Raving Toy Maniac

What is CustomCon, you ask? CustomCon is a special semi-annual presentation of new custom toy creations by customizers around the globe. More than a decade in the running, it's still going strong. Inspired by the presentations of new product by legitimate manufacturers at Toy Fair and other trade shows, CustomCon is a "fake" convention, whereby customizers present their latest creations and recipes as if unveiling a new line of real toys to retailers. It's always a lot of fun, for both the viewers and the participants.

If this is your first exposure to a CustomCon, click here to see what's been offered over the past 33 CustomCons.

EVENT DATES: CustomCon 34 will run from April 22 to 26, 2013.

ENTRY DEADLINE: The deadline will be Monday, April 1, 2013. (Seriously. Not an April Fool's joke.) No entries will be accepted after this date.

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

We've received initial information on the Transformers GO! Line (Japanese release of Beast Hunters) - We can confirm that the first 3 figures do have some sort of combining function, but no details and no images are ready at this time.

http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/menu.aspx?menu=3150&category=9338

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

Hi - Here are some new preorders:

Real Masterpiece 1/6 Michael Jordan - Series 01 - I'm Back #45 - LE3000 - Order by March 12th to ensure availability - $399.99
http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/product.aspx?product=ENB10064&mode=re...

MP-10 Masterpiece Convoy / Optimus Prime with Trailer & Pilot - Final Stock
http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/product.aspx?product=TAK11255&mode=re...

Iron Man 3 Busts - Hot Toys
http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/menu.aspx?menu=3148&company=148&categ...

Dr Wu - new TF Accessories
http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/menu.aspx?menu=2810&company=1286

Emilio Garcia x outsmART originals x Toy Art Gallery: Skull Brain

March 2013 - Toy Art Gallery is proud to present "ARThropod Brain" by Tokyoplastic and Emilio Garcia, new work inspired by electron microscope images, macro photography and the often mind boggling weirdness of the insect world.

ARThropod Brain is a synthesis between the design of Tokyoplastic and the central motif of Emilio Garcia's work; the brain. The future and past collide with multicolored brain bugs in candy flip paint that hark back to the early days of collection and categorization of weird and wonderful bugs, brains and strange critters.

The ARThropod Brain show features specially-made 3D-printed framed and mounted "Arthropod Brain Bugs" in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, as well as an assortment of 2D work. In addition, Emilio will be debuting his porcelain Skull Brain, produced by K.Olin Tribu, which will be offered for sale for the first time at the show.

Boy Scouts of America Introduces Game Design Merit Badge

Merit badge challenges Scouts to create fun activities for family and friends

DALLAS, March 7, 2013 -- Games are an important element in every culture around the globe. Simple games give structure to children's playtime and help enforce basic social skills like courtesy, sharing, and taking turns, and more intricate games can help children hone their logic, strategy, and even mathematics skills. Through Game Design, its newest merit badge, the Boy Scouts of America is opening the door for Scouts to put their creativity to the test. BSA representatives will introduce the new title at the SXSW Gaming Expo in Austin, Texas - a three-day event that provides gamers and game designers alike an opportunity to interact and learn from one another.

March 7, 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.

- U.S. Divers Recalls Youth Snorkeling Mask Sets Due to Laceration Hazard; Sold Exclusively at Costco

- U.S. Divers and Aqua Lung Sport Brand Youth Snorkeling Masks Recalled Due to Laceration Hazard

- Disco Lights Recalled by Tween Brands Due to Electrical Shock Hazard; Sold Exclusively at Justice

Matchbox® Celebrates 60 Years of Unstoppable Heroic Vehicle Adventures

Iconic Toy Brand Motors in Anniversary with 60 Cent Toy Cars at Retail and $60,000 "Hero" Scholarship

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. -- March 6, 2013 -- From fire trucks to dinosaurs to police cars in pursuit, Matchbox® has provided kids with unstoppable adventures and the durable vehicles and playsets to tackle them for six-decades of imaginative play. To commemorate its 60 year anniversary, Matchbox® is kicking off a three-month national campaign to honor heroes-in-training - the children who play with, and inspire, Matchbox®. The campaign includes the Matchbox® Heroes Wanted™ Sweepstakes with a hero-sized $60,000 college scholarship and a national retail promotion for fans to purchase Matchbox® diecast vehicles for just 60 cents for a limited time at participating retailers now through March 10th.

Over 4.6 million comic books ordered for Free Comic Book Day

Comic book specialty retailers worldwide expect record attendance for the May 4th, 2013 Event

BALTIMORE, MD - (March 6, 2013) - Comic book specialty retailers worldwide expect record attendance at this year's Free Comic Book Day (FCBD) and have also pushed their ordering to record levels - with over 4.6 million free comic books to be available the day of the event, May 4th, 2013.

Almost 2,000 retail accounts have signed up this year as participating stores for Free Comic Book Day - also a record number of participating stores - and expectations are high.

"FCBD is the day after the opening of the Marvel's Iron Man 3 film, and thousands of comic book shops across North America and around the world will look to share the magic of comic books with their communities," said FCBD spokesperson, Leslie Bowser. "It's really a wonderful time for comic shops as they are clearly energized from a full year of strong sales and will look to continue that positive trend going forward in 2013."

Peter Pan Minimates Soar into the Disney Store With New Photos!

March 2013 - With the recent release of Peter Pan on Blu-ray, fans of all ages have had the chance to experience the classic animated film for the first time. And now they can act out the adventures they saw in the film using Minimates mini-figures! Two box sets and one vehicle featuring 2-inch Minimates of the famous Peter Pan characters have hit the Disney Store, and they are packed with playability!

Ian McDiarmid to Appear at Star Wars Celebration Europe!

March 2013 - The Emperor is coming to the biggest Star Wars party in Europe, July 26-28, 2013 in Essen, Germany.

Ian McDiarmid, the actor who unforgettably played the evil galactic mastermind and the ultimate villain of the Star Wars Saga, will make a rare convention appearance at Star Wars Celebration Europe, appearing on-stage and signing autographs.

This summer's event will mark the first Celebration in Europe at which the highly sought-after actor will appear to sign autographs and chat on the Celebration Stage, offering attendees a rare opportunity to hear about the making of Star Wars from his perspective.