* An art exhibit fills the streets Jul 23, 2008
Wang Chung-kuns () sound and movement sculpture pays tribute to the silversmiths behind the accessory store Koolook, while Lin Tai-fongs (Ly) traditional Taiwanese playing cards, with their depictions of betel nut girls, glorifies Hot Dog Toyz, a store specializing in capsule toys, action figures and collectables. PHOTO COURTESY OF FUBON ART FOUNDATION. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Hasbro Sets Sights on Next Generation of Star Wars(TM) Fans with Toy Line Based on Animated Star Wars: The Clone Wars Jul 23, 2008
Star Wars fans can now collect action figures depicting soon-to-be-favorite characters featured in the STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS. In 2008, a total of 28 different action figures will be launched ... The new STAR WARS MILLENNIUM FALCON is approximately 30 percent larger than the original version and includes authentic electronic lights and sounds and can accommodate up to 18 action figures (includes 2 figures, other figures sold separately) ... Join the droid assembly line and build... (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Daily Briefing Jul 22, 2008
Hasbro Inc., maker of Star Wars and Indiana Jones action figures, said Monday that it will raise prices for a second time this year to counter the higher costs of making the toys. A "mid-single-digit" percentage price increase will go into effect Sept. 1 even after second-quarter revenue exceeded analysts' estimates, the Rhode Island-based company said on a conference call. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Business)
Lewis: The ACTION 5! Jul 17, 2008
" Incorporating elements of (and often spoofing) pop culture gems like "The Adventures of Pete " "TinTin," "Jonny Quest" and various teen dramas, the show is fresh, fun and an all-around good time. Geez, that sure is something I never thought I would say about a show on ABC Family. The show airs at 10 p.m. Mondays on ABC Family. More info at Ryan Lewis 3 Hulk Limited Edition Fin Fang Boom Build-A-Figure Series Marvel Legends Toys If you have any idea what the title of this Action item means,... (Athens Banner-Herald)
Bale Doesn't Toy With Batman's Image Jul 16, 2008
Among Mattel's Batman toys is a "Movie Masters" line of action figures which includes versions of Batman with his mask on and off (as Bale's big-screen alter-ego, Bruce Wayne). "I really don't ever look at them as me, I truly don't," Bale said in an @ The Movies interview. (Click2Houston, TX)
Air Travel with Small Children Jul 8, 2008
Bring along time-consuming toys such as coloring books, action figures and dolls, and Play-Doh. Wrap them up like gifts and when the kids are getting antsy ask who would like to open a present. (Suite101.com)
Wall-E is Hollywood's new star, so why is he causing an eco row? Jul 6, 2008
In the coming weeks, expect to see Wall-E action figures, Wall-E sweets, Wall-E greetings cards, Wall-E puzzles, Wall-E video games and Wall-E shoes that leave tracks like the robot's caterpillar treads ... Vivid Imaginations, a British toys and games distributor, has put out Wall-E action figures, deluxe action figures and a 'transforming' action figure, as well as a 'trailer playset' for 27. (The Observer)
Situation dire for North Pole residents Jun 29, 2008
Toys not making the cut for either gender- Purple Teletubbies, Underoos, Brokeback Action Figures, and Judy Garland s Greatest Hits CD. Of course we will no longer need ice skates. (Note: If your boy asks for anything on the girls list, get him in the shower quick. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
Area convention brings out nostalgia from G.I. Joe collectors Jun 28, 2008
And with this weekend s National G.I. Joe Convention in Frisco, she even assisted in getting his collection together, which includes creating a diorama, a theme depicted by action figures to illustrate a moment in time. I married a wonderful wife, Garcia said. (McKinney Courier-Gazette, TX)
New Japanese toys arent just for the kids Jun 20, 2008
Bruno Van Speybroeck, chief operating officer for Upper Deck Europe, said his eye was caught by Hot Toys, a Hong-Kong-based company that makes high-end action figures from movies such as Batman, Pirates of the Caribbean and Alien. Targeting adults and collectors, the company said its replicas are making inroads with finicky Japanese consumers, who typically dismiss foreign toys as inferior. (MSNBC -- Business)
FDA official says baby bottles with bisphenol A safe Jun 11, 2008
Covered in action figures. Unpaid bills. (Hanford Sentinal, CA)
Close encounters with death Jun 8, 2008
He has a lot of action figures. He collects toys, lists Pace. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
Kmart Partners with Universal Pictures, Marvel Entertainment and Burger King for an 'INCREDIBLE' Father's Day Jun 7, 2008
