Public vote gathers and cast nearly 3000 votes.

(May 25, 2005). With about two weeks to vote in 28 categories, the public casts nearly 3000 votes as they participated in the first annual Custom of the Year awards. With nearly 400 entries, a panel of five toy industry professionals narrowed down the list to five nominees in each category to be voted on by the public. The panel included Mike Horn, President of Palisades Toys; Chris Borman, Co-President of Plan-B Toys; Eric "Cornboy" Mayse, sculptor for Four Horsemen Designs; and on-line toy reviewers, Michael Crawford of www.mwctoys.com and Julius Marx of www.actionfigureinsider.com.

After nearly two weeks of voting, winners were chosen for such titles as Best Sculpt, Best Website, Best Packaging, Best Marvel and many more. The complete list of winners can be found at FwooshNet. The complete lists of nominees can be found at www.customoftheyear.com. In addition to the voting, prizes were also raffled off among the nominees for actions figures, statues and mini-busts as donated by the sponsors of the awards.

The Honorary Award

Among the first traditions to be recognized among the custom of the Year awards is the Honorary Award. The Honorary Award is given out to recognize extraordinary distinction and contributions to the customizing and toy industry or for outstanding service to the toy industry. In the first year of these awards, the panel of toy industry professionals has selected, as the first recipient of this honor, Joe Amaro.

Joe Amaro, like most customizers, began his work as a kid, taking a Cantina Member and turning him into an Imperial Officer from Star Wars. However, it wasn't until 6 years ago, that the work became more serious when he entered and won a customizing contest in Toyfare. Since that time Joe has had not only other works published in that magazine but also contributed to exhibits, websites, and conventions.

However, what makes Joe's work stand out from the rest besides his many publications in Toyfare magazine and coverage online, is where his career is headed. Joe was recently contracted by Jazzwares to work on the Mortal Kombat and Street Fighter toy lines to help design new bodies and help with overall aesthetics. These base model prototypes will be used by Hong Kong sculptors as the line continues. It is here where Joe has made the most significant contribution: as a role model of a customizer transitioning into a toy sculptor and professional. More of Joe Amaro's work can be seen at www.joeamaro.net

For a complete list of nominees, please visit http://www.customoftheyear.com/custom.customs.html

For more information on the nominating committee of judges for Custom of the Year 2004, visit http://www.customoftheyear.com/custom.judges.html.

For more information on the sponsors for Custom of the Year 2004, visit http://www.customoftheyear.com/custom.sponsors.html.

Toypresidents, Inc. Inaugurates New U.S. Leaders to its Collectable Series
of “Talking” Presidential Action Figures

Toypresidents Carter, Nixon, Jefferson, Washington, Franklin Roosevelt, George H.W. Bush and New Second Edition Ronald Reagan are latest additions for 2005

Houston, TX (May 2005) – This past year’s Presidential campaign, the 2004 November election, Clinton’s autobiography, and the passing of Ronald Reagan not only sparked a record turn out at the polls, but also kept retailers extremely busy keeping up with the ever increasing demand for presidential historical memorabilia from collectors, students, and gift buying consumers.
In response to the surge, Toypresidents™ Inc, is adding six new Toypresidents™ to their dynamic series of collector-quality, limited edition “talking” presidential action figures.

Presidents Jimmy Carter, Richard Nixon, George H.W. Bush, Thomas Jefferson, George Washington and Franklin Roosevelt will join the original series of Toypresidents Bush, Clinton, Kennedy, Reagan, Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt (this year celebrating the centennial of Theodore Roosevelt’s formal inauguration as president in 1905). In addition, due to consumer demand, a second edition of Toypresident Ronald Reagan is also being added to the line. The new, second edition Ronald Reagan Presidential Action Figure depicts our fashion-conscious 40th president in a striking cream-colored suit and a diagonal striped tie. When the lapel of his suit is pressed, Mr. Reagan speaks, in his own voice, historical phrases from his years in office. For example: “We must act today in order to preserve tomorrow. And let there be no misunderstanding, we are going to begin to act…”

“The collectability factor is extremely important to us,” says Dwayne Crosby, VP of marketing and sales for Toypresidents, Inc. “When starting this project we wanted to be certain that presidential memorabilia collectors would recognize the authenticity we worked so hard to achieve.

