The Most Talented Pokémon Players Will Compete in Los Angeles and New York for a Chance to Battle the Best Players from Japan

Bellevue, WA ­ May 15, 2008 ­ Pokémon USA, Inc., has announced the first-ever Video Game Showdown, pitting the most skilled Pokémon Diamond and Pokémon Pearl players from the United States and Japan in a battle to determine the ultimate champion. The Pokémon Video Game Showdown will take place August 16 in Orlando, Florida and will feature 32 of the most talented players from each nation.

To win a seat in the Pokémon Video Game Showdown, players must compete and win at one of two Qualifier Tournaments taking place in Los Angeles and New York on July 12 and July 19, respectively. A total of 256 players in each city will battle for sixteen paid trips for two to Orlando to compete in the Pokémon Video Game Showdown. To enter for a chance to play in the Qualifier Tournaments, players must register and complete a Pokémon online quiz at http://showdown.pokemon.com.

Pokémon strives to create fun products and events for players of all skill levels and interests,˛ said J.C. Smith, director of marketing for Pokémon USA, Inc. łThe Pokémon Video Game Showdown provides the most skilled Pokémon players an opportunity to determine who is truly the best.˛

More information, including prizes, tournament locations, times, and rules, can be found by visiting http://showdown.pokemon.com.

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ACTION FIGURES
 

JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA SERIES 3 ACTION FIGURES

Designed by Ed Benes
It’s here – the third series based on the popular DC Comics series, JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA, written by New York Times best-selling author Brad Meltzer and illustrated by Ed Benes! Green Lantern, Wonder Woman, The Flash and Geo-Force are the latest JLA heroes to be made into action figures!
Figures included:

Green Lantern – 6.75” h

Wonder Woman – 6.625” h

The Flash – 6.75” h

Geo-Force – 6.75” h

Each figure features multiple points of articulation and a base. 4-color blister card packaging.
Advance-solicited; on sale January 7, 2009 * Action Figures * PI

SINESTRO 1:6 SCALE Deluxe Collector Figure 
“A face of metal and flesh shall speak of the secrets of the 52.

Fear will rise. Willpower will gather. And a war of light will unlesash the truth behind the power of the ring.” – Book of Oa, Green Lantern (vol. 4) #20
After untold millennia, the Weaponers of Qward, Ranx the Sentient City, the Children of the White Lobe, and the Empire of Tears will rise united against the Green Lantern Corps.  This is Sinestro’s hope.  This is the Sinestro Corps.
This 1:6 scale deluxe collector figure of Green Lantern’s number one enemy is dressed in his new, intricately designed and authentically detailed fabric costume and also carries a yellow lantern power battery to charge his fear-fueled yellow power ring!

Packaged in a deluxe 4-color window box with a fifth panel, this 14” tall figure also comes with extra sets of hands and a display stand.
Advance-solicited; on sale January 28, 2009 * Collector figure * $89.99 U
 

STATUES AND BUSTS

BATMAN: BLACK & WHITE STATUE

DESIGNED BY ETHAN VAN SCIVER
Sculpted by Ray Villafane

The popular BATMAN: BLACK & WHITE STATUE line of artist-inspired sculptures continues – and expands – in 2009!

Hot off runs as artist of GREEN LANTERN: THE SINESTRO CORPS WAR and Superman/Batman, Ethan van Sciver lends his talents to this version of The Caped Crusader.
Painted in monochromatic tones, this statue is certain to be another sought-after addition to DC Direct’s line of BATMAN: BLACK & WHITE statues.
The statue measures approximately 6” tall x 2.5” wide x 4.5” deep. It features a Bat-logo-shaped base, and is packaged in a black-and-white box.

Advance-solicited; on sale January 7, 2009 * Statue * $75 US  

AME-COMI HAWKGIRL PVC FIGURE
Designed by Udon Studios

DC Direct’s wildly popular AME-COMI Heroines Vinyl Statue line continues as HAWKGIRL takes flight in 2009.

Kendra Shiera Saunders is the winged huntress who takes to the sky and soars above the clouds, wielding weapons both ancient and modern against enemies old and new.

This limited-edition, non-articulated, 9” PVC statue comes with a base, is packaged in a 4-color window box with J-hook and is manufactured to order.

Advance-solicited; on sale January 14, 2009 * Statue * $59.99 US

 

 

PROPS

JLA TROPHY ROOM: GREEN LANTERN POWER BATTERY PROP REPLICA

CAST IN METAL FOR THE FIRST TIME!

