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Tue 24 Jul 2007 |
A long, long time ago in Los Angeles, CA., AFI attended the biggest tribute to "Han shooting first" this side of the Antaries Nebula. And now that that crazy nerd-speak is out of the way, may I point you in the direction of our finest coverage of said event, all laid out nice and pretty in our brand spanking new gallery system?
That’s right kids, it’s the old fashioned picture galleries that you used to know, all fancy and such using the latest in technological advances! And even better, it’s a harbinger of what is to come starting in a day or so as AFI heads down to sunny San Diego to snap some shots, ogle the costumed babes, and make sweet, sweet love to a big ass Starro Deluxe Heroclix. So get on over and check out the new gallery, ’cause that’s where all the action will be come Thursday!
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Tue 24 Jul 2007 |
 July 24, 2007 (SEATTLE) — WizKids Inc. reports successful results from its Star Wars™ PocketModel™ trading card game (TCG) sampling program. The promotion, which began on June 8 and runs through July 30, is featured on www.starwars.com, www.cartoonnetwork.com and www.wizkidsgames.com. Consumers who click the “Free Star Wars PocketModel” ads are directed to a retail locator where they can print out a coupon and a list of retailers supporting the sample program in their area. Each Sample Pack contains three PocketModels (one X-wing and two TIE fighters) and two playing cards.
“We’ve already exceeded our expectations, and we still have one more week before the end of the program,” said Joe Hauck, WizKids® senior vice president of Sales, Marketing and Product Development. “Our latest data show that over 50,000 visitors have printed out Sample Pack coupons. Even with a modest conversion rate from printing the coupon to redemption, this is a significant number of consumers being sent to local game stores to try out our new Star Wars PocketModel game.”
More than 1,600 retailers from all 50 states are participating in this national program. Retailers received between 25 and 100 Sample Packs, depending on how much product they preordered and handed them out to new consumers who downloaded the coupon.
Doug Mclure, manager of Dream Wizards in Rockville, Maryland, completely sold out of Star Wars PocketModel TCG Game Packs and Imperial Power-Up Packs, and had to reorder. The promotion was such a success that he had people asking if WizKids was going to do another promotion around its next Star Wars release.
Steve Ellis of Rainy Day Games in Aloha, Oregon thought the promotion was a great idea for driving customers into local stores. Rainy Day Games had coupons turned in by new customers who have already returned to purchase more Game Packs. He also saw customers come back to his store who were absent for awhile and most of them have purchased after getting the promotion.
“Our goal at WizKids is to drive innovation across all of our business practices, and our unprecedented connectivity to the core hobby store through our partnership with Diamond Comic Distributors and Alliance Game Distributors is allowing us to do that,” said Lax Chandra, WizKids president. “Retailers across the country have seen new customers in their stores and a high repeat purchase pattern.”
The Star Wars PocketModel TCG revolutionized the TCG genre by bringing card games into the third dimension. By merging the enjoyment of building custom decks from card collections with the fun of building miniature models of Star Wars vehicles, the Star Wars PocketModel TCG lets fans of all ages enjoy a complete Star Wars experience.
A wholly owned subsidiary of the Topps Company (TOPP), WizKids is a Seattle-based game developer and publisher dedicated to creating tabletop games driven by imagination. Its HeroClix® and Pirates brands are among the most successful games on the market today, with over 100 million miniature game figures sold worldwide. For additional information, visit www.wizkidsgames.com.
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Tue 24 Jul 2007 |
 Vader and our friends over at AFHub.com have put together a great feature article on Noli Coronado, one of the main sculptors for Digger’s new group Dig Deep Entertainment. He is fully credited for sculpting the Civil War busts including Captain America, Thing and Nitro. He also assisted in creating the Spider-man and Wolverine busts, also for Dig Deep Entertainment.
It’s a great read and with checking out. Thanks to vader for the heads up!
You can read it all here: http://www.afhub.com/noli-coronado-an-exclusive-interview/
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Mon 23 Jul 2007 |
WORLD HEROCLIX EVENT!
 July 13, 2007 (SEATTLE) — As part of its continuing celebration of the fifth anniversary of the HeroClix® collectable miniatures game (CMG), WizKids Inc. announces the “STARRO Attacks” world event. Beginning in September and spanning five weeks, the “STARRO Attacks” event is one of the largest events ever offered for the DC HeroClix line. STARRO the Star Conqueror itself is the top prize for the ultimate winners of these events.
