Raving Toy Maniac

The Walking Dead Have Come Back... for a Second Series of Minimates!

August 2012 - This September, the world of Minimates will be invaded by zombies! The first series of Minimates based on the Walking Dead comic book by Robert Kirkman is scheduled to hit in September, and Diamond Select Toys is already hard at work on the second series, slated for a November release. Like the first assortment, every human character will come with a zombie, and there will be a zombie two-pack to help pad out your zombie herd.

The specialty assortment for Series 2 includes:
Michonne with One-Eyed Zombie
Sailor Zombie and "Cute" Zombie
Andrea with Stabbed Zombie (specialty exclusive)
Amy with Stabbed Zombie (specialty exclusive rare variant set)

The Toys "R" Us assortment for Series 2 includes:
Michonne with One-Eyed Zombie

U.S. Postal Service Salutes Legendary Author

Celebrating 100th anniversary of Edgar Rice Burroughs' Creation of Tarzan

TARZANA, Calif., Aug. 16, 2012 -- The U.S. Postal Service will honor tomorrow one of the most prolific authors of the early 20th century and inventor of the iconic character Tarzan with the issuance of the Edgar Rice Burroughs Forever Stamp.

The stamp issuance coincides with the 100th anniversary of the publication of Burroughs' first story, Under the Moons of Mars, and his first Tarzan story, Tarzan of the Apes, in 1912.

The Edgar Rice Burroughs Forever Stamp will be dedicated tomorrow at 11:30 a.m. PT at the Tarzana Community and Cultural Center in Tarzana, CA, and will go on sale tomorrow at Post Offices nationwide, online at http://usps.com and by phone at 800-782-6724.

Best known for inventing the legendary character Tarzan, Burroughs wrote more than 70 books, including historical fiction and several popular series of science fiction tales.

August 16, 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.

- PBteen Recalls Bunk Beds Due to Risk of Injury

- Babylicious Recalls Cloth Crib Fringe Due to Strangulation Hazard

- Baby Seats Recalled for Repair by Bumbo International Due to Fall Hazard - Consumers should order free repair kit

- Toysmith Recalls Animal Snap Bracelets Due to Laceration Hazard

August 16, 2012 - (Sponsor Announcement) - Online retailer BigBadToyStore.com has several items of interest to collectors:

Hi - Here is a quick update on a variety of new items listed today:

Sideshow 1/4 Halo Master Chief
http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/product.aspx?product=SSC11166&mode=re...

PopCultureShock Tygra Statue
http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/product.aspx?product=PCS10023&mode=re...

Sideshow Storm Shadow Statue
http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/product.aspx?product=SSC11167&mode=re...

Hot Toys POTC Angelica
http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/product.aspx?product=HOT10412&mode=re...

Hot Toys Avengers Captain America - Rescue Version (in stock)
http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/product.aspx?product=HOT10411&mode=re...

15 New Japanese Exclusive Items - Bandai & More
http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/list.aspx?list=10345

Batteries Included: New Knight Rider and Munsters Electronic Vehicles Coming Soon!

August 2012 - In recent years, Diamond Select Toys has dazzled toy car collectors with their realistic lights-and-sounds 1:15-scale replicas of the time machine from the Back to the Future trilogy. Well, DST recently announced that they were going back into production on three of the time machines -- the original, the 1950s version and the Old West version -- and now they've announced two more flashing, revving, honking and talking cars that are joining the line: Knight Rider's KITT and The Munsters' Munster Koach!

The Munster Koach is a 1:15 scale replica of the family Koach from the popular 1960s TV show The Munsters. Custom ordered by Lily Munster and combining a dragster and a hearse, it measures 14 inches long and features working lights and sounds from the show, including a revving engine and squealing tires! With fully detailed moving parts, you'll find yourself humming the theme song every time you look at it.

Battle Beasts #2 from IDW Attacks Your Comic Shop Today!

August 15, 2012 - One month ago, the world was introduced to the world of the Battle Beasts, ferocious animal warriors from space who have descended on Earth for reasons unknown. Well, Issue 2 of the IDW Publishing mini-series arrives in comic shops this week, and we begin to learn the answers to some of our questions, as well as meet some bloodthirsty new Beasts! The issue has a regular cover featuring the three main characters by the series' interior artist, Valerio Schiti (TMNT), but one in ten covers is a rendering of Vorin by Jeff Zornow (Jurassic Park, Godzilla). Connect it with the chase covers of Gruntos and Merk on issues 3 and 4 to form an awesome triptych!

The EXCLUSIVE G.I. Joe Figure Subscription Service is underway!

Fort Worth, TX - August 14th, 2012 - Fun Publications, Inc., licensee for Hasbro's official G.I. Joe Collectors' Club (The GIJCC), is thrilled to announce that they have begun taking orders for the all-new G.I. Joe Figure Subscription Service!

When G.I. Joe Club members sign-up for the Figure Subscription Service (FSS) they will receive TWO exclusive figures packaged individually on a 25th Anniversary style blister card shipped to them each month. These are only available through the GIJCC Subscription Service from Fun Publications, Inc. for a limited time. As an added bonus, by signing up for the full six-month subscription they will receive a FREE bonus carded mystery 13th figure.

The FSS, consisting of Jinx, Nano-Bat, Big Boa, Barrel Roll, Dice, Topside, TNT, Cover Girl, Quarrel, Iron Claw, Sure Fire and Grunt, is only available to club members. This service is an optional feature and is not included in the cost of the annual GIJCC membership. Deadline for signing up is midnight, CT September 4th.

Entertainment One Family Announces Debut Of Peppa Pig Toy Line Exclusively At Toys "R" Us®

-- For the First Time, Fans can Bring Peppa Home with New Playsets, Play Figures and Plush Dolls Inspired by the Popular Animated Series, Peppa Pig --

NEW YORK, Aug. 15, 2012 -- Kids can get ready to snort, giggle and play with the most charming little piggy on the block!

Entertainment One Family announced today the launch of an all-new line of Peppa Pig toys based on the hit animated television series, Peppa Pig. Manufactured by Fisher-Price, the leading brand of infant and preschool toys in the world, the new playsets, play figures and plush dolls will be available exclusively in Toys"R"Us stores nationwide beginning this August.

For the first time in the U.S., families can bring the magic of Peppa's world home with an assortment of toys that allows children to create their very own playtime adventures with Peppa Pig. Sound effects, surprise features and signature graphics perfectly capture the unique charm of the television show, providing children with a multidimensional play experience and endless hours of fun!

August 15, 2012 - (Sponsor Announcement) - Online retailer BigBadToyStore.com has several items of interest to collectors:

PRE-ORDERS

SUPER ALLOY BATMAN - 1/6 SCALE JIM LEE VERSION
Play Imaginative is releasing a new 85% die-cast version of Batman in his New 52 suit as designed by Jim Lee. This 1/6 scale figure has more than 50 points of articulation and includes a magnetic gargoyle base, batarangs, a grappling gun, a removable poseable cape and much more. This figure is done in a matte finish and is listed at $269.99.
http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/product.aspx?product=PLI10020&mode=re...

NEW DC COLLECTIBLES PRE-ORDERS

August 2012 - DC Collectibles - THE DARK KNIGHT RISES: "THE BAT" GLASS ETCHING

After the blockbuster The Dark Knight Rises hits theaters, display your true fandom with this laser etched crystal replica of "The Bat" from The Dark Knight Rises. The exceptional craftsmanship and detail of this incredible keepsake will look beautiful on the desk of the ultimate Bat-fan.

Measures 4" high x 4" wide x 4" deep.
$29.95 US
On Sale December 2012
*Allocations May Occur