This was just posted over on Matty’s Facebook page:
Hey He-Fans,
Just to let everyone know, we are working out some of the kinks with Moss Man right now. The flocking on a highly articulated figure is a bit tricker then we expected. There is a chance Moss Man may get pushed out to April and the "as-of-yet-unannounced" April figure will get bumped up to March (see why we have bonus figures in tow, stuff like this happens a lot!). This is not confirmed yet, just want to keep you all in the loop.
And along those lines, would fans be interested in Moss Man if he was not flocked? Or is this a make or break deal? We are doing everything we can to keep him flocked, but just curious what fans think?
If the only way to flock him would be to limit the articulation would that be okay also? Curious what you all think?
Baltimore, MD, August 2, 2009 The critically acclaimed new coffee table book, Captain Action: The Original Super-Hero Action Figure by Michael Eury will be celebrating its national debut at Geppi’s Entertainment Museum (GEM) in Baltimore’s historic Camden Yards sports complex with an author signing on Saturday, August 15, 2009, from noon to 3:00 PM. In addition to the author, Ed Catto and Joe Ahearn, the owners of Captain Action Enterprises, will be in attendance for the signing.
The event will also kick off a special exhibit covering the history of Captain Action, from the first action figures in the 1960s to the latest merchandise (and everything in between). The exhibit will run from August 15 through October 13, 2009.
Published by TwoMorrows Publishing, Captain Action: The Original Super-Hero Action Figure chronicles the history of this quick-changing champion, including photos of virtually every Captain Action product ever released. With spotlights on Captain Action, his allies Action Boy and the Super Queens, and his arch enemy Dr. Evil, an examination of his comic book appearances, and more, nearly every facet of the character’s existence is put under the microscope. From the earliest concept stages to the multiple (and supposedly final) demises of the toy line, and from thriving collectibles market to the modern resurgence, no stone is left unturned. It is due in stores on August 19, 2009.
“When the first edition of Michael Eury’s superb book Captain Action: The Original Super-Hero Action Figure was released, it was rightly referred to by some as a virtual ‘how to’ guide to doing a character-centric reference book. It reached longtime serious collectors, turned casual Captain Action fans into die-hard enthusiasts, and brought many new fans to the character,” said Melissa Bowersox, the museum’s Executive Vice-President. “This is the sort of project that GEM and our patrons are happy to support, and we’re also extremely happy to have the assistance of such passionate, creative fan-owners as Joe Ahearn and Ed Catto to help us present the history of this unique character.”
“We’re very happy to see Captain Action and Michael’s wonderful book given such a spectacular stage. Like many other collectors, Ed Catto and I really enjoy telling other enthusiasts about our favorite character, and this takes that enjoyment to the proverbial next level,” said Joe Ahearn Managing Partner of Captain Action Enterprises.
The original superhero action figure first arrived on the scene in 1966 with the ability to change into a fantastic range of other incredible heroes, including Superman, Batman, Captain America, Spider-Man, the Lone Ranger, Buck Rogers, and the Green Hornet. He took on their costumes and personas and fought the forces of evil in their places. Produced by the Ideal Toy Company and developed by Stan Weston, who had been involved in the genesis of Hasbro’s G.I. Joe just two years before, Captain Action enjoyed a fairly brief shelf life. The last of Ideal’s original production runs ended in 1968.
In that short time, though, the 12-inch action figurehad also doubled for Aquaman, Flash Gordon, the Phantom, Steve Canyon, Sgt. Fury, and Tonto. He had a sidekick, Action Boy (who became Superboy, Aqualad and Robin the Boy Wonder) and a blue-skinned, bug-eyed alien arch foe named Dr. Evil (obviously years before Austin Powers fought another Dr. Evil). There were playsets, vehicles, a headquarters, flicker rings, playing cards, a Ben Cooper Halloween costume, and a fondly remembered five-issue series from DC Comics that included contributions from such legends as Wally Wood, Jim Shooter, and Gil Kane.
As the years followed, Captain Action became the purview of the collecting community. A thriving secondary market developed and kept interest in the character alive within its ranks. In 1998, thirty years after the original production run ended, Playing Mantis brought Captain Action back to the world of new toys. Although their tenure with the toy line would also end after two years, it greatly fanned the flames of interest in the character and the original collectibles, and led eventually to the formation of Captain Action Enterprises, the present day owners of the intellectual property.
The exhibit will conclude just after the Diamond Comic Distributors – Alliance Game DistributorsRetailer Summit, which will be held at the Baltimore Convention Center, immediately across the street from GEM, October 11-13, 2009.
Our Comic Con 09 interview series continues with Jason Lenzi, President of BifBangPow! Jason talks about what new for Dexter, their Comic Con exclusives and getting the LOST license. Don’t mind the GIANT BABY in the background…he’s supposed to be there.
JAKKS Pacific, Inc. (Nasdaq:JAKK), leading U.S. toymaker and master toy licensee for Ultimate Fighting Championship® (UFC®), announced today a sub-licensing agreement with Mixed Marital Arts (MMA) collectibles company, Round 5 Corp. to share UFC and MMA talent. The agreement will allow both companies access to the biggest MMA fighters in order to manufacture, market and distribute action figures and related products under the UFC umbrella.
