Toy Biz has granted us this first sneak peek at one of the figures from next year's classic Avengers boxed set. The set is slated to contain Iron Man (shown left), Thor, Hulk, Wasp, Ant Man, and Giant Man.

All the figures were designed in the classic Kirby-esque style. The original Iron Man comes with a removable helmet and the original bulked up armor. The boxed set packaging will feature the classic cover for the debut issue of the comic. (shown right)

We hope to be able to bring you more sneak peeks like this one as the launch date for the line draws closer. The Avengers boxed set won't be available until 1999 so stay tuned for more developments as they happen.

Full Moon Toys, the company that brings you the highly successful Puppet Master action figure line, now gives you two new reasons to be afraid of the dark, Radu and Shrieker!

Radu is the malevolent vampire from the highly successful Subspecies series of films. "Radu has been one of the most requested figures for the toy line," commented Rick Phares, Executive Vice President of Full Moon Toys. "We're very pleased to finally unleash Radu to the collectibles market, and to the many fans who have requested him."

Radu stands a menacing 8" tall and comes with real hair, a real cloth overcoat and a translucent Bloodstone accessory. Also included is a highly detailed Subspecies creature and a base for both Radu and the Subspecies to stand on.

Shrieker, from the movie of the same name, stands 7" tall, and comes with real hair, real cloth clothing, and four (!) light up eyes. Also included is a bone bashing accessory and a detailed base for Shrieker to stand on.

"These two figures are the most detailed of any of our releases so far. They look exactly like their movie counterparts" commented Phares.

This deadly duo will be packed 10 figures per case (four regular Radu, four regular Shrieker, 1 special edition Radu, and 1 special edition Shrieker). The suggested retail price for each figure is $14.95 and will be available in August. Each figure will be packed in unique blister cards featuring exclusive artwork unique to each character.

As with all previous Full Moon Toys releases, the figures will not be available in mass merchandisers. Consumers can find the figures at their local comic book and specialty shops.

What's next for Full Moon Toys? Be on the lookout for Blood Dolls and Castle Freak coming soon!

The World's Finest two-pack hinted at earlier this year has been announced as a Wal-Mart exclusive. The item will contain animated series versions Batman and Superman figures and it is assumed that they will be in their regular costumes. These are believed to be re-release figures as opposed to any new sculpting. Neither exact descriptions nor photos were available.

Look for this two-pack to be available starting in late June. We'll keep you updated as we get any more news on this or other exclusive DC offers.

In other DC-related news, we have learned that plans to produce bean bag toys of popular DC and Vertigo characters have been scrapped. No official reason was given for the decision. Perhaps this is a signal that the bean bag craze is cooling.

ToyFare magazine reported in its latest issue that a line of Vertigo PVC figures are in development. And our sources have indicated to us that plans for a direct-market Wonder Woman figure are proceeding apace. Great news for long-suffering fans of this popular character who has not has an action figure since the Super Powers line and the Toy Biz DC Superheroes line (thanks to everyone who reminded us of this one). Again, we'll give you all the scoop as we get it.

There were some problems in the manufacturing process of the Madame Web figure set to ship with the Flip N Trap line. But never fear, there is a bonus here. In the first shipments of the Flip N Trap line, there will be a special Spider-Man figure. This is a redeco of the Web Traps Spidey based on a recent comic issue.

In Peter Parker:Spider-Man #90 a Distortion Field opened up on Yancy Street leading into the Negative Zone, the portion of sub-space where everything is composed of anti-matter. Spidey landed in the middle of a war and his appearance changed in the Negative Zone. There, he fought Blastaar using the guise of Dusk, a war hero in the Negative Zone.

Madame Web will replace this figure when she is all ready to ship. Toy Biz did not want to ship an incorrect or less than perfect figure, thus the decision was made to hold back until the problems could be resolved. And as a bonus, we get this neat looking redeco of one of the most popular Spidey sculpts.

Playstation Magazine Online (PSMonline) reports that Capcom and McFarlane Toys have reached some sort of deal regarding collaboration between the two companies. Of course, this could work both ways as both companies employ licensed characters. Capcom could produced video games based on McFarlane properties (such as a new Spawn fighting game). And vice versa, McFarlane might produce action figures based on popular Capcom properties.

