Raving Toy Maniac

March 2015 - Easter is right around the corner, and so is the unveiling of the mystery-flavored marshmallow Peeps! Available exclusively at Walmart, there will be two mystery flavors of Peeps. Chicks will be one flavor and the bunnies will be another flavor.

Walmart has hinted:

• The special treats are just $1.
• Flavors can range from sweet, tangy, fruity or zesty.
• Peeps are hatched here in the USA.

Walmart has blogged about the process of creating the mystery Peeps, including a mention of a rejected flavor.

Follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to find out the flavors (to be announced on Easter Sunday), if you want to know the flavors before biting into one.

March 27, 2015 - (Sponsor Announcement) - Online retailer BigBadToyStore.com has several items of interest to collectors:

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MP-18B MASTERPIECE BLUESTREAK
The new MP-18B Bluestreak lives up to his name! He transforms from robot to a Nissan Fairlady 280Z-T and stands nearly 6" tall in robot mode. Bluestreak is made of die-cast and plastic components, comes with his laser rifle and is listed for $79.99.
http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/product.aspx?product=TAK12102&mode=re...

COMBINER WARS LEADER CLASS ULTRA MAGNUS

Diamond Select Toys and Valiant Debut New X-O Manowar/Bloodshot Minimates Two-Pack – Exclusively at Toys'R'Us

March 2015 - Two of the greatest heroes of the Valiant Universe have stepped into the three dimensional world with an all-new Valiant Minimates two-pack from Diamond Select Toys (DST), now available exclusively at Toys"R"Us® stores nationwide and online at Toysrus.com! The alien-armored, Visigoth hero X-O Manowar and indestructible commando Bloodshot make their Minimate debut in a specially designed two-pack that comes complete with both heroes' signature accessories, alternate parts, and an exclusive, never-before-seen Valiant comic book insert. Each Valiant Minimates two-pack also includes a free comic book digital download offer, powered by comiXology.

Frank Welker, legendary voice actor and original voice for MEGATRON, to appear at BotCon 2015 on June 19th and 20th.

This will be Mr. Welker's first ever convention appearance.

Fort Worth, TX - March 26, 2015 - Fun Publications, Inc., licensee for Hasbro's official Transformers Collectors' Convention BotCon, announced today that Frank Welker, one of the greatest voice actors of our generation, will be the featured guest for BotCon 2015. From his first voice role as Fred on the Hanna-Barbera series Scooby-Doo, Where are you! to the voice of one of the most iconic villains in cartoon history, MEGATRON, the tyrannical leader of the Decepticons, Frank Welker's characters have entertained kids of all ages kids for over 40 years! This year's award-winning convention featuring Frank Welker will take place at the Pheasant Run Resort June 18th thru June 21st in the great city of St. Charles, right outside of Chicago. You can make your hotel reservations now at BotCon.com.

March 24, 2015 - (Sponsor Announcement) - Online retailer BigBadToyStore.com has several items of interest to collectors:

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BATMAN ARKHAM KNIGHT PLAY ARTS KAI 11" BATMAN
This super cool and highly detailed 11" Batman figure by Square Enix places heavy emphasis on the fine details of the beautiful game graphics in Batman: Arkham Knight. The batsuit is painted with a metallic sheen with scuffs and weathering with sculpting that gives the realistic impression of a human being. The cape replicates the movement of real cloth and the interchangeable hands with different textures and weapons means every collector can enjoy this Batman figure in their favorite action poses! This highly detailed figure can be yours for $99.99.
http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/product.aspx?product=SEP10520&mode=re...

STAR WARS REVOLTECH BOBA FETT

March 2015 - The Toy Pizza series on YouTube has a new episode online!

Episode 58 features Disney Blind Bags - watch the team open bags of wee figures and enamal pins to see which ones they get.

Hop into Spring with the Build-A-Bear Workshop Easter Collection

ST. LOUIS, March 19, 2015 -- Build-A-Bear Workshop®, is celebrating the arrival of spring with its 2015 Easter Collection. The Easter line features an assortment of customizable furry friends with unique personalization options, from sounds to accessories.

Build-A-Bear's bunnies - starring Bright Blooms Bunny, Chocolate Bunny and Marshmallow Bunny - are available fully accessorized or custom-made with a variety of accessories, such as miniature Easter baskets, bouquets and even bunny ears headbands. These 16-inch furry friends start at $18 and can be further personalized with a Build-A-Sound® message, which guests can record in-store or over the phone.

Wonder Crew Introduces Dolls for Boys, Now on Kickstarter

NORTHAMPTON, Mass., March 16, 2015 -- Wonder Crew (http://www.wondercrew.com), a new line of dolls for boys created by psychotherapist and mother Laurel Wider, today announced the successful launch of its Kickstarter funding campaign. To back the project, visit: http://kck.st/1aJMwCe

Wider was inspired by the way play influences child development and frustrated by the many gender stereotypes that toys perpetuate. Wonder Crew's 15-inch soft-bodied dolls, referred to as Crewmates, combine the adventure of an action figure with the emotional connection of a favorite stuffed animal. They provide boys with the opportunity to build emotional intelligence and creativity, addressing the developmental needs of the whole boy rather than only those commonly recognized as masculine.

March 19, 2015 - 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.

- Child's Catastrophic Brain Injury Prompts Recall of Residential Elevators Sold Exclusively by Coastal Carolina Elevators Due to Crushing Hazard

Just Born Gives Back with "Buy a Bunny, Give a Bunny"

Partnership with Starlight Children's Foundation to Benefit Children and Families at Easter

BETHLEHEM, Pa., March 19, 2015 -- With spring around the corner, the retail arm of Just Born Quality Confections, makers of PEEPS®, MIKE AND IKE®, HOT TAMALES® and GOLDENBERG'S® PEANUT CHEWS® Brand candies, has announced a partnership with BAMKO, a global sourcing company focused on providing safe ethically made products. Just Born, together with BAMKO, will donate PEEPS® plush bunnies to Starlight Children's Foundation, a leading global charity that partners with experts to improve the life and health of kids and families around the world, for every PEEPS® plush purchased now through March 31.