Coming Soon to a ToyFare magazine near you: Earth X's Venom and and Astro City's Confessor! Shipping in August, issue #26 will offer 2 exclusive figures based on fan-favorite comic artist Alex Ross.

[MJF 6/04/99]

The June issue of Previews was released to comic shops today and contains all sorts of action figure coolness. As mentioned previously here at RTM News, Dark Horse Comics has rescued the Flaming Carrot from action figure limbo. The figure, now scaled up to 6", is being solicited this month for an October release.

When one thinks of robots there are only a few character automatons that immediately spring to mind, one being the Robby the Robot from the classic 1950's sci-fi epic Forbidden Planet (not to mention guest-starring on an episode of Mork & Mindy!).

Also in this issue (and also advanced solicited) is the next wave of highly popular DC Direct action figures. This assortment contains fully articulated, 6" figures of Morpheus, the Sandman, Starman, and Spider Jerusalem from Transmetropolitan, and will be in stores this November (Pictures to come)

The long-awaited Buffy the Vampire Slayer action figures from Moore Action Collectibles are also being solicited, for a planned September release. The initial assortment, which carries a Season One features Buffy, Willow, The Master and Angel. There will also be a Previews Exclusive variant figure of Angel in his vampiric form, with all news hands and head. (see news item below for pics of the variant)

There's much, much more in this issue of Previews, including new assortments of Batman Beyond figures from Hasbro, Assortment 2 of WWF Maximum Sweat from the folks at Jakks Pacific and a whole bevy of cool Star Wars Episode 1 merchandise (not to mention all the regular comic book, magazine, book and game offerings).

If you only read one publication each month (besides RTM that is!) make it Previews!

[JC 6/3/99]

Got Questions?

We've started a new feature here at Raving Toy Maniac! We call it RTM 20Q. Each month we will take questions from our readers for a specific person in the toy industry. We'll present the questions to the industry guest, and present their responses for all to read. Think of it like a monthly industry interview conducted by you!

To participate just hop on over to RTM 20Q and enter your question in the handy-dandy form provided.

June's Guest-o-the-Month is Doug Sapp, ever-popular President of ReSaurus, makers of toy lines based on Speed Racer, Crash Bandicoot and Quake (not to mention the upcoming Gex and Street Fighter lines!.

Questions will be accepted until Friday, June 11th.

"Have at Thee!"

Anyone who's seen Monty Python and the Holy Grail knows, the Black Knight is almost impossible to vanquish. And so too for a different Black Knight, the ToyBiz Marvel Gold series Black Knight,one of the mighty Avengers, for whom the rumors of his death were greatly exaggerated! The Knight has arrived at his castle, Bounty Hunters Collectibles. Clicketh Herein to order yon figure of action or emaileth: [email protected] And...could there be more good news? I say thee YEAH! The Marvel Gold Taskmaster figure WILL be coming soon too from the Bounty Hunter. So, enough of the nasty rumors! Marvel Gold Lives!

[MJF 6/1/99]

What's the latest with the upcoming exclusives Marvel figures from Diamond Previews? We can tell you that the July Previews will debut the new Famous Covers figure and the Greatest Moments two-packs of 5" figures. The suggested retail prices on these babies will be $14.95. The upcoming single 5" figures will carry an SRP of $9.95.

Check back here and at Diamond's Toy Chest for the latest news!

[MJF 5/28/99]

HasbroCollectors.com has finally made available the long-awaited 12" versions of Robin, Batgirl, and fan-favorite Harley Quinn. Good news, Bat-fans! The wait is over! The figures, while not available via the HasbroCollectors.com site just yet are available to order over the phone.

Each figure comes with a cloth costume (except Robin, who is mostly plastic) and several accessories. Harley even comes with her "babies", the hyenas!

You can call Hasbro at 1-800-456-1348 to order the figures, which are each available seperately.

The figures come packed very well, to protect them from damage during shipping. They are in their normal packaging (like the Batman, Nightwing and Joker figures previously available at retail), placed in a plain white mailer, which is then placed within another box.

