Brothers mark 20 years in collectibles biz Nov 5, 2009
Theyre still selling baseball cards but the store is now packed with items from others trends: action figures, autographs, stuffed animals and a few comic books ... So we tried to diversify where we are mainly a sports card and collectibles store, but we also have a lot of gaming cards and action figures. (Fresno Bee)
Eight tips to child proof your home Nov 5, 2009
Window safety: The 4-year-old in my house likes to suspend his small action figures from cords attached to the blinds on the window. It poses little threat for a child his age, but for someone younger, loose blind cords and strings dangling from windows are not safe. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Home & Garden)
"Relics" of 1979! Nov 3, 2009
Before the release of "The Empire Strikes Back" in 1980, original "Star Wars" action figures were some of the hottest toys around. Disco Ball. (CBS News -- Early Show)
WHAT'S IN STORE: Kapsoul Oct 24, 2009
Takashi Masuda, owner of Kapsoul, stocks everything from vintage shades to records to MC Hammer action figures. Photo by Gary Leonard. (Los Angeles Downtown News, CA)
Hot toys for the holidays Oct 24, 2009
Funny what a slight quirk can do: Made by Toronto-based Spinmaster, Bakugan has consistently infatuated 5-to-10-year-old boys through the added nuance of having its warrior action figures emerge from an enclosed sphere. Most versions go for $15 or less. (MSNBC -- Business)
Bakugan Battle Brawlers Out Oct 21, 2009
Utilizing special game cards Bakugan battle masters roll spheres onto the cards, which activate and transform into Bakugan "battle brawling" action figures. The toy line has won three 2008 "Toy of the Year" awards from the Toy Industry Association and its Bakugan Battle Brawlers New Vestroia Maxus Helios 7 in 1 toy was recently listed as one of Toys"R"Us' "Fabulous 15" toys for the upcoming holiday season. (IGN PS2)
Bakugan Hits Toys R Us Oct 17, 2009
During the event, gamers will be among the first to play Bakugan Battle Brawlers, the first video game based on the Bakugan collectible trading card game and transforming action figures game. Additionally, kids can test their traditional Bakugan skills by competing with two of the most exciting Bakugan ever released ; the Bakugan 7-in-1 Maxus Dragonoid and the Toys"R"Us exclusive Bakugan 7-in-1 Maxus Helios during the "Maxus Challenge," a series of seven fun activities. (IGN PS2)
JAKKS Pacific to Webcast 2009 Third Quarter Earnings Conference Call Oct 16, 2009
JAKKS diverse portfolio includes Action Figures, Art Activity Kits, Stationery, Writing Instruments, Performance Kites, Water Toys, Sports Activity Toys, Vehicles, Infant/Pre-School, Plush, Construction Toys, Electronics, Dolls, Dress-Up, Role Play, and Pet Toys and Accessories, sold under various proprietary brands including JAKKS Pacific, Child Guidance, Color Workshop, Creative Designs International, Disguise, EyeClops, Flying Colors, Funnoodle, Girl Gourmet, Go Fly a... (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Jack's Mannequin rocks Rec Hall Oct 12, 2009
Arranged atop the stage equipment was an assortment of action figures from Mr. Potato Head to Gumby. "I just want to live in this gymnasium," McMahon said to the crowd. (Daily Collegian, PA)
Crash! pow! profit$ Oct 11, 2009
Today, Shamus' Wizard Entertainment still publishes the thriving 19-year-old title, along with ToyFare, a 12-year-old monthly spin-off that focuses on action figures, and 11-year-old FunFare magazine, a twice-yearly magazine that covers the toy industry ... Today, Shamus' Wizard Entertainment still publishes the thriving 19-year-old title, along with ToyFare, a 12-year-old monthly spin-off that focuses on action figures, and 11-year-old FunFare magazine, a twice-yearly magazine that covers the... (New York Post -- Business)
Creative souvenirs provide savings, style Oct 7, 2009
Off-price detours: On a small street in China we found a small thrift store that sold action figures, jade statues, old coins and antique toys at low prices. In London and Paris, affordable one-of-a-kind souvenirs are available in second-hand stores tucked beyond glitzy boulevards. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Wal-Mart supersizes holiday toy program Oct 2, 2009
