Poe’s Note: Two things. One, this is a sponsored review – NECA sent me these samples for free. Two, you’ll notice a small black stand in some photos, to aid posing. It did not come with the figure, but was borrowed from NECA’s Dead Space 2 Necromorph Slasher figure). Y’know, when I first encountered Aliens in the late 1980s [...]
Review > Private William Hudson (Aliens, NECA)
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Toy Break Episode 265: New Directions
J-Ryu joins Ayleen and George for Toy Break to talk about the toy biz, Stinky Ginger, Calliope Jackalope, Stingy Jack, and much more. So tune in for Episode 265: New Directions.
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Prepare to Have Your Face Melted… or Hugged By SUPER 7′s SDCC Re-Action ‘Alien’ Exclusives!
They say “In space no one can hear you scream”, but I’m on Earth and I’m screaming like an 8 year old girl over the overload of AWESOME that is Super 7′s reveal of their 2013 SDCC exclusives. I’ve had to sit on this information for months, but now we can tell you all the [...]
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Alley Viper (Retaliation)
Well, the second G.I. Joe movie came and went, and the only good thing I have to say about it is that at least I got a few cool toys inspired by it, even if the Alley Viper I’m reviewing today did not really appear on screen.![]()
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Hasbro Builds on MY LITTLE PONY Brand Growth Catering to Fans Worldwide
[Business Wire] - Hasbro, Inc. today announced that its global licensing program supporting the popular MY LITTLE PONY brand will touch every major category immersing girls in entertaining, inventive, stylish, and fun MY LITTLE PONY lifestyle experiences.
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Toys ‘n Tales Launches New Brand Strategy at ASTRA
Shyness, obesity and healthy eating, family dynamics, daily routines, and effective communication are just some of the challenges today’s children and families face. However, Toys ‘n Tales is helping kids discover their own “super powers” for conquering them. Toys ‘n Tales creates books, games, and toys that are designed to teach kids how to face [...]
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Hasbro Builds Programs with Leading Publishers to Bring TRANSFORMERS and MY LITTLE PONY Collectible Gift Books to Market for 2013 Holiday Season
[Business Wire] - Hasbro, Inc. today announced that it has signed publishing agreements with becker&mayer and IDW Publishing, and reached agreement in principal with Little, Brown Books for Young Children, to create and publish collectible gift books that blend unique storytelling with exclusive art based on the TRANSFORMERS and MY LITTLE PONY brands.
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Toy Break 265: New Directions
J-Ryu joins the Toy Break for this episode and talks about the toy biz, Stinky Ginger, Calliope Jackalope, Stingy Jack, and more. J-RYU will also be in Singapore next weakfish, so stay tuned to find out what him and Angry Woebots are here for!
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NECA First Blood John Rambo Figure Video Review & Images
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EL TROOPER + AT-HOME designs by JC Rivera for outsmART originals
outsmART originals presents JC Rivera with his interpretation of some "sci-fi classics" for summer, starting with the above posted EL TROOPER t-shirt, screen printed on fine jersey tees and available for men & women (SMALL to 5XL) and shipping in early July.
Next up is outsmART's first limited edition archival print! Shown below is the "AT-HOME" - which is screen printed on an 18" x 24" 100lb stock, ready for framing and will be strictly limited to its production run (quantities not mentioned tho). Both pieces are now available for pre-order here at US$25 and US$20 respectively. There is also a 2-item combo priced at US$40.00 for your considerations.
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"First Look" at ZOMBIE GOD by VISEone x FlyingLuLu
Here's a "first look" at the prototype of VISEone x FlyingLuLu's "ZOMBIE GOD" vinyl toy! Standing 8 inches tall, paralleling "Tube Monster" concept, but this time with a hand forming out of the ooze! Expect a release for it circa New York Comic Con 2013. Further product and availability info when I have them!
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Pink Pudolla by TOUMA for Taipei Toy Festival 2013
Witness the "PINK PUDOLLA" - with this Max Toy Co x TOUMA figure being a Taipei Toy Festival 2013 limited item - to be made available at Booth No A78. No further quantity nor pricing details (will update when I have them), meanwhile I've added a couple of quick snaps of "Poodra" - the first blue-vinyl release from Monster Boogie, for sizing and visual reference.
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Hasbro Showcases Its Franchise Brands at the International Licensing Expo
Hasbro, Inc. showcased its global franchise brands, including Transformers, Nerf, My Little Pony, Littlest Pet Shop, Play-Doh, Magic: The Gathering, and Monopoly, at the International Licensing Expo on June 18. This year’s lineup highlights the company’s effort to market brand extensions across licensing categories such as publishing, digital gaming, apparel and plush, homewares, food, health, and beauty. [...]
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‘Beware the Batman’: Cartoon Network Sizzle Reel
‘Beware the Batman’ Series Premiere Saturday, July 13 10 am ET/PT on Cartoon Network, but today they released this sizzle reel/trailer to give us a better idea of the design and tone.
