The first photo of an actual Godzilla toy was bagged by legendary action figure hunter and rtaf regular Gareee! Hop on over to Gareee's Place and click on the Godzilla link. There you will see the beastie that was bagged on a routine toy safari. Don't go visiting if you want to be surprised by the movie starring Matthew Broderick and Hank Azaria. Apparently, stores are beginning to have these toys in stock even though they should not be put out on the shelves before the movie is officially released. Happy hunting.

And kudos to Gareee for the awesome find!

Diamond's Previews has announced plans for two assortments of exclusive DC Superheroes figures based on the JLA.

The figures are a mix of Total Justice figures and combine the third series (which was somewhat difficult to find in many parts of the country) with redecos of other Total Justice figures intended to represent the JLA Revenge Squad holograms created by the likes of Lex Luthor and the Joker in the opening of the Rock of Ages JLA story arc (JLA #10).

The first boxed set will include Superman, Huntress, Green Lantern, Holo Batman, and Holo Flash. The second set will contain Batman, Green Arrow, Flash, Holo Green Lantern, and Holo Superman.

Diamond will share these exclusives with KayBee stores. However, Diamond also notes that they have secured a deal to produce a 12" Superman figure done in the animated style. This will be the only time this version of this figure will be made. With the 12" Batman Animated figures coming out this year as well, this should be a very sought after piece.

And with rumors flying that Diamond is attempting to secure the ability to distribute the now International Superman: The Animated Series (STAS) 5-inch figures, Diamond may be DC fans' best source for DC character action figures in 1998

Look for the latest issue of Lee's Action Figure News & Toy Review on stands now. The cover story previews various licensed products based on Comedy Central's hit show, South Park. Wind-up boxed sets and Vinyl banks are being produced by Street Players. Although the article doesn't mention it, recent industry buzz is that Playmates laid out a very large sum to acquire the rights to produce South Park action figures and related items. No official confirmation from Playmates just yet, but we'll keep you informed.

The issue also covers the new offerings from newcomer D-Boy (formerly Polydata) who will be doing the Gen13 action figures. There are Toy Fair wrap ups from several companies such as Toy Biz, Playmates, and Mattel.

There is a very nice article on vintage Star Wars variations by Rob Johnson. Throw in some news from Asia and pics of a variety of upcoming releases and you have the latest issue of AFN&:TR. Check it out at your local comic store or magazine stand.

We went back and redid the scans of the new International release Superman figures shown at Toy Fair 1997 (we removed the lesser quality scans from the story below in favor of these better shots). Below you see Fortress of Solitude Superman, Strong Arm Superman, and Anti-Kryptonite Superman. In redoing these photos we noticed an interesting possibility. It appears that Fortress of Solitude Superman may have a completely new head sculpt that more faithfully represents the animated series design (shown left, extremely magnified). It remains to be seen whether the actual release will look like this prototype however.

In addition, we've received several very reliable reports about a new International two-pack containing Capture Net Superman and a slightly repainted Darkseid. These sightings would account for the repainted Darkseid we encountered at Toy Fair 1998 (shown right). Time to make some overseas friends.

Fortress of Solitude Superman, Strong Arm Superman, and Anti-Kryptonite Superman.

Steven Seagle, writer for Marvel's Alpha Flight, will donate his signing fee for the Wizard Authentic Program's new Limited Variant Edition Guardian Action Figure. This special action figure of Alpha Flight's leader is manufactured for Wizard: The Comics Magazine, and production of the signed collectible edition has been coordinated by AnotherUniverse.com. Seagle has announced that his entire $1,000 signing fee will go directly to benefit the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund.

The CBLDF is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization dedicated to the preservation of free speech in the comics community. Seagle has been a consistent supporter of the Fund's efforts to fight censorship, and has donated money in the past to help pay the legal expenses of other comic professionals forced to defend their First Amendments rights in court.

"I've never been comfortable with the idea of being paid for my signature," said Seagle. "But when the comics store I shop at, Shooting Star in Glendale, California, became the target of undue persecution, the CBLDF came to its defense. I decided then that I should find a way to support the Fund, and signature-for-sale products became my way of contributing."

Seagle is the driving force behind Marvel's successful re-launch of Alpha Flight, and is garnering acclaim for his work on Uncanny X-Men. He's also written Sandman Mystery Theater, and is the creator of Vertigo's House of Secrets. He recently signed on to write the script for the feature film adaptation of House of Secrets.

