Here's Your Chance To Ride the 1960's BATMAN TV BAT-COPTER!!

June 21, 2013, 5:16 pm

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The original Bat-Copter helicopter from the 1966 Batman TV series will be returning to the 2013 State Fair Meadowlands this year in New Jersey. Yes Kids, you read the title correctly, you can take a ride in the exact same "Bat-Copter" that Batman and Robin (Adam West and Burt Ward) used to fight crime in Gotham City over 40 years ago!  

Captain Gene Nock is making a special appearance this year and the State Fair runs from June 21st till July 7th, 2013. For more information, just CLICK HERE!

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McFarlane Toys NHL Series 33 Lineup With Images

June 21, 2013, 5:17 pm

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McFarlane Toys Halo 4: Series 2 Exclusive In-Game Content Unveiled

June 21, 2013, 5:21 pm

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The Countdown Is On To The 2013 Steiff Sommer Festival And Teddy Dorado Auction!

June 21, 2013, 5:47 pm

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It's the most wonderful time of the year, at least in Steiffgal's eyes! And just why is that? Well, early summer means the annual Steiff Summer Festival... along with the the marvelous Teddy Dorado Steiff auction! This yearly happening, which takes place right on and around the Steiff campus in Giengen, Germany on June 28th through the 30th, calls for Steiff enthusiasts from around the world to gather and celebrate all things button-in-ear... right where it all began! This year's Steiff auction features many precious items, including some never publicly seen items before, as well as some treasures with the most remarkable histories.  All the lots can be viewed by clicking here.  But right now, here are three items that really caught Steiffgal's eye from the catalog.  What do you think?

Let's get things moving with this first auction highlight, Lot 9-1908.  Here we have a 12 cm unjointed grey felt running rabbit on iron wheels.  He has black shoe button eyes and a stitched mouth.  His inner ears are lined in pink felt.  He is stuffed with excelsior.  He retains his original red velveteen taffeta neck bow and bell and trailing "F" style Steiff button in ear.  He is clean and in nice condition overall.   This design is really special as it appeared in the debut Steiff catalog of 1892.  Overall, this pattern was produced from 1892 through 1917; this example was made in the 1906 through 1917 time frame. 

And what makes this rolling rabbit a favorite?  Besides her affinity for all things on wheels, Steiffgal loves this rabbit's early, organic form that so perfectly represents what makes turn of last century Steiff items so classic - and so charming.  

It's time to take a look at this next "best of show" selection, Lot 9-1931.  Here we have a 29 cm sitting tail turns head St. Bernard dog.  He is made from long pile natural white and brown tipped mohair plush.  His face is detailed with brown and black glass pupil eyes and a dark brown hand embroidered nose and mouth.  He has a mechanism embedded in his neck which allows his head to turn when his tail is moved back and forth.  Besides his absolutely handsome appearance, this all but mint condition dog also retains his Steiff trailing "F" style button, red ear tag, named chest tag, and a special tag on his backside which reads "Turn here and I will move my head."  This pattern overall was produced in 11, 15, 18, 23, 29, and 36 cm from 1931 through 1934. 

What puts this St. Bernard on the "man's best friends" list?  His darling, and authentic facial expression and muzzle construction are irresistible.   And the fact that he still retains all of his IDs, especially the tush tag - is completely amazing, given he was made as a plaything almost 85 years ago!  But don't just take Steiffgal's word on it... this is such a marvelous pattern that it was was produced again as a limited edition replica in 1993 in an edition size of 4,000. 

This last Steiff selection, Lot 9-1997,  is truly royalty.  Perfectly and appropriately named "Teddy King Winter of Giengen," this beautiful bruin is five ways jointed and made from white long pile mohair plush.  His face is detailed with large black shoe button eyes and a copper colored stitched nose and mouth.  His joints are under laid with black and red felt and he has a working hug-me squeaker.  He retains his original Steiff trailing "F" button and remains of his white ear tag.  His four original felt paws and general condition are very good and just have a little minor wear consistent with his age.  He measures about 57 cm standing and 42 cm sitting.  Teddy King Winter of Giengen was produced in the 1906 through 1907 time frame.  

