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Thu 12 Feb 2009 |
Chuck Liddell, Dana White and Lorenzo Fertitta all Sign Exclusive Prototype Figure to Benefit Special Olympics
What: Leading U.S. toy and action figure maker JAKKS Pacific, Inc (Nasdaq: JAKK), and the world’s leading professional mixed martial arts group, the Ultimate Fighting Championship® (UFC®) are auctioning off a one-of-a-kind exclusive, autographed Chuck Liddell prototype action figure on eBay. As part of the JAKKS Cares™ charitable giving program, 100% of the proceeds from the auction will benefit JAKKS longtime philanthropic partner Special Olympics.
This is the ONLY JAKKS™ Chuck Liddell prototype in existence which was used to create 150 limited edition Chuck Liddell figures. This unique figure has been autographed by UFC President, Dana White, Co-Owner, Lorenzo Fertitta, AND top UFC fighter, Chuck Liddell. This signed collector’s item will also be the first JAKKSUFC figure ever auctioned.
Who: Everyone is able to bid on this exclusive UFC action figure to benefit Special Olympics
When: Auction will begin Sunday, February 15 at 5 p.m. (PST) – Sunday, February 22, 2009 at 5 p.m. (PST)
Where: eBAY.com. Search: JAKKS UFC Exclusive. Go to ufc.com for full details.
Why: In celebration of JAKKS’ new line of UFC action figures and toys, which hit shelves in late Fall 2009, JAKKS, the UFC, and Chuck Liddell want to show their support for the amazing efforts of Special Olympics, a global nonprofit organization serving nearly 200 million people with intellectual disabilities, by auctioning off a special autographed edition of JAKKS first ever UFC action figure. Through year-round sports training and competition, Special Olympics empowers individuals in more than 180 countries. This auction will directly benefit Special Olympics Southern California, San Luis Obispo Region.
More: “JAKKS is excited about the launch of our new powerhouse line of UFC toys and action figures later this year,” said Stephen Berman, President and COO, JAKKS Pacific. “What better way to introduce our new collection than to raise money and awareness for Special Olympics with this eBay auction. Collectors and fans will be pleased when the much anticipated line is released this Fall.”
“We are thrilled to have JAKKS on board as our first official UFC action figure and toy partner,” said Dana White, UFC President. “The demand and awareness for the UFC is tremendous, and through this relationship with JAKKS, we can present authentic UFC products and have them available to our loyal UFC fans all around the world. We are so thrilled to be taking part in this auction, Chuck is very happy the proceeds are going directly to Special Olympics, San Luis Obispo as he is a big supporter of their cause.”
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Wed 11 Feb 2009 |
 EL SEGUNDO, Calif., Feb 11, 2009 (BUSINESS WIRE) --Kicking off the 2009 American International Toy Fair in New York, Mattel, Inc. (NYSE: MAT) will unveil its exciting 2009 lineup of new toys and games that will let kids customize their play experience, play as a group with friends and family, or get up and get active – all with incredible play value that parents will appreciate.
As the leading toy manufacturer, Mattel continues to lead the toy industry’s biggest toy trends, delivering customizable experiences with toys for today’s online generation, while offering multidimensional play experiences to keep kids entertained all year long. Additionally, in 2009, Mattel and Fisher-Price celebrate milestone anniversaries with Barbie(R), celebrating five decades of fashion and fun, and the beloved preschool icon, the Little People(R) toy line, celebrate their 50th birthday too.
"As kids’ play experiences and platforms continue to evolve, so do we by developing innovative and diverse toys that give kids the fun and excitement they’re craving from brands parents know and trust," said Neil Friedman, president, Mattel Brands. "Mattel’s hottest toys this year offer a multitude of play experiences with peace of mind for parents that their kids will enjoy them time and time again."
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Wed 11 Feb 2009 |
COVERAGE TONIGHT ON G4 AT 7PM ET/PT
 The king of TV pilots Dave Nutter announces a new project and a new TV series - “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Angel” creator, Joss Whedon talks details from his new series
- Take an acid trip with creators of “Superjail”
- Biggest news to come out of Comic Con
- A major announcement from Brian Michael Bendis’ about his much-loved comic “Powers”
- Possible changes in “Watchmen?”