"This is a great gesture on Steven's part," said CBLDF executive director Chris Oarr. "Perhaps more than anyone else, creators understand the importance of the First Amendment to the comics community. We all benefit when creators are free to express themselves without fear of outside interference."

The variant Guardian Action Figure is the newest entry in Wizard's Authentic Program. This program features signed limited-edition comics and collectible merchandise authenticated by Wizard: The Comics Magazine. AnotherUniverse.com, one of the nation's premiere mail-order and on-line comics stores, manages the program on behalf of Wizard. The Guardian Action Figure was produced by Toy Biz for Wizard and AnotherUniverse.com. The signed edition, limited to only 500 figures, will be available at http://www.anotheruniverse.com starting May 15, 1998. The signed figures will also appear in AnotherUniverse.com's mail-order catalog and in Diamond's Previews.

"I want to applaud Mr. Seagle's generosity toward the CBLDF," said Steve Milo, president of AnotherUniverse.com. "We are all part of the same industry and it's a great honor for us to team up with top creators like Steven Seagle and a leading publication like Wizard to support such an important cause."

Wizard: The Comics Magazine publisher Gareb Shamus was equally enthusiastic about the project. "I commend Steven not only on his contribution to the CBLDF, but on his commitment to the industry we love."

Although it had been previously reported elsewhere, it now seems that the deal to produce Micronauts is not as settled as once believed. Original reports had assigned the license to ToyMax, the company that produces the popular Laser Challenge game. However, RTM has learned from several sources that this deal has apparently fallen through. No reason has been supplied for this apparent change in plans, but it does indeed appear that the Micronauts license is once again looking for a home.

Plans for the animated Micronauts series are apparently moving forward. Nearly all the major toy manufacturers have been mentioned as possibly interested in acquiring the Micronauts license. However, at this point, these are merely rumors and speculation. No official word has been issued about the future of the license. We're fairly confident that it will be picked up by someone. As to who that someone might be, it's anyone's guess at this point.

We'll keep you updated on any further developments on this story.

There has been great confusion about the Buffy the Vampire Slayer license. Last week it was reported in that Exclusive Toy Products (aka Exclusive Premiere) had acquired the license to do Buffy figures. This is both right and wrong. The initial reports were incomplete and led to lots of confusion and a big stream of questions to our e-mail. We hope to be able to clear up all the confusion caused by these earlier incomplete reports floating around the net.

Exclusive Toy Products (ETP) has just officially announced their deal to produce dolls based on the popular WB series. These are larger figures (nine and twelve inches) with cloth costumes. News of the pending deal was leaked before there was actually any official deal actually in place. But who could blame folks for getting excited over this license?

Much of the confusion stemmed from the fact that , during his live chat here on RTM, Clayburn Moore had indicated that his company, Moore Action Collectibles (M.A.C.), was very close to making a deal to produce Buffy action figures as well. Many fans were under the impression that the ETP deal negated any deal for Moore Action Collectibles. Not so! In fact, M.A.C. does indeed have plans to move ahead with their versions of action figures based on Buffy the Vampire Slayer. These will be smaller, plastic figures done in Mr. Moore's own inimitable style we're sure.

Neither M.A.C. nor ETP have any official word on which characters or figures will appear in these forthcoming lines. ETP has reported that Buffy, Angel and Giles are under consideration for the 9-inch line (to be sold through Diamond Previews) and that a 12-inch Buffy doll will be available as a store exclusive.

But wait, there's more. Buffy has an additional licensor in Varner Studios who has been granted the license to produce resin kits. We've seen a nearly completed version of the sculpt and it looks fantastic. The kit is sculpted by Steve Varner who will be our VIP guest in the Toy Buzz Live! on Thursday, May 7th at 9:00pm EST. You can come chat with Steve about this and all the other cool stuff he's working on (Steve has also been the primary sculptor for the Playmates Star Trek line since its inception)..

Now, if this license arrangement seems complicated to you, it is. But it's not that uncommon. Given all the various products that can be produced for a show as popular as Buffy the Vampire Slayer, it stands to reason that numerous companies will be involved. And this way, there is (hopefully) something for every taste. Dolls, action figures, and resin kits for everyone!

Toy Vault has announced plans to release a stunning recreation of Lewis Carroll's Jabberwock from Through the Looking Glass, the sequel to Alice in Wonderland.

The figure stands approximately 5-6" tall, is articulated at the shoulders and hips and the neck is made with bendable plastic so that it can twist and bend around. The figure will be offered in next month's Diamond Previews and the suggested retail is under $10.

