Raving Toy Maniac

Square Enix, Crystal Dynamics and Diamond Select Toys Partner on Tomb Raider Minimates

March 2013 - On March 5th, Square Enix launched Tomb Raider, which stars one of the world's most popular video game characters, Lara Croft. The game tells her origin story, and depicts her journey from untried and untested 21-year-old to hardened survivor. To mark this new vision of a global icon, Diamond Select Toys have teamed up with developer Crystal Dynamics to create a line of Tomb Raider Minimates for their long-running toyline.

March 2013 - Funko has announced two new vinyl figures based on My Little Pony.

Expect to see Rainbow Dash and Derpy in stores around April 25th.

March 2013 - Funko has announced a new 3D POP! Vinyl Bookmark based on Hello Kitty.

This bookmark should be in stores anytime now.

Ares Games Partners to Relaunch the Brand Wotan Games

Ares will publish British-based Wotan Games' new release Camelot the Build

Camaiore, Italy - February 28, 2013 - Ares Games announced today that they have entered into a publishing contract with Wotan Games to produce Wotan Games' Camelot the Build, the first product from Wotan Games in more than twenty years.

Camelot the Build is from game designer Julian Musgrave and continues Wotan Games theme of the Arthurian legend. It is a tile laying game of medieval castle building with all sorts of dubious stratagems, cunning tricks and subtle ploys.

"I have known the team at Ares for a number of years and found them to be great people," said Laurence O'Brien, Director of Business Development for Wotan Games. "Looking at the quality of their production and games it was a logical step to work with them."

"Wotan Games have always offered great games and when they approached us we saw the proven track record," said Christoph Cianci, CEO of Ares Games. "They are looking to create quality hobby products and it has been great working with them."

ECCC: DARK HORSE ANNOUNCES MASS EFFECT: FOUNDATION

Written by Mac Walters, lead writer of Mass Effect 2 and 3!

MARCH 2, 2013, Seattle, WA - Today at Emerald City Comicon, Dark Horse Comics announced a new ongoing canonical entry in the Mass Effect series!

Mass Effect 2 and 3 lead writer Mac Walters kicks off a new ongoing series, set in the vibrant, engaging world of BioWare's blockbuster science fiction epic! Fans of the award-winning franchise will find new characters tied directly to the newly announced Mass Effect 3: Citadel single-player DLC.

Praise for Mass Effect:

"This comic is recommended whether you are a Mass Effect groupie or someone who has never heard of it before today and just likes sci-fi. It's a strong, good, enjoyable read!" - BAMFAS.com

The Makers of Cut the Rope Reveal Expanded Licensing Program at Toy Fair, including an Interactive 3D Game, Unlocked by New Plush Toys

NEW YORK, Feb. 7, 2013 -- ZeptoLab®, the entertainment and gaming company behind the global mobile phenomenon Cut the Rope®, is bringing even more ways for fans to interact with the lovable monster, Om Nom. With over 300 million downloads plus successful media extensions, Cut the Rope and Om Nom have become major icons of the digital entertainment era.

Debuting at this year's Toy Fair is Om Nom: Candy Flick™, a new augmented reality game that allows fans to interact with Cut the Rope's candy-chomping star Om Nom, like never before! Om Nom: Candy Flick, available on Apple's App Store, is unlocked via a special tag that can be found on a variety of Om Nom plush toys from toy partner, Round 5. Once downloaded, fans can bring Om Nom to life by positioning their smartphone or tablet's camera on the tags and watch as he virtually pops out of the tag ready to devour his favorite treat... candy.

Tonner Doll Company Takes a Bite Out of Zombie Love with Latest Collection: Warm Bodies

World-famous doll company tackles zombie romance with their latest release of R and Julie from Summit Entertainment's #1 film Warm Bodies. The figures are now available for pre-order at http://www.tonnerdoll.com.

KINGSTON, N.Y., Feb. 11, 2013 -- Tonner Doll Company, an award-winning designer and manufacturer of high-end collectible dolls and figures, has released Character Figures® based on Summit Entertainment's Warm Bodies. The film was released nationwide by Summit Entertainment, a LIONSGATE® company, on February 1, 2013, and was the #1 box office hit its first weekend.

"I read the book a while ago after a friend had suggested it," said Robert Tonner, doll artist and company CEO. "When I found out there would be a movie, I just had to jump at the chance to get this license."

Sculpted in the likenesses of the film's lead characters, R and Julie, Tonner's figures will allow fans and collectors alike to bring home their very own, collectible example of the power of human connection.

K'NEX® Introduces Exciting New Thrill Ride Building Sets

New Sets Promise Big Building Fun!

Hatfield, PA – February 2013 – K'NEX Brands, the US construction toy company focused on Building Worlds Kids Love ®, is pleased to introduce four new roller coasters to its hugely popular Thrill Ride line of building sets. Sure to spark creativity, these K'NEX coaster building sets offer explosive fun for builders ages 9+, and include American made rods and connectors.

K'NEX Thrill Ride building sets have been a favorite among fans since the line was introduced in 1992 and appeal to builders of all ages. K'NEX has dominated this part of the market for over 20 years by continuing to offer the most exciting designs and features in roller coaster building sets, including glow-in-the-dark track which is being featured for the first time in the 2013 line.

K'NEX® Announces New Additions to TINKERTOY® Building Set Line

New Sets Offer Popular Familiar Play Pattern Enhanced by Stability & Durability

Hatfield, PA, – February 2013 – K'NEX Brands, the only US construction toy company focused on Building Worlds Kids Love ®, is pleased to announce 4 additions to its popular, award-winning line of TINKERTOY building sets. The new sets snap together and stay together and allow children the flexibility and creativity of imaginative play.

Created in 1913 after inventor Charles Pajeau observed children playing with pencils and empty spools of thread, TINKERTOY is a beloved toy that brings grandparents, parents and children together through the familiar play pattern. Licensed by Hasbro and Playskool, the newly redesigned TINKERTOY pieces snap together and stay together for satisfying, long-lasting play. Celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2013, TINKERTOY continues to inspire children everywhere to use their imaginations!