It’s what fans of Green Lantern have wanted for years – Green Lantern’s Power Battery cast in metal! Comes with a “one-size-fits-most” (size 10) metal Green Lantern ring that lights up the lantern for 30 seconds when the ring is pressed against the face of the lantern. A resin stand is also included to display the Green Lantern ring when it’s not in use.

This piece can also be activated by an on/off switch and is powered by 3 AA batteries and LED bulbs, all of which are included.

  NOTE: Does not charge the Green Lantern Power Ring to full strength.  Only the original Power Battery, currently in the possession of Green Lantern, can do that.

This detailed prop replica measures approximately 12” tall x 9.75” wide x 8” deep, not including the handle.
Packaged in a 4-color box, the GREEN LANTERN POWER BATTERY PROP REPLICA also includes a 4-color Certificate of Authenticity.
Advance-solicited; on sale January 21, 2009

• Prop Replica * $395

 

THE JOKER POKER SET

A must for fans of The Dark Knight movie and The Joker – don’t miss the limited-edition prop replica, The Joker Poker Set!
This unique collectors’ item includes a deck of 54 prop replica Joker cards (as seen in The Dark Knight film!) and a standard “playable” 4-suit, 54 card deck defaced by The Joker. Also included are 100 4-color poker chips in Joker-themed colors of green, purple, red and black, and 5 dice. The entire set comes housed in a black aluminum carrying case (which locks to prevent The Joker from defacing the second set of cards!), and the case is packaged in a 4-color box. A 4-color Certificate of Authenticity is also included and appears as one of the playing cards!

  Advance-solicited; on sale August 27, 2008 * Poker Set * $99.99
 

WATCHMEN MOVIE PRODUCT

A complex, multi-layered mystery adventure, WATCHMEN is set in an 1985 America in which costumed superheroes are part of the fabric of everyday society, and the “Doomsday Clock” – which charts the USA’s tension with the Soviet Union – is permanently set at five minutes to midnight. When one of his former colleagues is murdered, the washed up but no less determined masked vigilante Rorschach sets out to uncover a plot to kill and discredit all past and present superheroes. As he reconnects with his former crime-fighting legion – a ragtag group of retired superheroes, only one of whom has true powers – Rorschach glimpses a wide-ranging and disturbing conspiracy with links to their shared past and catastrophic consequences for the future. Their mission is to watch over humanity …

but who is watching the WATCHMEN?

  Based on the upcoming March 6, 2009, Warner Bros. movie WATCHMEN, DC DIRECT brings both long-time and new fans of WATCHMEN what they crave: collectible action figures, intricately clothed 1:6 scale deluxe collector figures, exquisitely sculpted busts, and straight-from-the-set prop replicas! All products feature movie accurate likenesses and costume detailing!

  Get ready for a three-month WATCHMEN movie product extravaganza from DC Direct, beginning in January 2009 and continuing through the release of the WATCHMEN movie in March 2009.

WATCHMEN MOVIE: Rorschach Bust
This hand-painted, cold-cast porcelain bust measures approximately 5.5” tall x 3” wide x 3” deep and is packaged in a 4-color box.
Advance-solicited; On-sale January 21, 2009 *Bust *  $69.99

 

 

WATCHMEN MOVIE: Ozymandias Bust

This hand-painted, cold-cast porcelain bust measures approximately 5.5” tall x 3” wide x 3” deep and is packaged in a 4-color box.
Advance-solicited; On-sale January 21, 2009 *Bust *  $69.99

 

 

WATCHMEN MOVIE: Dr. Manhattan 1:6 Scale Deluxe Collector Figure
This 1:6 scale deluxe collector figure measures approximately 13” tall and comes with a removable black suit.
Packaged in a deluxe 4-color window box with a fifth panel, it also includes a 4-color Certificate of Authenticity.
Advance-solicited; On Sale January 14, 2009

• Collector figure * $99.99  

 

WATCHMEN MOVIE:  ACTION FIGURE ASSORTMENT #1

These action figures, the first of two assortments totaling eight figures, are straight from the movie! Featuring exquisite sculpting and detailing, the first assortment of the WATCHMEN MOVIE action figures includes:

RORSCHACH • 6.25” h

OZYMANDIAS • 6.75” h

NITE OWL (Modern) • 6.75” h

SILK SPECTRE (Modern) • 6.5” h

Each figure features multiple points of articulation and a base. Packaged in a 4-color window box.
Advance-solicited; on sale January 28, 2009 * Action Figures * PI

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You can find our past Q&A’s here. And you can discuss the answers at our Mattel board. 