These figures will not be available in stores, and are only offered directly through Hasbro. They are available, and shipping now! Some folks have already received theirs, just a few days after ordering.

Special thanks to Buzz Board regular Mr. Plow for the news and pictures.

[JC 5/28/99]

ToyFare #23 hits 25th Issue?

How's that, you say? Because two issues of ToyFare were published as previews before issue #1 came out! So, technically, this is the silver anniversary - congratulations, ToyFare! So, what's in this month's issue? Toys from Japan, a special report about Legoland, California, 10 Things you need to know about Pokemon, close-ups of the new Speed Racer assortment, Autstin Powers rates his top 10 "shagadelic toys", and the kids from Twisted Mego Theater wait on line for the Phantom Menace! Plus, Gangster Kirk from the episode "A Piece of the Action" is your exclusively if you send in the coupon and some dough. Get your copy at comic shops and bookstores today!

[MJF 5/27/99]

Trendmasters new Austin Powers collector figures are starting to appear in stores now, just in time for the June 11th opening of Austin Powers-The Spy Who Shagged Me.

Austin Powers and Dr. Evil each come with detailed style and sculpting, fully poseable bodies, authentic cloth costuming and a sound base which play sound bytes from both the new movie, and the original Austin Powers - International Man of Mystery.

Austin arrives in style with his suede suit and has removable eyeglasses. Austin is ready for international action with his his boots, male medallion, mangled chest hair, Union Jack underpants (we're not makin' this up!, folks!) and pistol.

Austin's arch-enemy, the fiendish Dr. Evil (who, this time around, steals Austin's mojo!) is ready to conquer the world with his stylish grey suit, and ever-present feline companion, Mr. Bigglesworth. His pinky finger is extendable and he comes with a transmitter and pistol.

[JC 5/27/99]

Sweatin' With The WWF Superstars!

Jakks Pacific has just released their most unique WWF figures yet. The new Maximum Sweat assortment features highly stylized, caricatured versions of World Wrestling Federation superstars Stone Cold Steve Austin, The Rock, current WWF champ The Undertaker, Kane, Shawn Michaels and HHH.

Each 6" figure features an action feature never before seen in any previous action figure: sweat! Simply fill the bottle accessory with water, fill up the chamber in the figures back and press a button and sweat pours from tiny holes strategically located on the figures (hairlines, under the pecs, and abs, etc.).

Each figure also comes with accessories such as break-apart wooden planks, crates, hammers and other items to help fans stage their own WWF Championship bouts!

[JC 5/26/99]

Angel Stakes Out a MAC Attack!

Fear not, Buffy fans! This season of the hit WB series is be over (except for 2 delayed episodes to be shown later this summer), and we know you're already jonesin' for a Buffy fix. We here at RTM thought you might like this special sneak peek at the upcoming Angel variant figure, exclusive to Previews. This figure features Sunnydale's favorite vampire (and soon-to-be star of his own televison spin-off series) in full vamp mode, with an all new head and hands!

Angel is part of the Buffy the Vampire Slayer action figure lineup coming this fall from Clayburn Moore and his gang at Moore Action Collectibles. The regular assortment features Buffy, Angel(human form), Willow and first season's antagonist The Master.

Be sure to check out the next issue of Previews, on sale June 2nd, for more information on this assortment.

[JC 5/26/99]

But, What About the Other Two?

I know, I know... you guys were worried. Diamond Previews announced that they were going to distribute the Famous Covers X-Men. So far, we've seen Rogue and Nightcrawler solicited last month. And you may ask "But what about the other two???!!" (meaning Cyclops and the Buzz Board demanded Magneto). Well, sleep well, X-philes. Look for Scotty and Eric to be there ready to order in the next issue.

[MJF 5/25/99]

Are you a fan of Masamune Shirow's anime comics and movie Ghost in the Shell? Want an action figure or two? Toycom, Inc. have two on the way from Japan of the star of Ghost, Major Kusanagi! Both 7.1 inches tall, fans of the comic and movie should be pleased. In addition, two statues of Maj. Kusanagi are available as well. Look for them at comic and specialty shops, or check the net for on-line retailers.

