McFarlane Toys is gearing up for a big push for the second series of the Manga Spawn line. The first wave of these figures was a big hit and the second series pushes the envelope even further by translating some of your favorite Spawn characters into this new format.

You can click on each of the pictures below to get a better view along with an in depth description and stats on each figure. There has been one name change thus far. Manga Beast is now known as Cyber Tooth. Look for the whol assortment to hit store shelves in April.

Manga Cyber Violator | Manga Freak | Manga Samurai Spawn

Cyber Tooth | Manga Overtkill | Manga Dead Spawn

Get ready to scarf down a mess of Mac 'N' Cheese fanboys. If you ingest enough, you might actually score some cool DC Super Heroes toys. First, you have to find yourself some specially marked boxes of Kraft Macaroni & Cheese Dinner. Look for the offer logo (left) on the box front. Don't confuse yourself with the new DC Super Heroes Pasta Shapes Dinners. There are three different boxes of those new dinner treats that feature various animation derived characters such as Aquaman, Flash, Green Lantern, Superman, Batman, Robin, Batgirl, and Wonder Woman. You can check them out at the Bruce Timm Artwork Archive. But remember, these don't have the offer on them!

For six proofs of purchase (plus $1 S&H) you can get one figure. You can choose from Batman, Superman or Wonder Woman. You can only get one of each figure using the proofs of purchase. However, if you feel the need to have more than one of each or the sight of Macaroni & Cheese makes you gag, you can pay $2.50 and forego the proofs of purchase and order limitations altogether.

Although these are only concept drawings, the three figures are reported to be "Balancing Toys" and not actual action figures. It is notable that Wonder Woman is offered as she has yet to appear in any animated series and has not been made into a general release action figure since the Super Powers line.

Check out the new pasta shapes and boxes as well as the toy offer in a grocery store near you. Offer expires in a year or while supplies last so hurry!

As previously reported here last week, the new Star Wars Insider Magazine exclusive figures are coming. With the latest issue of the magazine arriving to subscribers (and should be in comic shops next week) fans are already buzzing about this nifty two-pack.

Different from last year's offering, this two-pack will come with exclusive packaging. Oola looks to be an incredibly faithful recreation of the character portrayed by Femi Taylor. Salacious Crumb appears to be a PVC limited or no articulation.

For a larger look at the boxed figures, bop on over to Philip Wise's excellent Star Wars news page at: http://www.wiseacres.com/uptodate.htm

Pick up the latest issue of the Star Wars Insider for all the details on ordering. This looks like a must have for Star Wars collectors.

The latest issue of White's Guide to Collecting Figures is available right now at your comic shop, book store, or magazine stand. Highlights include a very nice preview of the upcoming year in Barbie, a spotlight on Goebel's Warner Brothers porcelain Looney Tunes figurines, several Starting Line-Ups articles, and more Beanie Baby coverage than you can shake a stick at.

There is also a look at Star Wars variations and the finer points of Coca Cola lapel pin collecting. Combine these features with the regular assortment of columns and you have a pretty diverse offering.

Plus, White's has added a new exclusive this month: Scarlet Medieval Witchblade. This exclusive figure by Moore Action Collectibles is a pretty sharp redeco of the original and was on display at Toy Fair '98. Cost is $14.95 (plus $4.50 S&:H) and the production is limited to 14,500 pieces. Figures are slated to ship in mid-May (limit 5 per household).

Get the issue and the figure while it lasts!

JusToys will release a series of WWF MicroBendEms (pictured above and left).The first assortment is slated to include "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, Shawn Michaels, The Undertaker, Kane, Ken Shamrock, Hunter Hearst Helmsley, Goldust,and the Interrogator (now known as Kurrgan). Also planned for release with the first assortment of MicroBendEms is a RAW IS WAR ring, complete with steel cage.

In conjunction with the new company Toy Vault, Kurt Busiek will be making fans of his popular Astro City comic series very happy with the announcement of a new lie first assortment is tentatively slated to include popular Astro City characters Samaritan and Winged Victory. Characters under consideration for future assortments include The Confessor, Junkman, Crackerjack, Silver Agent and Jack-In-The-Box. A second assortment could arrive as early as January or February of 1999. The line has the potential to expand tremendously if there is fan support so look for even more character possibilities if the line takes off.

So what can you expect from this new Astro City line? First of all, look for meticulous scale. Figures are planned to be on a 1 inch = 1 foot scale so Winged Victory will be slightly shorter than Samaritan just like in the comics. But saving the best news for last, both Alex Ross and Brent Anderson have agreed to do the control art for this new line. For those of you who aren't familiar with their work, Alex Ross is the regular Astro City cover artist and the artistic talent behind such popular works as Kingdom Come, Marvels and Uncle Sam. Brent Anderson is the regular artist on Astro City and he has helped to bring some of that city's most memorable citizens to life. Having these two artists work on the control art is quite a coup indeed.