If you'd like to see more of this beast including a sample of the original art from the 1800's and the modern control art, click here.

Due to overwhelming demand from G.I. Joe fans across the country, the Space Shuttle Astronaut and the Congressional Medal of Honor, Sgt. Francis S. Currey figures are now available for purchase directly through Hasbro's new 1-800-GOGIJOE (1-800-464-4363) collector hotline as well as through the G.I. Joe website www.hasbrotoys.com.

The Space Shuttle Astronaut commemorates NASA's launching of the first reusable orbiter, the "Space Shuttle Columbia!', into space an April 12, 198 1. The figure is outfitted in an authentic space shuttle suit with patches and air hose connector, helmet with communications link and visor, gloves, air hose, ventilator, boots and dog, tags.

The Congressional Medal of Honor is the highest tribute the military can give a soldier. G.I. Joe honors Sgt. Francis S. Currey, of U.S. Army's 120th Infantry, 30th Infantry Division. On December 21, 1944 near Malmedy, Belgium, Sgt. Currey risked injury from enemy fire while destroying enemy tanks and rescuing five comrades. This figure is outfitted with a helmet, shirt, pants, personnel belt, scarf, wool knit cap, jacket, dogtags, and the Medal of Honor. He is armed with a machine gun, bazooka, rockets, and ammo pouches.

Both figures can be ordered directly from Hasbro three different ways, Consumers can call the new 1-800GOGIJOE (800-464-4563) hotline, visit the Hasbro web site at www.hasbrotoys.com, or write to Hasbro, P.O. Box 693, Pawtucket, RI 02862. The details of ordering are as follows:

COST:

$29.95 per figure
+$4.95 shipping & handling
$34.90 TOTAL PER FIGURE
(California and Rhode Island residents add applicable sales tax)
Check or money order should be made payable to Hasbro Promotions and Direct

WHO: Offer good to U.S. and Canadian residents only (money orders in U.S. funds only for Canadian consumers)

WHEN: Offer runs May 4, 1998 through December 31, 1998 (or while supplies last) * Allow 6 - 8 weeks from receipt of check for delivery.

QUANTITY: Limit of 5 figures per person (Hasbro reserves the right to further limit the number of figures per household)

These are the only two figures that will be available for sale direct from Hasbro at this time.

Clear your schedules for August and book your trip to San Diego because the world's most famous comic convention is happening with a vengeance. August 13-16, the Comic-Con International will take over San Diego with all your favorite comic book celebrities.

And just like last year, RTM has been asked to assemble and host the toy-related events of Comic-Con International and this year, we have some killer things planned.

We're very excited about our creators panel that brings together some of the most respected names in action figure design and sculpting. Celebrities like Clayburn Moore (Moore Creations, M.A.C.), Digger (outspoken head of the Art Asylum), and Phil Ramirez (sculptor for Toy Biz) are already confirmed to appear. Several other guests will be added as we twist their arms.

And for our industry panel, we have the inimitable Chet Jacques from McFarlane Toys Collectors Club joined by other industry insiders like Chris Overley and Ryan Brookhart (Editor, go figure! magazine). More guests to be announced soon!

We'll also be conducting another Customizing Workshop. Last year's workshop was standing room only so we're moving to a bigger room. Get there early! We've got some cool things planned.

Look for a full profile of all the toy-related happenings at Comic-Con to appear in the Summer Update available in comic stores in just a few short months. Get your free copy to get a rundown of all the guests and events. If you work in the toy industry and might like to appear on one of our panels, please feel free to contact us.

One final note: The organizers of Comic-Con (one of whom is a big toy collector) asked us if we thought there would be any interest in an organized meeting of on-line toy enthusiasts during the Con. So we thought we'd ask you. If you are going to attend the Comic-Con, would you be interested in a social gathering to meet and greet other on-line toy collectors? We'd open it up to everyone from web sites, to newsgroups (like rec.toys.action-figures) to mailing lists like the Mego list and Customize. So what do you all think? E-mail us your thoughts and spread the word. If there is enough interest, we'll organize it and make it happen!

Various forums on the internet have been abuzz after recent news about the seeming cancellation of the Street Warriors Spider-Man and Flying Fighters X-Men assortments for 1998. However, Toy Biz wants collectors to know that their voices are being heard.

