Raving Toy Maniac

January 3, 2014 - Dark Horse has sent out a note about the Star Wars comic book license, but they would also like to remind everyone that they will continue to release Star Wars comic books for the full year of 2014, including summer convention-exclusive books, and that also that if you have Star Wars comic books in your Dark Horse Digital account, that they will not disappear from your account.

The End of an Era

All things come to pass. So too, do all licensed deals. I am sad to report that Disney, the new owner of Lucasfilm, has notified us here at Dark Horse of their intention to move the Star Wars publishing license to another of their recent acquisitions, Marvel Comics, beginning in 2015. This will end a partnership that has lasted more than two decades.

January 3, 2014 - 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.

- Specialized Recalls Source Eleven and Source Expert Disc Bicycles Due to a Fall Hazard

- Joovy Recalls Zoom Car Seat Stroller Adapter due to Fall Hazard

January 3, 2014 - (Sponsor Announcement) - Online retailer BigBadToyStore.com has several items of interest to collectors:

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NEW PREORDERS
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1/6 SCALE BRUCE LEE - "THE BIG BOSS"
This 1/6 scale figure includes two Bruce Lee head sculpts, alternate hands, a full cloth outfit with additional battle-damaged shirt, a figure stand and special packaging with a light-sensor that sets off a sound effect of Bruce Lee's iconic fighting roar. This fantastic figure is priced at $269.99.
http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/product.aspx?product=ENB10073&mode=re...

BATMAN ARKHAM CITY DELUXE ACTION FIGURE - CLAYFACE
This new figure is the largest that DC Collectibles has produced, standing about 13" tall. It features an alternate head and switchable arms, and is listed at $89.99 - note that this pricing is preliminary and is subject to change, but is expected to be in the $80-$100 range.

YEAR END CLEARANCE - 60% OFF ARTIST APPAREL - OUTSMART ORIGINALS

January 2014 - That time has come and we need to make room for the new 2014 releases - so the wait it over - you can now steal these deals and look smart in the process. Welcome to Outsmart Originals Year End Clearance Sale. We've marked t-shirts down as low as $8.00 each so we can make room for new releases - that means you can save big on designs by your favorite designer toy artists like Sergio Mancini, Jon-Paul Kaiser, RSIN, Scott Tolleson, MCA, L'amour Supreme, Frank Kozik, Evoker, Zukie, Carson Catlin, and so many more.

AND, ALL ORDERS OF $100 or more qualify for FREE SHIPPING... ANYWHERE!

And as a bonus - we're giving away an original RSIN 2.5" CUSTOM QEE. To qualify for a chance to win, just make a purchase at www.outsmartoriginals.storenvy.com by JANUARY 5th. Every item purchased equals an entry - also, any RSIN item purchased will count as 3 entries - so the more you buy, the better your chances at winning this original piece of awesomeness.

On Sale This Week: Darth Vader and Infinity Gauntlet Bottle Openers!

January 2014 - It's New Year's Eve – what better was to ring in the new year with a refreshing beverage? And what better way to open a refreshing beverage than with two of the coolest bottle openers ever made? Two new metal bottle openers from Diamond Select Toys hit comic shops today, and whether you're a fan of Dark Lords of the Sith or Thanos the Mad Titan, you'll want to stop by your nearest store on the way to tonight's festivities and pick one (or both) up!

Star Wars Darth Vader Metal Bottle Opener

In Store December 18: Thor: The Dark World and the Thunderbolts Strike!

January 2014 - Thor fans, gird yourself for battle, as this week's New Toy Day brings a ton of Thor merchandise to your local comic shop! Not only do the Thor: The Dark World Minimates and Select Jane Foster figure hit stores this week, DST is also shipping out their Thor silicone tray! Plus: the new Thunderbolts Minimates Box Set! The God of Thunder AND the Thunderbolts? Wear your earmuffs!

Marvel Select Thor: The Dark World Jane Foster Figure

Mezco Presents Breaking Bad Jesse 6in Bobblehead

January 2014 - New York - This unforgettable figure features Jesse in his iconic yellow hazmat suit. Everybody's favorite dropout stands victoriously on the translucent blue crystals Heisenberg's empire was built upon.

Relive the tense, edge of your seat excitement as Mezco's Breaking Bad Bobblehead stares at you; nodding solemnly as if to say "Go ahead b***h, make your move!"

Jesse and base stand 6 inches tall and features bobble action. He comes complete in a collector friendly box.

http://www.mezcotoyz.com/brands/breakingbad

Mezco Presents Breaking Bad Saul Goodman 6in Bobblehead

January 2014 - New York - This unforgettable figure features the notorious Saul Goodman in his iconic pinstripe suit, forever yelling into his wireless telephone earpiece. Everybody's favorite sleezeball stands victoriously on a classical plinth reminiscent of the columns in his office.

Relive the tense, edge of your seat excitement as Mezco's Breaking Bad Saul Goodman Bobblehead stares at you; nodding solemnly as if to say "Better call Saul!"

Saul and base stand 6 inches tall and features bobble action. He comes complete in a collector friendly box.

http://www.mezcotoyz.com/brands/breakingbad

Mezco Presents Stylized Chucky

January 2014 - New York - "We're friends to the end!" Of course, with Chucky as your friend, the end comes much sooner than you ever expected. Chucky, the homicidal doll who contains the spirit of Charles Lee Ray, a serial killer better known as "The Lakeshore Strangler," is the latest perturbed plaything to be produced by Mezco Toyz.

Mezco's award-winning designers have created an all new sculpture in an all new scale that not only captures the look of Chucky, but the very essence of his menace. Every detail has been captured; from his classic coveralls to the unique imprint of the soles on his sneakers. From his glistening, insane eyes, and his sneering lips, to his shocking red hair, this is Chucky at his most iconic...and most evil!

The star of five CHILD'S PLAY films, Chucky features 7 points of articulation. He also comes with a knife that he is sure to use for no good.

Each Chucky comes packaged in his own collector friendly window box so he can watch you and plan his attack.

Living Dead Dolls Celebrate 16 Years Of Making Deader Better

January 2014 - New York - As 2013 is laid to rest, Mezco Toyz looks to make 2014 memorable with a year long celebration of the 16th anniversary of The Living Dead Dolls. The world's longest continually running series of horror themed collectible dolls has more than a few festivities in store to celebrate their "Sweet 16", including;

* A Living Dead Doll Death Mask Art Show

* 2 new Living Dead Doll books

* A very special attempt to show you can take your collection with you

* The best Sweet 16 party ever

* An intimate look at Living Dead Doll collectors

* Celebration merchandise

* Many more thrills and surprises!

To stay informed of all Living Dead Doll events, Mezco advises signing up for the Living Dead Doll newsletter at
http://www.livingdeaddolls.com/

as well as following Mezco on Facebook at
https://www.facebook.com/MezcoToyz

as well as
https://www.facebook.com/LivingDeadDolls