Raving Toy Maniac

The Expendables Have Been Captured... in New Toy Packaging Photos!

November 2012 - Action movie fans have been dying to know when Diamond Select Toys will release their first series of 7-inch Expendables 2 action figures. Well, the answer is "soon"! DST just got in packaged samples of Sylvester Stallone as Barney Ross (in beret-wearing and bare-headed versions), Dolph Lundgren as Gunner Jensen and Terry Crews as Hale Caesar, and they look just as great in package as they do out. Look for them to invade stores in late 2012/early 2013!

Reserve a set online or at your local comic shop – visit comicshoplocator.com to find the nearest one! You can get regular DST updates on Facebook and Twitter!

Eat the Dead! The Walking Dead Silicone Tray and Gelatin Mold Coming Soon

November 2012 - Whether you love the comic book, the TV show or the taste of human flesh in your mouth, it's never been a better time to be a Walking Dead fan! The third season is a winner, and the comic book is still going strong after 100 issues, which means there's an opportunity almost every week for us to immerse ourselves in the zombie apocalypse. Luckily, Diamond Select Toys has come up with a couple of officially licensed kitchen items that will add a little something-something to that new comic book or episode.

November 2012 - Funko has announced two new items based on Psy from the Gangnam Style video - a Wacky Wobbler and a POP! Vinyl figure. Both should be available December 20th.

November 2012 - Funko has announced four Wacky Wobblers based on The Walking Dead tv series: Rick Grimes, Daryl Dixon, Michonne, and the RV Walker. All four should be shipping to stores in mid-December.

New AvX: Avengers vs. X-Men Minimates Box Set Coming Soon to Toys "R" Us!

November 9, 2012 - A few months ago, Diamond Select Toys asked you to vote on the next exclusive box set of Marvel Minimates for Toys "R" Us, based on the blockbuster Avengers vs. X-Men crossover event. The poll pitted three Avengers against three members of the Phoenix Five, with dominance of the box set hanging in the balance. Well, now the results are in!

The Avengers were the clear winners, with Phoenix Buster Iron Man, the Scarlet Witch and Protector taking three of the four spots in the set, with the remaining slot filled by Phoenix Five leader Cyclops! Plus, Iron Man's armor will open up to reveal a more bare-bones Iron Man Minimate inside! Phoenix Five Emma Frost and Colossus may not have made the cut this time around, but don't count them out yet -- they've both cheated death more than once.

Star Trek Bird of Prey Ship Packaging is Finally Uncloaked!

November 9, 2012 - The wait for new electronic Star Trek ships from Diamond Select Toys has been a long one, spanning countless eons and galaxies. But a treaty has been signed, and the new ships have at last begun their voyage home from the factory! Due out by the end of 2012, the Klingon Bird of Prey can be seen here in its packaged glory, complete with "Try Me" button so you can check out the movie-accurate lights and sounds. If you haven't already, reserve yours at your local comic shop or favorite online retailer today!

Visit comicshoplocator.com to find the nearest comic shop, and get regular DST updates on Facebook and Twitter!

Toys"R"Us, Inc. Demonstrates Its Ongoing Support Of Military Personnel And Their Families With New Hiring Initiatives And Partnerships

Company Forges Alliances with Military Employment-Focused Organizations, Launches Dedicated Military Hiring Website and Reports Hiring of 1,200 Active and Retired Military Service Members This Year

WAYNE, N.J., Nov. 7, 2012 -- In honor of Military Family Month and Veterans Day, Toys"R"Us, Inc. today reinforced its ongoing commitment to supporting America's military forces and their families through increased military hiring efforts and partnerships, including those organizations dedicated to helping military families whose loved ones are deployed.

Toy Industry Foundation Crosses Pacific, Brings Play to U.S. Military Families in Japan

TIF holds international event with partner Boys & Girls Clubs of America Military Services

OKINAWA, Japan, Nov. 8, 2012 -- Kadena U.S. Air Force Base -- Nearly 1,000 boys and girls stationed with their parents on Kadena U.S. Air Force Base in Japan were treated to an extraordinary day of gifts and play on November 1st by the Toy Industry Foundation (TIF) and partner Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) Military Services. Joined by Marine families stationed in nearby in Okinawa, the children experienced a fun-filled toy giveaway event, providing relief and a reminder of home to kids living with their parents so far away from what is familiar.

Military life is difficult for families, especially those stationed internationally. Thanks to the special toy giveaway event, children of U.S. Airmen and Marines have many days of play ahead of them, providing a respite from stress and homesickness.

Third Annual "Neighborhood Toy Store Day" Supports Shopping Local and Community Fun Saturday, November 10

CHICAGO, Nov. 8, 2012 -- Families and independent retailers across the country can celebrate the joy and wonder of shopping at a neighborhood toy store this month, thanks to the third annual "Neighborhood Toy Store Day" on Saturday, November 10, 2012.

The American Specialty Toy and Retailing Association (ASTRA) established Neighborhood Toy Store Day to introduce families to the fun of shopping at local toy stores and to celebrate each retailer's commitment to the community. Participating stores will host local in-store events for families, such as face painting, craft projects, live performances or special discounts.

November 8, 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.

- Diamondback Bicycles Recalled Due to Fall or Crash Hazard

- LaJobi Recalls Glider Rockers Due to Fall Hazard