We'll bring you more on this exciting license as it becomes available including any prototype photos or control art that comes our way. Stay tuned Astro City fans!

On March 12, 1998, Toy Biz, Inc. (NYSE: TBZ) announced that it has reached agreement with the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors of Marvel Entertainment Group (NYSE: MEG), to support the Plan of Reorganization put forward by Toy Biz and the Senior Secured Creditors of Marvel. Under the terms of the proposal, which was filed with the court overseeing Marvel's bankruptcy, holders of allowed unsecured claims will receive, on a pro rata basis, a cash distribution of 15% of the amount of the allowed unsecured claims plus $2.0 million, up to a maximum of $8.0 million. In addition, unsecured creditors will receive up to 1.75 million warrants to purchase common stock in the combined Toy Biz/Marvel. The warrants will have a four-year term and be exercisable at a price of $17.25 per share. Finally, holdl have a four-year term and be exercisable at a price of $17.25 per share. Finally, holders of allowed unsecured claims will be entitled to receive distributions from any recovery on certain future litigation. The proposal is subject to the approval of the Senior Secured Creditors that have agreed to support the Plan of Reorganization. Toy Biz expects to receive that approval shortly.

Joe Ahearn, CEO and President of Toy Biz, commented that, "The agreement reached today with the Official Committee of the Unsecured Creditors represents another important step in resolving this case and we are pleased with this outcome." Also commenting on the announcement, Russ Belinsky of Chanin and Company, financial advisors to the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors, indicated, "This is another important milestone in resolving this situation and in getting all of these assets under one roof. We hope this situation will now move quickly to resolution."

Free Dragonball!

Check you local comic shop for a little giveaway PVC figure from Bandai and Saban. We found two different varieties of these promotional items from the popular Saban series Dragonball Z.

Dragonball Z is the story of Goku, his son Gohan and a handful of friends who battle for the Earth and all that's good against the deadly forces of the most incredible warrior race of all time and space. Warriors so awesome that they only have to send one of their kind to destroy entire planets.

The two small PVC figures we found are shown here (and above in a little better detail). These might be a fun little addition to your collection if you are one of the many fans of this popular series.

Check your local listings for the Dragonball Z series from Saban Kids Network.

We continue to investigate the future of the Superman: The Animated Series line of toys and have come up with another interesting tidbit. To briefly recap, at Toy Fair, Kenner announced that the STAS line would be discontinued (for now) in the United States and would be going International. Typically, this is a sign that a line is ending. However, Marilyn Drucker, head of licensing for DC Comics, has been quoted as saying that the line is not in fact cancelled. Confusing, eh?

Sources inside DC Comics now tell us that there is a tentative plan to revive the line in conjunction with the live action Superman movie that has been in development for quite a while now. The earliest that film could be released would be summer 1999 (the saga of the film is an interesting story in and of itself, including a rejected script by Clerks scribe Kevin Smith, and the intriguing casting of Nicholas Cage as the Man of Steel). While not specifically in development, there is a good chance that there would be a toy line associated with the film as well.

No word on whether these tentative plans would include new additions to the line or simply reissues of existing figures. However, there is nothing like a big action movie to stir up interest in a character. And while you might think that the animated version of Supes is an odd choice to associate with a live action film, there is actually a precedent. For the Batman and Robin movie, there were animation-styled versions of all the main characters that appeared on such licensed products as stickers and coloring books. It's actually too bad that Kenner didn't decide to do an animated movie line for the B&R movie because we're sure it would have sold well to kids and collectors alike. Maybe even better than the actually movie stuff. Who knows?!

We'll keep you updated as we get more info.

The press coverage of Toy Fair 1998 continues with two new magazines. First up, ToyFare takes a crack at covering the wide variety of items shown in New York last month. Included are Star Wars, Star Trek, Toy Biz, Batman and more. Look for more Toy Fair coverage in next month's issue.

But if you are already burnt out on this year's big toy event, you can still find a few things to peruse in this month's issue. Check out the feature on Larry Hama and his G.I Joe years. Plus, you can't miss this month's Twisted Mego Theater which is a sequel to last month's shocking victory of the Famous Covers figures. We won't spoil it for you.

This month's exclusive action figure is Synch from Generation X. Get him while he lasts folks.

go figure! magazine debuts its fourth issue later this month. For star power, go figure has the other print mags beat hands down. In this issue alone there are interviews and features with Voyager's Jeri Ryan (Seven of Nine, hubba hubba) and Chasing Amy director Kevin Smith.