Marvel utilizes its character franchises in licensing, entertainment (via Marvel Studios) and publishing (via Marvel Comics), with emphasis on feature films, television, DVD, consumer products, video games, action figures, role-playing toys and promotions. Marvel's strategy is to leverage its franchises in a growing array of opportunities around the world. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Survey: Half of Canadians Ashamed of Household Clutter, But One-Third Still Can't Resist Collecting Curbside Freebies May 29, 2008
"From iconic toys like Star Wars action figures, to hockey cards, family heirlooms and pre-1960 postcards, checking what these items are selling for on eBay can mean the difference between selling them for next to nothing at a garage sale, or collecting a premium price from an avid collector - who could live in any one of eBay's 38 markets around the globe," says Harry Rinker, professional appraiser and eBay Canada's "Collector Inspector". "Why stash it, when you can cash it?" Cashing in on... (Canada Newswire)
It's no longer enough to just be a toy May 22, 2008
A movie based on Hasbro's long-ignored G.I. Joe action figures is also scheduled for next summer. Hasbro also has deals with Universal to make four movies based on Hasbro games and toys and with video game publisher Electronic Arts Inc., giving it exclusive rights to create digital games based on Hasbro's products. (Globe and Mail -- Business)
Cold storage May 16, 2008
Really, how can I part with the Bob MacKenzie action figures. What am I to do with the talking Crocodile Hunter action figure given to me by a former roommate. (Daily Iowan, IA)
Win 'Indiana Jones' Movie Prizes May 16, 2008
75-inch tall action figures, an Adventure Heroes two-pack and The Game of Life: Indiana Jones Edition. The first-prize winner will be selected at random to receive an Indiana Jones Sound FX Whip, a 3. (Click2Houston, TX)
Ledger's Joker Figurine Flies Off Shelves May 13, 2008
-- Batman fans and collectors raided toy store shelves Monday, snatching up Heath Ledger's "The Joker" action figures ... But the action figures can be found on Internet for those willing to pay a marked-up price ... com selling Joker action figures. (KCRA 3, CA)
'Iron Man' beats 'Speed Racer' to box-office finish line May 12, 2008
had launched the largest movie-related toy release in Mattel's history, with more than 1,500 cars, action figures and racetracks to promote the film. "On Monday, we'll dissect what happened," Fellman says. (USA Today)
Heath Ledger's Joker Action Figures Sell Out in Minutes May 10, 2008
in print and online, 24/7 for free, select the Clean Sweep option. Unable to submit Real Estate, Services, and Business Investements at this time. (Hanford Sentinal, CA)
'Speed Racer' opening on a crowded track May 9, 2008
" He plays a young racing fiend fighting to save his family's business from a takeover by an evil automotive magnate.Warner had planned to open the film Memorial Day but pushed up the release by two weeks when Paramount Pictures plopped on the date. Some question why Warner didn't move again once "Iron Man's" buzz built. "I didn't have any concerns, and I still don't," Feldman said.Warner Bros. President Alan Horn and his top creative lieutenant, Jeff Robinov, say they too are confident that... (Los Angeles Times)
Fans Clamoring For Heath Ledger Joker Toy May 8, 2008
However, Toys R Us spokesman Bob Friedland tried to downplay the shortage saying the stores get "Dark Knight" action figures "on a regular basis.". A Mattel spokeswoman told the Post that the figures were delivered to some stores a week ago, and others are still awaiting their shipments. (Click2Houston, TX)
'Terminator' guns for kid-friendly rating May 5, 2008
A family-friendly rating opens many doors, including a "Terminator Salvation" licensing deal for action figures with Playmates Toys. "Our merchandising program will be the largest to date for 'The Terminator,' " said Halcyon co-founder and co-CEO Derek Anderson, ex-owner of ad agency In the Mix, who adds that he had not discussed the possibility of an R-rating with Warners. (Variety)
Summer film formula: Youth must be served May 3, 2008
Already in stores are a line of Hasbro Iron Man toys from action figures to weapons such as the 425 Blaster. There are a slew of upcoming movie-related video games, including Speed Racer (being released Tuesday). (San Diego Union-Tribune)
Kid tech takes off May 2, 2008
I had my books, Star Wars action figures (no dolls for this girl, ever), some stuffed animals, a Sesame Street playhouse block and a Beta video recorder (I fiddled around with that). advertisement. (MSNBC -- Technology)
Budget cuts boost Boston Scientific Apr 22, 2008