In an effort to conquer Earth, STARRO the Star Conqueror released psychic clones that attach themselves to their victims’ faces. For this event, STARRO takes control of four JUSTICE LEAGUE members, which have been created specially for this promotion as participation prizes for players. The event will take place at select retail locations worldwide.
During weeks one though four, each weekly tournament is held as a Sealed event using game pieces from the DC HeroClix: Justice League set, which releases at the end of September. Participants will receive an all-new, exclusive Slave of STARRO figure. Players will not want to miss a week because they can swap out figures pulled from a Sealed Booster with Slave of STARRO figures they have won in previous weeks. In week five, HeroClix players will compete to win the colossal DC HeroClix STARRO figure, using WizKids’ official tournament rules.
WEEK DATES PARTICIPATION PRIZE
Week 1 Sept. 20–23 AQUAMAN
Week 2 Sept. 27–30 THE FLASH
Week 3 Oct. 4–7 GREEN ARROW
Week 4 Oct. 11–14 GREEN LANTERN
WINNER RECEIVES
Week 5 Oct. 20 STARRO Colossal Figure
WizKids® maintains an informational website regarding its promotions and Organized Play activities, as well as active discussion forums, at www.wizkidsgames.com. Retailers interested in hosting a “STARRO Attacks” event should contact a Diamond Comic Distributors (800.452.6642) or Alliance Game Distributors (800.669.4263 x1005) sales representative.
A wholly owned subsidiary of the Topps Company (TOPP), WizKids is a Seattle-based game developer and publisher dedicated to creating tabletop games driven by imagination. Its HeroClix and Pirates brands are among the most successful games on the market today, with over 100 million miniature game pieces sold worldwide. For additional information, visit www.wizkidsgames.com.
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Mon 23 Jul 2007 |
Covenant Plasma Rifle and Plasma Pistol will feature Laser Pursuit play.
 SAN DIEGO, CA—(July 26, 2007)— Jasman Toys, a growing toy designer and manufacturer, plans to offer a sneak peek of its highly anticipated Halo 3™ replica weapons with Laser Pursuit technology at Booth #1116, hosted by Tor Books, during Comic-Con International 2007 in San Diego. The first Halo replica weapons of their kind, these weapons are precise recreations of the Covenant Plasma Rifle and Plasma Pistol seen in the extremely popular franchise of Halo video games.
Made from metal and plastic materials, the weapons are heavy, full-size replicas that will also function like their console-based counterparts. Vibrations, sounds, lights and recoil offer the most realistic experience possible. Even more intricate features are included; for example, when the Plasma Rifle “overheats,” the heat exchange flanges pop open from the side.
 More than just a collectible, these weapons also contain Laser Pursuit technology, allowing users to recreate their favorite version of multiplayer play with friends. An infrared beam and included target register hits on an LCD counter.
Initially, the Covenant Plasma Rifle and Plasma Pistol will be available in October, shortly after the release of the Halo 3 video game. A Covenant Energy Sword is planned to be released in 2008. Halo 3 Replica Weapons with Laser Pursuit Technology will be available at Hot Topic stores across the country and other fine retailers.
Halo 3™ Covenant Weapons with Laser Pursuit Technology
For every Halo™ fan that has fantasized about being part of the action, Jasman Toys introduces its line of Halo 3 Covenant Weapons with Laser Pursuit technology! Bring all the action of the popular video game to life with these full-size replica weapons that perform just like the ones in the game: vibration, sounds, lights and recoil, all packaged into heavy metal and plastic bodies. These realistic weapons even offer the most intricate features; when the Plasma Rifle “overheats,” the heat exchange flanges pop
open! An infrared beam and target register hits on an LCD counter, allowing you to recreate the game with friends; capture the flag, team battle, free-for-all… the possibilities are endless! Find out who has what it takes to be Master Chief.
Halo 3™ Covenant Plasma Rifle – SRP: $119.99
Halo 3™ Covenant Plasma Pistol – SRP: $79.99
Halo 3™ Covenant Energy Sword (Coming 2008)
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Mon 23 Jul 2007 |
Hasbro and Lucasfilm Ltd donate $100,000 to Benefit Make-A-Wish Foundation®
 PAWTUCKET, R.I.–(BUSINESS WIRE)--Hasbro, Inc. and Lucasfilm Ltd. announce the creation of a limited-edition Star Wars action figure to honor Katie Johnson, a very special Star Wars fan who tragically passed away from brain cancer in 2005 at the age of seven. In conjunction with this figure, Hasbro and Lucasfilm will help make more wishes come true for children like Katie by donating $100,000 in her memory to the Make-A-Wish Foundations of South Carolina and San Diego. Hasbro’s R2-KT droid figure will be available at San Diego Comic-Con International July 25-29 at the booths of Hasbro and StarWarsShop with a small inventory also being offered for sale online through HasbroToyShop.com and StarWarsShop.com following the event.