There is also a bunch of toy coverage of course. Ryan Brookhart and crew tackle their first Toy Fair with help from Adam Pawlus who makes his debut in a new column titled "Tractor Beam."

go figure! also takes a trip to Marvel Mania, the theme restaurant filled with a fan boys dream of Marvel memorabilia, and a profile of Antarctic Press. Round this issue out with an exceedingly creepy "mini-movie" featuring Legends of the Dark Knight figures and another installment of Brad Parker's Playthings and you've got a pretty spiffy little package.

It is confirmed that the next Star Wars Insider exclusive will actually be two exclusives in one. To help round out your Jabba's Palace diorama, you'll be able to get both Oola (the dancing slave girl who gets thrown to the Rancor) and Salacious Crumb (the little creature with the memorable laugh).

The offer will be officially announced in this month's issue of the aforementioned magazine. No specifics on cost or ordering info so you'll have to wait on that. And hopefully we'll get to see some actual photography on the figures themselves at some point in the near future.

Be sure to check with your local comic retailer to be sure you'll get a copy of the March issue of the Star Wars Insider. We wouldn't want you to miss this special offer. Look for more details as they become available.

Both Tomart's Action Figure Digest and Lee's Action Figure News and Toy Review are on the stands now. AFNTR contains only 6 pages of Toy Fair coverage. However, the magazine does contain several other articles on subjects ranging from original Star Wars card variations to Japanese Beast Wars. AFNTR promises more Toy Fair coverage next month.

Tomart's fares a bit better with regard to Toy Fair coverage. Some of the most extensive coverage goes to 21st Century Toys' Ultimate Soldier line. Look for pics ranging from Rescue Heroes to Steven Spielberg's Toonsylvania. There is also a healthy dose of Star Wars, Star Trek, and Marvel figures. AFD also takes a look at some of the independent figures due out for the next year.

Interestingly, both new magazines have Star Trek covers. Industry sources have reported to us that issues with Star Trek covers sell better than issues with say Wrestling figures on the cover. So it looks like Star Trek still has some weight to throw around (especially with the depth and breadth of offerings under the license for the new year).

And if you just can't wait to see some Toy Fair pics, check out our continuing Toy Fair 98 Coverage. You don't even have to leave you seat!

Toy Biz continues to be impressed with your input and thoughts about their future offerings. So they've come to the well once again to ask your opinion. And this is something completely different for them. You won't read about this anywhere else. So be the first on your block to find out about this cool new possibility for 1999.

Jack Kirby and Stan Lee created a lot of creatures for Marvel Comics. Toy Biz has an concept that might bring these frightening freaks of nature back in a whole new line. Learn about how Toy Biz would like to resurrect these classic creatures and give your opinion as well. Plus, we're very excited to be able to show you the first concept drawings for this proposal. These aren't your run-of-the-mill sketches. These are original pieces done by comics legend Art Adams commissioned specifically for this project (and done just weeks ago)! This may be one of the first times in history where the fans get to see the sketches before the toys hit and get to voice their opinion on the project.

Whether you love the idea or hate it, why not take a minute to express your opinion?

The premiere issue of Star Wars Galaxy Collector is on the shelves now. This is an official Lucasfilm magazine that covers the whole range of Star Wars collecting (not just toys). This debut issue has articles on the new Kenner toys for 1998, an interview with official Kenner photographer Kim Simmons, a prequel design report, and an extensive Star Wars price guide.

There is also a book preview for the upcoming Essential Guide to Planets and Moons, a look behind the scenes at West End Games, and an interview with artist Drew Struzan. Senior Editor Steve Sansweet provides a nice primer on Japanese Star Wars collectibles and he also answers reader questions.

Basically, the magazine is packed cover to cover with enough Star Wars stuff to make even the most die-hard fan swoon. And if the content isn't enough for you, you also get a poster of poppa George and a special trading card with a first glimpse of some prequel designs (see right).

Look for this magazine at your local comic retailer or your favorite bookstore.

And coming soon: A brand new magazine from Beckett Publications. The new venture is called Beckett's Hot Toys and promises to cover a wide range of toy-related collectibles including Action Figures, Beanie Babies, Hot Wheels, Pez, Barbie, Happy Meal toys, and Teddy Bears.

The project sounds very much like the existing White's Guide in its breadth of coverage. Yes, they do promise a comprehensive price guide along with regular features such as "What's Hot," "Readers Write," and "Convention Calendar."

The first issue also promises a contest in which you can win 9 retired Beanie Babies. We'll keep you updated on this new magazine if it takes off. Look for the premiere issue in May.