While it is far too early to get confirmation on solid plans, speculation has already begun. Many fans are hoping for McFarlane to produce figures from the popular Capcom game series "Darkstalkers."

Details of the agreement are still sketchy. Of course, Toy Biz is currently producing X-Men vs. Street Fighter figures and has the Resident Evil figures on the way. These are two lines based on Capcom games as well. So where does this leave Toy Biz with regard to future Capcom licenses? Hard to say, but sources indicate that Toy Biz has not closed the book on future Capcom offerings either. So it is seems likely that the McFarlane/Capcom relationship is not all-encompassing. Perhaps there are discreet properties underconsideration by both companies.

As video games prove to be the latest thing in action figures, we'll keep you updated on all the latest happenings.

Retailers are apparently anxious to get the Godzilla toys out on the shelves. Sales have apparently been brisk at a number of retailers even before the official release of the movie. This pre-release has been the subject of much talk both on and off the net. Numerous sightings have now been reported. It appears that the lizard is out of the bag (so to speak).

But if you are one of the people who still wants to be surprised by the monster in the upcoming movie, then don't click the following link. We don't want to spoil it for any one who wants to be surprised.

Both White's Guide to Collecting Figures #42 and ToyFare #11contain new exclusive figure offers this month and are on stands now.

White's continues to offer its standard wide variety of articles on collectibles with a heavy emphasis on Barbie and Beanie Babies. There is a good article on video game-related toys. The cover of the magazine lists what they believe to be the top ten action figures and Hot Wheels that collectors are scrambling for. We're not so sure we agree with all of them, but to each his own.

The new exclusive in White's this issue (joining the Toy Biz Ferral still on sale) is a Gandalf variation from Toy Vault and Middle Earth Toys. Dubbed "Gandolf In Fangorn Forest" the figure takes some accessories from each of the other two variant Gandalfs (white and grey) and adds an exclusive cloak. This could be a good compromise for collectors who couldn't decide between the Gandalf the White and Gandalf the Grey.

ToyFare does its usual competent job of covering the action figure world with its own particular brand of humor. Highlights from this issue include a look at the Bone and Alley Oop control art, the new Jay and Silent Bob figures, and a retrospective of the Transformers line.

ToyFare's exclusive this month is there first ever Kenner figure, the Reverse Flash (aka Professor Zoom). This repainted Total Justice figure is sure to be a quick seller so get your orders in quickly. Look for more cool exclusives from ToyFare to be announced soon.

Antarctic Press has announced a couple of variations for its Cheetah figure. The character Cheetah is from Fred Perry's popular book Gold Digger published by Antarctic. Gold Digger has a very loyal following. Fans have been known to fly all over the world to see Fred at conventions. It's even been jokingly said that many of them "would take a bullet for Fred."

The regular version of Cheetah (top left) will be available through your local comic shop and other specialty retailers. The Stealth Cheetah (middle left) is the first variant in this release. it features the character in a black stealth suit for creeping around the shadows at night. The Gold Cheetah (bottom left) is a mail away exclusive limited to 3000 pieces. This is a swanky color scheme and should be a popular piece.

You can see more of what Antarctic has in store for the year by check out our recent Antarctic Article.

According to Variety, McFarlane Toys has landed the rights to create action figures based on The Crow movies and upcoming television show.

"Although we had significant proposals from several major companies, we believe that McFarlane Toys will give us the best opportunity to provide quality toys to our existing loyal Crow fans while also expanding the base of Crow fans with toys based on the television series," said Crow producer Edward Pressman.

The acquisition of this license is in keeping wiht McFarlane's dark themed lines. In addition to the Movie Maniacs and X-Files lines, McFarlane Toys is close to announcing even more lines based on similar genres. We'll let you know all the details as soon as we can.

Toy Biz, Inc. and Marvel Entertainment Group, Inc. announced today that an agreement, subject to court approval, has been reached among Toy Biz, John J. Gibbons, Chapter 11 Trustee of Marvel, representatives of Marvel's Senior Secured Lenders and certain other parties to settle litigation commenced by Marvel against Toy Biz, Marvel's Senior Secured Lenders and those other parties as well as litigation commenced by Toy Biz against Marvel. On March 30, 1998, the United States District Court for the District of Delaware, which has been administering the Marvel Chapter 11 cases entered a judgment declaring that the supervoting rights associated with the class B common stock of Toy Biz owned by Marvel, which enabled Marvel to control the Toy Biz board, terminated on June 20, 1997 when Carl C. Icahn took control of Marvel. This judgment has been appealed by Marvel's Trustee and others to the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. On April 13, 1998, the Court of Appeals stayed, pending the outcome of the appeal, the previously scheduled confirmation hearing on the plan of reorganization that had been proposed by Toy Biz and Marvel's Senior Secured Lenders. That Plan of Reorganization provides for the combination of Toy Biz and Marvel.

