Wednesday, April 30, 2008

DIAMOND SELECT T0Y NEWS: STARGATE SERIES 3

The celebrated third series of action figures based on the Sci-Fi Channel hit series Stargate Atlantis are ready to embark on their most important mission to date � exploring your collection! Featuring characters from the third and fourth seasons, this assortment offers new faces, new uniforms, new threats and a bonus figure-sized Ancient Control Chair!



The core release will include Dr. Samantha Carter and Dr. Jennifer Keller as they appeared in the show�s fourth season, a hulking and imposing Wraith Drone, the limited Garrison Uniform Sheppard in his on-base black uniform and the Previews Exclusive warrior, Ronon Dex. Also included in each case will be a special edition case-topper figure featuring a new version of a Stargate legend � General Jack O�Neill in his blue garrison uniform! This limited figure will be included within each sealed case and will only be available from your local retailer.




As with past Stargate releases, this assortment was sculpted by Jean St. Jean Studios, stands 7 inches tall and features series-accurate costumes. The Ancient Control Chair will be distributed with Dr. Carter, Dr. Keller, Wraith Drone and Ronon, however each figure in the line will also include several accessories to further accent your Stargate displays.

For more information and to check the latest Stargate product releases, remember to visit www.diamondselecttoys.com � home of the best of all worlds!


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Iron Man Las Vegas Premiere

So I'm on my way home after a VERY long day at work, and just as I'm pulling in to my driveway, I get a call from my friend (a fellow toy collector) who tells me he's down at RAVE standing in line holding my pass to get in to the Iron Man premiere! Needless to say, I went straight down there, shirt, tie, dress slacks & all.
Let me tell you this: This move had a LOT of build up for me, and it did not disappoint. The casting is perfect, and the pace of the movie is right on. Lots of nods to fans of the classic book, and of course Stan Lee has his cameo, and it's a really short one, albeit a great one! It's amazing what happens when you let a real fan (with talent) direct a comic book movie. I don't want to ruin anything for anyone, I think we all know the story, and frankly, the sequel can't get here fast enough. I predict that Iron Man toys that are hanging on the shelves today will not be come next Monday.

Thank to Talker for the hook-up, get out there Friday & go see it!

???man

Saturday, April 26, 2008

ESC TOY LTD. NEWS: SOOPA COIN CUSTOMS VIDEO!

Tons of artists have designed some cool custom figures. Some are still available for sale.





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ORGANIC HOBBY NEWS: REVOLTECH LAZENGANN AND TORO!

Organic Hobby, Inc releases two new figures as a part of Kaiyodo’s “Revoltech Series, “Revoltech Lazengann (Gurren Lagann),” “Revoltech Toro – New Faces Limited Edition (Doko✧Demo✧Issyo)”







After the successful releases of the first generation of Revoltech’s figures, Organic Hobby, Inc in conjunction with Kaiyodo proudly introduces its two new product for the U.S. market, “Revoltech Lazengann” and “Revoltech Toro (New Faces Limited Edition).”

● The concept of “REVOLTECH” is an innovative joint system that allows the figure(s) to demonstrate any kind of dynamic and realistic pose unlike any other PVC action figure.

● Not only can advanced “figure modelers” demonstrate “cool” and almost real poses for each “REVOLTECH” figure but also the consumers as well.

● Organic Hobby, Inc in conjunction with Kaiyodo will release every month, two to three new character figures as part of the “REVOLTECH Series.”