Joann McLaughlin, Toy Biz's Senior Vice President of Boys Toys, states, "Collectors can rest assured that most of the figures from these cancelled lines will be available in other action figure assortments in 1999. The Flying Fighters and Street Warriors assortments were postponed due to a re-evaluation of our 1998 marketing and advertising plans."

Additionally, we've received plenty of e-mail asking about the fate of everyone's favorite Tomb Raider, Lara Croft. It appears that a rumor has circulated about the figures supposed cancellation or recall.

According to Ms.McLaughlin "The rumor that the Toy Biz Lara Croft figure is being recalled from the market is completely false. In fact, most retailers have completely sold out of the figure. Demand has been so strong, that retailers have continually requested more Lara Croft figures from Toy Biz. However, based on our licensing agreement with Eidos, we are committed to keeping quantities limited."

In other news, Toy Biz, Inc. reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 1998. First quarter net sales in 1998 were $42.6 million with net income of $1.1 million, or $0.04 per share, compared to net sales of $34.4 million and net income of $475,000, or $0.02 per share, in the first quarter a year ago.

Joe Ahearn, President and Chief Executive Officer of Toy Biz said, "We are very pleased with our first quarter net sales, which reflect the results of the Company's marketing and sales initiatives begun in 1997. The increase in net sales is primarily a result of sales of recently introduced boy's accessories as well the introduction of L'il Splash 'n Shivers, a new promotional doll, during the 1998 first quarter." The Company noted that international sales were below 1997 levels primarily as a result of reduced distribution of animated Marvel television shows in international markets. The Company believes that the reduced distribution of those shows is a result of the Marvel bankruptcy.

Mr. Ahearn also commented on the Marvel reorganization, saying, "Although the Court of Appeals has stayed our confirmation hearing, originally scheduled for May 4, we continue to be pleased with the progress that has been made in our efforts to bring the Marvel reorganization to a close. The recent support received from Marvel's Unsecured Creditors Committee is a further step in the right direction. We believe that our reorganization plan will proceed forward toward confirmation and are committed to that course."

The new issue of Tomart's Action Figure Digest is on stands right now. This first post Toy Fair issue looks at the new Star Gods figures from Antarctic Press and Conquest Studios. The feature article is a look at unproduced toys from Toy Fairs and toy catalogs past. Lot's of never made things like Thundercats, Visionaries and more.

The regular Star Wars update, some shelf reports and a nice run down of Action Man offerings in the UK round out this issue. Check with your local comic dealer to get your issue today!

For more than 65 years, Lego has relied on the popularity of its simple plastic bricks to encourage kids to build anything they could imagine. Now, the company is hitching its name to a star, a galaxy and the Millennium Falcon.

Under an agreement announced Thursday, Lego will make and sell construction toys based on the original ``Star Wars'' trilogy as well as three new ``Star Wars'' movies to be released over the next decade.

The new line will allow kids to create such characters such as Darth Vader and Luke Sykwalker with Legos, as well as vehicles, settings and scenes from the movies.

With ``Star Wars'' merchandise already a proven moneymaker and more movies on the way, industry analysts say the force will be with Lego.

``I don't see how you could get a better property than `Star Wars.' It's just an automatic sell,'' said Eugene Gilligan, executive editor of Playthings magazine.

To market the toys, Lego signed a multiyear agreement with Lucas Licensing Ltd., a subsidiary of Lucasfilm Ltd., the film and entertainment company of ``Star Wars'' director George Lucas.

