Raving Toy Maniac

Mezco Releases Limited Edition Living Dead Doll Banners For Series 23

March 2012 - NY - Due to overwhelming demand caused by the Living Dead Doll window display at New York's famous Forbidden Planet, Mezco is releasing a limited run of collectible vinyl banners.

The Living Dead Dolls Series 23 introduces Teddy, Quack, Agatha, Jennocide and Betsy: these little terrors fancy a cup of tea, with a twist of terror and a pinch of arsenic.

Printed on durable 10 oz. vinyl, this limited-edition banner set measures an eye catching 18 inches wide by 36 inches tall (approximate) each.

This set contains a total of 6 different banners:
Group shot
Teddy
Quack
Agatha
Jennocide
Betsy

Only 13 of these banner sets will be produced for sale.
http://www.mezcotoyz.com/store/detail.aspx?ID=1079

Mezco will alo be offering an individual banner as part of a limited run:
http://www.mezcotoyz.com/store/detail.aspx?ID=1078

Etch A Sketch®: Shake It Up, America!

-NEW AD CAMPAIGN MAINTAINS POLITICAL NEUTRALITY FOR THE CLASSIC DRAWING TOY AFTER POLITICAL GAFFE-

BRYAN, Ohio, March 30, 2012 -- Ohio Art's Etch A Sketch® found itself at the center of U.S. politics last week, drawing up an abundance of attention and elevating the iconic toy to political icon. To maintain the classic drawing toys political neutrality, a series of three new ads developed by Team Detroit, Ohio Art's advertising agency, are slated to hit social media channels today.

"With Etch A Sketch® shaking up the political debate, it was our desire to develop a campaign that encourages Americans to get involved in the process and vote," says Martin Killgallon, Senior VP Marketing & Product Development at Ohio Art. "We feel these ads are fun and engaging and will continue to keep people interested throughout the remaining presidential campaign."

March 2012 - Toy2R presents the 5 Inch Mini Qee Spike Toyer and Melting Toyer Collection.

With spring comes the new and away with the clutter! Spankin' brand new releases from Toy2R will make your customs come alive with these new 5" Toyer Mini Qees. Toy2R is proud to release the mascot of the company in these two new styles that will surely make customizing fun – and even if you don't make customs – they are simply perfect as they are!

Like the previously announced Bear Mini Qees, Toy2R will also be offering these new Toyer Qees in four colors – Classic DIY White, Hong Kong Black, Fiery Red and Hot Pink!

Just $20 each – make a statement with Qee or simply add a splash of color to your art toy collection!

These new sculpted 5" Mini Qees are now available for order now through Toy2R global network of distributors.

Toy2R, where imagination is Qee!

March 2012 - Toy2R presents the new 5 Inch Mini Qee Spike Bear and Melting Bear Collection.

Taking DIY to the next level, these two new editions of the Toy2R infamous Bear Qee will challenge artists and allow for customs like never before. From graffiti styles with the Melting Bear to the Kaiju genre with the Spike Bear – the range will be unlimited.

On top of introducing two new styles, Toy2R will also be offering these new Bear Qees in four colors – Classic DIY White, Hong Kong Black, Fiery Red and Hot Pink!

Just $20 each – make a statement with Qee!

Set April ablaze with these 5" Mini Qees - available now - for wholesale info, order now through Toy2R's global network of distributors.

Toy2R, where imagination is Qee!

March 2012 - Diamond Select Toys has been out of the Marvel statue game for a little while, but at one point they were steadily documenting every corner of the Marvel Universe, and one of the crown jewels in the line was their assortment of Spider-Man 3 busts and statues. Since they had so much fun working on the movie version of Ol' Web-Head last time, they decided to get back into the game for the new movie, The Amazing Spider-Man!

Following Fan Outcry, Lionsgate Agrees to Allow "Hunger is Not a Game" Campaign to Continue

Boston, MA - On Thursday March 22, just one day after The New York Times ran a positive piece on the real-world hunger campaign, Hunger is Not a Game, Lionsgate, the movie studio that produced The Hunger Games sent a letter, which demanded that the campaign end immediately. In response, members, fans, and press alike expressed their outrage at such a demand and called for Lionsgate to reconsider. "Hunger is Not a Game" is working during the month of March to energize Hunger Games fans to work toward making a dent in real-world hunger in conjunction with the release of the movie. The campaign includes signing Oxfam's GROW pledge to fight food injustice, planning community food drives and educating members on systematic causes of hunger throughout the world.

March 2012 - With two full waves of Diamond Select Toys' Marvel vs. Capcom 3 Minimates line out in stores, DST decided to hold a photo contest, to see who could stage the best fight scene. The winner would get a set of Minimates from every line DST made, plus some rare Minimate prizes, and that brought out some talented photographers! After some tough deliberation, DST came up with a winner, plus three runners-up.

The first runner-up was Jason Castick. Jason used a little Photoshop to make it look like Deadpol was braining Dante from Devil May Cry with his own power meter -- an actual in-game move! The action-packed shot easily landed him in the top four.

The second runner-up was Neta-Lee Wolfman, who showed Deadpool standing over a defeated Dormammu, who seems to be sinking into a lava bed... made of popcorn? Great lighting, Neta-Lee, and great use of a delicious snack.

March 30, 2012 - (Sponsor Announcement) - Online retailer Urban-Collector has several new items of interest to collectors:

This week we are featuring new pre-orders including Gentle Giants Wolverine bust, Bowen Statues and Sonic Tails & Knuckles statues!

Featured Pre-Orders

• Gentle Giant Wolverine Yellow Mini-Bust
• Retro Black Cat Statue Bowen Designs
• Thunderbird Statue Bowen Designs

MEGA Brands and Mattel announce worldwide licensing partnership

Barbie® and Hot Wheels® to be First Mattel Brands Included in New Collection

MONTREAL AND EL SEGUNDO, Calif., March 29, 2012 - MEGA Brands Inc. announced today a multi-year global licensing partnership with Mattel, Inc. - the world's largest toy company - to develop construction toys based on the world's most iconic kids brands, Barbie® and Hot Wheels®. The new lines will be available at retail starting in spring 2013.

This strategic alliance leverages the MEGA Bloks brand and its expertise by bringing Mattel's most powerful properties to life in the fast-growing construction toy category.

The Mega Bloks Barbie™ collection will provide girls with a completely new Barbie play experience. With a focus on creative play and customization, the possibilities are endless. The line will feature Barbie and her friends in a buildable world of fashion and dream locations.

March 2012 - Dark Horse has announced their panel schedule for the 2012 Emerald City Comicon:

Friday - March 30th

ECCC Spotlight Series: Brian Wood
Room: 211
Time: 3:00 - 4:00

The Emerald City Comicon Spotlight Series is designed to give you an intimate look into the minds of some of comics greatest creators. This hour, join creator Brian Wood as he talks about his work on Conan, DMZ, Northlanders and many others.

Falling Skies Screening and Q&A
Room: 4C1-2
Time: 3:00 - 4:00