TUNE-IN TONIGHT, Wednesday, February 11 AT 7PM et/pt FOR ALL THE LATEST NEWS AND ANNOUCEMENTS FROM THE SHOW, ONLY ON G4
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Wed 11 Feb 2009 |
50 of Fashion’s Top Designers Salute Barbie(R) Doll’s Iconic Past, Present and Future Stylewith One-of-a-Kind Looks Created with Barbie(R) as their Muse
 NEW YORK, Feb 11, 2009 (BUSINESS WIRE) — This Valentine’s Day, Barbie(R) will be the sweetheart of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week as the star of an epic fashion event showcasing real-size, Barbie(TM)-inspired looks designed by 50 renowned fashion designers. The February 14th (3 p.m.) runway show – packed with lots of eye candy, a surprise visit from Ken (it’s Valentine’s Day!) and more – is a celebration of Barbie’s(R) 50 years as a fashion icon and will be a fun look at the past, present and future of fashion with Barbie as the muse. The world’s biggest names in fashion, including Vera Wang, Diane von Furstenburg, Calvin Klein, Michael Kors, Tommy Hilfilger, Badgley Mischka, Alexander Wang and many more, are coming out to showcase their one-of-a-kind creations and celebrate Barbie’s(R) head turning style.
"Barbie is the quintessential American icon. She represents a woman’s first experience with style, transcending generations and cultures; she holds a special place in the fashion world and is an inspiration to many designers," said Tommy Hilfiger, one of the designers participating in the Barbie(R) Runway Show.
A dream team of the industry’s top stylists and artists will oversee hair, makeup, styling, and the assembly of Barbie’s(R) fabled accessories, ensuring that each model celebrates Barbie’s(R) signature styles from throughout the decades from head to toe. Famed shoe designer Christian Louboutin has designed custom, one-of-a-kind peep-toe pumps in Barbie’s(R) signature pink (pantone 219 pink). Top make-up artist Charlotte Tilbury will partner with the Stila Pro Beauty Team – the official prestige Barbie(R) beauty partner for 2009. Hair stylist to the stars Orlando Pita, sponsored by T3 – another Barbie(R) beauty partner – will roll up and roll out styles from Barbie’s(R) famous 1959 ponytail-and-bangs look to super-long, big curls and futuristic sculptural hairstyles. Stylist Patti Wilson will curate and style the entire show – which features 50 different models – using custom-designed accessories include handbags by Rafe, jewelry and sunglasses by Bulgari and jewelry by Alan and Layna Friedman. Even the models are among the top girls in the business, including several famous names.
"It’s an honor and pleasure to be part of this fashion show to celebrate the life of one of the greatest icons of our time," said Charlotte Tilbury.
The show is part of a year-long, global celebration of Barbie’s(R) 50th Anniversary that includes pink carpet events, marquee partnerships, retail celebrations, must-have products and numerous tributes in design, fashion and more.
"Barbie has an unparalleled relationship within the fashion community and has served as a muse and inspiration to designers, stylists and artists for decades," said Richard Dickson, General Manager, Barbie(R). "Many designers have told us that Barbie was their first client or model, allowing many in the fashion community to identify and play out their dreams, serving as the ultimate canvas for their imaginations."
"Today, on the eve of Barbie’s 50th Anniversary, we celebrate the inspiration she has been and great fashion heritage. It’s only fitting to mark the beginning of the next chapter by bringing her home to the runway to celebrate her first love, fashion," Dickson continued.
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Tue 10 Feb 2009 |
 The official Sony Playstation blog update with news and our first look at Mezco Toyz "Little Big Planet" based on the awesome Playstation 3 game.
The very first LittleBigPlanet merchandise makes its ‘littlebig’ debut this week with a brand new action-figure line featuring an assortment of 4″ scale Sackboys in all his textured and stitched glory, displaying various characters, poses, and costumes. Those attending the 2009 International Toy Fair in New York will be among the few who will catch the very first glimpse of the action-figures that will be available at select mass market, specialty and online stores across North America beginning this Spring.
Toy developer and manufacturer, Mezco Toyz, will also release retailer exclusives, variants and limited-edition Sackboys throughout the year, which will range between 2″ and 18″ scale figurines.
You can read the rest of the news over at the Official Playstaton blog.
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Tue 10 Feb 2009 |
 The Flickr seems to have found Japanese pictures of all your favorites goofy Trek characters, like that wacky Bones kid.
Go check ‘em out, Fanboyz!!!
