Raving Toy Maniac

December 19, 2012 - (Sponsor Announcement) - Online retailer BigBadToyStore.com has several items of interest to collectors:

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NEW PREORDERS
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TRANSFORMERS GENERATIONS 2013 VOYAGER SERIES 02 - GRIMLOCK, BLASTER
This highly anticipated wave is finally up for pre-order. We have the Case of 4, which includes three Grimlock and one Blaster, priced at $89.99; we also have the set of Grimlock & Blaster at $53.99, and singles of Grimlock at $23.99 each.
http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/search.aspx?search=generations%20voyager

ALIENS 7" ACTION FIGURE SERIES 01 - CASE, SET, SINGLE

NECA/WIZKIDS, MFV EXPAND HEROCLIX TABAPP™ TO ANDROID™ OS

Now Available for Free Download From the Google Play™ Store

Hillside, N.J. - December 19, 2012 - NECA/WizKids, developers of the recently released, widely popular HeroClix TabApp™ game today announced the availability of the app for Android OS, extending its compatibility with additional tablet devices.

Inspired by the tabletop game, HeroClix TabApp™ is designed as a stand-alone introduction to the world of HeroClix, the world’s most popular and recognizable collectible figural game. In HeroClix TabApp™, players become their favorite super heroes, with live action battles combining physical toy figures with their tablet device.

"Players have asked for an Android OS-compatible version of HeroClix TabApp™ and we are happy to deliver," said Justin Ziran, President at WizKids Games.

All HeroClix TabApp™ DC Comics figures are now compatible with select ASUS and Samsung devices.

Traffic, TSA, and Tantrums, Oh My!: Seven Tips for Surviving Holiday Travel with Your Kids

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 13, 2012 -- If you've ever traveled with kids (especially over the holidays), you know it's an adventure. But according to Princess Ivana Pignatelli Aragona Cortes, holiday travel doesn't have to be complicated.

"The better organized you are, the easier it gets," says Ivana, who is a featured blogger at Modern Mom, founder of Princess Ivana - The Modern Princess, and coauthor of the upcoming book A Simple Guide to Pregnancy & Baby's First Year. "With the right information and a willingness to think ahead, you can save yourself a Santa's sackful of stress."

Whether you are traveling near or far, these seven survival tips from Ivana will help make your family trip the wonderful adventure it should be.

December 19, 2012 - (Sponsor Announcement) - Online retailer BigBadToyStore.com has several items of interest to collectors:

A few great new preorders this morning:

Generations Voyager - Grimlock & Blaster
http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/search.aspx?search=generations%20voyager

NECA Alien 7" figures series 01
http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/search.aspx?search=neca%20aliens%2001

New Arrivals

Takara Red Alert MP-14
http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/product.aspx?product=TAK11480&mode=re...

Generations Deluxe 2013 Wave 01
http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/search.aspx?search=generations%202013...

AM-27 Ultra Magnus
http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/product.aspx?product=TAK11502&mode=re...

Dark Knight Returns Box Set
http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/product.aspx?product=DCC11555&mode=re...

Warner Bros. Consumer Products Unveils Worldwide Licensing Program For The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

The First Film in the Highly Anticipated THE HOBBIT Trilogy Hits Theaters Today, December 14

BURBANK, Calif., Dec. 14, 2012 -- Calling all fans of Middle-earth – Warner Bros. Consumer Products (WBCP) has teamed up with a slate of renowned global licensees to capture the adventure of the eagerly awaited blockbuster film The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, a production of New Line Cinema and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures (MGM). From Academy Award®-winning filmmaker Peter Jackson, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey is first in a trilogy of films based on the classic tale from J.R.R. Tolkien and has licensees from around the world lined up to support the epic saga.

Nickelodeon And FLuD Team Up To Release Limited-Edition Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles-Inspired Apparel & Accessories Featuring Designs By Artist Ron English

NEW YORK, Dec. 17, 2012 -- Nickelodeon and FLuD announced today a partnership to create a series of limited-edition t-shirts and watches inspired by Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. The line features interpretive designs by artists including Ron English, one of New York's most prolific artists. All pieces from this collection are available now via FLuD's online shop and finer boutiques nationwide.

Ghostbusters Light-Up Firehouse Mini-Statue Coming Soon!

December 2012 - The light-up Ghostbusters statue line continues with the famous Ghostbusters firehouse! Lit from within like someone just shut down the containment grid, this 7-inch mini-statue is the perfect accessory for any Ghostbusters fan's desk, and has been deemed safe for indoor use by the Evironmental Protection Agency. Faithfully re-creating the iconic landmark, it stands atop a Ghostbusters logo-adorned base, and runs on two AAA batteries (included). But it's limited to only 1,984 pieces, so pre-order today at your local comic shop! Still available: Slimer, Terror Dog and Mr. Stay-Puft!

Invincible's Atom Eve Joins the Femme Fatales Statue Line!

December 2012 - Springing from the pages of the Image/Skybound comic book Invincible, it's Atom Eve! Samantha Wilkins, the matter-manipulating heroine created by Robert Kirkman will join her fellow comic-book beauties Dawn, Kabuki, Lady Death and more in the Femme Fatales statue line. Depicted soaring into action with her signature energy effect, this Jean St. Jean-crafted PVC statue of Invincible's love interest stands 9 inches tall and will come packaged in a window box. Pre-order today at your local comic shop or favorite online retailer! Coming summer 2013!

With the Help of Celebrity Elves, Marine Toys for Tots Launches "Thank You Santa" Social Media Campaign

TRIANGLE, Va., Dec. 13, 2012 -- The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation announces the launch of "Thank You Santa", a social media campaign giving the public yet another easy way to get toys under the tree of children in need.

Now through December 26th, individuals can write a note to say Thank You Santa, for a gift that inspired them as a child or this year's favorite Christmas gift at http://www.ToysforTots.org/ThankYou or #TFTThankYou. In return, Hasbro, Inc. will donate a toy or game to Toys for Tots. This simple act of sharing a favorite gift will help Toys for Tots create a Christmas memory of hope and happiness for up to 10,000 deserving children.

Skelanimals™ Livens Up The Holidays With Virtual Photo Mobile App And Branded Virtual Goods By Bare Tree Media

BOSTON, Dec. 13, 2012 -- Dead animals need love too, especially during the holidays! Skelanimals are adorable little animals who met their untimely end due to their own reckless and ill advised behavior. Although deceased, they need a warm and loving home. Now everyone can 'virtually' adopt Skelanimals by including them in their photos and sharing the love with friends via the Skelanimals Photo Bones virtual photo mobile app, available on iTunes starting today!

Skelanimals Photo Bones is created and published by Bare Tree Media, a leading developer and publisher of branded interactive entertainment for global audiences. The company entered a licensing partnership with Art Impressions to create branded mobile apps and games under a global digital license agreement. Bare Tree Media also offers Skelanimals branded virtual goods in leading virtual worlds such as WeeWorld and Meez.