Raving Toy Maniac

June 15, 2012 - (Sponsor Announcement) - Online retailer BigBadToyStore.com has several items of interest to collectors:

Hi - more cool new items were just listed today - here is a list:

Kotobukiya:

X-Force Wolverine
http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/product.aspx?product=KOT10921&mode=re...

1/10 Darth Vader
http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/product.aspx?product=KOT10920&mode=re...

Bishoujo
http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/search.aspx?search=bishoujo

New Diamond Select:

Marvel Select Barbarian Hulk
http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/product.aspx?product=DMC11798&mode=re...

Expendables 2 - 6" Figures
http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/product.aspx?product=DMC11801&mode=re...

Munsters Koach 1/15 Vehicle
http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/product.aspx?product=DMC11794&mode=re...

Klingon Distruptor
http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/product.aspx?product=DMC11795&mode=re...

Saban Brands and Mattel Partner to Produce Power Rangers Hot Wheels Cars

Collaboration on toy products continues growth of Power Rangers brand

LOS ANGELES (June 12, 2012) - Saban Brands and Mattel have partnered to produce a line of Power Rangers inspired Hot Wheels vehicles, targeted for release in 2013, that capture the action and excitement of the Power Rangers series. The toys will be based on the next installment of the series, Power Rangers Megaforce, which will air beginning in 2013.

"With the many iconic toy brands managed by Mattel, our partnership with the company is a natural progression for Power Rangers, which continues to grow at an incredible rate," said Elie Dekel, President, Saban Brands. "We look forward to working with Mattel and introducing toys that are sure to excite Power Rangers fans everywhere."

Toys"R"Us Secures U.S. Retail Exclusive for the Fisher-Price Peppa Pig Toy Line

LONDON, 30th May 2012: Entertainment One Family (eOne Family) today announces that Toys"R"Us has secured the exclusive retail rights to an all-new line of toys based on the hit animated TV series, Peppa Pig. The toys, designed specifically for the U.S. market and manufactured by Fisher-Price, will be available in Toys"R"Us stores nationwide beginning this August.

The full line of Peppa Pig toys will be merchandised in Toys"R"Us stores, anchored by signage featuring graphics based on the hit brand, providing high visibility for the entire collection. To continually promote Peppa Pig throughout the fall season, eOne will collaborate with Toys"R"Us on a variety of marketing activities.

The assortment of fun, Peppa Pig-inspired merchandise includes a Sip 'n Oink™ Tea Set, Hug 'n Oink™ Peppa Talking Plush, Schoolhouse and Tree House Playsets, Peek 'n Surprise Playhouse, a variety of delightful character figures and more.

Saban Brands' Power Rangers Megaforce to Premiere on Nickelodeon in Early 2013

The newest series marks 20 years for the Power Rangers franchise

LOS ANGELES, June 11, 2012 -- Saban Brands will launch the newest version of Power Rangers, the number-one kids action series on television, with Power Rangers Megaforce. The all new series, which premieres in 2013, will deliver mega action, humor, excitement, and entertainment, in addition to the core themes of friendship, teamwork, fitness, and helping others. Power Rangers Megaforce will air as Saban Brands celebrates the 20th Anniversary of the Power Rangers franchise.

"Power Rangers continues to delight fans of all ages, even nearly 20 years after it was first introduced to kids across the world," said Elie Dekel, President of Saban Brands. "We are excited to continue the success we've experienced with our partnership with Nickelodeon and introduce fans everywhere to a MEGA- installment in 2013."

Disney Launches The Art Of Frankenweenie Exhibition

EXHIBIT TOURS SEVEN COUNTRIES TO SHOWCASE THE MAKING OF TIM BURTON'S LATEST STOP-MOTION ANIMATED FEATURE FILM

BURBANK, Calif., June 11, 2012 -- Walt Disney Studios announced today that they are launching a touring exhibition featuring the art of Tim Burton's "Frankenweenie," the acclaimed director's stop-motion, animated feature film releasing on October 5, 2012.

The Art of Frankenweenie Exhibition will premiere in Barcelona, Spain, at CineEurope, June 18-21, and in the U.S. at Comic-Con 2012 in San Diego, California, July 11-15. When the tour is complete it will have visited seven countries, including Spain, France, England, Japan, Mexico, Canada and the U.S.A.