 The Star Wars saga has always been near to the heart of the Johnson family–in fact, Katie’s father, Albin Johnson, is the founder of the 501st Legion, a Star Wars costuming fan club that performs charity work around the world. So it’s not too surprising that Katie’s sister Allie wished her sister had an “Artoo” droid to look after her while she underwent her cancer treatment–just like R2-D2 cared for Padmé in Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones.
In 2005, the R2-D2 Builders club—a fan group—created for Katie a life-size astromech droid named R2-KT (named “KT” after Katie) modeled after the iconic R2-D2 character in the Star Wars films. Hasbro, the maker of Star Wars action figures, and Lucasfilm both recognized the uniqueness and special story this heartfelt tribute represented and decided to go forward with a special edition 3-3/4” R2-KT figure in Katie’s honor as a way to allow all fans to learn about and participate in Katie’s continuing legacy.
“Katie’s story touched us all, and we are very proud to be involved in a project that will help raise awareness for the Make-A-Wish Foundation so many more wishes may be granted to children like Katie,” said Derryl DePriest, marketing director for Star Wars toys at Hasbro.
“The Make-A-Wish Foundation has long been a favorite charity of the 501st and Lucasfilm, and they granted Katie a fantastic wish before she died,” said Derek Stothard, Lucasfilm’s director of toys. “So we are especially proud to be associated with Hasbro in this great endeavor.”
The R2-KT action figure—which looks like a pink version of R2-D2—will cost $9.99. In addition, Albin and Allie Johnson will be bringing the full-size R2-KT to Comic-Con to show to fans. To find out more about the R2-KT project, please visit www.r2kt.com.
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Mon 23 Jul 2007 |
 Master Sculptor Tim Bruckner has opened up an online store today as part of his popular TimBruckner.com website. This store is selling not only out of print statues from his days as a sculptor for DC Direct (he’ll also sign them if the buyer wishes) but also some VERY limited editions of some of Tim’s little seen personal projects.
Also of interest is the "Commission Tim Bruckner" button!
So head over to the Art Farm and check out the first batch of items that he has up for sale and let him know that "Julius sent ya!"
Click here to see the "souvenir shop."
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Mon 23 Jul 2007 |
July 23, 2007 (SEATTLE) — WizKids Inc., creator of runaway hit games like the HeroClix® CMG and the Star Wars™ PocketModel™ TCG, announced today its agreement with Disney to produce the Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean PocketModel game. The game will release in October of 2007.
Under the agreement, WizKids will be able to use content from all three Pirates of the Caribbean movies. The PocketModel game platform allows players to construct 3-D pirate ships from pieces punched out of a styrene card. Players are then able to use movie characters and action scenes on cards to help control the strategy of the game.
Since the debut of the Pirates line in 2004, WizKids® has sold over 20 million constructible ships to consumers worldwide. The PocketModel platform was introduced with the Star Wars PocketModel TCG, and is being continued with the Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean PocketModel game.
“We are extremely excited to up the ante on the already successful PocketModel platform by adding Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean, one of the world’s most successful entertainment brands,” said Lax Chandra, WizKids president. “For under $4, players will get the full Pirates of the Caribbean experience through building the models like the Black Pearl and playing the characters like Captain Jack Sparrow.”
Each Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean Game Pack (MSRP $3.99) will include everything a player needs to play, including two ships to be assembled by the player, one island/terrain card, a treasure or crew card, a rulebook and a die. The Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean PocketModel game will be available at hobby retailers nationwide, as well as Target and Wal-Mart.
A wholly owned subsidiary of the Topps Company (TOPP), WizKids is a Seattle-based game developer and publisher dedicated to creating tabletop games driven by imagination. Its HeroClix and Pirates brands are among the most successful games on the market today, with over 100 million miniature game pieces sold worldwide. For additional information, visit www.wizkidsgames.com.