Hasbro Inc., the world's second-largest toymaker, posted an unexpected increase in first-quarter profit on sales of Transformers action figures and Littlest Pet Shop dolls. Hasbro gained the most since 2001 in New York Stock Exchange composite trading. (Boston Globe)
Supreme Court refuses to hear Exxon appeal to $112 million fine Apr 22, 2008
Mattel, the world's largest toymaker, posted its first quarterly loss in almost three years on higher manufacturing costs in China, while Hasbro's profit unexpectedly rose on sales of Transformers action figures. Shares of Mattel dropped $1. (International Herald Tribune -- Business)
Hasbro Bests Mattel in Slow Post-Holiday Quarter Apr 22, 2008
The DVD release of the "Transformers" movie has extended the sales boom for the action figures and other licensed products, and Hasbro's other movie deals, including a sequel to the Michael Bay robot epic, will sustain momentum ... "This was a company that was board games and boys action figures," says Whitfield, "and every year, you couldn't figure out what boys' action toy would be hot.". (SmartMoney)
Today's Entrepreneur: Toy titan behind Furby unites fun, work Apr 14, 2008
"I said, 'Are you nuts? We don't do action figures,' " says Rosenberg, who is chief marketing officer ... Among all toy sales, action figures produced the biggest sales increase in 2007. (USA Today -- Money)
At Capitol, A Battle Over Toy Safety Apr 9, 2008
The appropriations committee, which writes the General Assembly's budget, last week endorsed one bill that would sharply reduce allowable levels of lead and also phase out two chemicals used as plastics additives in children's toys and other products, potentially affecting a long list of products from rubber ducks and action figures to bibs and baby bottles. But there are other versions in play, and where the legislature will eventually land remains unclear. (FOX61, CT)
Star Wars: Force Unleashed dated Apr 5, 2008
Not content with leaving no console format untouched, LucasArts is putting a blockbuster-movie-sized promotional push behind the game, with a full line of Hasbro toys and action figures, and no less than four book publishing partners. Make no mistake, Mr Lucas is betting the farm on this one. (Eurogamer)
Force Unleashed Apr 4, 2008
IGN: The Force Will Be Unleashed on September 16. The Force Will Be Unleashed on September 16. (IGN PS2)
Star Wars Action Figure Prints : Can't afford the priceless classic figurines? B... Mar 30, 2008
March 28, 2008 - Though it's not a hobby we'd spend our money on, we can appreciate why some hardcore Star Wars fans have made collecting the original action figures such a big deal ... For just $80, fans of vintage Star Wars action figures can now of said figures, a deal the likes of which has not been seen outside of Wato's emporium on Mos Eisley ... Peeps who settle for a poster of such action figures, however, really may be destined for celibacy. (IGN Gear)
The Number One Fighting Videogame Franchise Returns to the Virtual Ring with WWE(R) SmackDown(R) vs. Raw(R) 2009 Mar 29, 2008
The product categories include: 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. The products are sold under various brand names including JAKKS Pacific, Play Along, Flying Colors, Creative Designs International, Road Champs, Child Guidance, Pentech, Trendmasters, Toymax,... (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Consumer Alert: Magnetic Toy Recall Mar 26, 2008
3 million MagnaMan magnetic action figures ... No incidents involving magnets from the action figures have been reported. (KLAS-TV)
News highlights Mar 22, 2008
3 million MagnaMan magnetic action figures. The company and commission have received 25 reports of magnets falling out, but no injuries have been reported. (OregonLive, OR -- Business)
Timing couldn't be worse for Mega Brands Mar 22, 2008
The latest recall by Canada's largest toy company, announced Monday, involves its Magtastik preschool toys and Magna-Man action figures. It said late Tuesday that this week's recall, combined with a recall two years ago of its Magnetix line of products, will likely produce a total hit of $30-million in charges when it reports its fourth-quarter financial results at the end of the month. (Globe and Mail)
First look: 'G.I. Joe' aims to bridge eras of toy, TV fans Mar 21, 2008
The franchise was relaunched in the '80s with smaller action figures, new heroes featured in comic books and a popular after-school cartoon. Transformers producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura also is overseeing this project. (USA Today -- Life)
UPDATE 1-Mega Brands stock sags on $30 mln recall charge Mar 20, 2008
3 million MagnaMan action figures are being recalled because they include magnets that can detach and are hazardous if swallowed or inhaled by young children. If multiple magnets are swallowed they can attract each other and cause intestinal tears or blockages, which can be fatal. (Reuters)
Mega Brands to take $30-million charge Mar 19, 2008
