Raving Toy Maniac

Mezco Reveals Mars Attacks Plush

March 2012 - New York - Based on the iconic trading cards, Mars Attacks, that forever changed the face of science fiction. Mezco brings these Martians to life with this 8inch scale plush figure. The other-worldly creation features the Martian's signature exposed oversized brain and bulbous eyes, along with the iconic green spacesuit.

Revealed at the 2012 New York International Toy Fair in February, they have already received praise:

"...totally nailed the detail in their brain-like head..." wrote Kastors Korner, "The cuddliest alien I've ever seen! He's invaded my heart!!" says Eric Resnik of YouBentMyWookie.

Marvel and Aurasma Unveil "Marvel Augmented Reality" at SXSW

"Avengers VS X-Men" Spurs Historic First Major Comic Book AR Initiative

AUSTIN, Texas, March 12, 2012 -- Yesterday, at the SXSW Interactive Festival, Marvel Entertainment unveiled Marvel AR, the first major augmented reality app from a comic book company. As part of the recently announced Marvel ReEvolution, which brings the world of print and digital media together for a comics experience like never before, the Marvel AR app powered by Aurasma will be released on April 2 for iOS 3GS, 4, 4S and high-powered Android devices. Fans can first discover the power of this new app in Avengers VS X-Men #1, arriving in comic stores on April 4 and kicking off the comic book event of the year in which the world's most popular Super Heroes go to war!

CHICAGO COMIC & ENTERTAINMENT EXPO (C2E2) EXHIBIT SPACE TO BE 50% LARGER THAN LAST YEAR

Ticket Sales up 52%

Film Producer Dishes on The Dark Knight
'The Boy Who Loved Batman' Shares 5 Things You Didn't Know About His Fave Superhero

March 2012 - Excitement about the newest Batman movie, "The Dark Knight Rises," is already revved up for its July 20th premiere. Details about the Warner Brothers film starring Christian Bale as Batman and Anne Hathaway as Catwoman are cloaked in secrecy. But executive producer and diehard Batman fan Michael Uslan knows a Dark Knight thing or two that may surprise you.

"I grew up immersed in comics. I loved them all. My hands-down favorite, though - then and now - is Batman," says Uslan, who wrote about his comic obsession in his new memoir, THE BOY WHO LOVED BATMAN (www.theboywholovedbatman.com), available in bookstores and on amazon.com.

Avengers Villain Ultron Coming to DST's Marvel Select Line

March 2012 - It's a fact that Diamond Select's good friends over at Gentle Giant have been dying to design an Ultron action figure for them for close to two years now. Since the character has always been an awesome-looking villain, DST has been willing to add it to the line, but they could never find the right place for it in their schedule. Well, with everyone talking about the Avengers' big movie, DST is giving Gentle Giant the opportunity to bring the Avengers' big bad to life this August. With Jason Wires behind the paintbrush, they're sure you'll be pleased with the outcome… although Ant-Man and the Wasp clearly aren't, judging by the 7-inch Ultron's detailed display base.

Pre-order Ultron today at your local comic shop or your favorite online retailer; to find your nearest comic shop, visit comicshoplocator.com!

Colossus Photo Contest Prizes Revealed!

March 2012 - The full prize packages have been revealed for the Colossus Photo Contest happening on Diamond Select Toys' Facebook page! Only a few days remain to take your picture of the new Marvel Select Colossus figure and maybe win a slew of Marvel Select X-Men figures!

Grand prize:
- Jean Grey and Rachel Summers Marvel Girl test shots with gates
- Cyclops (X-Factor variant)
- Magneto (unmasked variant)
- Deadpool (unmasked variant)
- Sabretooth (standard version)
- Gambit (long-haired variant)
- Juggernaut (unmasked variant)

Two runners-up will also be chosen to receive individual Marvel Select X-Men figures:
- Magneto (standard version)
- Gambit (standard version)

The Rules:

March 9, 2012 - (Sponsor Announcement) - Online retailer Urban-Collector has several new items of interest to collectors:

This week we are featuring new arrivals including Halo Reach Series 6 action figures, Nightmare Before Christmas statues and The Avengers tin tote!

Featured Pre-Orders

• Bettie Page 1/4 scale statue
• Dark Knight Rises Batman Bust
• Dark Knight Rises Catwoman Bust

THE CHICAGO COMIC & ENTERTAINMENT EXPO (C2E2) AND THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO TO HOST PANEL ON COMIC AND FINE ART

Joint Presentation to be Held at Rubloff Auditorium

March 9, 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.

Umbro Boys' Jackets with Drawstrings Recalled; Waist Drawstrings Pose Entrapment Hazard; Sold Exclusively at Ross Stores

Change Batteries in Smoke and CO Alarms This Weekend - Daylight Saving Time begins March 11

Swing Sets Recalled for Repair by BCI Burke Due to Fall Hazard

Recalled Products Originally Sold By Meijer Found to Have Been Resold By Discounters After Recall Date

Gore Recalls Ride-On Bicycle Brake Cables Due to Fall Hazard

March 9, 2012 - (Sponsor Announcement) - Online retailer BigBadToyStore.com has several items of interest to collectors:

Hi - a few new items just listed:

Star Wars Vintage Wave 2 - Revision 2
http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/product.aspx?product=HAS21592&mode=re...

Clone Wars Wave 02 (with images)
http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/product.aspx?product=HAS21600&mode=re...

Movie Legends Wave 01 (with images)
http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/product.aspx?product=HAS21599&mode=re...

Transformers Prime Voyager Wave 02
http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/search.aspx?search=robots+voyager+02

The Hobbit - Funko Pop, Plush, Wobblers
http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/search.aspx?search=funko+hobbit

C.S. Moore - return to action figures - Jurassic Strike Force, Grimmies, Alice
http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/search.aspx?search=moore

New Sideshow -

Freddy Krueger PF