Bear with Steiffgal as she catches her breath over this terrific Ted.  What is not to love?  His size is majestic and impressive.  His clean white mohair coat looks like it was produced yesterday.  And his face, well, you know what Steiffgal means.  It really doesn't get much better than this bear. 

Carsten Esser, Teddy Dorado's owner and auctioneer, was kind enough to speak briefly with Steiffgal about the upcoming Teddy Dorado Steiff auction on June 29th.  This is the third year Teddy Dorado has hosted the auction, and it gets better and better each time!  Carsten is also a Steiff collector and enthusiast, and he brings this love and passion to each and every Steiff event he runs.  Here are some highlights from the conversation...

Steiffgal:  What is your personal favorite item in the Sommer auction, and why? 

Carsten:  My favorite item is probably auction lot 9-2013 (pictured here on the left.)  This is a painting that features two images Mr Hans Otto Steiff as he appeared in photographs from the 1960's, painted by the artist and long term Steiff employee Mr Helmut Braig.  The painting includes several colorful and expressive Steiff animals and is signed "Helm. Braig 2013".  Mr. Braig was a Steiff employee from 1937 to 1978.  The piece itself is framed and about 107 cm high and about 83 cm wide. 

I met Mr. Braig probably ten times in the last three years to speak him about the history of Steiff from his perspective.  Last December, I asked him if he would do a painting in acrylic
colors featuring Steiff animals; he had never done that before.  A few weeks later, just days before his 90th birthday, he sent me a photo of a painting and asked, "Are you fine with that?" - the painting showed Steiff animals arranged around a double portrait of Mr. Hans Otto Steiff, the company's very long term Steiff CEO in the 1960s and 1970's.  Mr. Braig and Mr. Hans Otto Steiff liked and honored the work of each other very much. Oh and yes, I am fascinated by that painting!

Steiffgal: Tell us a little story about finding some of the treasures in the upcoming Sommer auction. 

Carsten:  We were asked to help sell a very large, fine group of Steiff items that actually took up two whole collecting rooms in a home! The family who owned the treasures needed to reduce the collection to just one cabinet in order to install a day care room for their grandson who would be spending much more time in their home in the near future. Needless to say, the family was most interested in selling off those pieces that took up allot of space!  Of course Teddy Dorado could help out here.  From this collection, we are selling their exceptional, one of a kind display piece featuring the Steiff Sommmer event bears from 1997 through 2000 (lot number 9-2000, pictured here on the left), as well as their 100 cm Studio sized blond mask Teddy bear, (lot number 9-1982) among other fine items from their collection. 

Steiffgal:  Carsten, if you could auction off any Steiff piece ever created, which one would that be and why?

Carsten:  That is a good question, and I have several answers!   I really love antique Steiff center seamed felt dolls - especially the Indian and Samojede examples from the turn of last century.  For the newer items, favorites include the 1960's-era mohair Studio snake and the 1970's era Studio Toucan.  I wanted that bird so badly when I was a teenager!  But my dream situation would be auctioning off a prototype or the LED #1 of a "Teddy Dorado" bear made by Steiff for charity.  Maybe sometime in the future this dream could come true! 

Steiffgal:  Teddy hugs and thanks so much Carsten -  best of luck at the upcoming auction! 

Steiffgal hopes this virtual auction preview has bid up your excitement for this upcoming Steiff event on June 29th, 2013! 

Have a question about one of your Steiff treasures? Let's talk! Click here to learn more.

Hot Toys 1/6th Scale Man of Steel Superman Collectible Figure

June 21, 2013, 7:02 pm

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Man of Steel is one of the most anticipated blockbusters this summer. Directed by Zack Synder and produced by Christopher Nolan, Man of Steel will reboot the Superman franchise by giving audience a new look at the origin of the iconic superhero and his rise to become the protector of Earth and its people. Toy [...]