4 million units covers MagnaMan action figures and Magtastik and Magnetix Jr. pre-school toys. Unlike the two recalls in 2006 and 2007 of Magnetix construction sets, the Magtastik and Magnetix Jr. pre-school toys were designed by Mega Brands. (Globe and Mail -- Business)
Mega Brands issues new toy recall Mar 19, 2008
But the action figures and pre-school toys recalled yesterday were designed before the 2006 recall, and still contain magnets that could come loose and be a choking hazard ... The 500,000-toy recall announced by Mega Brands yesterday covered MagnaMan Action Figures and Magtastik and Magnetix Jr. Pre-School magnetic toys. (Globe and Mail)
2.4 million toys recalled for risk of internal damage Mar 18, 2008
CPSC announces voluntary action with MagnaMan Magnetic action figures ... 3 million MagnaMan magnetic action figures ... No incidents involving magnets from the action figures have been reported. (MSNBC -- Health)
2.4 million more dangerous toys recalled Mar 18, 2008
In December 2006, a consumer complained to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission that magnets could come loose from Mega Brands Magna-Man action figures, one of the toys recalled, according to government records. And last May a Tribune report, which featured an account of a magnet popping out of one of those action figures, questioned whether the company's earlier Magnetix recalls covered all of the potentially hazardous toys in the line ... 3 million Magna-Man action figures and 1. (FOX59, IN)
Magnet Toys Recalled Over Safety Fears Mar 18, 2008
4 million of the Chinese-made action figures had been withdrawn from sale worldwide. A company spokesman said production of the MagnaMan and Magtastik toys had been halted following safety concerns. (Sky News)
Attack of the Kids: Upfront Playdate Looks Promising Mar 18, 2008
Action figures helped take some of the sting out, as sales grew 8 percent in 2007 ... Both the network and toymaker Bandai American are anticipating a huge hit with the Ben 10 sequel; in fact, Bandai already introduced the series' line of action figures a month ago at the American International Toy Fair. (MediaWeek.com)
Another Toy Recall Mar 18, 2008
3 million MagnaMan magnetic action figures. Stores where the toys were sold include Wal-Mart, Target, Toys "R" Us and Kmart between January 2005 and December 2007. (WTVR.com, VA)
Mega Brands Plummets After Announcing Recall of 2.4 Million Magnetic Toys Mar 18, 2008
The MagnaMan Action Figures and Magtastik and Magnetix Jr. Pre-School Magnetic Toys contain magnets that can detach and be swallowed by children, Mega Brands said today in a statement. The company said it is cooperating with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in the voluntary recall. (Bloomberg -- Canada)
Toys Boys Want This Easter - Bakugan Battle Brawlers Mar 18, 2008
From the Japanese words "baku" meaning "to explode" and "gan" meaning "sphere", Bakugan Battle Brawlers is a collectible action strategy game featuring more than 100 different transforming marbles that pop into powerful monster action figures when strategically rolled onto game cards ... Available at all major retailers, Bakugan Battle Brawlers come in a variety pack sizes, with accessories including a Wrist Launcher, Battle Arena, and 2" Action Figures, all ranging from $4.99-$29.99.About Spin... (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Andy StaplesINSIDE RECRUITING Mar 15, 2008
carved a pair Pryor action figures and gave one to the quarterback. The 6 -inch figures feature Pryor in his Jeannette football uniform and are similar to McFarlane Toys Sportspicks figures, Main told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review last week. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- NCAA Football)
Win 'Iron Man' Movie Prizes Mar 15, 2008
One grand-prize winner will be selected at random to receive an Iron Man N.R.F. 425 Blaster, an Iron Man Mask and Gauntlet Set, a Repulsor-Power Iron Man action figure and assortment of four 6-inch Iron Man movie action figures. One first-prize winner will be selected at random to receive an Iron Man N.R.F. 425 Blaster, an Iron Man Mask and Gauntlet Set and an assortment of two 6-inch Iron Man movie action figures ... One runner-up will be selected at random to receive an Iron Man Mask and... (Click2Houston, TX)
Universal Pictures, Marvel Studios and Mtv Networks Present an Exclusive First Look at Teaser Trailer for 'the Incredible Hulk' in Multi-Network 'Roadblock' Wednesday, March 12 Mar 8, 2008
Areas of emphasis include feature films, DVD/home video, consumer products, video games, action figures and role-playing toys, television and promotions. Rooted in the creative success of over sixty years of comic book publishing, Marvel's strategy is to leverage its character franchises in a growing array of opportunities around the world. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