The $10 assortment includes newly introduced toys, such as certain Transformers action figures and a Play-Doh burger builder set, as well as existing items, such as Monopoly and Connect 4, whose prices have been cut 20 percent to 50 percent. "What we learned from last holiday was that price mattered more than ever," said Laura Phillips, the retailer's vice president of toys. (MSNBC -- Business)
Holiday Bargain: Wal-Mart To Offer 100 Toys For $10 Oct 1, 2009
Toys to be promoted include Barbie Cut and Style Rapunzel, a Play-Doh Burger Builder Set, Transformers Revenge of the Fallen Deluxe Action Figures, My Little Pony So Soft Newborn and others, according to Wal-Mart Stores Inc.. Toy retailers are ramping up competition for consumers' dollars. (KWTX.com, TX)
Wal-Mart expands $10 toy lineup for frugal shoppers Oct 1, 2009
Wal-Mart said it had worked with its suppliers over the last year to offer an assortment of top brands, classic toys and newly released items for $10, including Barbie dolls and Transformers action figures ... The retailer, which also released a Holiday Hot Toy List featuring 36 of the hottest items for the season, said the toy shops would offer dolls, action figures and educational games. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Wal-Mart selling 100 $10 toys for holidays Oct 1, 2009
Some of the toys Wal-Mart is promoting this holiday include Barbie Cut and Style Rapunzel, a Play-Doh Burger Builder Set, Transformers Revenge of the Fallen Deluxe Action Figures, and My Little Pony So Soft Newborn. Several board games are available for $10, including Connect 4, Battleship, Monopoly, Trouble and Jenga, among others. (AZCentral -- Business)
Wal-Mart’s list of $10 toys grows Oct 1, 2009
Some of the toys that Wal-Mart is promoting this holiday season include Barbie Cut and Style Rapunzel, a Play-Doh Burger Builder Set, Transformers Revenge of the Fallen Deluxe Action Figures, and My Little Pony So Soft Newborn. Several board games are available for $10, as well, including Connect 4, Battleship, Monopoly, Trouble, and Jenga, among others. (Boston Globe)
Training Camp Sep 24, 2009
Even the action figures and weaponry make them use brain power to operate and they can do so independently while it s a no brainer to put the baby in the stroller or they at least need a pretend group for a tea party But theses are things we can overanalyze if we half way try. So at the end of the day, parents probably should rely more on themselves to give the children the foundation needed so as to trump any subliminals they get from items purchased at Target & Toys R Us. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Living)
* Yesterday books, tomorrow the world Sep 20, 2009
In the warehouse where Terry Jones loudly roams the aisles, which the company somewhat randomly dubs Phoenix 3, Star Wars action figures are stocked next to sleeping bags; bagel chips sit next to the Beatles: Rock Band video game. In one high-risk valuables area, monitored by overhead video cameras, a single Impulse Jack Rabbit sex toy is wedged between a Rosetta Stone Spanish CD and an iPod Nano. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World Business)
Spin Master Goes Up Against Barbie Sep 16, 2009
Thanks to such hits as Bakugan Battle Brawlers (a line of magnetic action figures) and the Air Hogs line of model planes, privately held Spin Master's annual revenue has soared sevenfold over the past eight years, to more than $700million, even as the overall toy industry has shrunk. Barbie's Half-Century Reign. (BusinessWeek)
WTBD: Hurrah for the Teddy! Sep 9, 2009
Unlike action figures, Barbie dolls or video games, which are constantly being updated and upgraded, a teddy bear is just one big, fluffy ball of reassurance. As most children spend a lot of time with their teddy bears, they soon turn into intimate companions. (India Times, India)
Batman: Arkham Asylum a welcome surprise Sep 9, 2009
In aiming for an exaggerated realism, much of the game looks like it's populated by action figures come to life. But it's the space they populate that may be the true star of the game. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Entertainment)
China toy and game suppliers continue to target the U.S. and EU, despite stricter standards and the economic crisis Sep 7, 2009