Hasbro Film, Television Programming and Licensed Merchandise Driving Global Retail Growth

LAS VEGAS -- June 11, 2012 -- Hasbro, Inc. is set to arrive at the 2012 International Licensing Expo in Las Vegas on June 12 to showcase its global mega brands, including TRANSFORMERS, NERF, MY LITTLE PONY, LITTLEST PET SHOP, MONOPOLY, PLAYSKOOL and G.I. JOE. Ranked as a top 10 global licensor based on annual retail sales, Hasbro is continuing to expand its worldwide licensing programs, invest in resources and talent and generate incremental revenues from merchandise, digital gaming, box office and television programming.

"Hasbro continues to accelerate its retail footprint based on highly innovative and on-trend licensed merchandise and supporting programs that resonate with today's global consumer," said Simon Waters, Senior Vice President, Global Brand Licensing and Publishing at Hasbro. "Our track record and relationships with retailers and licensees worldwide has positioned the company to become the preeminent provider of immersive lifestyle brand experiences for the entire family."

Mattel Leverages Powerful Portfolio of Properties and Global Footprint to Grow Toy Brands into Lifestyle Brands

Barbie®, Hot Wheels®, Monster High® and Fisher-Price® Extend Play Outside of the Toy Box with New Global Consumer Products Initiatives

LAS VEGAS -- June 11, 2012 -- At the 2012 Las Vegas Licensing International Expo, Mattel, Inc. will showcase its powerful portfolio of iconic brands and successful properties. Mattel is the worldwide leader in the design, manufacturing and the marketing of toys and family products, and leads the way in translating the most popular toy brands in the industry into lifestyle brands through innovative and impactful partnerships around the world. Las Vegas Licensing International Expo will serve as the platform for the company to introduce new and exciting partnerships to an industry audience.

GUND® Signs Licensing Deal for UGLYDOLL® Plush

Pretty Ugly™, LLC shifts emphasis to focus on licensing

EDISON, N.J., June 11, 2012 -- GUND®, maker of the world's most huggable plush, announced today it has signed a licensing deal with Pretty Ugly™, LLC to make UGLYDOLL® branded plush characters. GUND, the plush division of Enesco LLC, will begin selling and shipping UGLYDOLL plush products to current and new retail customers worldwide this summer, while Pretty Ugly, LLC will focus its efforts on expanding licensing programs across multiple product categories for the UGLYDOLL brand.

JAKKS Pacific Named Master Toy Licensee for DANIEL TIGER'S NEIGHBORHOOD

Highly-Anticipated New Preschool Series to Launch on PBS KIDS This Fall

MALIBU, Calif. -- June 12, 2012 -- Leading U.S. toymaker JAKKS Pacific, Inc. today announced that it has been appointed North American Master Toy Licensee for DANIEL TIGER'S NEIGHBORHOOD, an exciting new multi-platform animated series inspired by the enduring legacy of children's television pioneer Fred Rogers. As part of its long-term agreement with The Fred Rogers Company, owner of the property, and Out of the Blue Enterprises, licensing agency for the new show, JAKKS will manufacture, distribute and market a broad range of preschool toys based on DANIEL TIGER'S NEIGHBORHOOD.

K'NEX® To Be Featured in CNBC's "How I Made My Millions" Segment

Segment Airs June 18, 2012 on CNBC at 9pm

Hatfield, Pa. (June, 2012) – K'NEX, the construction toy company focused on Building Worlds Kids Love™, will be featured in a "How I Made My Millions" segment that airs 9pm on June 18, 2012 on CNBC. "How I Made My Millions" puts the American Dream on display and shows viewers that the dream is alive and well if they have the heart, desire, and the know-how to make it big.

"How I Made My Millions" goes behind the scenes to reveal how everyday people have taken ordinary ideas and turned them into extraordinary businesses. Each of the entrepreneurs featured on the show took a risk, believed in their dream and, thanks to a lot of hard work and a little luck, became millionaires. The "How I Made My Millions" segment includes host Tyler Mathisen's one on one interviews with K'NEX inventor, Joel Glickman; and K'NEX president and CEO, Michael Araten. Additional footage was shot in Hatfield, Pennsylvania at K'NEX and their manufacturing facility, the Rodon Group, this past March.