As a result, both companies now have access to a significantly larger MMA talent pool, including Randy Couture, Andrei Arlovski, Matt Hughes, Clay Guida, Chuck Liddell, Forrest Griffin, Brock Lesnar, BJ Penn and other top MMA fighters.
“This is truly a match made in heaven and we are excited to enter into this agreement with Round 5,” said Jeremy Padawer, SVP Boys Entertainment Marketing, JAKKS Pacific. “As the master toy licensee for the UFC, JAKKS can now offer MMA fans an entire world of action figures, accessories and other collectibles encompassing the most notable fighters in the fight world. The synergy between JAKKS® and Round 5® will ensure cohesive and comprehensive merchandise offering at retail that will benefit all parties involved, including JAKKS, Round 5 and the UFC, as well as the MMA fighters themselves, and most importantly, MMA fans.”
JAKKS’ new UFC line of toys and collectibles is expected to be available at retailers nationwide starting this Fall, with plans to roll out the newly acquired talent beginning as early as Spring 2010. Along with the full line of deluxe articulated action figures, JAKKS also expects to offer Octagon playsets, accessories and role play toys based on the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), PRIDE® Fighting Championship and World Extreme Cagefighting® (WEC®).
“We want to provide fans with the most complete and authentic line of UFC products,” said UFC President, Dana White. “This agreement with JAKKS Pacific and Round 5 brings the biggest players in the MMA action figure world together – now our fans will have access to the best and most diverse line of action figures.”
Damon Lau, President, Round 5, stated, “We are thrilled to partner with JAKKS and UFC, and we are confident that our teamwork will produce a more comprehensive product offering for MMA fans. In addition, JAKKS and R5 will facilitate marketing and distribution efficiencies at retail to increase exposure of our core product offerings. We are very excited to expand our line of 6” display collectible figurines and 10” display collectible statues with more of the biggest names in MMA.”
Reuben Klamer to be Honored at Toy and Game Inventors of the Year Awards Dinner for Lifetime Achievement November 21st
Reuben Klamer, is credited with designing over 200 toys and games marketed in 60 countries on 6 continents, including the enormously popular The Game of Life. Some of his other hits include Fisher-Price 1-2-3 Roller Skates, Moon Rocks, Erector Constructor Sets, Busy Blocks, Gaylord the Walking Dog and many more. He also pioneered the use of polyethylene in toys. Currently Mr. Klamer resides in La Jolla, CA and runs the Reuben Klamer Toylab®
The TAGIE Awards Dinner will be held at Chicago’s Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum. Other Awards that evening will include Toy Inventor of the Year, Game Inventor of the Year and Rising Star Inventor of the Year.
More information about the Toy and Game Inventor of the Year Awards can be found at www.thetagies.com
Here is AFi’s exclusive interview with DC Direct‘s VP of Product Development, Georg Brewer. We talk about new product lines, sculptors, DC Direct’s hand in the Blackest Nightstory arc , and the surprise of having one of the hottest exclusives of Comic Con 09.
Make sure you listen close because Georg drops in a few scoops in the course of the interview, including two upcoming unannounced Adam Hughes statues, and a new JSA 13" figure in the works. Remember you heard it here first!
Part 1/2
Part 2/2
A BIG thank you to Georg and Alex at DC Direct for the interview.
EL SEGUNDO, Calif., Aug 05, 2009 (BUSINESS WIRE) — Mattel, Inc., (NYSE: MAT) the world’s largest toymaker, today announced it has been named as one of 2009′s "Best Places to Work in Los Angeles," ranking 6th among large-sized companies. The complete list will appear in next week’s issue of the Los Angeles Business Journal. Mattel moves up the list to rank 6th in 2009 since ranking 9th in 2008 and 13th in 2007, respectively.
"This is an honor that deeply reflects the importance of a strong corporate culture. At Mattel, we believe a great work environment and unifying values motivates employees to create fun and innovative toys that are loved by children all around the world," said Alan Kaye, Senior Vice President of Human Resources. "Mattel has had deep roots in the Los Angeles area since its founding in 1945, and we have grown up to be the world’s largest toymaker. We value the many communities all around the world where our employees live, work and play and are honored that Mattel is once again being recognized as a top ten best employer in our home town of Los Angeles."
The 2009 "Best Places to Work" countywide awards program is designed to identify the best places of employment in Los Angeles County, benefiting the region’s economy, its workforce and businesses. The list is divided into three categories: small-sized companies (12-24 employees), medium-sized companies (25-249 employees) and large-sized companies (250 or more). More than 70 companies were recognized. Companies were selected based on employee responses to a survey of individual, workgroup and organization questions conducted by an independent research company on behalf of the Los Angeles Business Journal.
We brought you the complete videos of both the Mattel panels, and now we bring you video straight from Hasbro’s Marvel panel at SDCC 09!