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Wolverine's Minimates Saga to (exclusively) start at SDCC
Diamond Select Toys has released additional images for its upcoming SDCC exclusive Minimates "Wolverine Saga" box set. The set includes four variations of the iconic Marvel character.
The set, which was previously titled "The Many Faces of Wolverine" when it was on display at NYCC, features a Japanese-themed Logan, a symbiote-possessed Wolverine, Ultimate Wolverine, and a space-suited Wolverine. For added value, Wolverine's space suit is removable (and comes with an alternate set of arms and legs), allowing Wolverine to instead be displayed in his modern outfit.
The coolest figure in this set might be the symbiote-possessed Wolverine. The "costume" references a time when, while on the New Avengers, Wolverine was possessed by a Venom clone (Wolverine would also be possessed by a symbiote in the game Spider-Man: Web of Shadows). The Minimate features a cool dichotomy between Wolverine's normal costume and the symbiote, with the symbiote's flailing tendrils adding a neat extra element. I also like the Japanese-robed Logan, which has added relevance considering The Wolverine, which hits theaters next month, is set in Japan. Finally, while the space-suited Wolverine might seem fluky, it's still a great-looking figure (with a standard outfit underneath) and has some relevancy considering the surprising number of times that Wolverine has been in space.
The set will be available at the Diamond Select Toys booth, #2607, for US$20. Be sure to check out the gallery for packaging photos, a look at all the accessories, and the concept arts.
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Mikatan Previews Nendo Yukari, Teases online sale!
Heads up Yukari Tamura fans! Remember the rare Yukari Nendoroid that was only going to be sold at specific Yukari and Nana Mizuki concerts in Japan? Well soon her Nendoroid will be available at the GSC's Global Store! Mikatan tells us that the exact release day is being debated at this time but rest assured that as soon as Yukari hits the market she will sell out very, very fast. I hope I manage to snag a Nendoroid of her myself!
Mikatan also provided us with a gallery to satiate us, or tease us with while we await the release of the super cute Nendoroid of Yukari. As I look over the photos of her Nendoroid, I can't help but to begin to imagine how I would work the recently previewed Nendoroid More parts with Yukari's Nendoroid, they would go purrfectly together, don't you think so? Oh the possibilities!
Via Mikatan's blog
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My First Doll Club Meeting; Dealers vs. Manufacturers; Eclectic Doll World
About 1-1/4 hours into the drive, I was tempted to turn around and go back home. I left my house at 5 PM for the 41 mile trip to Philadelphia. Under 'normal' circumstances, the drive takes 50 minutes. Last night the traffic and weather were anything but normal. But I forged ahead, sometimes at 5 miles per hour and sometimes at 25 mph, finally arriving at my destination after 7 PM. Philadelphia is a beautiful and interesting city seen through my touristy eyes as I barely know it. Every time I see the facade of the art museum or the clock tower in Center City, I am enthralled. Anyway, next time I will head into the city in the afternoon, not during rush hour in a storm. Duh.
Happily Ever After is one of the last remaining brick and mortar doll stores anywhere. It is tucked into a charming part of Philly which (I believe) is part of Antique Row. Like so many other small businesses they have suffered from the massive movement to buying on-line. Ed, the owner, told me that there were once quite a few doll and toy stores in the area. Another devastating blow is being dealt to these stores by those manufacturers who are now selling directly to collectors, in some cases selling goods at the same price the dealers would be paying. For example, yesterday Tonner Doll offered some amazing deals on Basic Cami dolls. A collector could purchase a Cami for about $45. with free shipping. If that is what a doll dealer pays for the doll, how can they possibly sell it to a collector and hope to make money?
It is a serious conflict of interest. Why would you compete with your dealers? As a collector who shops for the best prices, I'm going to avoid a dealer who is selling a doll for more than I have to pay elsewhere. I may also wait to buy a product if I see that the price always drops. No one runs a business solely to have fun. Businesses exist to make money. I see both sides of the issue. Of course the collector benefits from lower prices but we lose dealers. How many of us have doll stores near home where we can go and see the dolls in person? Very few.
Back to the club meeting...
The theme was the Swinging 60's. We were asked to bring a doll that was either manufactured during that period of time or one that was dressed in an appropriate fashion. I brought a Somers and Field Willow doll called GoGo.
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I have a neat collection of these Mod British Birds but they are all in boxes as I'm planning to sell them. I've been planning this for a few years but every time I look at them, I find a reason to put them back and wait. At least one of the girls got out of her box last night.
The presenter dressed as a hippie and also brought along a load of dolls manufactured in the 1960's, most of which I had never heard of before.
We ate pizza and cheesecake and had Show and Tell. That was fun.
I took only a few photos as I was more interested in listening. There were many more (and larger) dolls presented.