China Sourcing Report features quality export suppliers of dolls, action figures, building blocks, construction sets and play vehicles. HONG KONG, Sept. 7 /PRNewswire-Asia-FirstCall/ -- In spite of stricter product standards implemented in the U.S. and the EU, most surveyed China suppliers plan to continue strengthening exports to these markets, according to Global Sources' (Nasdaq: ) China Sourcing Report: Toys & Games ( ). (PR Newswire)
Summer Movie Report Card: Season starts fast, slips late Sep 2, 2009
Action figures Grade: A. Think your mint-condition, still-in-box Darth Vader action figure is worth something. (USA Today)
* Disney to buy Marvel Entertainment Sep 2, 2009
In addition to comics, Marvel characters also feature in movies, animated features, videogames and toys such as action figures. This story has been viewed 290 times. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Business)
GI Joe, post-American hero Aug 29, 2009
Hasbro, which produced the popular GI Joe action figures, was one of the Big Two in the toy business ... And then, suddenly, you stepped across a threshold and out of a world of pastels into a kingdom of darkness, of netting and camouflage, of blasting music and a soundtrack of destruction, as well-muscled male models in camo performed battle routines while displaying the upcoming line of little GI Joe action figures or their evil Cobra counterparts ... We're talking about the toy company that... (Asia Times Online)
MOMMY BLOG: Sibling rivalry? What sibling rivalry? Aug 29, 2009
She mostly just watches while he acts out scenarios with his super hero action figures. But she seems to enjoy his enthusiasm, and he likes her attention. (Carlisle Sentinel, PA)
Cinema File: 'G.I. Joe' launches surprising attack (with PODCAST) Aug 13, 2009
As a kid, I had more G.I. Joe action figures, tanks and helicopters than any other type of toy ... Had I seen this at age 10, at the height of my obsession with the action figures, I would have been horrified. (Athens Banner-Herald)
G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra Aug 11, 2009
Who would have thought that there would be two movies based on a popular line of Hasbro action figures to hit the theaters this summer. G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra is a perfect example of a summer movie that asks its audience to leave its brain at the doors and just enjoy the entertainment. (Suite101.com)
Weapons Locker: G.I. Joe Superweapons Aug 8, 2009
August 7, 2009 - Maybe we weren't so keen to admit it as kids, but the old cartoon was all about selling action figures and playsets to impressionable young children. The show was filled with laser rifles, tanks, hidden bases, and death-weapons straight out of old sci-fi movies. (IGN Gear)
No go: Paramount won't show critics `G.I. Joe' Aug 5, 2009
G.I. Joe Toys ctible Action Figures, Busts, Statues. Featured. (Yahoo News)
G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra Game... Aug 5, 2009
I was obsessed for the better part of my childhood with the action figures. Needless to say, I watched the show as if it held the secrets to the universe. (New York Post -- Entertainment)
BK® Kids Meal Toys Bring Action of 'G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra' to BURGER KING® Restaurants Aug 4, 2009
The series of gadgets, action figures and vehicles boast a variety of fun features, such as black light technology, sound effects and more. The toys are available at participating BURGER KING restaurants while supplies last. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
The 'joe' Show Aug 2, 2009
Nearly 20 years later, Hasbro developed a line of 12-inch "action figures" -- the first dolls to be given the name, to appeal to boys -- modeled on different branches of the armed forces. Recalling the movie, creative director Don Levine settled on G.I. Joe and touted the Action Soldier, Action Marine, Action Pilot and Action Sailor as "America's Movable Fighting Man.". (New York Post -- Entertainment)
JAKKS Pacific® Reports Second Quarter 2009 Results Jul 29, 2009