The following two figures set to be released in June with a SRP of $24.00 are:



- Lazengann is based on a Japanese shōnen anime television series animated by Gainax and co-produced by Aniplex and Konami known as "Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann (or Break-Through Heaven Gurren Lagann" or more loosely "Heaven Shattering Gurren Lagann). Meaning "Spiral Face", the Lazengann is Lord Genome's personal Gunman. It is very similar to the Gurren-Lagann and has the same abilities that the Lagann can use (by extension, it also proves immune to being controlled by the Lagann Impact attack). However, it is much stronger and can use more powerful drill techniques, as well as defend against the Gurren-Lagann's techniques with ease. The figure is 5-6" tall and has 38 articulation points with 11 joint parts (+ inner body joint gives facial expression to his chest face). "Revoltech Lazengann" comes equipped with interchangeable accessories and parts (1 long distance drill, 2 different chest parts includes for a normal & revealed version, 4 optional hands, 1 display base and a special bonus "Gurren Wings' pylon" for Revoltech Gurren Lagann). By buying this figure, you will be able to built & complete "Revoltech Gurren Lagann" flight mode.





- Toro (New Faces Limited Edition) is a fictional character created by Sony Computer Entertainment. It first appears in July 1999 as the main character in the video game Doko Demo Issyo (also written as Doko Demo Issho, meaning "Together everywhere") on the miniature game console called PocketStation, produced by the same company. The figure is 5-6" tall and has multiple articulation points. "Revoltech Toro (New Faces Edition)" is being re-introduces with a compilation of brand new redesigned faces. The figure comes equipped with interchangeable faces & a display.



Organic Hobby is one of the largest Hobby and Toys makers/manufacturers in Japan and is also very popular for its specialty in "Anime & Manga" industry. Organic Hobby, Inc (U.S Office) is introducing these and other unique products based on J-POP culture to U.S. markets and customers. All of our company's product can be found throughout our official distributors such as AAA Anime, Diamond, Double Dragon, Entertainment Earth, BBCW, Yes Anime, etc...



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SIDESHOW COLLECTIBLES NEWS: ASAJJ VENTRESS PREMIUM FORMAT FIGURE!



The Asajj Ventress Premium Format figure is a stunning 1:4 scale reproduction. The figure is cast in high-quality, heavy-weight polystone, and dressed in an expertly-tailored scale reproduction of the costume. Each figure is hand-painted and hand-finished, and individually hand-numbered. Sure to be a premiere addition to any Star Wars collection, the Asajj Ventress is an outstanding and eerie representation of Sith power.


Deep and layered are the schemes of the Dark Lord Sidious, Sith Master and architect of the fall of the Republic. Perceiving in young Anakin Skywalker a strength as yet unseen among even the greatest of the Jedi, the Sith Lord engineers elements into his plans, rich in contingencies, that might either turn the troubled Jedi to his own purpose, or else destroy him altogether. One such element is the dark Force warrior Asajj Ventress.

Found by Sidious' apprentice Count Dooku on the harsh world of Rattatak, Ventress is recruited into the service of the Sith. Gaunt and bitter, the wiry assassin is trained in the Jedi arts, but her heart is a cold, blackened stone, scorched by resentment against the Jedi who abandoned her and hardened by the cruelties of her brutal world. In a savage gladiatorial contest, Ventress displays lethal excellence. Her remorseless slaying of her competitors, either with precise lightsaber strokes or cruelly innovative wielding of her ample Force powers, impresses the Sith, though Dooku himself tests her to determine the true depth of her resourcefulness and mastery of the darkest applications of the Force. Ventress is provided with a ship, new weapons and a purpose - to destroy Anakin Skywalker- a task to which she takes with glee.

Though Dooku is confident in his new assassin's abilities, Lord Sidious knows that her victory or failure is immaterial. Ventress, for all her Sith aspirations, will only ever be a tool for him to wield and throw away. She will either kill Anakin, removing one more Jedi impediment to his own ascension, or through death by his saber, she will move the youth ever closer to the Dark Side and assist Sidious' acquisition of him as a disciple.

Asajj Ventress Premium Format Figure - Regular Edition
Click image for ordering information.



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MEZCO TOY NEWS: BEST BUY AND MEZCO TEAM UP FOR COOL NEW SOUTHPARK FIGURES!

Best Buy & Mezco Team Up For South Park Exclusive

Mezco Toyz, renowned creators of action figures and collectibles, have teamed up with Best Buy stores, North America's number-one specialty retailer of consumer electronics, to offer two iconic figures from the award winning South Park series. The first figure is �Motorcycle Cop Cartman� dressed as a policeman from the fan favorite episode where he takes over for Officer Barbrady and enforces the respect his �Authority� upon all of South Park.