If the settlement agreement is approved by the District Court which is overseeing Marvel's bankruptcy, the Trustee has agreed to seek to have the stay of the confirmation hearing vacated, to defer consummation of the appeal and to withdraw the appeal upon consummation of the Plan of Reorganization. Under the terms of the proposed settlement agreement, the Trustee, the Senior Secured Lenders of Marvel, Toy Biz and others will exchange releases, including releases from the lawsuit commenced by Marvel. That lawsuit was commenced by Marvel when it was controlled by the Icahn interests against the Senior Secured Lenders, Toy Biz and others. Among the parties against whom Marvel brought its lawsuit are Ronald O. Perelman and certain of his affiliates and associates, who are not being released. The proposed settlement also provides for the amendment of the proposed plan of reorganization so that Marvel equityholders and entities entitled to securities litigation claims will receive three series of warrants upon consummation of the amended Plan of Reorganization entitling them to purchase common and convertible/exchangeable preferred stock to be issued by the combined company. The first series of four million warrants will have a term of six months and will allow the recipients to purchase common stock in the combined company at a price of $12.00 per share (subject to increase based on the issuance date of the warrants). The second series of three million warrants will have a term of six months and will allow the recipients to purchase convertible/exchangeable preferred stock in the combined company at a price of $10.65 per share (also subject to increase based on the issuance date of the warrants). The final series of five million warrants will have a term of four years and will allow the recipients to purchase common stock in the new company at a price of $18.50 per share. Finally, the equity holders and class securities litigation claimants will be entitled to receive distributions from any recovery on certain future litigation.

In addition to the approval of the District Court which is overseeing Marvel's bankruptcy, the agreement is subject to the approval of the Senior Secured Lenders that have agreed to support the Plan of Reorganization. Toy Biz expects to receive the Senior Secured Lender's approval shortly and will be seeking court approval of the settlement together with Marvel's Chapter 11 Trustee expeditiously. The agreement is subject to confirmation of the amended Plan of Reorganization by June 30, 1998, which will require the Court of Appeals to lift its stay, and consummation of the amended Plan of Reorganization by August 15, 1998.

Joseph Ahearn, President and CEO of Toy Biz, commented that: "We are extremely pleased with the settlement reached with Marvel's Chapter 11 Trustee. The settlement represents another significant step in resolving the issues that have delayed the resolution of our Plan of Reorganization." John J. Gibbons, Chapter 11 Trustee of Marvel commented that: "I am pleased that we have been able to achieve a settlement with Toy Biz that will provide an opportunity to resolve litigation associated with Marvel's bankruptcy and end the eighteen month process associated with confirming a plan of reorganization for Marvel. This settlement represents a significant step forward and I believe all involved have worked diligently to get to this settlement."

Common shares of Marvel Entertainment Group, Inc. were suspended from trading on the New York Stock Exchange on April 15 pending delisting as a result of the Company's inability to meet NYSE's continuing listing requirements. Marvel's common shares currently trade on Nasdaq's "Bulletin Board" under the symbol MRVGQ. However, there is no assurance that the Company's shares will continue to trade on the "Bulletin Board" or on another exchange.

Exclusive Toy Products has announced plans to produce a line of 12-inch Gen13 figures. In the first assortment, 12-inch Fairchild and a 12-inch Lynch figures are planned.

These releases are said to come with collector packaging and accessories. A Diamond Comics variant and "chase figures" are also planned though details are not yet available regarding these figures.

Look for these figures later this year.

Resaurus, the company that brought you the Duke Nukem figures has announced that they have acquired the rights to produced action figures based on Jeff Smith's Bone comic. The figures will be meticulously scaled including a huge Red Dragon. Resaurus hopes to have these in stores by later summer to early fall.