Transformers 4 - Michael Bay and Mark Wahlberg On Location in Elgin and Lockhart Texas

June 21, 2013, 7:14 pm

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Thanks to OLV who are are reporting from the latest stop on Michael Bay's swing through Texas with filming on Transformers 4 continuing in Elgin and Lockhart. They have posted some behind-the-scenes photos at the filming of the movie with views of Director Michael Bay, Mark Wahlberg and more of the troops that we have been seeing on many of the shoots to date. Check out all the images at onlocationvacations.com

Prey For Me Pre-Order

June 21, 2013, 7:22 pm

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Disturbia has announced the launch of Prey For Me, a limited edition statuette by Godmachine. The 8-inch tall hand cast and hand painted polystone Prey For Me is available in 3 colorways: Black (£45/$70), Bronze (£85/$132) and D.I.Y White (£55/$85). The D.I.Y. White and Bronze editions are limited to 50 pieces each, while the Black [...]

2013 SDCC Exclusive Super Alloy 1/6 Scale "Batman By Jim Lee" Figure

June 21, 2013, 10:40 pm

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2013 SDCC Exclusive 1/6 Scale Super Alloy: The New 52 Superman Figure

June 21, 2013, 10:48 pm

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Hello Kitty PSI Index & Limited Edition Singapore Haze Kitties

June 22, 2013, 12:42 am

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And while fans queue up to score their Ugly Duckling Hello Kitty plush (and here I thought I could score it online, until SG McDees halted their deliveries ;p) - finding these images referencing the plush "Fairytale" Hello Kitty put a smile on my face, instead of the anger of the perpetuating haze situation, with the above "Hello Kitty PSI Index" image made by "Jackson Lim" (snagged via Ronnie Ho's Facebook - I wish I could find a clearer graphic tho, believe me I tried) and the below posted anti-HazeKitty spotted on Mitsueki, and "HAZE-O-Kitty" from SGAG.



NOTE: "PSI" refers to "(the)common abbreviation for "Pollutant Standard Index". It is a method of measuring air pressure" - with currently the most sort after set of numbers in Singapore (after a person's salary … J/K) measured in reference to the degree of air pollution now, due to the Haze situation originating from Indonesia, Sumatra.

Mattel Disney Pixar CARS: 2013 Themes Singles Case J Already in France?

June 22, 2013, 2:48 am

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While we have only just gotten CASE G … David V. & “Moquin” have found this at TRU in Paris … the equivalent of CASE J in the US … The next CASE H is still a few weeks away and CASE J is the “twin” of CASE K with the Super Chase so presumably [...]

Books Are Fun … For Toppling Domino Style

June 22, 2013, 3:44 am

≫ Next: Marvel Mini MUNNY figures from Kidrobot

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The Seattle library has a strange way of stacking books … Tweet This Post

Marvel Mini MUNNY figures from Kidrobot

June 22, 2013, 5:54 am

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Here's a look at the quartet of Marvel Mini MUNNY figures from Kidrobot, featuring the likeness of SPIDER-MAN, VENOM, WOLVERINE and IRON MAN. Standing 4 inches tall, the set includes stickers and accessories. The reason that I mentioned "likeness" is simply because the character is to be made up by YOU, via stickers! Which means it does not come finished as per the images show, but are dependent on your ability to stick well hahahaha



And while I can understand the appeal and need for D.I.Y., this sticker-concept perplexes me. I can understand the "playability" and interactive aspect to the toy figure, but what other value can this aspect bring to the table? Be that as it may, Marvel's in-built recognizability factor of their characters would most definitely help. And there's non-stickered figure releases to be had too, ala their Zipper Pulls, so I reckon they've got it covered.

These mini Munnys are priced at US$11.99 via Entertainment Earth (images via) and have an August 2013 delivery schedule. Earlier info has them with a SRP os US$9.99, so do check in with your fav retailers for pricing and availability.