The second figure is �Frozen Kenny� from the controversial episode where he meets one of his most unique demises. In a desperate bid to save the town�s hospital, Kenny finds himself electrocuted and frozen to an outdoor generator.



These hilarious, fan favorite figures are available exclusively at Best Buy stores as well as on www.BestBuy.com and will be appearing in stores and online soon.

Visit Best Buy,

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POP BOX COLLECTIBLES: BAMAN DARK KNIGHT MP3 PLAYER!

Series 1B ELECTRONICS: * Bat Logo MP3 w/Bat Headset

"It is not who you are, but what you do that defines you."



*Description:* Bat logo shaped 1 GB flash drive MP3 player with headset. Can hold around 240 songs or store files. Comes in designer box packaged format.

*Highlights:*
- Unique miniature Bat logo shaped MP3 player
- Approximately 7cm long casing features glowing edge effect inspired by movie logo






- High quality Bat suit hood ear shaped, ambient noise reduction, headset with 3 exchangeable size buds for perfect fit and comfort. Frequency response: 20Hz to 20,000Hz
- USB cable included for built-in rechargeable battery (up to 12 hours) and data exchange
- Windows XP/Vista or Max OS X v10.4.8 required for data exchange. No software driver needed

*Release Date:* June/July 2008

*****

The SRP on this is USD80




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TOY2R NEWS: KID666 PROTOTYPE!

Take a good long look at this 10" beauty coming soon from Toy2R. Kid666




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HASBRO TOY NEWS: SEGA TEAMS WITH HASBRO FOR HULK VIDEO GAME ACTION FIGURES!

SEGA TEAMS UP WITH HASBRO TO CREATE TOYS BASED ON THE INCREDIBLE HULK VIDEO GAME INSPIRED BY LEGENDARY MARVEL SUPER HERO AND UPCOMING MOVIE

SEGA� of America, Inc. announced it is working with renowned toy designer and manufacturer, Hasbro, Inc., to produce a line of toys based on THE INCREDIBLE HULK video game. Targeting the core fans of Marvel�s renowned green goliath THE INCREDIBLE HULK, Hasbro�s licensed toy line will include four action figures based on characters seen in the official video game from SEGA, including Bi-Beast and The Gray Hulk. The remaining two toys will be announced at Comic Con in San Diego, CA in July 2008. The figures will be available for an approximate retail price of $9.99 each and are recommended for ages 4 and up.

"We are extremely excited about teaming up with Hasbro," said Sean Ratcliffe, Vice President of Marketing at SEGA of America, Inc. "The Hulk franchise is the most recognized brand in the Marvel Universe and the anticipation surrounding the release of INCREDIBLE HULK movie, video game and Hasbro�s toy lineup are a winning combination."

Based on the blockbuster Marvel� franchise and comic book saga, THE INCREDIBLE HULK video game is an intensely realistic third-person action title that will be available on all major video game platforms in June 2008. With the upcoming release of THE INCREDIBLE HULK video game, the new toy line from HASBRO is a must-have product for any HULK fan.

�Hasbro is thrilled to be working with SEGA to bring HULK fans four very special action figures based on several Marvel characters appearing in the video game,� said Eric Nyman, Vice President of Boys Marketing at Hasbro, Inc. �The action figures and video game are two great ways for kids and fans to experience THE INCREDIBLE HULK and expand their HULK collections.�

In the fast-paced, action-packed video game, players take the role of Bruce Banner who scours the planet trying to find the antidote to cure him of his involuntary rage brought on by exposure to deadly gamma rays. As one of Marvel��s most powerful Super Heroes, players can demolish anything in their path, including lamp posts, passing cars and even buildings. The fury-fueled game also features key moments from the film, as well as additional plotlines and characters from THE INCREDIBLE HULK universe. Players crash through New York City, battling gigantic enemies amidst soaring skyscrapers in a massive open world where anything and everything can be used as a weapon.