To celebrate me finding the first wave of Marvel Universe Secret Wars 2-packs at my local Target yesterday(w00t!), here is video of the entire panel (in 6 parts) as part of our continuing Comic Con 09 coverage. Enjoy!
DARK HORSE TEAMS WITH COMICS LEGEND, JIM SHOOTER, TO EXPAND GOLD KEY COMICS’ SUPERHEROES
AUGUST 5TH, MIlWAUKIE, OR–In a packed panel on Saturday morning during Comic Con, Dark Horse president, Mike Richardson called a surprise guest to announce Dark Horse’s plans to develop new comics and graphic novels for the Gold Key Comics’ superheroes. Fans were shocked to see Jim Shooter enter the room; the man recently named the “Steve Jobs of Comics” by Comic Book Bin. http://tinyurl.com/ku9o3w
Shooter is perhaps best known for his nine year tenure at Marvel Comics, beginning in 1982, with highlights including Chris Claremont and John Byrne’s run on the Uncanny X-Men, and Frank Miller’s run on Daredevil. Also under Shooter’s editorial reign, Walt Simonsen revamped The Mighty Thor and made it again a bestseller. Following his successful run at Marvel, Shooter launched the well-received Valiant comics imprint in the early 90s, bringing many of Marvel’s creators with him.
Now, Jim Shooter comes to Dark Horse as head writer for the re-launch ofthe Gold Key Comics characters: Turok, Son of Stone®, Doctor Solar, Man of the Atom, Magnus, Robot Fighter,and Mighty Samson, with further characters and new comic writers to be announced shortly.
“It’s great to be at Dark Horse, working with Mike Richardson, world-class creator, honorable gentleman and industry powerhouse” said Jim Shooter. “It’s great to be reunited with Magnus, Solar, Turok, Samson and the other wonderful Gold Key properties. The opportunity is tremendous and the time is ripe. Let’s do it.”
“Jim and I share a great affection for these terrific characters. We have some very exciting ideas on how to introduce them to a whole new generation of fans.”said Mike Richardson, president of Dark Horse Comics.
It has truly been a while since the last Baby Qee release – apart from the introduction of several new D.I.Y characters; Grizee, Rhinzee, Spray, Boxee, Ballee and Boxee Toyer. TOY2R proudly announces the release of three brand new specially design 2-packs – each featuring new designs on the 3.5" Baby Qee Bear figure format and limited to only 1200 sets each. Packaged in colorful and art matching window boxes – these make a great gifts for any Qee fan!
First up is the Chinese Boy & Girl Wedding Set – inspired by classic traditional outfits – these cute newlyweds make quite a pair.
Taking a cue from the designer look – the second set is the CAMO Color Series 2 pack.
And finally the circus has come to town with the new big tent designs recreating a classic and humorous look and one a little too far out – with its button eyes. This is Joker and Ghost – two unforgettable clowns from the Circus Series Collection!
All three of these sets are now available for delivery – orders can be made through TOY2R’s newest US distributor – APEX Trading Company – or by contacting TOY2R USA directly at info@toy2rusa.com.
JAKKS Pacific, Inc. (Nasdaq:JAKK), 
“This is truly a match made in heaven and we are excited to enter into this agreement with Round 5,” said Jeremy Padawer, SVP Boys Entertainment Marketing, JAKKS Pacific. “As the master toy licensee for the UFC, JAKKS can now offer MMA fans an entire world of action figures, accessories and other collectibles encompassing the most notable fighters in the fight world. The synergy between JAKKS® and Round 5® will ensure cohesive and comprehensive merchandise offering at retail that will benefit all parties involved, including JAKKS, Round 5 and the UFC, as well as the MMA fighters themselves, and most importantly, MMA fans.” 
Reuben Klamer, is credited with designing over 200 toys and games marketed in 60 countries on 6 continents, including the enormously popular The Game of Life. Some of his other hits include Fisher-Price 1-2-3 Roller Skates, Moon Rocks, Erector Constructor Sets, Busy Blocks, Gaylord the Walking Dog and many more. He also pioneered the use of polyethylene in toys. Currently Mr. Klamer resides in La Jolla, CA and runs the Reuben Klamer Toylab®
EL SEGUNDO, Calif., Aug 05, 2009 (BUSINESS WIRE) — Mattel, Inc., (NYSE: MAT) the world’s largest toymaker, today announced it has been named as one of 2009′s "Best Places to Work in Los Angeles," ranking 6th among large-sized companies. The complete list will appear in next week’s issue of the Los Angeles Business Journal. Mattel moves up the list to rank 6th in 2009 since ranking 9th in 2008 and 13th in 2007, respectively.
AUGUST 5TH, MIlWAUKIE, OR–In a packed panel on Saturday morning during Comic Con, Dark Horse president, Mike Richardson called a surprise guest to announce Dark Horse’s plans to develop new comics and graphic novels for the Gold Key Comics’ superheroes. Fans were shocked to see Jim Shooter enter the room; the man recently named the “Steve Jobs of Comics” by Comic Book Bin. 