Ghost in the Shell is a futuristic cyber-punk themed story that explores the boundaries of how much technology can be put into a human until a human no longer has a soul (or "ghost"). The comics and trade paperback are availabel in the US from Dark Horse Comics.

[MJF 5/25/99]

It's a tough market out there in action figure land. Readers of the old Independent Toy Newswire here at RTM may recall the cool Virtex figure that was supposed to launch a toyline from Oktomica Entertainment. Emphasize "supposed to"...

Unfortunately, Oktomica Entertaintment officially announced today that they have closed their doors, citing the "state of the direct comic book market as one of the instigators of our cancellation". It's too bad, as the Virtex figure was originally slated to be released around this time.

We at RTM wish the staff of Oktomica well in their new endeavors.

[JC 5/24/99]

Trendmasters To Land Nova's Ark

Trendmasters has signed a preliminary licensing agreement with Callaway & Kirk Company to produce Nova's Ark children's toy products in 2000 through 2002. Nova's Ark is the creation of David Kirk, author and illustrator of the popular Miss Spider children's books.

Trendmasters will produce toy figurines, interactive items, banks, playsets and activity sets, handheld electronics, animated pens, animated keychains and animated watches for their Nova's Ark toy line. In addition, Trendmasters and Callaway are discussing the possibility of an interactive, highly detailed communication robot.

[JC 5/24/99]

ReSaurus Makes Dream Come True

ReSaurus and the Make-A-Wish Foundation have teamed up to make a boy's wish come true. Jeff, a 10 year-old from Arizona, will be spending a week with the Ohio based ReSaurus company to see his dream of seeing his own creation made into an action figure. Jeff has leukemia

The Make-A-Wish Foundation of America has granted over 50,000 wishes since 1980. The Foundation seeks to make dreams come true for children with life-threatening illnesses from age 2 and a half to 18.

Jeff's character is Razor, is a birdman with an interesting history. According to Jeff:

"Razor's mother knew that he would be different when his egg glowed in her nest. She had been exposed to radiation at a nuclear power plant near her nest and because of it, Razor would have the ability to move quicker and faster. He now glides through the air saving the world from evil using his special glowing belt. A scientist that saved him and nursed him when a hunter killed his mother gave [the belt] to him. Razor uses the belt to communicate with his scientist friend as they solve crimes."

Jeff, and avid action figure collector, sent one of his sketches to ReSaurus where action figure design drawing were assembled. These designs were sent back to Jeff to meet his approval. Jeff will get to go to visit ReSaurus with his family to be on hand supervising the final stages of sculpting and painting of his Razor character. He will then get to oversee the creation of the figure's packaging and a web site devoted solely to his creation(www.resaurus.com/makeawish).

ReSaurus president, Doug Sapp, said "This kind of project is truly special for us. We have the opportunity to share our love of creating toys with someone whose fondest wish is to see his artistic creation made into an action figure. We want this to be an unforgettable event for Jeff."

Only a few action figures will be made, but there's a chance Jeff's character will be available to the masses! "We would be interested in joining with another corporate sponsor or retail outlet to have Jeff's creation be available for sale to the general public with all proceeds going to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. We will continue to explore that possibility," said Sapp.

For further information regarding the Make-A-Wish Foundation and qualifying children, contact (800) 722-9474 or refer to www.wish.org to find the nearest chapter.

[MJF 5/20/99]

For all you fans of the cult-classic Rocky Horror Picture Show, throw your toast at your monitors and cheer as Dr. Frank N. Furter (Tim Curry)(unapproved prototype seen here), Magenta (Patricia Quinn), and Riff Raff (Richard O'Brien) are coming at you from Flatt World.

Flatt World reports that three more figures will follow including Brad (Barry Bostwick), Janet (Susan Sarandon), and Columbia (Little Nell).

Want to see more? It's just a step to the left....and then a click to the right!

All figures are scheduled to include a neck (if you don't get these jokes, you gotta see the movie with an audience that knows their cues!)