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HASBRO TOY NEWS: TRANSFORMERS ANIMATED DVD & FIGURE SET!

Transformers Animated DVD The Battle Begins Figures Description:
Includes an aweome DVD featuring the episode The Battle Begins!
Figures transform from vehicle to robot and back again!
Relive everybody's favorite robot gang war!



Prepare for a fierce faceoff with these two opponents! In robot mode, the mighty Optimus Prime is poised for battle with his double-handed ion axe, while the menacing-looking Megatron will be ready to fight back, wielding a fusion cannon! Convert the cannon to a sword for added battle excitement! Gear up for land versus air combat too, when you convert the figures to Earth Truck and Cybertron Fusion Fighter in vehicle mode! Victory is within reach � but who will claim it? You decide!


Optimus vs. Megatron: Rematch 2008













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UGLYDOLL NEWS: UGLY GUIDES SHOW YOU HOW TO SURVIVE IN THE UGLYVERSE!

Introducing the Ugly Guides to the Uglyverse...on sale now...
wherever books are sold and at www.uglydolls.com

Friday, April 25, 2008

ORGANIC HOBBY: DREAM SOLDIER WINGMAN MONOKO MORIMOTO!

Dream Soldier Wingman �Momoko Morimoto� � 6� PVC Figure


Organic Hobby, Inc in conjunction with CM�s Corporation proudly introduces its new products for the U.S. market, �Momoko Morimoto.�





Full-Hearted Collection Figure 05 "Momoko Morimoto" is originated from a science fiction manga series known as "Wingman (also known as Dream Soldier Wingman)," created by Masakazu Katsura. It was serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump from 1983 to 1985 and it was made into an anime in 1984. The figure is a 6" tall fully painted and comes equipped with a display base.

"Momoko Morimoto" will be available in June with a SRP of $49.00.

Organic Hobby is one of the largest Hobby and Toys makers/manufacturers in Japan and is also very popular for its specialty in "Anime & Manga" industry. Organic Hobby, Inc (U.S Office) is introducing these and other unique products based on J-POP culture to U.S. markets and customers. All of our company's product can be found throughout our official distributors

HASBRO TOY NEWS: NEW RANCOR AND RIDER FIGURES!



Unleash the Force with Star Wars: The Force Unleashed Battle Rancor with Felucian Rider and Saddle



A disturbance in the Force has once again taken shape with the emergence of a new twist on the legendary struggle between the dark side and the light side. With the upcoming release of Star Wars: The Force Unleashed video game, you become Darth Vader�s Secret Apprentice, stealthily traveling the galaxy on a mission handed down by Darth Vader himself.

The new Star Wars: The Force Unleashed Battle Rancor with Felucian Rider introduces the Felucians, native inhabitants of the jungle planet Felucia. These Force-sensitive warriors have learned to tame deadly rancors and ride them into battle. This fearsome figure and creature combo is accurate to the videogame and includes a hidden code to be used in the game. The decision to carry out the Dark Lord�s will may be a difficult on in Star Wars: The Force Unleashed, but collecting the Rancor with rider is not!





Battle Rancor with Felucian Rider and Saddle

The Force-sensitive Felucians patrol their jungle homeworld astride ferocious rancors that are marked with luminous warpaint. Together, a Felucian warrior and his rancor mount pose a formidable threat to even the most skilled Sith warrior. Felucia is heavily forested with fungal life forms and immense primitive plants that can be dangerous when disturbed. As one of the planets caught in the Clone Wars, Felucia becomes a battleground between opposing sides, pulling the native Felucians into the midst of the conflict.

Rancors are savage creatures that have been domesticated by the Felucians and other species in the galaxy. Only those who are attuned to the Force can successfully tame these menacing monsters. Even when tamed, a rancor can be unpredictable and must be treated with caution and respect.