Financial terms were not disclosed.

```Star Wars' is so recognizable you can almost guarantee you're going to have a hit product,'' said Diane Cardinale, a spokeswoman for the Toy Manufacturers of America.

Since it was founded in Denmark in 1932, the company has never before obtained any licenses to market outside products.

Peter Eio, president of Lego Systems Inc., based north of Hartford, said that Lego has been looking for years for a licensing partner with long-term potential. It found that longevity in ``Star Wars,'' a trilogy of space adventure movies that first gained massive box office popularity 20 years ago.

``Star Wars'' enjoyed a resurgence last year when the original trilogy was re-released. Next year, the first in a new trilogy will be released, which will track the early life of villain Darth Vader.

``Obviously, we see it as a substantial opportunity globally,'' said Eio. ``We see this as the coming together of two of the strongest brands.''

``Star Wars'' is already the best-selling toy license, with millions of dollars in revenues each year.

Last fall, Hasbro Inc. and Galoob Toys won the rights to produce toys for the three new movies in a deal that analysts called the biggest toy licensing agreement ever.

Hasbro and Galoob, which also hold the licenses for the original trilogy, each make a wide range of merchandise that appeal to both children and adult collectors. Lego says it is not worried about competing with more well-established ``Star Wars'' toys.

``I think we add a different dimension -- the ability to construct and deconstruct, and for kids to use their imagination and to change models. That's always been an inherent part of the Lego name,'' Eio said.

Cardinale said the market for the toys is not even approaching saturation.

``Collectors of these items are a very committed group,'' she said. ``They just can't seem to get enough.''

Lego said it expects to introduce its first ``Star Wars'' building sets next spring, based on the original trilogy, followed by additional sets based on the new movie to be released in May 1999.

The building sets will use Lego's traditional plastic bricks and may incorporate new, computer-based products the company plans to introduce this fall.

Howard Roffman, Lucasfilm's vice president of licensing, said, ``The beauty of the arrangement is being able to translate the `Star Wars' fantasy into the very well-recognized world of the Lego building system.''

Lego said prices for the buildings sets will mirror current prices for its regular Lego sets, ranging from $4 for small sets to $80 or so for complex sets.

McFarlane Toys' next big release is the follow-up to last year's popular Monster Playsets. These new playsets feature The Phantom of the Opera, The Sea Creature, Dr. Frankenstein and the Mummy. Click on the pictures below to get a more information and a better look at each playset.

The Phantom | Sea Creature | Dr. Frankenstein | The Mummy

Dark Horse Comics is introducing the first in a new line of collector's action figures, Ghost. This popular comic character comes complete with gunbelt and two pistols , and measures 6 1/2" tall with six points of articulation. Mike Mignola's popular Hellboy character is rumored to be the next figure in this line.

Based on his new comic, Spartan X, this Jackie Chan figure has multiple points of articulation and happening threads. Rock on, Jackie!

The third series of the 9" Babylon 5 figures are being produced by Exclusive Premiere. Michael Garibaldi and Susan Ivanova both come in EarthForce uniforms, while Londo Molari comes dressed in a flamboyant costume.

Many fans have anxiously awaited news on the fate of the much beloved Superman:The Animated Series (STAS) line. Well, here is the lowdown straight from Kenner's overseas managers. There will indeed be new figures in the International releases of the STAS line. And the first of those is beginning to ship right now.

The countries involved in this International distribution are the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Belgium, and Mexico (sorry Canada, you aren't on the list for now). The assortment that is currently shipping contains: Quick Change Superman, Braniac, Lex Luthor, Electro Energy Superman, and Capture Claw Superman. We've seen all these before. But the assortment also contains Anti Kryptonite Superman, Fortress of Solitude Superman and Strong Arm Superman (shown below) which appeared in Kenner's 1997 catalog but never made it to US retailers.

But wait, there's more. Beginning in August, a second International assortment is slated to ship including: Supergirl, Metallo, "Home Run" Superman, X-Ray Vision Superman, Power Auger Superman and Bizarro. You may have to add several weeks to the anticipated ship date if International releases have the same types of retail lags as US releases often do.

And if this weren't enough, the Bruce Timm Artwork Archive reports that in addition to Bizarro there is another figure in possible development called Tornado Superman. It is possible that this figure is the final naming of one of the other previously mentioned Superman figures or could be an entirely new figure altogether. And while you are checking out the stuff at the Bruce Timm Archive, be sure to take the DC Comics figures survey to voice your opinion on what you'd most like to see. It could be helpful in actually getting these figures done! So vote!

We'll keep digging up DC news as much as we can. Now, all you have to do is take a trip to one of the countries listed above and do some toy shopping. Pick us up a couple of each while you are there.

Chris Overley, resigned this week as manager of the Star Trek line at Playmates Toys. He has left to pursue a job with Equity Marketing, the firm who produces many promotional items for a number of companies. The parting was amicable, if a bit awkward.

"I had to be escorted from the building, you know. They weren't being mean, it's just that once you turn in your notice that you'll be working for someone else, they have to take the appropriate steps to make sure everything is OK" said Overley.

No replacement has been named. Chris stated that he had the Trek line set to run smoothly for quite a while and does not anticipate any discontinuity in their offerings for this year.

In addition, Chris was originally scheduled to do our Live Chat on May 7th at 9:00pm EST. Unfortunately, Mr. Overley's schedule changed unexpectedly due to his new position and he was forced to cancel. However, primary sculptor for the Playmates Star Trek line, Steve Varner stepped in to pinch hit so that the chat could go on whithout a hitch.