Resaurus is also working on figures for Virus from the movie and Dark Horse comic of the same name. A Diamond Comics exclusive figure is planned. It will be the virus-infected "Squeaky" (concept drawing shown here).

Last, but not least, Resaurus plans a new Duke Nukem figures to coincide with the release of the new game "Duke Forever." This figure will tentatively be available in late 1998.

Add to all this the Crash Bandicoot figures announced at Toy Fair and the Carnage Dinos and it looks like Resaurus has a pretty full plate for the coming months. We'll let you know of any more developments as we get them.

Toy Vault has released the first preliminary design sketches by two of Astro City's notable artists. Regular cover artist Alex Ross (Kingdom Come, Marvels, Uncle Sam) has done some very nice concept work on the first two characters of Samaritan and Winged Victory. Regular Astro City artist Brent Anderson has done detailed control drawings of the characters including the proposed accessories such as Winged Victory's necklace and the bouquet of flowers that Samaritan gives her on their date.

Sam Greenwall is sculpting Samaritan and Winged Victory for Toy Vault. The company hopes to have protoypes ready to be shown in July. The second series from the popular comic will contain Silver Agent as sculpted by Daniel Horne and the Confessor as sculpted by Raven Hood.

For a look at all the control art and close-ups of the art detail (we know you want to read all the little artist notes), choose one of the links below:

Here is a nice photo of the third series of the Marvel Collector Series 12 inch figures. This series includes The Punisher, Jessica Drew Spider-Woman, and Dr. Octopus.

Toy Biz has stated that characters that appear in the 12 inch line could very well appear in the Famous Covers 8 inch line at some point in the future so don't be disappointed if one of the characters you wanted to see in the Famous Covers line comes out in the 12 inch line first.

The previous assortments of the 12 inch line has included Spider-Man, Venom, and Black Cat (on sale now) and Gambit, Storm (with Mohawk) and Wolverine (on sale soon). The second assortment of the 8 inch Famous Covers figures is just now hitting store shelves. Be on the lookout for Thor, Captain America, Dark Phoenix and Dr. Doom.

Anticipation continues to build as the Comic-Con International in San Diego draws ever closer. Several new toy VIP's have confirmed their participation with us at this year's events. Among the newly announced guests are Rick Phares of Full Moon Toys, Damon Nee and Carlos Lopez, Product Managers with Toy Biz, and the head of Varner Studios and primary sculptor for the Playmates Star Trek line, Steve Varner.

Incidentally, Steve took part in our second VIP Chat and the chat transcript is now available for those who were unable to attend.

We are continuing to sign up the best in toy-related guests for this year's Comic-Con panels. If you are a toy-related professional and think you could make an interesting contribuiton to the toy festivities at this year's Con, drop us a line.

Response to our quesiton about organizing a meeting for on-line toy collectors has been extremely positive. We're moving ahead with plans for just such an event. It will be an informal meet and greet for toy collectors. So pass on the word and come meet other on-line collectors from around the world. Keep checking this site for more news and updates.

And for the latest scoop and info on the Comic-Con itself, be sure to visit the Official Web Site for Comic-Con International.

See you in San Diego!

Sources close to DC Comics inform us that a Golden Age Sandman action figure has been given the green-light for development in 1999. Wesley Dodds made his debut in 1939 and was a founding member of the Justice Society of America. This development reaffirms the report we received last month about DC's desire to develop action figures for the direct market. In addition, DC is looking into the possibility of producing a Wonder Woman figure of some sort for the direct market. They believe that this might be possible even though the toy license for the Wonder Woman character is probably still held by Mattel for its undeveloped Wonder Woman and the Star Riders line.

The Sandman figure would be a direct market item. No specific details are available yet, but it is believed that the figure will be in the 5 to 6 inch scale. No plans for a Sandy the Golden Boy, but other Golden Age characters are indeed possible.

DC is also developing a few bean bag character toys (a la Beanie Babies). The first two characters are slated to be Lobo and Death. They hope to have these two beanies in stores before Christmas. Another unnamed company has acquired the license to produce bean bag character toys for more mainstream DC characters (such as Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Flash, Green Lantern, Catwoman, Hawkman, and Martian Manhunter). These beanies are expected to be on sale in Warner Brothers stores.

We'll continue to investigate these developments. Stay tuned!