Raving Toy Maniac

July 25, 2013 - The fine folks of Toy Break (the same people behind October Toys!) have posted a video of their Indie Toy Secrets panel from the 2013 San Diego Comic-Con International.

Watch the panel on YouTube and check out the still pictures from the panel, posted to Flickr.

The official description of the panel is:

Learn how some of today's leading independent toy designers have taken their ideas from concept to production and beyond. Join us to find out how action figures, mini figures, plush characters, and resin collectibles come to life with the help of veteran toy makers George Gaspar (October Toys), Scott Tolleson (Stolle Art), H. Eric 'Cornboy' Mayse (The Four Horsemen), and Jay Garcia (MANA Studios). Moderated by Ayleen Gaspar (Toy Break).

July 2013 - Funko has announced a new round of Mystery Minis; this time the 2.5-inch figures are Hello Kitty dressed up for Halloween.

Expect to see these blind-boxed cuties in stores around August 8th.

July 2013 - Funko has announced three new 5-inch vinyl figures of Hello Kitty dressed up as classic monsters: mummy, zombie, and Frankenstein.

Expect to see this costumed trio in stores around August 8th.

July 2013 - Funko has announced two new POP! Vinyl figures based on Nightmare Before Christmas - "Day of the Dead" Jack Skellington and Sally.

Expect to see this pair in stores around August 1st.

July 2013 - Funko has announced a new Beetlejuice Wacky Wobbler - look for him in stores around September 19th.

WIZKIDS/NECA, MFV LAUNCH NEW CARD GAME APP, SHUFFLING THE DECK™

Features Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures Pacific Rim

Hillside, N.J. & Cary, N.C. - July 24, 2013 - Following the recent launch of WizKids Games' hit card game Shuffling the Deck™, the game creator alongside sister company and Cary-based game developer, MFV, today announced Shuffling the Deck™ for iPad®. The new app is themed for the hit film Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures "Pacific Rim", and available free from the App Store now.

Developers have brought the leading tabletop card game to digital form, combining dynamic gameplay with engaging special effects, immersive sounds and multiple play modes.

In Shuffling the Deck™ players are given secret character cards, taking on their characters' roles to earn as many points as they can each turn, while discovering treasures and avoiding danger. At the end of the game, secret characters are revealed and the player with the highest points wins.

Game Features:

AM2 ANNOUNCES 2013 CONVENTION POSTPONED

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (July 24, 2013) - With great regret, AM2 announces that they will postpone their event till an indefinite future date.

"It is with great regret that we are postponing this event," states Chase Wang, "all exhibitors, Artist Alley participants and attendees have either received FULL refunds or are in process of receiving their FULL refunds-this is due to inaccurate mailing/email addresses, if there are any issues individuals can contact us at [email protected]."

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About AM2

Located in Anaheim, California - AM2, established in 2010, is a multi-day (3 day) public fan convention aspiring to be a key meeting place for fans that share a common interest in Asian music, Animation/Anime, and Comics/Manga. More information can be found at www.am2con.org

(RTM note: we're a bit sad to see this, if only because Taco Bell had what was likely the best fast food promotion of all time, the Star Wars toys back in 1997.)

Taco Bell® Becomes First Quick Service Restaurant to Discontinue Kid's Meals and Toys Nationally

IRVINE, Calif., July 23, 2013 -- Taco Bell® today announced that it will discontinue kid's meals and toys at its U.S. restaurants, becoming the first national quick service restaurant chain to do so. Select restaurants will begin the removal in July, with nationwide implementation anticipated by January 2014.

"As we continue our journey of being a better, more relevant Taco Bell, kid's meals and toys simply no longer make sense for us to put resources behind," said Greg Creed, chief executive officer of Taco Bell. "What does make sense is concentrating on expanding choices that meet and exceed the diverse needs of consumers of all ages, without losing focus on what makes us great today."

Mezco SDCC Reveal #3: Japanese Exclusive Living Dead Dolls Sadako

July 17, 2013 - San Diego CA - As the world's most famous Comic-Con gets underway in San Diego, Mezco Toyz is revealing one of the most terrifying Living Dead Dolls ever: Sadako.

Sadako is an exclusive Living Dead Doll for Mamegyorai in Japan. Based on the main character from the immensely popular Japanese film Sadako 3D, this Living Dead Doll features a screen accurate hairstyle, creepily showcasing her ever watchful eye.

Sadoko's fingernails are also bloody and caked with mud from her climb out of the well.

Sadako stands 10 inches tall and comes complete with real cloth clothing.

Be sure to visit Mezco at San Diego Comic Con at booth 3445.

Not attending? Follow the excitement on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/MezcoToyz

Instagram
https://www.facebook.com/MezcoToyz/app_267091300008193

and Twitter
https://twitter.com/MezcoToyz

Mezco SDCC Reveal #2: Chucky & Tiffany 12 Inch Plush

July 17, 2013 - San Diego CA - As the world's most famous Comic-Con gets underway in San Diego, Mezco Toyz is revealing two of the most requested plush toys ever; Chucky and Tiffany.

"When we released our 8-inch plush Chucky, fans immediately asked, 'Where's Tiffany?'" says Mezco's Mike Drake, "So we knew we had to visit Bride Of Chucky and make the fans happy! Bigger is better, so we've made Chucky and Tiffany each 12 inches tall."

Chucky, the homicidal doll who contains the spirit of Charles Lee Ray, a serial killer better known as "The Lakeshore Strangler", is joined by his beloved Tiffany, the doll who contains the soul of his longtime paramour, a misguided and equally homicidal aspiring actress.

Both dolls feature film accurate clothing; Chucky in his well known coveralls and sneakers, and Tiffany in her fashion forward wedding gown with her necklace and tattoo.

Mezco will reveal more information about these and other plush products later in the year.

Be sure to visit Mezco at San Diego Comic Con at booth 3445.