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A point I want to emphasize is the value of seeing the broader picture of the doll world. You may know that my collection is quite eclectic but doesn't include any vintage dolls. A good percentage of the attendees who were there last night are vintage collectors. The benefit of the mix is you realize that your little world of modern fashion dolls is but a tiny fraction of the doll collecting world. I've come across collectors wouldn't spend a minute of their time looking at dolls they don't collect. I admit to sometimes being one of those collectors. I laugh at the reborn dolls - they do freak me out. I've only seen vintage French dolls from 18th and 19th centuries in museums. I put down the cheap Barbie dolls without articulation. I don't care for vintage Barbie and know nothing about them but I appreciate the love others have for these dolls. There's a place for all of them. My dolls aren't better than your dolls; they're just mine.
I could definitely fall for these Mignonettes:
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http://www.antiquetoychest.com/category/dolls/german-bisque-dolls/page/2/
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http://www.rubylane.com/item/405753-572/All-Original-Mignonette-Presentation-box78
Sigh...look at this on eBay: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Old-little-box-with-French-Mignonette-and-accessories-/300919212231?pt=US_Dolls_Bears_Toys&hash=item46102ec8c7
I'd definitely have to play with these. Why did I look?
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Happily Ever After is one of the last remaining brick and mortar doll stores anywhere. It is tucked into a charming part of Philly which (I believe) is part of Antique Row. Like so many other small businesses they have suffered from the massive movement to buying on-line. Ed, the owner, told me that there were once quite a few doll and toy stores in the area. Another devastating blow is being dealt to these stores by those manufacturers who are now selling directly to collectors, in some cases selling goods at the same price the dealers would be paying. For example, yesterday Tonner Doll offered some amazing deals on Basic Cami dolls. A collector could purchase a Cami for about $45. with free shipping. If that is what a doll dealer pays for the doll, how can they possibly sell it to a collector and hope to make money?
It is a serious conflict of interest. Why would you compete with your dealers? As a collector who shops for the best prices, I'm going to avoid a dealer who is selling a doll for more than I have to pay elsewhere. I may also wait to buy a product if I see that the price always drops. No one runs a business solely to have fun. Businesses exist to make money. I see both sides of the issue. Of course the collector benefits from lower prices but we lose dealers. How many of us have doll stores near home where we can go and see the dolls in person? Very few.
Back to the club meeting...
The theme was the Swinging 60's. We were asked to bring a doll that was either manufactured during that period of time or one that was dressed in an appropriate fashion. I brought a Somers and Field Willow doll called GoGo.
The presenter dressed as a hippie and also brought along a load of dolls manufactured in the 1960's, most of which I had never heard of before.
We ate pizza and cheesecake and had Show and Tell. That was fun.
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| Chew and Tell |
A point I want to emphasize is the value of seeing the broader picture of the doll world. You may know that my collection is quite eclectic but doesn't include any vintage dolls. A good percentage of the attendees who were there last night are vintage collectors. The benefit of the mix is you realize that your little world of modern fashion dolls is but a tiny fraction of the doll collecting world. I've come across collectors wouldn't spend a minute of their time looking at dolls they don't collect. I admit to sometimes being one of those collectors. I laugh at the reborn dolls - they do freak me out. I've only seen vintage French dolls from 18th and 19th centuries in museums. I put down the cheap Barbie dolls without articulation. I don't care for vintage Barbie and know nothing about them but I appreciate the love others have for these dolls. There's a place for all of them. My dolls aren't better than your dolls; they're just mine.
I could definitely fall for these Mignonettes:
Sigh...look at this on eBay: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Old-little-box-with-French-Mignonette-and-accessories-/300919212231?pt=US_Dolls_Bears_Toys&hash=item46102ec8c7
I'd definitely have to play with these. Why did I look?
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Nickelodeon and KidKraft Introduce Lifelike Designer Wooden Toys, Doll Furniture and Accessories Featuring Dora the ...
DALLAS, June 19, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Nickelodeon and KidKraft, a Dallas-based children's furniture and toy manufacturer, have created a line of designer wooden toys and doll furniture and accessories ...
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Check out steampunk Dr. Octopus from Pack Rack Studios
Look out, Spidey! Doctor Octopus is attacking again, this time with his new steampunk gear. From Pack Rat Studios, this Doctor Octopus figure has been customized by giving his tentacle arms the steampunk treatment.
Using a Marvel Legends Doctor Octopus figure, his tentacle arms and apparatus have been painted a rusted brown with gears added at the joints. Even his stand has been painted in brown and gold. If you like this new look for Doctor Octopus, you can contact Pack Rat Studios and purchase it for US$200.
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Peaceable Kingdom Donates Stickers to Children in Need
Peaceable Kingdom donated more than $54,000 in scratch and sniff stickers to the Christian Appalachian Project’s youth programs this month. Working through Good360, an organization that helps match companies with non-profits in need of donations, Peaceable Kingdom’s stickers will go to programs supporting the low-income youth of the Appalachian area. The Christian Appalachian Project is an interdenominational, [...]
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