JAKKS diverse portfolio includes Action Figures, Art Activity Kits, Stationery, Writing Instruments, Performance Kites, Water Toys, Sports Activity Toys, Vehicles, Infant/Pre-School, Plush, Construction Toys, Electronics, Dolls, Dress-Up, Role Play, and Pet Toys and Accessories, sold under various proprietary brands including JAKKS Pacific, Play Along, Flying Colors, Creative Designs International, Road Champs, Child Guidance, Pentech, Funnoodle, Go Fly a Kite, Color... (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Useless Knowledge: You think you know Evel? Jul 24, 2009
company that released Evel Knievel toys and action figures in the 1970s. 11. (Montana Standard, MT)
Toy makers, retailers get big boost from movie biz Jul 19, 2009
They draft off studios' multimillion-dollar movie-marketing campaigns to spur interest in action figures, building sets, video games and other items with a cinematic tie-in. "We definitely feel like customers are responding to entertainment-driven merchandise," said Laura Phillips, vice president of toys in the U.S. for Wal-Mart Stores Inc.. (Daytona Beach News Journal -- Business)
'Transformers' lover's fan art launches him to big-screen glory Jul 18, 2009
The action figures landed on Earth decades ago from their home planet of Cybertron as the brainchild of Japanese toy company Takara, under the monikers Diaclone and Microman. They were bought by America's own Hasbro -- of Mr. Potato Head fame -- in the mid-1980's, when they were rebranded as Transformers and given their rich back story. (News & Observer)
Hasbro Showcases Top Entertainment Properties at San Diego Comic-Con Jul 18, 2009
The line features dozens of action figures, vehicles and playsets that long time G.I. JOE fans and a new generation of kids will want to add to their collection ... As the master toy licensee for Marvels incredible library of Super Hero properties, Hasbro is thrilled to display its highly anticipated toys and action figures for 2009 from its SPIDER-MAN, IRON MAN, WOLVERINE, MARVEL UNIVERSE and SUPER HERO SQUAD toy lines ... While recreating your favorite STAR WARS scenes with Hasbro action... (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
More than meets the eye Jun 25, 2009
and back again in less time than it takes Homo sapiens to pry open the package on one of those selfsame Hasbro action figures. And thus begins "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen," a well-oiled, loudly revving summer action vehicle that does all that's required, and then some, within the confines of PG-13: It cracks genitalia jokes, messes around with toys and blows stuff up. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Entertainment)
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen Review Jun 24, 2009
"Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen" Review - TIME (Time.com)
Sweepstakes: 'Transformers 2' Movie Prizes Jun 20, 2009
The Sweepstakes One Grand-prize winner will be selected at random to receive a Bumblebee Voice Mixer Helmet; a Bumblebee Plasma Cannon Arm Blaster; a Leader Class Optimus Prime action figure, a Leader Class Megatron action figure; two action figures from the following assortment: Voyager Class Optimus Prime, Starscream, Demolisher or Ironhide; and a Human Alliance Bumblebee with Sam Witwicky action figure. Hasbro ImagesThe grand-prize package in our Hasbro "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen"... (KCRA 3, CA)
Farewell Paddington Bear May 30, 2009
Theres a huge kid factor in my brain that still loves action figures, games, and silly things in general. One of my friends and I used to go to FAO Schwarz in San Francisco all the time. (Seacoast New Hampshire)
ED ASNER Q&A May 25, 2009
Well, I don't know about "beloved." They won't have action figures to cuddle. People who hadn't seen "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" or "Lou Grant" didn't know who the hell I was. (New York Post -- Entertainment)
'Up' And Away! May 24, 2009
But that's fine with "Up" director Pete Docter, who considers 78-year-old grump Carl Fredricksen the perfect protagonist for the film - even if he doesn't sell a lot of action figures. Fredricksen was inspired by New Yorker cartoonist George Booth's characters and cinema's classic grumpy old men, with a get-off-my-lawn vibe that brings to mind vintage Walter Matthau. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Entertainment)
Jackman: Action Figures Like Voodoo Dolls May 7, 2009
