~gurgle~" We can dream.

Before Watchmen

2012-02-01T15:12:00.005-05:00

This summer, DC Entertainment will publish all-new stories expanding on the acclaimed WATCHMEN universe. As highly anticipated as they are controversial, the seven inter-connected prequel mini-series will build on the foundation of the original WATCHMEN, the bestselling graphic novel of all time. BEFORE WATCHMEN will be the collective banner for all seven titles, from DC Comics.

“It’s our responsibility as publishers to find new ways to keep all of our characters relevant,” said DC Entertainment Co-Publishers Dan DiDio and Jim Lee. “After twenty five years, the Watchmen are classic characters whose time has come for new stories to be told. We sought out the best writers and artists in the industry to build on the complex mythology of the original.”

Stepping up to the challenge is a group of the comic book industry’s most iconoclastic writers and artists – including Brian Azzarello (100 BULLETS), Lee Bermejo (JOKER), Amanda Conner (POWER GIRL), Darwyn Cooke (JUSTICE LEAGUE: NEW FRONTIER), John Higgins (WATCHMEN), Adam Hughes (CATWOMAN), J.G. Jones (FINAL CRISIS), Andy Kubert (FLASHPOINT), Joe Kubert (SGT. ROCK), Jae Lee (BATMAN: JEKYLL AND HYDE), J. Michael Straczynski (SUPERMAN: EARTH ONE) and Len Wein (SWAMP THING).

BEFORE WATCHMEN includes:

- RORSCHACH (4 issues) – Writer: Brian Azzarello. Artist: Lee Bermejo
- MINUTEMEN (6 issues) – Writer/Artist: Darwyn Cooke
- COMEDIAN (6 issues) – Writer: Brian Azzarello. Artist: J.G. Jones
- DR. MANHATTAN (4 issues) – Writer: J. Michael Straczynski. Artist: Adam Hughes
- NITE OWL (4 issues) – Writer: J. Michael Straczynski. Artists: Andy and Joe Kubert
- OZYMANDIAS (6 issues) – Writer: Len Wein. Artist: Jae Lee
- SILK SPECTRE (4 issues) – Writer: Darwyn Cooke. Artist: Amanda Conner

Each week, a new issue will be released, and will feature a two-page back-up story called CURSE OF THE CRIMSON CORSAIR, written by original series editor Len Wein and with art by original series colorist John Higgins. There will also be a single issue, BEFORE WATCHMEN: EPILOGUE, featuring the work of various writers and artists, and a CRIMSON CORSAIR story by Wein and Higgins.

“The original series of WATCHMEN is the complete story that Alan Moore and I wanted to tell. However, I appreciate DC's reasons for this initiative and the wish of the artists and writers involved to pay tribute to our work. May these new additions have the success they desire,” said Dave Gibbons, WATCHMEN co-creator and original series artist.

“Comic books are perhaps the largest and longest running form of collaborative fiction,” said DiDio and Lee. “Collaborative storytelling is what keeps these fictional universes current and relevant.”

A Tale of Three Robocops

2012-02-01T02:52:00.002-05:00

Never before was there a character that could be called an untra-violent action hero, scifi curiosity and cybernetic super hero all at once. Robocop is a creation we would not soon forget...so of course toys were a no-brainer! As the films were released, we saw many a sad little hunk of plastic pretending to be our favorite tin man, but it was not until McFarlane stepped up that we really saw what we were missing.

An amazing 7 1/2 inch sculpt is enhanced by a killer silver paint job with the slightest of blue washes over it. You'll find dimension in details like his power port, feet, hips, shoulders and chest, making the overall piece seem more substantial. A mix of glossy and flat paint ties it all together. Sadly, there are spots where it looks like they slopped the paint on and his gun is made of the flimsiest plastic, assuring it would be a rounded mess today...but from 2 feet away on your self, he was a dream come true.

Flash forward to 2011. NECA, masters of translating your movie icons to plastic, take on Officer Murphy with mixed results. NECA go for a flatter look for their 7 inch figure with not as much black wash and less depth. NECA's Robo seems slimmer when stood next to McFarlane's creation. While I think McFarlane nailed the pursed lips, NECA went a step further and has the tiniest bit of nose peeking out the bottom of his visor. Had they made that visor removable, revealing Peter Weller beneath, I would have lost my mind...but sadly, it could not be. Instead, we get enhanced articulation offering slightly more movement than McFarlane's figure. The crowning achievement is in the head, resting on a ball joint, allowing the piece to emote in a way no Robocop toy (at this scale) had ever done before. A tip of the head makes it appear Officer Murphy is trying to work things out...programming vs humanity in a constant struggle. It is amazing what one little joint can do for a figure. NECA also popped in an extra right arm bit with the spike interface on his hand! I'll also mention that NECA's Robocop has a gun made from a more rigid plastic that feels substantial and won't warp over time.

That same year, a company across the water called Max Factory takes on Officer Murphy in a 6 inch scale, creating the ultimate super posable Robocop. They go for a semi gloss look with slight red highlights, no doubt mirroring the original movie poster. This Robocop has ball joints across the board, allowing for full hip movement and excellent range in the shoulders, though wrists that tip forward and back would have been excellent along with a better engineered head that is blocked by the sculpt and thus, appears to be looking down most of the time. Luckily, we've got mid torso articulation, allowing the figure to stand shoulders back when you like. If you've been looking for extras in a Robocop figure, this is the mother load. The Max Factory figma Robocop comes packed with his Auto 9 gun and gunfire flash to attach to the end, a battle damaged top of his head you can swap out, leg pieces allowing it to look like he is deploying his gun from within, EIGHT extra hands (fists, interface spike, pointing for when he wants to boogie and gripping), a translucent base that plugs into his back for aerial action and a handy little zip lock bag to hold all your parts when you bust him out..as you well should. This guy is MADE FOR PLAY..and no end of pew pew noises. Slight drawbacks include a crotch that seems to have been "attached" as an afterthought, so it hangs like loose jockey shorts, and joints that pop out very easily. They also re-attach very easily, so no need to panic there. I'll also note that this Robo's line of a mouth makes him appear to be the cartoony addition to the crew.

note: all three figures have working pistons on the backs of their legs!

While the McFarlane figure is long gone (and will run you 20 to 60 bucks on ebay), NECA and Max Factory's Robocop are available now.

CLICK HERE to grab your Max Factory figma Robocop!
CLICK HERE to snap up the NECA Robocop action figure!