Raving Toy Maniac

Toy Industry Foundation Announces CASA for Children as New National Partner

$200,000 grant and toy donations inspire hope for abused and neglected children across the U.S.

NEW YORK, Nov. 20, 2012 -- The Toy Industry Foundation (TIF) has announced a new national partner, CASA for Children (CASA), for 2013. In communities across the country, CASA's highly trained volunteers provide one-on-one advocacy for children in the foster care and family court systems. Appointed by a judge, CASA volunteers fight for and protect a child's right to be safe, to be treated with dignity and respect, and to learn and grow in the safe embrace of a loving family. Thanks to a $200,000 grant and ongoing toy donations from TIF, CASA will expand its network of volunteer advocates serving more than 234,000 foster children in 2013. The partnership also aims to provide kids with stability and emotional support by helping CASA volunteers bond with children through toys.

November 29, 2012 - 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.

- Standing Guard for Consumers: CPSC & CBP Working at U.S. Ports to Protect Families This Holiday Toy Shopping Season

- Sportspower Recalls Children's Waterslides Due to Injury Hazard; Sold Exclusively at Menards

- Trampolines Recalled by Sportspower Due to Injury Hazard; Sold Exclusively at Sports Authority

- Children's Riding Toy Recalled by Step2 Due to Fall Hazard

November 28, 2012 - (Sponsor Announcement) - Online retailer BigBadToyStore.com has several items of interest to collectors:

We've just listed 8 great new Play Arts figures moments ago:

The Dark Knight Trilogy Play Arts Kai - Joker
http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/product.aspx?product=SEP10392&mode=re...

The Dark Knight Trilogy Play Arts Kai - Catwoman
http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/product.aspx?product=SEP10391&mode=re...

Starship Troopers Invasion Play Arts Kai Figure - Hero
http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/product.aspx?product=SEP10397&mode=re...

Zetman Play Arts Kai Figure - Zet
http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/product.aspx?product=SEP10398&mode=re...

Halo 4 Play Arts Kai Series 02 - Spartan Sarah Palmer
http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/product.aspx?product=SEP10393&mode=re...

Halo 4 Play Arts Kai Series 02 - Spartan Soldier
http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/product.aspx?product=SEP10394&mode=re...

November 28, 2012 - (Sponsor Announcement) - Online retailer BigBadToyStore.com has several items of interest to collectors:

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NEW PREORDERS
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MARVEL LEGENDS 2013 SERIES 01 - CASE, SET, SINGLES
This new assortment includes two each of Captain America and X-Force Wolverine, and one each of Hyperion (or Sentry), Protector, Archangel (or X-Force Archangel) and Red She-Hulk (or Lyra). The names in parentheses will likely be running changes, and this assortment is rumored to contain a Hit Monkey Build-A-Figure. The Case of 8 is listed at $124.99; we also have them as a Set of 6 for $114.99, and singly at $14.99 - $24.99 each.
http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/search.aspx?search=Marvel%20Legends%2...

PREDATORS SERIES 08 - CASE, SET, SINGLES

Troops of Doom hits 500 comics

November 28, 2012 - This Wednesday, Troops of Doom comic will reach 500 episodes. Stop by for multiple "Become a Troop of Doom" contests where readers can have a character named after them and have a recurring role in the comic.

Troops of Doom is an action figure webcomic featuring GI Joe battling Star Wars for Lego technology. Launched in February 2008 and updated as often as possible Monday to Friday. Check it out for a laugh.

http://www.troopsofdoomcomic.com

VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES FUN NEW SERIES OF UGLYDOLL ORIGINAL GRAPHIC NOVELS

Award-Winning Brand Of Distinctive Plush Toy Characters Comes To Life In A New VIZ Kids Series Set To Launch Next Summer

San Francisco, CA, November 27, 2012 - VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest publisher, distributor and licensor of manga, graphic novels and anime in North America, has announced a publishing deal with Pretty Ugly™, LLC, the official licensors of the popular Uglydoll® brand, to develop a brand new series of original graphic novels based on the bestselling plush character toys. The Uglydoll series is scheduled to launch Summer of 2013 under the VIZ Kids imprint, and will carry a rating of 'A' for All Ages.

November 26, 2012, MILWAUKIE, OR - Dark Horse Books and Nintendo® team up to bring you the limited collector's edition of The Legend of Zelda: Hyrule Historia, containing an unparalleled collection of historical information on the Legend of Zelda™ franchise.

The Legend of Zelda: Hyrule Historia Collector's Edition is limited to only 4,000 copies and contains an introduction by Shigeru Miyamoto, the full history of the Legend of Zelda™ franchise, and the official timeline of the Legend of Zelda™ games. This stunning hardcover also collects the Legend of Zelda™ manga and never-before-seen concept art, in-depth information on the making of The Legend of Zelda™, and art by some of the most storied concept artists in video games!

On Sale This Week: Knight Rider 1/15 KITT and Marvel Select Storm!

November 28, 2012 - Wednesday, a.k.a. New Toy Day, is almost here, and it's a big day for Diamond Select Toys! In addition to the next figure in their popular Marvel Select action figure line -- Storm of the X-Men -- comic stores and specialty shops will receive the first electronic vehicles of KITT vehicles from Knight Rider!

Knight Rider 1:15 Scale K.I.T.T. Electronic Vehicle

The Black T-Shirt by Sergio Mancini

Black will take no other hue.

November 2012 - outsmART originals proudly presents the next release in our artist series of apparel, The Black by Sergio Mancini. A Brazillian self-taught illustrator based in Sao Paulo, Sergio comes from the world of publishing, but after working freelance, he discovered designer art toys and has dedicated his time to perfecting his craft. Along with his friends (and fellow outsmART original artists) Igor Ventura and Luihz Unreal, they created the collective known as Red Mutca Studios. In 2011, Sergio won the MUNNYWORLD contest with his "Project: Munny" custom which garnered him global recognition and set his signature style. Since then, he has been exhibiting and participating in competitions as well as taking on private commission work for fans and collectors. outsmART originals is thrilled to be working with Sergio to launch this incredible new design for a limited time.

Vortexx on The CW Announces Special Holiday Line-Up

Vortexx to Air YouTube Sensation Gummibär's First Television Feature & Premiere of Spike Holiday Specials This December

LOS ANGELES (Nov. 27, 2012) – Vortexx on The CW, an affiliate of Saban Brands, today announced special holiday programming for its five-hour kids television block, airing throughout December. Viewers can kick-off this year's festivities with the television debut of Internet smash hit Gummibär in "The Yummy Gummy Search for Santa," in addition to the U.S. premiere of Christmas specials "Spike Saves Christmas" and "Spike's Reindeer Rescue."