 

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PopCultureShock Collectibles new Street Fighter ‘Vega’ Statue starts pre-orders on May 15th on www.sideshowcollectibles.com. This 18" mixed-media statue is limited to 400 pieces with a price of $250usd. It also includes a Certificate Of Authenticity signed by Jerry Macaluso.  Jerry didn’t sculpt this one (but it is his new company)…John Cleary gets those kudos and Mike Najera painted it ! Jerry art directed it to make sure it fit in with the other statues that he did sculpt.

 

There is also a limited edition unmasked variant version that will be available to order at the sametime 

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Mezco continues to break new ground with the introduction of Roto Busts  "Mezco Roto Busts" update the standard concept of busts by adding articulation and utilizing the latest in cutting edge 21st century roto technology to make a highly detailed, poseable bust that is more affordable than other busts on the market. The new Roto Bust  format debuts with Hellboy. Standing an imposing 9.75 inches tall this Hellboy bust will be the focal point of your collection. Featuring a new interactive element that allows you to pose him in more than 1600 possible positions!

This limited edition version has a faux bronze finish giving it the look of a classical sculpture plucked from deep in the archives of the BPRD. The special finish highlights the extreme details of the sculpture; the wrinkles by the eyes, the texture of the skin, the nooks and crevices of the “stone” base, and much more.

Limited edition of just 98 pieces worldwide.

Available exclusively through Mezco Direct. (more…)

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(Editor’s Note: I had the opportunity to see this at a private screening two years ago and it’s AMAZING.   If you are in the LA area make it a point to try to catch this!- DP/JM)

Teenagers’ Tribute Called the ‘Greatest Fan Film Yet’

  

All proceeds to benefit the FESTIVAL OF CHILDREN FOUNDATION, a non-profit organization.  

It took seven summers to make, required a cast of, well, dozens, and included the star’s first on and off-screen kiss, but “Raiders of the Lost Ark: The Adaptation,” has become a favorite of film festivals around the world.  Scott Rudin bought the rights to the filmmakers’ story for a Paramount feature film, and Steven Spielberg to Eli Roth to Quentin Tarantino have declared themselves fans of the film.  Now the 100 minute feature will make its Los Angeles premiere at Mann’s Chinese Theater, at a one-night-only screening on Wednesday, May 14 at 7:30pm.  

Eric Zala and Chris Strompolos were just 12 years old when they set out to make their own shot-by-shot re-creation of “Raiders of the Lost Ark.”  They finished at age 19.  By saving up their allowances, hijacking younger siblings, and setting Eric’s basement on fire, they used astonishing ingenuity to make a film that is surprisingly entertaining, even stunning.  It’s been hailed as the “greatest fan film yet” by Wired.com, “the best damn fan film I have ever seen… pure magic” by Harry Knowles, and “phenomenal” by Wes Craven.   

For 15 years, “Raiders of the Lost Ark: the Adaptation” was nearly a forgotten masterpiece, until Harry Knowles obtained a copy from Eli Roth and screened it at his film festival.  It became an instant phenomenon, featured in Vanity Fair, The Today Show, and NPR, but because of rights issues, the young filmmakers have carefully controlled the film’s venues.  

 “Due to copyright issues, revenue from the screenings of our film must go to a non-profit organization” noted Strompolos, “a reason why we’re very selective about where we screen.”   

“We’ve shown this film all over the world,” says Zala,” and it’s still exciting to us to see the reaction.  It makes the near-permanent loss of my eyebrows during filming well worth it.”  

Scott Rudin purchased their story rights and the feature film about their childhood adventures, with Daniel Clowes (Ghost World) penning the script is in active development by Paramount.  

Wednesday, May 14 — 7:30 PM

Mann’s Chinese Theater

6925 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA  90028  

Tickets are available to purchase in advance online at the Mann Theatre website, at the Mann Chinese Theatre Box Office or call 323.461.3331.

http://www.movietickets.com/movie_detail.asp?movie_id=46732&tstate=3&rel=&SearchZip=90028&ShowDate=5&SearchRadius=15  

Admission: $12.  CHARITY FUNDRAISER.

All proceeds to benefit the FESTIVAL OF CHILDREN FOUNDATION, a non-profit organization. http://www.festivalofchildren.org  

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Released as a Hot Wheels® 2007 New Models edition, the 1966 TV Series Batmobile™ was an instant sensation with collectors — but harder to find than the elusive Batcave™. We got the message like a Bat Signal™ on a dark night… and POW! BAM! WHOMP! Here’s a special Red Line Club™ edition of the Dynamic Duo’s heroic ride!