Star Trek' Fans of the "Star Trek" universe will want to beam themselves into the new movie products from Playmates Toys, which have produced a slew of action figures and play sets, and role-playing toys and the Enterprise ship -- each with sounds and dialogue taken directly from the new movie. In stores already, the action figures come in 3 ;-inch, 6-inch and 12-inch scale ... Much like it did with its "Star Trek" line, Playmates Toys has produced action figures in three sizes of action... (KIRO TV, WA)
Collegiate figures expand toy maker's base May 4, 2009
Collegiate action figures expand toy maker's base ... Collegiate action figures expand toy maker's base ... Arizona toy maker and "Spawn" comic-book creator Todd McFarlane recently received licensing to produce chiseled-featured action figures in the likenesses of professional football players wearing their collegiate uniforms. (AZCentral -- Business)
'Liberal indoctrination' Apr 28, 2009
Dad to 3 teenage girls wrote on Apr 27, 2009 11:53 AM:" If you are really, really that concerned about the H O M O S E X U A L agenda indoctrinating our children, you need to start way before the little ones enter school. Take a look at all the cereal boxes with homo erotic graphics. (Everyone knows Captain Crunch has homo desires.) Browse through a toy store and examine the homo erotic dolls, I mean action figures. Time to start a "boy"cot against HOMO toys and overt graphics. ". Dr. Kraig Wroe... (Sioux City Journal)
TV: 'Big Bang' comes with toys Apr 28, 2009
"Set designers say they comb comic book stores, eBay -- wherever -- to get the figurines, models and books.The craftsmanship is incredible, says Johnny Galecki, who plays Leonard. "The female action figures are very different now than when I was a child. "The show's graduate-level conversations are pretty accurate, too. Executive Producer Bill Prady says staffers are well-versed in pop culture; Dr. David Saltzberg, a professor of astrophysics at the University of California at Los Angeles,... (Sioux City Journal)
Trash or Treasure? Apr 19, 2009
All that stuff cluttering up your closets, attic, and garage -- those little knick-knacks, such as old dolls, baseball cards, comic books or action figures, might be more than just junk ... Like action figures, the real value in comic books is in the stories ... But, like the action figures, condition does matter. (CBS News -- Early Show)
Kmart Ushers in Season 2 of Bakugan Battle Brawlers with Nationwide Bakugan Collector's Events Apr 10, 2009
Bakugan is the first collectible trading card game that is combined with collectable transforming action figures ... This spring marks the launch of Season 2: New Vestroia of the hit TV show Bakugan Battle Brawlers - and its new line up of Bakugan action figures and gaming accessories. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
'Heaven is a better place': Crowd packs Jack and Duncan's funeral Apr 4, 2009
One of several small tables set up around the church was covered with Batman toys and other action figures Jack enjoyed. Many people hugged their children and cried during Woolridges recitation of a 15-stanza poem titled My Best Friend. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Small bookstoresenjoying unchained success Apr 2, 2009
The gift annex that Booksmith opened in a former storage room carries greeting cards, Sigmund Freud action figures, and battery-operated twirling forks for spaghetti. A Used Book Cellar offers a Dick Francis mystery for $3. (Boston Globe)
Service greatest asset of local businesses Mar 27, 2009
Children learn while they play, she says, whether they are amusing themselves with expensive wooden trains or plastic action figures. She prefers kid-power to battery-power. (Easton Journal, MA)
Game on for UK developers Mar 24, 2009
" Every time LittleBigPlanet is fired up new levels built by the community will be ready to play. Alex Evans said soon after releasing the LBP beta it was stumbling across the first user-created levels that were better than the ones designed by the professionals. LittleBigPlanet has big potential. Right now it is just a game but the firm, with Sony, are in talks to turn it into a franchise that could mean spin offs including comics, cartoons, and action figures as well as a publishing platform... (BBC News -- Technology)
* [TRAVEL] Back to the future in Ilan Mar 19, 2009
