Raving Toy Maniac

DreamWorks Animation Acquires IP For Trolls With Plans To Take Iconic Dolls' Brand (And Hair) To New Heights

American Girl Branding Vet Shawn Dennis Tapped to Head Trolls Global Franchise

GLENDALE, Calif., April 11, 2013 -- DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc. has acquired the IP for the iconic Troll franchise from the Dam Family and Dam Things of Denmark with plans to introduce the beloved brand to a new generation of fans around the world. In support of the brand's enormous global potential, DreamWorks Animation has named American Girl veteran Shawn Dennis as head of brand development to cultivate this classic franchise.

"Trolls is a brand with over fifty years of deep heritage and we are thrilled to bring this iconic, multi-generational property to DreamWorks Animation," said Chief Operating Officer Ann Daly. "We have big plans for this franchise and Shawn Dennis is uniquely suited to lead this charge. She helped grow the American Girl brand into a household name and by bringing this expertise to Trolls she will introduce these characters to legions of new fans around the world."

April 11, 2013 - Listed below are the toy (and child-related) recalls from this week; these links go to the official announcements on the Consumer Product Safety Commission web site.

- Carter’s Recalls Infant Clothing with Zippers Due to Choking Hazard

- Baby Socks Recalled by Trumpette Due to Choking Hazard

MCDONALD'S® BRINGS SKYLANDERS GIANTS TO HAPPY MEAL®

Nine Skylanders Giants-Themed Happy Meal Toys & $10 Coupon for Skylanders Giants

SANTA MONICA, Calif. - April 10, 2013 - Skylanders Giants Happy Meals arrive at McDonald's restaurants as Activision Publishing, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Activision Blizzard, Inc. (NASDAQ: ATVI), launches the company's first-ever partnership with McDonald's USA LLC, the nation's leading foodservice provider. In North America, the inaugural Skylanders Giants Happy Meal program will run from April 12 - May 2, while supplies last, and will rollout in other select countries later this year.

April 2013 - Funko has announced new Wackly Wobblers based on The Big Bang Theory. In this batch, the characters are dressed in Star Trek uniforms, with one in 36 to be given a special metallic paint variant.

Expect to see Sheldon, Leonard, Howard, and Raj in stores around May 2nd.

In Store April 10, 2013: Ghostbusters, Marvel, Star Trek, Star Wars, Alice and more!

April 10, 2013 - There's something strange (and awesome) in your neighborhood! It's another huge New Toy Day for Diamond Select Toys, with seven separate products winging their way to comic shops and specialty stores! Whether you prefer Klingons or Carbonite, fairy tales or Strange Tales, or have strong feelings either way on Jell-O, there's something waiting for you from DST! Find your local comic shop at http://comicshoplocator.com, and if they didn't get it in, see if you can order it!

Star Trek Electronic Klingon Disruptor

April 10, 2013 - (Sponsor Announcement) - Online retailer BigBadToyStore.com has several items of interest to collectors:

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NEW PRE-ORDERS
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NEW DC COLLECTIBLES

Mezco to Create Figures Based on the Batman Classic TV Series

New York, NY - April 09, 2013 - Mezco Toys is proud to partner with Warner Bros. Consumer Products, on behalf of DC Entertainment, to produce toys and vehicles based on the classic 1960's Batman Classic TV Series.

The Mez-Itz line will feature the likeness of the actors from the series such as Adam West and Burt Ward, famed for their iconic portrayals as the dynamic duo, Batman and Robin.

Mezco's Mez-Itz line will also debut the Batman Classic TV Series toys, including the Batmobile. While the Batmobile had appeared throughout the Batman comic books, the iteration designed by George Barris for the classic TV series was radically different and quickly became a fan favorite. Batman and Robin both fit in the Mez-Itz Batmobile, as do most other Mez-Itz figures.

The Cut by Carson Catlin x outsmART originals

April 2013 - Known for his intricately detailed carvings and artwork since 2004, most recently Carson Catlin has literally cut out a niche for himself in the designer art toy world. Using popular vinyl figures, unique shapes, colors and even threads Carson has created one-of-a-kind 'sculptural' customs. outsmART originals is pleased to introduce the first t-shirt designed by the artist using his iconic logo in his iconic patterned style.

Available for both men and women for $20.00 each and printed on ultra cotton tees (sizes SM-5XL) - this tee will be shipping soon. Choose your color: Classic White: http://nvy.gd/Y6XG7d or Cut Up Red: http://nvy.gd/12wYid8

AS A BONUS - preorder a tee by April 21st for a chance to win an original 7" Munny sculpture by the artist! Imagine winning one of these stellar creations - exclusively from Carson Catlin and outsmART originals.

http://outsmartoriginals.storenvy.com/

New Armors are Unveiled as the Final 'Iron Man 3' Minimates are Revealed!

April 2013 - With the movie's release date only a month away, Diamond Select has finally unveiled the remaining three figures from their assortment of "Iron Man 3" Minimates, and all three are new armors from Tony Stark's vast armory! These three figures will be exclusive to Toys "R" Us when they hit stores later this month, and will round out a full assortment that will be shared with comic shops, specialty stores and toysrus.com.

The three new Minimates include:
- Iron Man Mark 17 - Artillery Level RT Suit ("Heartbreaker" Armor)
- Iron Man Mark 33 - Enhanced Energy Suit ("Silver Centurion" Armor)
- Iron Man Mark 41 - Skeleton Suit ("Bones" Armor)

April 9, 2013 - (Sponsor Announcement) - Online retailer BigBadToyStore.com has several items of interest to collectors:

Kotobukiya - Fine Art Classic Avengers Hulk Statue
http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/product.aspx?product=KOT11076&mode=re...

Living Dead Dolls - Series 26 - Season of the Witch - Set and Singles
http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/search.aspx?search=living%20dead%20do...

Living Dead Dolls Presents Universal Monsters Series 02: Dracula
http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/product.aspx?product=MEZ10868&mode=re...

Star Trek KREO
http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/search.aspx?search=trek%20kreo

19 New Preorders from DC Collectibles:
http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/list.aspx?list=12466 = complete list

Individual Links:
Cover Girls of the DC Universe: Supergirl Statue (Version 2)
http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/product.aspx?product=DCC11621&mode=re...

DC Comics Bombshells - Poison Ivy