 

The one-week Priority Window for RLC™ members only begins Tuesday, May 13, 2008 at 9:00 AM PT and will end at 11:00 AM PT on Monday, May 19. Note that this edition will be made to order, meaning if you want one, this is the bat time – the only bat time – you’ll be able to order one.

 

This edition appears as it would have if we’d manufactured it back in 1968 with the original batch of Hot Wheels cars. It features a Spectraflame® finish, Neo-Classics™ Redline® wheels, and a full-metal chassis — all for the first time on this casting! This is just the vehicle you need when you’re running down all the criminals in Gotham City™, and you still want to do it in high style:

• Spectraflame® true black finish
• Red pinstripes and Batman™ logo tampo
• Neo-Classics™ Redline® wheels
• Full-metal chassis
• Clear windshield
• Black interior

Each package features brand new artwork of the car by Otto Kuhni, an individually numbered holographic sticker and ships in a Hot Wheels® Kar Keepers® case. Priced at $14.99 each plus S&P, the RLC™ 1966 TV Series Batmobile™ will be produced ONLY in the quantity of the orders we receive during the one-week Priority Window.

 

Don’t forget: Club members earn an RLC™ Rewards Point for each car purchased (purchase limit of four per membership).

Offer opens to RLC™ members only for a one-week Priority Window: 5/13/08, 9:00 AM PT

The offer is being made only to Red Line Club (RLC) members.  This is one of the perks of membership, along with a 24-hour priority window on most exclusive items offered for sale.  Another one of those exclusive items is the large Pixar Piston Cup Racer "Cars" boxed set I’m sure you’ve heard about (going up for sale 5/20).  If any readers are interested in that setand the Batmobile, now’s a great time to join the club.   

Additional details of a Red Line Club membership can be found here: http://www.hotwheelsshop.com /store/hwprodc.php?p_page_id =122313&p_display_group_id =494You

 

 

 

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Building on the phenomenal success of Marvel’s Iron Man franchise comes this latest exclusive box set featuring the unstoppable Marvel Minimates!  Featuring various high-tech armors utilized throughout Iron Man’s history, the all-new Iron Man Through the Ages box set will be exclusively available from Action Figure Xpress at this year’s San Diego Comic Con!

 

Featuring four unique armors and additional armor components, this set contains Modular Armor Iron Man, Proto-Classic Iron Man, Recovery Armor Iron Man and the fan-favorite Demon In A Bottle Iron Man!  Also included are additional helmets and accessories designed to recreate several more of Tony Stark’s high-tech designs!

Each Minimate stands two inches tall and includes 14 points of articulation.  With the included interchangeable and removable parts, your army of Iron Men is only getting started!  So suit up and start renovating your Hall of Armor for this must-have set available only from Action Figure Xpress at this summer’s San Diego Comic Con.

 

 

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Flocked, Cocked and Ready to Rock
Meet the I.W.G. The I.nsurgents W.ilderness G.ruppo
¡Viva la Revolucion!

"In the not-too-distant future, a strange cosmic retrovirus infects the Earth and spreads through the biosystem.

The virus causes rapid evolutionary change and other mutations in a group of animals from around the globe.

These new breeds organize an armed resistance against the plague that has been destroying their habitat for centuries – the human race!"

STRANGEco is proud to announce a brand new special edition set of I.W.G. mini figures, designed by Patrick York Ma. This Deluxe set features the three founding members of theInsurgent Wilderness Gruppo – Titus the Grizzly, Affonso the White Rhino and Hannibal the Mountain Gorilla – tactile, flocked and fuzzy. Humans beware!

Belgian born artist, sculptor and designer Patrick Ma, has developed and designed a multitude of interesting projects informed from his unusually eclectic background as an army weapons specialist, an M.F.A. student and entrepreneur. Patrick made his mark with his first business, TAD Gear, a genre-defining retailer and manufacturer of "tactical adventure gear". His military-spec rugged and highly functional, yet street-smart and stylish TAD Gear designs are found on fashionable urbanites, military and law enforcements personnel, and active adventurers the world over.

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SOTA is proud to announce the third piece in our Street Fighter Resin line,
Sagat! Sculpted with all the attention to detail that you’re used to from
SOTA Toys, this 12-inch scale statue features Sagat clutching his scarred
chest. Perhaps he is thinking about a certain Japanese Street Fighter who
he’d like to pound into a pulp?

 

Sagat will be available in September.
Sagat is limited edition and will have an SRP of $119.99. This item is up for pre-order at www.sotatoys.com right now!

 

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