4 Toy Stocks Cheaper Than LeapFrog Mar 5, 2008
JAKKS Pacific (Nasdaq: JAKK)There aren't too many gray clouds around JAKKS. OK, so maybe its license for World Wrestling Entertainment (NYSE: WWE) action figures is being tag-teamed over to larger rival Mattel (NYSE: MAT) in a couple of years. That gives the company plenty of time to milk the grapplers as it inks new deals. (MSNBC -- Business)
'G.I. Joe' Executive Producer Reveals Details About The Flick ... And The Action Figures! Mar 3, 2008
And The Action Figures ... And The Action Figures ... fueled by 3 3/4-inch action figures. (VHI.com -- Music News)
Surviving SF Conventions Feb 28, 2008
Dealers Room - a marketplace for books, costume pieces, jewelry, tie-in merchandise like toys and action figures, and just about anything else imaginable. Art Show - a gallery of works by participating artists, many of which will be available for auction. (Suite101.com)
Cabbage Patch comeback Feb 27, 2008
The toy maker has created action figures, a castle play set with more than 15 features, lights and sounds, and dress-up body armor. . (AZCentral -- Entertainment)
EA's Game-Making Play for Take-Two Feb 26, 2008
Riccitiello believes EA may one day even go so far as to give away many of its games for free, making its money off action figures and other licensing deals the same way that George Lucas did with the. Star Wars. (BusinessWeek)
Fun and Games at the Toy Fair Feb 24, 2008
Companies big and small showcased their products, which included a multitude of new games, gadgets, action figures, dolls, plush creatures, craft kits, and more. From the most life-like Elmo yet to a Hulk that does the hokey pokey (guess he wasn't that stressed when he morphed into monster form), here's a look at just some of the fun toys, games, and gadgets we'll be seeing in 2008. (Time.com)
Cabbage Patch comeback kids Feb 23, 2008
The toy maker has created action figures, a castle play set with more than 15 features, lights and sounds, and dress-up body armor. Jaclyn Giovis can be reached at 954-356-4668 or jmgiovis@sun-sentinel. (Q13.com, WA)
'Dark Knight,' 'Indiana Jones' Secrets Revealed At 2008 Toy Fair Feb 21, 2008
Action figures for Harrison Ford, Shia LaBeouf and Cate Blanchett's characters were also on display, along with a new Mr. Potato Head doll, branded "Taters of the Lost Ark" and featuring the classic fedora and whip ... Marvel Comics made its presence known at Hasbro's two-story showroom, with one large display split between and Under the watchful eyes of massive statues of both characters, an extensive collection of action figures and vehicles were packed into the exhibit ... The parade of... (VHI.com -- Music News)
JAKKS Pacific(R) Reports Fourth Quarter and Year-End Results for 2007 Feb 20, 2008
We had a more robust fourth quarter than expected, driven by strong sales of our Disney toys, action figures and Plug It In & Play electronic game products, as well as our video game joint venture ... mon action figures, Puppy in My Pocket and Nickelodeon toys, and other new electronic product extensions ... The product categories include: Action Figures, Art Activity Kits, Stationery, Writing Instruments, Performance Kites, Water Toys, Sports Activity Toys, Vehicles, Infant/Pre-School,... (BusinessWire)
Toys-R-New at NYC show Feb 20, 2008
99), two sizes of action figures ($6. 99-$9. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Indiana Jones Feb 19, 2008
Action figures will consist of the 3 3/4-inch variety, like the company's Star Wars toys, 12-inchers, and much more. The first wave hits in May with Crystal Skull and Raiders, followed by Last Crusade in July and Temple of Doom in September. (IGN FilmForce)
The Incredible Hulk Feb 19, 2008
IGN: Toy Fair 08: Incredible Hulk Movie Action Figures ... Toy Fair 08: Incredible Hulk Movie Action Figures. (IGN FilmForce)
Birthday celebrates a boy's generosity Feb 19, 2008
Ruth says she'll find Samuel's action figures lined up throughout the house, ready to do battle. Samuel, who is a fan of Dr. Seuss books, showed me one of his favorite nonfiction tomes, "The Illustrated History of Weaponry" by Chuck Wills. (Fresno Bee -- Lifestyle)
The Hottest Toys for 2008 Revealed at 105th American International Toy Fair(R) Feb 18, 2008
Products include: action figures and dolls, games and puzzles, bicycles, tricycles and ride-ons, radio-controlled vehicles, infant and preschool toys, cars, trucks, and trains, puppets and plush, audio and video cassettes, computer software and video games, playground and sporting equipment, Halloween, Christmas, books, stationery, party supplies, and much more. For free video content of Toy Fair from the Toy Industry Association, please log on to to preview and request video. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)