[MJF 5/18/99]

The first action figures based on Chaos! characters were released last year from Moore Action Collectibles, and they hold the distinction of being among the most popular direct market figure releases ever! Now, with the formation of Eternal Toys, Chaos! Comics is ready to show the world what they can do with their own characters in figural form.

Shipping late this summer, the first assortment of Eternal Toys action figures is scheduled to include the following figures: Purgatori: Purgatori is adorned in her Egyptian garb from The Vampire's Myth miniseries, and comes with a blood whip and two of her servants - the Hemogoblins. Chastity: Chastity comes dressed in her battle gear from the Theatre of Pain mini-series, accessorized with a throwing knife belt, a double-sword scabbard that fits on her back and her pet rat, Ratzo. Lucifer: Towering above other figures at eight inches in height, the Lord of Hell is based on a design by Mike Deodato, Jr. and comes complete with his arcane trident and three heads of the damned on a rope. Jade: the Oriental vampiric offspring of Purgatori, the 7" Jade is costumed in her outfit from Purgatori: The Vampire's Myth, and comes with two Dragonites - her mystical servants that she can summon to do her bidding. Jade, Chastity and Purgatori will be seven inches tall. All figures will feature custom package art, detailed sculpting, multiple points of articulation and will retail at approximately $14.95. Collector and fan interest on all four figures is expected to be high, as all characters play major roles in Chaos! Comics' current Countdown to Armageddon storyline, which leads to the final battle for all eternity in December's titles.

Additionally, prototypes of all four figures will play a prominent role in this summer's Armageddon Tour, Chaos! Comics' themed tour of comic book conventions across the country. At the Armageddon Tour stops, fans and collectors will be able to see the detail of the figures, which will dramatically increase awareness and interest. "With our first action figure assortment, we're looking to show collectors and Chaos! fans just what we can do," Eternal Toys president Brian Pulido says."These four figures showcase both the sensuality and raw power of Chaos!' characters as well as the attention to detail and style that Eternal Toys will be known for."

Eternal Toys has given RTM readers a first-look at some of the control art for the upcoming Lady Death, who is currently in the planning stages along with a Battle-Damaged Evil Ernie figure.

RTM will bring you the latest developments from Eternal Toys as they become available Be sure to check back right here at RTM News and also the official Chaos! Comics website for the latest information on this exciting new toyline!

[JC 5/16/99]

ToyBiz Surprise - Diamond Delivers for Marvel Fans

 

A classic from Marvel's history, Spider-Man's girlfriend, Gwen Stacy. A little birdie told us that she might be a good image to put here...

Ok, so you just couldn't bear to go through the rest of 1999 without some more Marvel comics action figures? The folks at Diamond Previews feel your pain. You shouted for the Famous Covers X-Men. Diamond came to your rescue. For the past six months, Diamond and ToyBiz have been planning how to soothe you savage beasts out there, howling for more Marvel! Our inside sources at theDiamonds Previews exclusives office are reporting that there's a program dubbed "Marvel History" that will bring several superhero figures exclusively into comic stores in the back half of 1999. This program is rumored to include one more famous cover (could this be the Spider-Girl we have heard rumors about). It will also include 2 two-packs subtitled "Greatest Moments". There will also be three 5" assortments (yes assortments). Each assortment will contain 4 figures. The assortments are titled: Marvel history Modern Age Marvel History: Silver Age Marvel History: 1st Appearances

Who will be in these assortments?...Our source won't say right now, but don't be surprised to see some from Heroes Reborn and RTM's MC2 survey. Packaging for each line will be custom designed and suggested retail prices will be BELOW those of Marvel Gold. Some new tooling will be mixed in with repainting. There are also talks of continuing this in 2K.

Check back with RTM later for more news of the exact assortment breakdown!

[MJF 5/10/99]

 

Unfathomable Aquatic Beauty Arrives

If you ordered an exclusive M.A.C. Fathom figure through ToyFare, start checking your mailboxes! The Metallic Marine Armor variant of Michael Turner's popular Top Cow comics character has begun to arrive across the U.S. Yet another amazing sculpt by M.A.C.'s founder, Clayburn Moore!   [MJF 5/10/99]

Antarctic Winds Blow Again?