The new Star Wars: The Force Unleashed Battle Rancor with Felucian rider and saddle will bring a new level to the intricate story that keeps unfolding to reveal the power that exists within the dark side of the Force. Climb on board a savage rancor, strap yourself in and be prepared for an action packed ride available at Target.

May the Force be with you and stay tuned for more information from Hasbro!

HASBRO TOY NEWS: NEW INDIANA JONES IN PACKAGING!

I found some Indiana Jones product this morning, most of it denied sale in the computer system. I did manage to buy a regular Indy figure at the first place I stopped, which immediately put in a price manually. After that, I saw the little adventure heroes and one of the deluxe figures (German on motor bike), but nothing else was purchaseable. I also saw the Hulk movie figures. Hasbro must be REALLY big Prince fans, 'cause they're partying like it's 1999. The Indy figures all come with a small box with an "artifact" inside, and a corresponding sticker. Collect 6 stickers & mail away for a secret crystal skeleton figure on throne! *base shown not included.

















TOY2R: KID666 PROTOTYPE!

Here is a short video showcasing Toy2R's new vinyl release: KID666.

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

HOT TOYS NEWS: 1/4 SCALE PREDATOR BUST!

He's a ticked off hunter from another world, ready to skewer you at his first opportunity and mount your carcass on his wall. It's the 1/4 scale Predator from Hot Toys.

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

CULT TV: THE TICK - PILOT - FULL EPISODE!

CULT TV ON ACTION FIGURE TIMES:

This was one very quirky and fun show. The pilot episode of the Tick!



We've got more shows in our Movie section on our blog:

Visit AFT Blogs

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COLLECTOR'S CORNER: MEGO PACKAGING VARIATIONS- PLAYSETS!

I had the pleasure of getting to know Marty Abrams back
at the Megocon2004 convention and since then I've been very impressed with his business sense. I'll never forget the way he swaggered in to the convention center full of confidence with his slick black leather jacket. He was in his element and he knew it yet at the same time so very humble and accomodating. To put it simply, Marty Abrams was a master at marketing. The way he alerted buyers to new product was ground breaking. His renting out New Yorks Waldorf Astoria, inviting over 1500 buyers, retailers, celebrities and actors to announce his new Wizard of Oz toy line led to over $20,000,000.00 in advanced orders. Not bad for a line he had no confidence in.

Even more so was his cost cutting ways, the way he watched where every penny went had a lot to do with his domination of Aisle 7 for just about a decade. Marty even went so far as to build his own factory in Hong Kong after getting tired of outsourcing. With frequent trips to the Orient, Marty was not afraid to get his hands dirty while he learned the ins and outs of the business. Always thinking he could do better than his competition, and much of the time doing just that, Marty came up with a lot of cost saving ideas. One such idea was to reuse existing molds and playsets in order to get more bang for his buck. Talk about stretching a dollar! He would constantly refreshen packaging in an effort to always keep things looking fresh on the shelves and remember people, this was back in the 1970's. Marty was writing the book as he went along which is still in use today. Some industry insiders even go so far as saying that Marty was part showman and part toy exec. I would agree whole heartedly. Add to this his being one of the first to utilize blister card packaging, regional warehousing ( the goal here was to get product to store shelves before his competition ) and what you have amounts to one very shrewd buisnessman not to mention sales in the tens of millions of dollars in the early to mid 70's.
Below are three such examples of his reusing of existing playsets.




Action Jackson Lost Continent playset



Planet of the Apes Village playset




Worlds Greatest Superheroes Batcave playset





Visit MegoCentral.com

JEDI COUNCIL: GENTLE GIANT RETURNS

Welcome back my young apprentices to another meeting of The Jedi Council. Today we get the chance to check out more Gentle Giant goodness. Hologram Darth Maul bust with light up featire. Han Solo as only Han can be. Last we get the opportunity to look at the cool Clone Trooper with all of it's accessories.





























That's it for this meeting of the Council. Check back soon to see what is next on the agenda!

May the Force be with you.

Darth TG


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