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Sun 22 Jul 2007 |
Kobe Figure Based on ‘Stylized Realism’ Found in Comic-Book Art
 Carlsbad, Calif. (July 20, 2007) - Comic Con attendees and action figure collectors will be lining up for the next amazing Upper Deck All-Star Vinyl and for the chance to purchase a limited edition ultra rare Kobe Bryant action figure sporting his white uniform. The extremely limited edition Kobe Bryant white uniform All-Star Vinyl has a production run of 250 and will only be made available to attendees of San Diego Comic-Con July 26-29 at the Upper Deck booth #2829.
Bryant is one of the most recognizable faces on the planet and collectors will now have the opportunity to add one of his limited edition All Star Vinyl action figures to their collections. The white uniform edition action figure of Kobe Bryant will be sold for $100 (cash). For more information on the super hero inspired All Star Vinyl action figures click on www.allstarvinyl.com.
Upper Deck has already launched three unique different Bryant themed superhero-inspired vinyl action figures – in road purple and yellow home jerseys and in an all black and gold version in ’07. Each edition was extremely limited and quickly sold out.
"Kobe plays at another level than most athletes, he always brings his ‘A’ game," said Upper Deck sports figure product manager Dave Sanders.
"Comic-Con is a great venue to drop the latest action figures as the attendees always support new collectibles, especially those that can trace their lineage back to super hero stylized artwork like our line of All-Star Vinyls. To ensure we keep our action figures ‘real’ with Urban Vinyl collectors we have produced an extremely limited production run of 250 figures which will only be available at the show in our booth, while supplies last."
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Fri 20 Jul 2007 |
 This year’s San Diego Comic Convention marks one of the largest undertaking in Diamond Select Toys’ history! Plans for this record-breaking event include several convention exclusives, three celebrity guests, contests, a blood drive and “The Hunt” – the first ever Minimate scavenger hunt! Below is a schedule of events as well as a summary of this year’s exclusives and activities scheduled for the Diamond Select Toys booth (#2607).
Preview Night opens on Wednesday, July 27th and gives convention attendees their first chance to pick up their favorite exclusive figures. The gruesome Zombie Colonel America bust, limited to 1,000 pieces, will be on sale for $60.00 with the Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan Sulu figure and the Battlestar Galactica Chief Tyrol unpainted T-1 preview figure both offered in conjunction with appearances by George Takei and Aaron Douglas – the actors on whom these limited collectibles were based! The pint-sized Zombie Giant Man & Daredevil Minimates will be available for $7.00.
Star Trek legend and Heroes star George Takei, in his first San Diego Comic Con appearance, will be appearing at the DST booth on Saturday, July 28th from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm. Aaron Douglas of Battlestar Galactica fame will be signing on Friday the 27th from 10-12:30 and 2-4, on Saturday the 28th from 3-6 and on Sunday the 29th from 10-12. Celebrated artist and Dawn-creator Joseph Michael Linsner will be appearing as well. Some celebrities will be signing autographs for a fee, with discount packages containing an autograph and a pre-order for upcoming DST products.
 New Force Comics (Booth #221) will offer the exclusive Dr. McCoy figure with online retailer Action Figure Xpress (Booth #4513) delivering an exclusive Scotty of their own. The exclusive Chekov will be available through Toy Rocket (Booth #5201) as their second exclusive release while DST (Booth #2607) will gives fans a chance to bring Mr. Sulu home. When purchasing all four Wrath of Khan figures from their respective retailers, con-goers will be able to have a special Star Trek card stamped at each booth. Upon completing this card, adding their information and returning it to the DST booth during the convention, fans will receive the limited Genesis Khan figure at no cost while supplies last!
 This year marks the first annual “Hunt” competition – a scavenger hunt with a Minimate twist. Beginning Wednesday, July 25th and continuing through Saturday, July 28th, teams will be tasked with completing a series of objectives by taking digital photographs of their “Hunt” Minimate with a variety of convention-themed objects, places and people. The winners will be announced on Sunday, July 29th at DST’s Minimate Panel (Room 2 from 1:30-2:30) with each winning team receiving a wealth of prizes including a year’s supply of Minimates, gift cards, electronics and the rarest promotional Minimates ever produced – the Gold and Silver Spider-Man Minimates!
Diamond Select Toys has continued its support of the annual Robert A. Heinlein Blood Drive, which will be held on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. In exchange for participating, all donors will receive a strictly limited Buffy unpainted T-1 figure or a Star Trek promotional figure! The only way to receive these rare collectibles is to roll up your sleeve and donate in an attempt to break the previous donation record set by last year’s blood drive!
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