That is why everything from the clothes they wear, the words they say, the expression on their faces, and even the collector gift-box are expertly crafted with great care and attention to detail”. Remarkably detailed from head to toe and speaking actual phrases from their presidential legacies, these historically authentic figures commemorate the Executive Office, preserving important times in American history while fostering a greater understanding and respect for our nation’s leaders, past and present.

Created by Toypresidents, Inc., each of the 12 ½ inch tall presidential action figures in the collection have been precision-crafted to attain the most accurate likeness and historical authenticity, exemplified by their authentic, hand-stitched, “era-specific” presidential wardrobes made of actual suit fabric. To fully capture their true presidential personas, a built-in audio chip enables them to speak 25 authentic phrases, carefully
selected from key speeches and notable events. For an added touch of dramatic realism, the phrases are spoken in the actual voices of the presidents themselves, with the exception of earlier presidents where no recordings were available. These poignant historic passages relay the character, humor and political ideology of these heroic men during their years in office and time in American history. Examples of spoken phrases from the newest Toypresidents include :
“Let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself”
---- President Franklin D. Roosevelt

“The seventies will be a time of new beginnings. A time of exploring both on the Earth and in the heavens…a time of discovery”
---- President Richard Nixon

“America did not invent human rights. In a very real sense it’s the other way around…human rights invented America”
---- President Jimmy Carter

“ We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal”
---- President Thomas Jefferson

“If the freedom of speech is taken away, than dumb and silent we may be lead to the slaughter”
---- President George Washington

Toypresidents, Inc., has made every effort to dress each action figure in the presidential attire that not only reflects their particular era in history, but also their distinctive personalities and images. For example, Both George Washington and Thomas Jefferson are dressed in period garments complete with great coats, waistcoats, lace cravats and shirt cuffs, breeches, and buckled shoes. President Nixon, posed with his signature 2-finger victory sign, wears a stylish dark gray suit, white shirt, cufflinks, and tie while Franklin Roosevelt carries a cane and sports a handsome, double breasted light gray suit, white shirt and striped tie.

The idea to create Toypresidents™, was inspired by the surge in American patriotism following the September 11, 2001 attacks. A year later, Jesse Combs, the president of Toypresidents Inc., created a design, found a manufacturer, and started production. “We are proud of our history and the American political system”, says Combs. “We have created these authentic action figures not only as a way to pay homage to our nation’s leaders, but also as an important interactive educational tool that makes it fun to learn about these great men, our democratic system of government and what this country stands for. In addition to completing the Toypresidents Collection with all 43 American Presidents, we will be introducing a First Ladies limited edition series in the very near future”.

Each presidential figure comes complete with an adjustable display stand as well as a vivid biographical pamphlet and historical timeline including rare photos and a numbered certificate of authenticity, guaranteeing that your replica is one of a limited series.
The following Toypresidents™ are currently available: Presidents George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George H.W. Bush, Ronald Reagan (2ND edition only), John Kennedy, Theodore Roosevelt, Jimmy Carter, Richard Nixon, Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson, Franklin Roosevelt and George Washington and Franklin Roosevelt. Each has a suggested retail price of $29.95. Toypresidents, Inc. also has plans to introduce a “First Lady” and “World Leaders” series in Spring 2005.

For more information or to order, visit www.toypresidents.com.

BE THE FIRST TO OWN
SUPER HERO SHOWDOWN & FIGURE FACTORY!

NEW YORK, NY - Toy Biz Worldwide partners with World in Advance to release limited quantities of Super Hero Showdown and Figure Factory on eBay prior to the official retail launch. Starting Friday, May 27th, be the first to bid on the hottest products of the season! These In Advance items can be found at ToyBizWorldwide on eBay: http://stores.ebay.com/toybizworldwide.

Superhero Showdown: Marvel Super Heroes go head-to-head in a contest of strength, poseability and strategy! As the industry's leader in highly articulated action figures, Toy Biz brings superposeability to a 4" scale. Joining forces with Upper Deck, Toy Biz has been able to incorporate cards and accessories into their action figure play. Super Hero Showdown allows the user to pit these superposeable 4" action figures against one another in battle using Power Bases, Attack Poses, Projectiles, Trading Cards and Battle Tiles.

These accessories enhance action figure play through guided battles that will captivate kids and gamers of all ages! Four levels of play ensure long-lasting appeal to a wide age range. Action figure play has never been so cool!

Starter Set Assortment 1 Available on eBay:
• Spider-Man & Thing
• Wolverine & Hulk

All figures available at your local Toys R Us or comic book shop in late July. SRP $14.99.

