Raving Toy Maniac

Mega Bloks Power Rangers Super Samurai - Claw Armor

MEGA Brands unveil Mega Bloks Power Rangers Super Samurai for 2012

MONTREAL, QC and NEW YORK, NY, Feb. 14, 2012 - MEGA Brands Inc. unveiled its exciting new line-up of Mega Bloks Power Rangers construction toys at the 2012 American International Toy Fair in New York City.

SOTA TOYS ANNOUNCE 2012 LINEUP

High-End Collectible Statues Attacking Your Wallet this Summer

LOS ANGELES, Calif., (Feb 14, 2011) – Leading toy manufacturer SOTA Toys, Inc. today announced their 2012 lineup showcasing the latest wave of high-end collectible art statues from critically and commercially acclaimed video game series. From world warrior martial artists to demigod demons loitering in hell, SOTA Toys has got you covered.

2012 Toy Trends Unveiled by Industry Experts at American International Toy Fair

"Generation App" ... "Glowing Wild" ... "Little Learners" ... "Save 'n' Splurge" Among Key Trends

NEW YORK, Feb. 13, 2012 -- A slate of hot new toy trends for 2012 that keep pace with advancements in the tech world, mirror societal trends and aim to produce well-rounded, lifelong learners were unveiled today by the Toy Industry Association (TIA) at its 109th American International Toy Fair.

After scouring through 100,000+ products now on display at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City, TIA's trend experts have laid out a fresh crop of trends that will connect, glow, teach, "WOW" and hit a "high note" with kids of all ages. Significant for 2012 is a resurgence of toys on the higher end of the price scale as well as an influx of educational toys for tots, indicating that post-recession wallets – and families – are expanding.

HEROCLIX ONLINE RELEASES MARVEL'S HAMMER OF THOR FAST FORCES, RECHARGED

Reintroduces set with new Stats and Powers

Hillside, N.J. & Cary, N.C. - February 14 , 2012 - HeroClix Online today released a new Marvel set, Hammer of Thor Fast Forces with all-new stats and powers.

Hammer of Thor Fast Force figures include characters Thor, Fandral, Hogun, Volstagg, Asgardian Brawler and Loki, recharged with new powers. A special in-game object, Mjolnir, is also included in the Fast Force.

Figures in the updated set are compatible with all other Marvel figures and can be used in Marvel tournaments and matches.

For more information on HeroClix Online, visit http://hco.heroclix.com/.

For news updates and announcements, follow HeroClix Online on Facebook and Twitter.

About WIZKIDS/NECA, INC.

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

Hi - we've just listed a variety of cool new items based on information revealed at Toy Fair as well as a few cool new arrivals - here are some of the highlights:

Koto - Bishoujo - DC, Star Wars, Mass Effect
http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/search.aspx?search=bishoujo

Amazing Spider-Man Movie Busts & Statue - Diamond Select
http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/menu.aspx?menu=2886&company=17

Mass Effect 3 - Play Arts Kai
http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/search.aspx?search=mass+effect+play

Factory Entertainment Replics: Men In Black, Universal Monsters, Beatles, Garfield, Princess Bride & More
http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/search.aspx?search=factory+entertainment

Nintendo - 40+ new listings from Global Holdings
http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/search.aspx?search=global+nintendo

"The Force" Remains With The LEGO Group
- World's leading construction toy manufacturer renews deal to solidify LEGO® Star Wars™ franchise development -

BILLUND, Denmark, Feb. 13, 2012 -- The LEGO Group and Lucasfilm Ltd. today announced renewal of the Star Wars™ licensing deal that, 12 years ago, transformed a construction toy theme into a global entertainment property with strong cross-generational, multi-platform appeal. Fans can look forward to LEGO® Star Wars product and content development for the next 10 years, according to the terms of the deal.

The LEGO Group first acquired the rights to manufacture LEGO toys based on the Star Wars universe in 1999, marking the first time in its global history that the world's leading construction toy manufacturer would represent someone else's story and characters in the LEGO world. What was once considered a licensed novelty is now considered a core LEGO franchise, similar to LEGO CITY, and ranks among the company's global top themes.

JAKKS Pacific Debuts Toys for Epic Boys Action Adventure Property, Monsuno at the American International Toy Fair
Toy Fair 2012

MALIBU, Calif -- February 13, 2012 -- JAKKS Pacific, Inc. debuts the much-anticipated toy line based on the original animated entertainment franchise Monsuno™. The comprehensive toy line, featuring innovative, kid-controlled action figures, accessories, combat sets, collectibles, electronics and integrated role play, brings the larger-than-life adventures of the Monsuno animated series into kids' hands.

"The strong reception we have received thus far for Monsuno underscores our belief that Monsuno is poised to become an outstanding world wide boys' action adventure property," said Stephen Berman, President and CEO, JAKKS Pacific, Inc. "We are excited to finally introduce our innovative, action-driven Monsuno toys and the animated series to children all over the world."

Highlights for the Monsuno toy line include:

LEGO Systems Builds on Year-Over-Year U.S. Sales Growth

- 80 years of innovation and brand development make the LEGO brick one of today's most relevant and sought-after toys for the playroom -

NEW YORK, Feb. 13, 2012 -- AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL TOY FAIR -- LEGO Systems, Inc., the American division of the world's leading construction toy brand, achieved year-on-year, double-digit U.S. sales growth in 2011, reaching record levels in consumer sales and market share in 2011.

2011 LEGO Systems U.S. Year-end Highlights (source: The NPD Group U.S. Consumer Panel)

• Recorded seventh consecutive year of growth in the U.S.
• Grew U.S. consumer sales +22% to reach $1.33 billion.
• Increased U.S. total toy market share to 6.2%, up 1.2 share points over 2010, to solidify position as #3 toy manufacturer in America. The company's share of the total U.S. toy market has tripled in five years.
• Accounted for 80% of Building Sets category sales in the U.S. in a year of increased category competition.
• Solidified rank as America's #1 preschool construction brand, adding +11 share points to reach 43.5% of the segment

February 2012 - Can't remember which DC Direct products are due in at comic book stores soon? Here's the schedule for the next couple of months. These release dates are the original dates from the original solicitations/ announcements. (Read this other news post to find out why we are no longer able to post the weekly shipping updates.)

After each month's batch of new solicitations, we'll "update" this list and repost it in the news.

February 15:

• Batman Black & White Statue: Batman by Mike Mignola (Variant)

February 29:

• Catwoman 1:4 Scale Museum Quality Statue (date change due to resolicit in October 2011)

February 2012 - DC Direct - THE DARK KNIGHT RISES: BUSTS

Before the blockbuster The Dark Knight Rises hits theaters in July, be the first to own these incredibly detailed busts straight from Gotham City! These life-like collectibles capture the essence of Batman and two of his greatest foes - Bane and Catwoman!

Bane - 6.5" h
Catwoman - 6" h
Batman - 6.25" h

Each Sold Separately
$80.00 US
On Sale June 20, 2012