Raving Toy Maniac

JAKKS Pacific Brings Magical Slugs to Life with a Licensing Agreement for Nerd Corps' New Boys Action Series, SLUGTERRA

JAKKS' Products Inspired by the Epic Adventure Series Launching Worldwide on Disney XD

MALIBU, Calif. -- June 04, 2012 -- Leading U.S. toymaker JAKKS Pacific, Inc. announced today a licensing agreement with Nerd Corps Entertainment, Inc. to manufacture, distribute and market a line of toys based on the animated series, SLUGTERRA. The sci-fi, action-comedy adventure series is set to air on Disney XD in Fall 2012 with 39 half-hour episodes, plus 39 one-minute online Slugisodes.

The new line includes action figures and accessories, vehicles, playsets, role-play, novelties and plush items. JAKKS expects to launch the SLUGTERRA product line in North America beginning Spring 2013, targeting kids six to 11-years-old.

June 14, 2012 - Listed below are the toy (and child-related) recalls from this week; these links go to the official announcements on the Consumer Product Safety Commission web site.

- Strollers Recalled by Kolcraft Due to Fingertip Amputation and Laceration Hazards

BEYBLADE QSR PREMIUM TO BE OFFERED AT OVER 3,300 BURGER KING® RESTAURANTS THIS SUMMER

Territories include Latin America, Europe and the Middle East

(June 13, 2012 – Toronto, Canada) - Nelvana Enterprises and d-rights, Inc. announced today that Beyblade action racer toys will be featured in a Kid's Meal premium promotion at BURGER KING® restaurants this summer. Over 3,300 restaurants will offer the premium in territories including Latin America, Europe, the United Kingdom and the Middle East.

One of three Beyblade action racers will be offered in Kid's Meals in a six-week program running from June 18, 2012 through to July 29, 2012. The program will be supported by online, on-air and in-restaurant promotion.

"BURGER KING® is proud to feature Beyblade to complement and enhance the excitement of our Kid's Meal offerings during this six-week summer program," said Jose R. Costa, vice president, Marketing and R&D, Latin America and Caribbean, Burger King Corp.

June 14, 2012 - (Sponsor Announcement) - Online retailer BigBadToyStore.com has several items of interest to collectors:

Hi - A few new items of note to mention today:

Hot Toys Avengers - Black Widow - $10 off MSRP at $179.99
http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/product.aspx?product=HOT10396&mode=re...

Before Watchmen - Comedian 10" Statue
http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/product.aspx?product=DCC11540&mode=re...

Universal Design Replicas - Captain America Costume & Jacket - amazing high end costume replicas
http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/menu.aspx?menu=2560&company=1398

Unpainted Avengers Model Kits from Dragon
http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/menu.aspx?menu=2842&category=8739

Linkin Park Nendoroid Petite figure set
http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/product.aspx?product=GSC10331&mode=re...

MULTIVERSE STUDIO ANNOUNCE NINJA VS ZOMBIE WAVE 2 BOBBLE BUDDS

Ninjas and Zombies Have Never Been Cuter

LOS ANGELES, Calif., (June 14, 2012) – Leading toy manufacturer Multiverse Studio Inc. today announced the latest addition to the Bobble Budds® adorable stable of unique and colorful figures! Everyone's favorite silent assassin and undead brain-eater have new companions, in the form of Patient Zero and Stabby the Ninja.

SKELANIMALS "HEARTS" HARTZ!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Calabasas, Calif. – (June 11,2012) - The pop-culture brand Skelanimals is going to the dogs - and cats - licensing its lovable characters to The Hartz Mountain Corporation for a complete line of pet toys, accessories, and bedding.

The quirky and fun lifestyle brand from Art Impresions, Inc, known for its endearing skeleton animals andfashionable graphics, will be featured on a collection of pet toys, collars, leashes, pet clothing, feeding dishes and bedding to be offered via all pet-supply channels in the U.S. and Canada.

"Skelanimals fans are passionate about their pets," said Cindy Bailey, CEO of ArtImpressions, owner of Skelanimals. "The pet program is a natural extension of the Skelanimals brand, and we are excited to be working with a great team at Hartz to bring this new collection tofruition!"

DC Entertainment Launches National Art Exhibition to Benefit We Can Be Heroes Giving Campaign

BURBANK, Calif., June 14, 2012 -- DC Entertainment announced the official launch of the Darkness & Light: Art Inspired by Heroes & Villains, Hope & Heroism exhibition, a one-of-a-kind art and education tour to raise awareness and funds for the hunger crisis in the Horn of Africa. Darkness & Light features some of today's top contemporary artists and showcases a collection of original artwork inspired by the DC Comics' Justice League characters paired with real world photography that depicts the everyday heroes fighting hunger in Ethiopia, Somalia and Kenya. From the Super Heroes that fight for justice in the comic world, to the human heroes who make a difference every day in the real world, Darkness & Light tells the story of the crisis through the lens of those working tirelessly to help the people of the Horn of Africa fight the hunger crisis.

Behold The Magical Powers of ... Bratzillaz™

The Bewitching Glam Cousins of the Bratz® Conjure Up Magical Fun in 2012!

LAS VEGAS, June 13, 2012 -- International Licensing Expo -- Award-winning toy manufacturer MGA Entertainment extends 'best witches' to all who love fantasy play with the summer debut of Bratzillaz™, an all-new line of charmed fashion dolls who possess extraordinary magical powers. The enchanted good witch cousins of the popular Bratz®, Bratzillaz™ takes girls on a supernatural flight of imagination and discovery to reveal their own inner secrets and special powers, including the ability to communicate with animals, fly through the air, see into the future and find true love. Designed to encourage a girl's imagination to dream big, the powers of Bratzillaz™ will magically appear in retail toy aisles and young girls' hearts in July 2012.

Prepare to be transported to a mesmerizing world where magic meets glam as MGA Entertainment invites you to meet Bratzillaz™:

Round 5 Corporation Secures Exclusive Toy License From ZeptoLab® For Award-Winning Video Game Franchise Cut The Rope®

MARKHAM, Ontario, June 13, 2012 -- Canadian toy manufacturer Round 5 Corporation (Round 5) in partnership with licensing agents Studio Licensing Inc and Established Brands Inc., announces multi-year exclusive licensing agreement to manufacture and produce certain categories of toys under the popular Cut The Rope brand.

Round 5 will have exclusive rights to manufacture and produce various leading toy categories including figures, plush, and playsets that will reflect the dynamic versatility of the brand and its loveable star, Om Nom®, with distribution across North America, Brazil, Southeast Asia, and East Asia. Products will be available in most major retail outlets starting Spring 2013, while a select group of products will ship to major department stores and specialty boutiques around the world in time for Holiday 2012.

Warner Bros. Consumer Products Lights Up Licensing International Expo 2012 With Major Content Support For Entertainment Licensing Portfolio

Man of Steel and the Two Films Based on The Hobbit Ignite Film Merchandising Opportunities

BURBANK, Calif., June 12, 2012 -- With an impressive marquee line-up - anchored by three tent-pole films, and highlighted by pop-classic favorites, diverse animated fare and the global expansion of its themed entertainment business - Warner Bros. Consumer Products (WBCP) brings unmatched content support to this year's Licensing International Expo, offering a rich portfolio of entertainment properties for fans around the world. A powerhouse roster of partners and a myriad of programs will help drive the company's licensing, merchandising and retail business in 2012 and beyond.