Shibuya 109

June 22, 2013, 6:02 am

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The iconic Shibuya 109 building. The name originates from the Tokyu Group who built the facility. "Toky...

#SDCC2013 Exclusive Riddler & Superman BE@RBRICK 100% from Medicom Toy

June 22, 2013, 6:30 am

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To be released at San Diego ComicCon (July 18-21) this year from Medicom Toy, is the DC Superpowers RIDDLER BE@RBRICK 100% - limited to only 1,500 pieces. Last year it was the Joker from "The Dark Knight Returns", and seems they are following the Batman-theme again this year! For folks online, Entertainment Earth has it priced at US$14.99 for an August 2013 delivery.

Also available to SDCC is the DC Super Powers Superman BE@RBRICK 100% with this in a limited edition of only 2,500 pieces (headsup via sdccblog.com) available here online for US$14.99 also. Both Riddler and Superman comes in their own blister-packaging, which frankly is as much as of the fun as the figure itself, I have to admit. As well both items are PREVIEWS / Diamond SDCC Exclusives, so check out their booth at SDCC to sate your toy-desires!

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Ardabus Rubber Dunny2013 APs Drop 6/21/13

June 22, 2013, 7:00 am

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Artist Proofs of Ardabus Rubber's "Ruck Dunny" will be dropping via his webstore on June 21st at 6PM PST. These APs will be available in 2 different packages. The first US$85 package includes a Ruck (Dunny 2013 ratio 1/40) with hand-painted detailing, and a limited edition 5x7" signed & numbered Ruck print.


The 2nd, US$215 Deluxe Package, comes in 2 parts;

-Ruck (Dunny 2013 ratio 1/40) with hand-painted detailing in a custom wooden box
- Limited Edition 5x7" signed & numbered Ruck print
- Limited Edition 5x7" signed & numbered Mono Ruck print
- Limited Edition 5x7" Signed & numbered Inverted Ruck print
- Shipping starting the week of July 22, will be an additional 3" hand painted custom Inverted colorway of Ruck in a custom wooden box.

"The additional inverted colorway customs are still being created and will ship after Comic Con, but will reflect the colours and designs in the Deluxe AP package mockup image. These inverted colorways are a special option to show appreciation to supporters, considering new customs have a 12month estimated waitlist!"

Wonder Forge Secures Game Rights to Tickety Toc

June 22, 2013, 7:00 am

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Wonder Forge has recently secured game licensing rights to Tickety Toc through a multi-year partnership with Zodiak Kids, brokered by U.S. licensing agent Established Brands. Tickety Toc airs seven days a week on Nick Jr. The partnership is the latest in a string of properties secured by Wonder Forge. Wonder Forge will debut its Tickety [...]

Paul Shih’s iPhone 5 Cases

June 22, 2013, 7:24 am

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Paul Shih has released a series of iPhone 5 case designs. He collaborated with a mobile accessory company called COOP, and they feature designs based on some of Paul's toy characters: PANDARA, Sushi Kaiju, and Hollow Threat patterns. Each iPhone5 case includes a screen protector, cleaning cloth, and can be purchased for $19.00.

Introducing "Doctor Paul" by BHEAD (for "DAY AFTER WWIII")

June 22, 2013, 7:30 am

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The artist from Korea "Jung Yeon Gyun" infamously known as BHEAD has revealed his latest creation in his "DAY AFTER WWIII series" - introducing Biogeneticist "DOCTOR PAUL" and his simian sidekick! And while online translation for the Korean language leaves me a tad baffled, I can only speculate that this series follows - if not is further evolved - from his earlier apocalyptical creations, for which he has been well known and revered for.

Shown here are prototypes (or rather 80% of the final version), with no further product information beyond these images, but I reckon availability might well be revealed in time via his new blogspot! Meanwhile, I'll let the images do the "talking":



Love it that we get to see BHEAD's sketches as well, in his new blogspot :)

Mount Fuji

June 22, 2013, 9:06 am

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Grats to Mt Fuji for being granted World Heritage status by the United Nations Educational, Scientific ...