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Tue 10 Feb 2009 |
 New York- Overlooking the NY skyline from high atop their tony Long Island City headquarters, Mezco’s Director of Special Projects “handed off” various items from the new Friday the 13th line of figures to Megan Forbes, Collection Information and Access Manager of the Museum of the Moving Image. Mezco donated prototypes of the new film’s main character; Jason. In the new film Jason sports two looks, one with his classic hockey mask and another featuring a cloth covered face. The prototypes donated each feature one of the distinctive looks.
Set to be released in on Friday, February 13th, the new Friday the 13th is considered by many horror fans to be the “must see” horror film of 2009. Mezco will be producing both seven and twelve inch figures of Jason, the main character.
While the museum is partially closed for a major $65 million expansion and renovation, the Jason prototypes will nevertheless be accessible on the museum’s online Collection Catalog at http://collection.movingimage.us. When the museum fully reopens in winter 2009-2010, the prototypes will be on view as part of its core exhibition, Behind the Screen, in a section devoted to licensed merchandise.
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Mon 9 Feb 2009 |
Hello AFI readers! I’m writing a brief overview of what the upcoming movie schedule looks like in terms of licensing, and need to gauge what movies are generating the hottest heat as of right now.
Please take a minute and rate the movies below. I just need a good feel about where the interest level lies for toy collectors, and it doesn’t need use personal information or specifics. Just an age range to get a broad demographic.
This will only be up for a day or so, so please help me out and let others know about it if you can.
Thanks! – ToyOtter
UPDATE: Wow! Thanks for the great response! I have plenty of data now, thanks!
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Mon 9 Feb 2009 |
New Branded Space Spotlights Pokémon Video Games, Trading Card Game, Toys, Animation, and More
 Bellevue, WA — February 9, 2009 – Today, Pokémon USA, Inc. announced that it has expanded its retail presence for Pokémon® in Toys"R"Us stores nationwide through 2009. Dedicated areas at the entrance of the "R" Zone video game departments now showcase a variety of Pokémon merchandise, including the top-selling video games, the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG), TV and movie DVDs, select TOMY products that are making their U.S. debut, and a full range of Pokémon toys from JAKKS Pacific, Inc. Starting in April, Toys"R"Us Times Square, the company’s International Flagship store, will highlight the Pokémon brand in a dedicated boutique through the remainder of the year. Toys"R"Us stores nationwide will also host retail events throughout 2009.
The expanded Pokémon area within Toys"R"Us stores spotlights several popular Pokémon video game titles, leading up to one of the most anticipated titles of the year-Pokémon Platinum Version for the Nintendo DS™ system. The dedicated area also features a wide selection of TCG expansion sets for the Pokémon: Diamond & Pearl Series and the newest Pokémon TCG: Platinum expansion. Additionally, the section includes a broad assortment of DVDs, strategy guides, and other toys from JAKKS Pacific.
The dedicated area establishes Toys"R"Us as the premier destination for fans looking for a wide selection of Pokémon products. Toys"R"Us will host video game events featuring character distributions for Pokémon Diamond Version & Pokémon Pearl Version (each sold separately), with the first event taking place from February 8 – February 14. A second event will take place in the spring. Toys"R"Us will also be the first retailer in the U.S. to carry select Pokémon toys by TOMY.
"Our partnership with Toys"R"Us speaks volumes about the unwavering popularity of the Pokémon franchise," said Caryl Liebmann, director, retail development and promotions, Pokémon USA, Inc. "We’re excited that Toys"R"Us is offering our fans this first-class retail destination."
Pokémon is one of the most successful children’s franchises in history and the #1 collectible trading card game of all time. The record-breaking TCG boasts 374 percent sales growth in the U.S. alone since 2005 and is sold in more than 30 countries around the globe. The Pokémon video game series has sold more than 186 million units worldwide through September 2008, with many more sales expected with the release of this spring’s Pokémon Platinum Version. Other successful extensions of the property include eleven seasons on U.S. television with the debut of the series’ 12th season this spring. Pokémon films and DVDs continue to reach fans in amazing numbers, often ranking at the top of the box office in Japan.
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Sun 8 Feb 2009 |
AFI’s man in New York, Cesar "Masked Avenger" Zamora once again covered the ins and outs of the Javits Center with his trusty video camera to bring you the very best of the con highlights. Take a look and pay special close attention around the 1:23 mark for some sweet DCUC Joker action!
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