Raving Toy Maniac

September 2013 - Every day, I check the log files on the site, and among other things, I get to see what people are searching for on our site. Recently, there have been multiple searches every day for "rainbow loom," I feel bad for you folks that I don't have anything to post about Rainbow Looms.

Here are a few links that Google shows me when I search there for Rainbow Loom:

- Rainbow Loom - the official site - they also have a page full of instructional videos for making different designs. You can buy the Rainbow Loom kit and refill packs on their site.

Dolphin Entertainment, Mattel To Develop, Produce "Max Steel," Open Road Films To Distribute For Wide Theatrical Release

HOLLYWOOD, Calif., Sept. 4, 2013 -- Dolphin Entertainment, Inc. and Mattel, Inc., have partnered to develop the live-action, feature-length film "Max Steel" based on Mattel's franchise property of the same name. The film will be produced by Dolphin Films, a newly-formed subsidiary of Dolphin Entertainment. Open Road Films will distribute "Max Steel" in the U.S. as the first of a multi-picture agreement with Dolphin Films. The film will be given a wide release in theaters in the fourth quarter of 2014.

"Today marks the beginning of an exciting new relationship between Dolphin Entertainment and Mattel, two companies that have consistently worked to delight and entertain children all over the world," said Bill O'Dowd, CEO, Dolphin Entertainment. "We couldn't think of a better property to kick off Dolphin's feature film division than Max Steel, which tells a story of the power of friendship and teamwork, with a heavy dose of humor – all qualities we hope to bring to our partnership with the Mattel team."

September 6, 2013 - (Sponsor Announcement) - Online retailer BigBadToyStore.com has several items of interest to collectors:

Hi - Here are some great new preorders we have just listed:

MP-13B Masterpiece Soundblaster with Ratbat - $159.99
http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/product.aspx?product=TAK11765&mode=re...

Assassins Creed III Play Arts Kai - Connor Davenport
http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/product.aspx?product=SEP10456&mode=re...

Assassins Creed IV Play Arts Kai - Edward Kenway
http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/product.aspx?product=SEP10457&mode=re...

MP-12G Masterpiece G2 Sideswipe
http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/product.aspx?product=TAK11726&mode=re...

TG30 - Waspinator
http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/product.aspx?product=TAK11766&mode=re...

TG31 - Rhinox
http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/product.aspx?product=TAK11767&mode=re...

Sideshow Security Battle Droids 12" Figure Set

September 5, 2013 - (Sponsor Announcement) - Online retailer BigBadToyStore.com has several items of interest to collectors:

BBTS End of Summer Sale!
We've reduced prices by 15% to 50% on over 5,000 items! Take a look at the huge sale menus, there are tons of Transformers, Star Wars, Marvel, DC, GI Joe, Anime, Statues, Props, T-Shirts, Trinkets, Stand-Ups, Imports, Movie Figures and much much more!
http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/list.aspx?list=13719

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NEW PRE-ORDERS
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AVENGERS NOW HULK 1/10 SCALE ARTFX+ STATUE
Kotobukiya is starting a new line of Avengers 1/10 scale statues, and the Hulk is first out of the gate. He stands almost 10" tall and is priced at $59.99, $5 off the MSRP. He will be followed by the rest of the movie Avengers - Hawkeye, Black Widow, Captain America, Iron Man, and Thor.
http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/product.aspx?product=KOT11145&mode=re...

FRANKENSTEIN 16" STATUE

September 2013 - CustomCon 36 has been scheduled for the week of December 9, 2013, to be held on ActionFigurePics.com. The entry deadline is Friday, November 29, 2013.

Please check AFP's CustomCon page to learn more about submitting your custom action figures.

Take a look back at the previous CustomCon events.

September 4, 2013 - (Sponsor Announcement) - Online retailer BigBadToyStore.com has several items of interest to collectors:

BBTS End of Summer Sale!
We've reduced prices by 15% to 50% on over 5,000 items! Take a look at the huge sale menus, there are tons of Transformers, Star Wars, Marvel, DC, GI Joe, Anime, Statues, Props, T-Shirts, Trinkets, Stand-Ups, Imports, Movie Figures and much much more!
http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/list.aspx?list=13719

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NEW PRE-ORDERS
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ALIEN REACTION 3.75" - FIGURE CASE, SET, SINGLE
This line is done in the style of Kenner's late 70's figures. The Case of 20 includes 8 of the "Big Chap" Alien and three each of Ripley, Ash, Dallas and Kane in Nostromo Spacesuit; it is priced at $229.99, $70 off the MSRP. We also have this assortment listed as a Set of 5 (one of each figure) at $64.99 ($10 off the MSRP), and singles are available of the "Big Chap" Alien at $14.99.

September 3, 2013 - It's a new month, so it is also time to check Target's printable coupons and Cartwheel app for new deals!

The printable coupons offer four coupon in the toys category:

• 20% select Hasbro games
• buy one, get one 50% off B-Daman toys
• buy one, get one 50% off Beyblade toys
• 20% off a Disney's Sofia the First toy

Their Cartwheel has 14 toy deals available, including these deals of interest to action figure collectors:

• 50% off Power Ghouls Spectra Monster High Doll
• 50% off Power Ghouls Clawdeen Wolf Monster High Doll
• 10% off Playskool Heroes Hulk Smash toys

If you don't have a smartphone to use the Cartwheel app, you can log in via Facebook and print out a code to hand to the cashier and still get the same deals. We've used the Cartwheel printout three times now and have saved a whopping $5.68, which was enough to pay for the clearance Roadblock action figure shown above.

September 2013 - We are now SOLD OUT of Shield of Draumm (Hippo) action figures from the Four Horsemen's FANtastic Exclusive project. We still have a fair amount of Raavia the red tiger action figures available. You can find them on our eCrater storefront.

August 30, 2013 - Do you have a few extra minutes? Good, because there are a few contests you might want to enter:

- Diamond Comics is giving away oodles of Minimates in their ToyChestNews's Massive Minimates Giveaway. To enter you just need to be subscribed to their ToyChestnews.com email newsletter. Contest ends September 27th. (Thanks to Tim of Mellow Blue Planet for letting us know about this one!)

- Sideshow Collectibles is giving away a set of three J.Scott Campbell Spider-Man Comiquettes. Enter by September 15th.

- Sideshow Collectibles is also giving away a StarCraft II Raynor 1:6 figure. (Check back if the link isn't working - they sent out an email about the contest, but the first time I checked it, the link was not working.)

August 2013 - Funko has announced two new Wacky Wobblers figures based on Thor: The Dark World.

Expect to see Thor and Loki wobble in to stores in late September.