You heard it here first! Toy Biz is definitely interested in doing an Alpha Flight series for the fans in 1999. But they want to get your input so that the line can be everything you want it to be. Things are just in the development stages (figure selection, concept drawings, etc.). So once again, Toy Biz has asked us to come to you, the loyal fans, to get your input on how this line should be done.

We know you are anxious to get started so go ahead and give it a bash. We'll be here when you get back.

The Alpha Flight survey is now over. We can tell you that the Classic Team won by a landslide. Toy Biz wants us to keep the specific figure choices a secret for now, but they will let us tell you that the most popular characters as chosen by you, the fans, are indeed what will be made. Thanks to everyone who participated.

We've been continually digging for the true story regarding the future of DC-related action figures. In our search, we came across the following bit of information from a very reliable source. It would seem that there are things afoot within the DC camp regarding action figures. But there is a catch. It's kind of a "good news/bad news" situation.

The good news is that DC's plans for producing action figures are, after much discussion, moving ahead. The bad news (depending on how you look at it) is that the initial figures offered will be MAD Magazine figures, SPY VS. SPY and ALFRED E. NEUMAN, tentatively scheduled for November, and sold exclusively to the direct market through Diamond Comic Distributors.

As it stands, the details of what the licensing agreement with Kenner covers under circumstances like these is still to be determined. There's still a chance that DC will be able to produce action figures of its own characters, but business issues need to be sorted out for that to happen. There is also the possibility of DC working with Kenner to produce action figures for comics shops...but given the relative size of the direct market these days, it seems likely that this would consist of custom packages and repaints.)

Golden Age characters are a possible alternative, as they're not likely to be covered by the licensing agreements in place. Even the VERTIGO characters are also a possibility (The VERTIGO characters wouldn't be quite as inappropriate in a comics shop, where they could be sold more as "collectable figures" than as "toys.").

This report is in no way meant to imply that DC is unhappy with Kenner or there handling of the DC licenses they currently hold. Instead, we should take this as a sign that DC would like to do even more with their characters, possibily with the assistance of Kenner or possibly on their own.

We'll keep digging in our ongoing investigation of this issue.

As you may know if you've been to our Toy Fair 98 coverage, the Superman:The Animated Series action figure line from Kenner has been slated for International distribution only starting as soon as outstanding US orders are filled. This means that already announced (and some sculpted) figures such as Supergirl, Flash, Metallo, and Bizarro will never see the light of day if overseas sales are not spectacular.

However, there may be some hope if everyone who loves this line lets Kenner know how they feel about its cancellation. To this end, Chip Cataldo has started a petition to keep the line going at his Bruce Timm Artwork Archive page. Go check out his page for all the names (some famous in the industry) that are already supporting this petition and instructions on how to add your name to the list.

Three more Bond Girl 6" figures are on the way from Exclusive Premiere. Pictured from left to right are a new Honey Rider (Ursula Andress from Dr. No), Solitaire (Jane Seymour from Live and Let Die), and Xenia Onatopp (Famke Jannsen from Goldeneye). Hey, is it just us or was Ian Fleming pretty wacked to think up these double entendre names, or what?

These should be hitting the stores sometime this Spring. Look for them at places like Toys R Us and your local comic shops. Two exclusive variants will later be available through Diamond Distributing.

Our Toy Fair coverage continues as we bring you more and more of what we saw in the Big Apple. New information and pictures are being added all the time so be sure to check back frequently. You'll find it all right here.
Click here!

Over in ToyFare, the exclusive of the month is a golden armored Witchblade from Moore Action Collectibles and Top Cow.  That lil'darling Mego Spidey enters the ring with the new Famous Covers Spidey in Twisted Mego Theater!  Plus, new pictures of Awesome Toys' Genie, the new '98 Trek figures, Giant Sized X-Men, Batman, Xena, Usagi Yojimbo, Middle Earth figures, and a sneak peek at The Creeper!  All that and a guest column by Sarah Dyer!

Hasbro's Star Wars site has updated both their upcoming figure pictures and their product list release dates. Included in the pictures are Chewbacca as Boush's Bounty, Death Star Trooper, 8D8, and Mon Mothma (seen at right). Also listed as upcoming releases are Max Rebo Band two-packs, Prune Face, Death Star Droid, Sy Snootles and Joh Yowza. Many of these figures were first announced here on RTM even though there were a few disbelievers.

Check out the entire story behind the brand new toy company that is bringing you the new Lord of the Rings action figures. We sat down with the founder of the Middle Earth Toys to get the lowdown on this exciting license. See all the new products including the cool electronic versions, packaging art, concept design drawings, preliminary sculptures, prototypes and more. You'll read about it here first. So read our in depth article and visit all the galleries.