Raving Toy Maniac

Target Reveals Top Toys for the Upcoming Holidays and Announces New Assortment of Boutique Brand Toys

Annual list blends favorite brands and Target exclusives, while new assortment focuses on learning and creative play benefits

MINNEAPOLIS - September 16, 2014 - Target Corp. today unveiled its annual list of top toys for the upcoming holidays, as well as a new and expanded assortment of boutique brand toys that are designed to inspire creative play.

Through partnerships with dozens of specialty toy brands, including Wonderology, Hape, Mindware and more, Target is offering hundreds of toys in stores and at Target.com that have traditionally only been found at small boutiques. The boutique brand toys focus on play patterns such as discovery, exploration and imagination that promote child development. First available in August, the assortment boasts high quality construction and includes animal figures and play sets, wooden toys, arts & crafts, science kits and more.

September 19, 2014 - (Sponsor Announcement) - Online retailer BigBadToyStore.com has several items of interest to collectors:

Sale!
150 Featured Sale Items on Sale! Great figures from Transfomers, Marvel, DC, Video Games, Third Party, And Much More!
http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/list.aspx?list=16673

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NEW PRE-ORDERS
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BBTS SHARED EXCLUSIVE 50TH ANNIVERSARY TWO-PACK WAVE 02 - SET, SINGLES
The second wave of 50th Anniversary GI Joe Two-Packs is up for pre-order. It includes Arctic Ambush (Snowjob and Arctic B.A.T.) and Social Clash (Lady Jaye and Baroness), and they are available singly at $16.99 per two-pack, or $29.99 for the Set of two two-packs.
http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/list.aspx?list=16953

CLEARANCE - KRE-O KREON MICROCHANGERS, FIVE-PACKS

September 19, 2014 - School has started again, so our fast food trips have again slowed down. The boy didn't make any trips this past month, but I did go to McDonald's to pick up a Hexbug toy. They still had the display up for the previous promotion, so you get two pictures this time around, yay!

If you missed last month's round-up, head back there and scroll to the bottom, as we had several informative comments from anonymous posters. (Thanks, folks!)

Let's see what's out there in restaurants this month! (More after the jump)

A quick check of the web sites for the more popular fast food restaurants reveals the following:

September 2014 - An email newsletter from http://HasbroToyShop.com included a coupon code!

Use code SUPER20 to save 20% off most action figures.

The fine print at the bottom of the email excludes a few things:

20% off Action Figures may only be redeemed through the HasbroToyShop.com on website toward the purchase of products currently available in the Action Figures category on the site. Discount applies to pre-tax and pre-shipping amount. This offer cannot be combined with any other coupon or offer. Offer excludes purchases of HasbroToyShop.com exclusives, Transformers Stomp & Chomp Grimlock toy, and Gift Cards. Other exclusions may apply. Offer cannot be redeemed for cash. Valid only while supplies last. Not valid on previous orders. Offer may expire without notice due to error, fraud or other unforeseen circumstances. Offer valid in U.S. only. Void where prohibited. Subject to terms and conditions of use and HasbroToyShop.com policies. Offer expires September 30, 2014 at 11:59 PM (ET)

September 15, 2014 - (Sponsor Announcement) - Online retailer BigBadToyStore.com has several items of interest to collectors:

Sale!
150 Featured Sale Items on Sale! Great figures from Transfomers, Marvel, DC, Video Games, Third Party, And Much More!
http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/list.aspx?list=16673

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NEW PRE-ORDERS
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THE WALKING DEAD TV SERIES 07 - CASE, SET, SINGLES
Series 07 from the hit show includes Carl Grimes, Michonne, Gareth and Mud Walker. They are available as a Set of 4 for $54.99, as a Case of 12 (3 of each figure) for 159.99 ($55 off of the MSRP), or singly at $14.99 each.
http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/list.aspx?list=16897

1/6 SCALE "FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING" ARAGORN, SPECIAL EDITION ARAGORN

Minecraft to join Microsoft

Iconic cross-platform franchise to become part of Microsoft Studios.

REDMOND, Wash., Sept. 15, 2014 -- Microsoft Corp. today announced it has reached an agreement to acquire Mojang, the celebrated Stockholm-based game developer, and the company's iconic "Minecraft" franchise.

The Mojang team will join Microsoft Studios, which includes the studios behind global blockbuster franchises "Halo," "Forza," "Fable" and more. Microsoft's investments in cloud and mobile technologies will enable "Minecraft" players to benefit from richer and faster worlds, more powerful development tools, and more opportunities to connect across the "Minecraft" community.

Under the terms of the agreement, Microsoft will acquire Mojang for $2.5 billion. Microsoft expects the acquisition to be break-even in FY15 on a GAAP basis. Subject to customary closing conditions and any regulatory review, the acquisition is expected to close in late 2014.

September 15, 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.

- Benetton Recalls United Colors of Benetton Boys Jackets; Waist Drawstring Poses Entanglement Hazard

- Coleman Recalls Inflatable Rubber River Tubes Due to Skin Irritation Hazard; Sold Exclusively at Walmart

September 2014 - DC Collectibles - BATMAN BLACK & WHITE BATMAN BY DAVE JOHNSON STATUE

DESIGNED BY DAVE JOHNSON
SCULPTED BY MAT BROUILLARD

Famed cover artist Dave Johnson takes on The Dark Knight with this new statue in the best-selling line that brings his unique artistic style to life in 3D.

Limited Edition of 5,200
Measures Approximately 6.8" Tall
$79.95 US
On Sale April 2015
Allocations May Occur

September 2014 - DC Collectibles - DC COMICS COVER GIRLS: VIXEN STATUE

DESIGNED BY STANLEY "ARTGERM" LAU
SCULPTED BY SAM GREENWELL

You'll want to pounce on this sensational statue of the beautiful member of the Justice League that can take on the powers of the animal kingdom designed by renowned cover artist Stanley "Artgerm" Lau.

Limited Edition of 5,200
Measures Approximately 9.5" Tall
$99.95 US
On Sale April 2015
Allocations May Occur

September 2014 - DC Collectibles - ARROW AND DEATHSTROKE ACTION FIGURES

Reenact the action-packed battles between Oliver Queen and Slade Wilson from Season Two with these intricately sculpted, highly poseable action figures.

DEATHSTROKE - 6.75"
ARROW - 6.75"

EACH FIGURE SOLD SEPARATELY

$24.95 US
On Sale April 2015
Allocations May Occur