To my mind, they compared poorly in terms of interest to the cheap Transformer action figures and plastic whistles that cluttered the grocery store. The exhibition runs until April 19. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
It's a bird! It's a plane! It's Venezuela's Heroes! Mar 12, 2009
Inspired by socialist President Hugo Chavez, a father and daughter are hoping to launch a line of action figures from Venezuela's history to counter the popularity of "imperialist" American superheroes like Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman. Joyce Parra and her father, Angel, have drafted drawings for action figures they call "Venezuela's Heroes," including independence icons Simon Bolivar and Francisco de Miranda, as well as Antonio Jose de Sucre, a general who helped Bolivar free Venezuela... (AZCentral -- News)
Sienna Miller Describes 'Really Good Girl Fight' In 'G.I. Joe: Rise Of Cobra' Mar 11, 2009
We'll give you one guess which film plans to make action figures that resemble the 27-year-old beauty. "I don't think anyone, anywhere would be playing with them," she laughed when imagining a toy line for "The Edge of Love," which casts her alongside Keira Knightley. (VHI.com -- Music News)
The key to saving Lego was about... Mar 2, 2009
They are ferociously hard to put together, even for adults, but once assembled they will fight like action figures. Lego is determined to keep production in Europe. (New York Post -- Business)
* Taipeis underground gaming heaven Feb 28, 2009
The shop also carries several Figma toys for NT$599 to NT$980; the action figures feature switchable faceplates and other accessories. Hot Dog Toyz has plenty of eye candy for urban vinyl fans. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Business)
Please Play With the Toys Feb 19, 2009
The National Entertainment Collectibles Association offers action figures from your favorite cult classic movies like Saw, Chucky, House of 1000 Corpses and Twilight. It also offers prop replicas, like the mask and machete from Friday the 13th. (Fox News)
Rise of Cobra Action Figures Feb 18, 2009
SECTIONS CHANNELS ; GET GAMES. Hey Joe, what do you know. (IGN FilmForce)
Bandai America Introduces Hottest Toy Trends for Boys and Girls of All Ages in 2009 at American International Toy Fair in New York Feb 16, 2009
For the First Time, Bandai Unveils its Popular Action Figures, Active Role-Play Products and Japanese-Inspired Handheld Toys at the Javits Center. NEW YORK, Feb. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Kicking off the 2009 American International Toy Fair in New York, Bandai America will unveil its exciting Fall 2009 lineup of new toys for boys and girls of all ages. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
G.I. Joe Preview Feb 16, 2009
Though the game is officially tied to the upcoming movie, the developer's inspiration extends through the entire franchise, so the game will feature content from the comics, action figures, and cartoons. In fact, a large part of the story here is drawn from one of the larger arcs from the beloved cartoon series. (IGN PS2)
Twentieth Century Fox Licensing & Merchandising Taps Mattel as Master Toy Licensee for James Cameron's "Avatar" Feb 14, 2009
Full Line of Action Figures and Vehicles Based on One of the Years Most Anticipated Films to Hit Shelves October 2009 ... Tapped as master toy licensee for the epic sci-fi film property, Mattel will create a line of action figures and vehicles scheduled to hit retail nationwide in October 2009, months in advance of the films release in December 2009 ... Utilizing a computers webcam, consumers can scan the web tag, unlocking special content unique to the product, like... (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Mega Brands dons Halo to capture tween market Feb 8, 2009
Although movies, television shows and comic books continue to produce characters that lend themselves to action figures, building-block sets and other toy licensing deals, video games are becoming an increasingly popular source of intellectual property for manufacturers looking to catch the next hot toy trend ... Microsoft has an existing Halo licensing deal with McFarlane Toys a U.S. company founded by Todd McFarlane, the Canadian-born creator of the Spawn comic book series which specializes in... (Globe and Mail -- Technology)