Booster Assortment 1 Available on eBay:
• Doc Ock
• Ghost Rider
• Punisher
• Berserker Wolverine

Other available figures:
• Black Costume Spider-Man

All figures available at your local Toys ?R Us or comic book shop in late July. SRP $7.99

Figure Factory :

MARVEL SAGA DAREDEVIL AVAILABLE NOW

* Stands 9" tall and is limited to 500 pieces only and exclusive to
the Hong Kong market.

* Daredevil's billy club line is made out of a metal wire.

* Daredevil comes in our specially-designed collector friendly
magnetic box.

* Each piece comes with a number marked on the base and a Certificate
of Authenticity.

Marvel Saga Collection Official Site: http://marvel.hyperchildwow.com

New Buffy Replica Available Now!

Relive the Heartbreak with the Sword of Angelus Prop Replica

Elkridge, MD (May 24, 2005) –Factory X’s newest prop replica from Buffy the Vampire Slayer – The Sword of Angelus is now available to purchase at FactoryX.com.

In the second season of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, a single moment of true happiness undoes Angel’s curse, depriving him of his soul and unleashing Angelus on Buffy and her friends.  But Angelus’ ambitions extend far beyond torturing his former love; in fact, by awakening an ancient demon, Acathla, he means to end the world, and send every living creature into hell.

As Buffy engages Angelus in an epic swordfight, Willow attempts a spell to restore the vampire’s soul.  Willow’s spell is successful, and Angel is returned, but unfortunately Acathla has already begun to stir.  Knowing that Angel’s blood is the only thing that can save the world, Buffy tells him to close his eyes, kisses him tenderly, and then drives the sword through his heart, closing the swirling vortex, and sending him into hell.

Now, you can hearken back to one of the most dramatic and heartbreaking moments in the show’s seven year run with this reproduction of the sword that Buffy used to send Angel to hell – the Sword of Angelus.  Using the actual prop from the episodes (“Becoming, Part 2”) as inspiration, Factory X has created a stunning homage to the sword used on the show.  Sure to be a must-have for sword collectors and Buffy enthusiasts alike, the Sword of Angelus is made from the highest quality materials – from the stainless steel blade to the gold plated hilt.

For more information or to purchase your Sword of Angelus prop replica, please visit www.FactoryX.com.

Alex Ross' Justice Series To Have Exclusive Superman Figure

JUSTICE #1 (of a 12 issue limited series)
Written by Jim Krueger and Alex Ross
Art by Doug Braithwaite & Ross
Covers by Ross
Get ready for a classic-yet-fresh new look at the Justice League of America, imagined by fan-favorite painter Alex Ross (JLA: LIBERTY & JUSTICE, KINGDOM COME) and writer Jim Krueger (Earth X, Universe X) with pencil art by Doug Braithwaite (Paradise X) painted by Ross! The members of the fabled Justice League of America are about to learn they aren’t the only ones who can band together toward a common goal. The greatest criminal masterminds of our time appear to be acting in concert — but with a surprising plan that seeks to achieve more good than the JLA ever could! How is that possible? Witness an unbelievable story unfold over the course of 12 eye-popping bimonthly issues! This issue will ship with two covers by Alex Ross, featuring heroes (50%) and villains (50%).

Now, to make this dazzling debut even more exciting, DC Comics offers a special retailer incentive. Qualifying retailers will be able to order a special JUSTICE: SUPERMAN ACTION FIGURE EXCLUSIVE from DC Direct for just $9.00 net. The JUSTICE: SUPERMAN ACTION FIGURE EXCLUSIVE features a dramatic, newlysculpted head, displaying the Man of Steel's glowing, red-hot eyes and a savage
expression. "Alex's work for DC Direct has been extremely well-received," says Bob Wayne, DC's VP-Sales. "We're sure retailers will want to take advantage of this offer as much as they possibly can." Justice #1 will be on sale August 17.

Click picture for larger image.

EA's Batman Begins Game

Here is your first look at the EA Batman Begins presell box that is now hitting stores. The game will shiip in June at the same week as the movie's release.

The game features the voice tallents of: Christian Bale, Michael Cane, Liam Neeson, Katie Holmes, Cillian Murphy, Tom Wilkinson and Morgan Freeman.

EA's Batman Begins game will be available on the Playstation2, Xbox, Nintendo Game Cube and the GameBoyAdvance. Fans will get their first look at this game in action this week at the E3 convention.

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