April 2012 Notable Toys — All

The newest Perplexus model requires a player to twist, turn, and realign the tracks within to escape traps, dead ends, and cliffhangers. A captivating new dimension for the Perplexus family of toys. Thirty transition points.
Awards: 2012 ASTRA Best Toys for Kids – Gameplay/Brainteasers

Pillow Pets Gives Back line was inspired by pediatric cancer patient Jacob McConahay. He received a plush Pillow Pet as a gift, and decided that he wanted to provide his friends undergoing cancer treatment at the center with him a pillow pet, too. This comforting and cozy St. Bernard preserves his memory, and comes along with a heartwarming story book. Launch date: 2012.

This set consists of a large model of the Batcave, and is the second set to be based off of this location, the first being 7783 The Batcave: The Penguin and Mr. Freeze's Invasion. The Batcave playset is comprised of three sections, two vehicles - the Batcycle and Bane's drill - , as well as five redesigned minifigures, three of which are exclusive to the set; Batman in his blue Super Heroes suit with a cape, Robin, Bruce Wayne, Bane, and Poison Ivy. Launch date: 2012.

The Malevolence is Genereral Grieveous' flagship and one of the Separatist military's most feared weapons. Unbeknownst to Grievous and his crew, Anakin and Padme have entered the giant craft in an attempt to rid the galaxy of this deadly curse. The Malevolence features a cargo bay with transport train, detailed interior with removable-opening sections for easy access and twin quick-fire missile launchers. Includes LEGO minifigures: Anakin Skywalker, Padme Amidala, General Grievous, Count Dooku , Battle Droid Commander and Battle Droid. Launch date: June 2012.

This plush item is based on the real life Boo, a Westminster Dog Show champion who has more than 3 million Facebook fans. Launch date: April 2012.
— In a May 2012 survey, Joe Berardoni, owner of Pun's Toys in Bryn Mawr, Pa., told TDmonthly that "Normally I would tell you a line of plush sells well rather than an item but this past month there has been a standout. We quickly sold out of a dozen of 'Boo' from Gund, the Westminster Dog Show winner. I have more on order."
— Greg Larson, owner of Larson's Toys and Games in Columbus, Ohio, told TDmonthly in a late Summer 2012 survey that Boo from Gund is one of their top-two bestselling novelty items.

SNAKE EYES is a Ninja Commando on the G.I. JOE team and a martial arts master trained in the mysterious ARASHIKAGE ninja clan. As he battles COBRA ninja STORM SHADOW, he expertly swings his nunchaku and crescent blade, then slams his enemy to the jungle floor with a tornado kick. Engage in combat that feels larger than life with this fierce SNAKE EYES action figure. Throw this mighty fighter into the battle, engage his tornado kick action and see if he has what it takes to thoroughly crush his opponents. Figure comes with weapon accessories and display stand.

Centuries ago in Japan, a dark force threatened our universe, bringing a civilization to its knees, until a clan of brave warriors were called upon to destroy this ancient evil Samurai warriors defeated them with power symbols passed down from parent to child. But now this darkness has returned and plans to flood the Earth, and the future of mankind rest in the hands of five ordinary teens with one extraordinary destiny They are the Samurai Rangers. Led by the fearless Red Ranger, this team was summoned to train as Samurais under the teachings of Mentor Ji, armed with high powered weapons and mighty Megazords. They have one mission to defeat the sinister Master Xandred and his army of Nighloks and make our universe safe from evil once and for all.

Using a free app, users mount their iPhones into a plastic laser shooter and can begin playing a game of laser tag with up to 24 other players. Each blaster has a range of up to 250 feet. Players can also play the game solo. Launch date: August 2012.

Loki is up to no good and is planning to destroy the earth. As he flies into battle on board his chariot, help the Avenger's defeat their nemesis using the supersonic Quinjet! Fire the missiles, release the mini-jet and imprison Loki in the prison pod. With the high-tech Quinjet, the Avengers can't fail. Includes Thor, Iron Man, Black Widow, Loki and more minifigures. Launch date: May 2012.

The Hulk and Thor have Loki captured on board the Avengers' awesome Helicarrier. Using his powers of trickery and illusion Loki makes Hawkeye lose control of his function-packed jet fighter. Help Hulk bring down the malfunctioning jet fighter and its flick-missiles by smashing the fuel canisters to hit the jet fighter! Then jump onto the jet fighter and rescue Hawkeye from the cockpit with the cockpit blast function! Includes 4 minifigures: Hulk, Thor, Hawkeye and Loki. Launch date: May 2012.

Loki is escaping from S.H.I.E.L.D. headquarters with the powerful Cosmic Cube. If he succeeds he could use it to wreak havoc on the world! Will Iron Man in his amazing armored suit alongside Hawkeye in his function-packed S.H.I.E.L.D. off-roader be fast enough to catch Lokior will the Asgardian villain escape with the Cosmic Cube? You decide! Includes 3 minifigures: Iron ManLoki and Hawkeye. Launch date: May 2012.
— As of 05/21/2012 this product had 5 out of 5 stars from 4 reviews on Amazon.com.

While riding his Avenging Cycle, Captain America spots the general on his craft. Help Captain America use his indestructible shield to defeat the general and his foot soldier. Win the battle and send them back to where they came from. Includes 3 minifigures: Captain America and more. Launch date: May 2012.
— As of 05/21/2012 this product had 4.7 out of 5 stars from 3 reviews on Amazon.com.

This board features an LED light system which provides visual effects without getting damaged. Made of 7 Ply hard rock maple; available in blue, green, or orange. Launch date: 2012. 

Monster High Create-A-Monster Vampire and Sea Monster Starter Set: Dr. Frankenstein isn't the only one who can create monsters-now kids can build their own. The Monster High Create-A-Monster sets provide all the body parts and fashions needed to create unique scary cool ghouls. Kit includes a torso, two sets of limbs, two heads, one hairpiece, two fashions and a unique add-on like wings. The mix and match pieces can be assembled in more than 250 ways. Kids will enjoy creating their own monsters again and again. Show off your individual creations to friends. Also check out additional Monster High Create-A-Monster add-on accessory parts, sold separately. Launch date: December 2011.

Each of the figures stands 5.5 inches tall and features proprietary wire coil activation in the arms and legs that triggers heroic battle phrases. The longer kids pull back that limb, the longer the sound is activated, and will not end until released. Launch date: 2012.

This smaller scale version of the original Butterscotch is an interactive pony that responds to touch, or when kids brush its mane. The legs are posable so kids can make it lie down. Launch date: 2012.

To play, simply toss the big plush cube and identify which colored side faces up. Choose a matching color card and perform the simple activity shown. “Make a happy face,” “Moo like a cow,” etc. The activities supported by Roll & Play are designed to help kids shine, supporting healthy development and celebrating success. Roll & Play gently introduces play patterns and rules through a loving, joyful play experience. Launch date: 2012.

A stuffed animal, riding toy and pillow in one. The dinosaur Pillow Racer is great for scooting around indoors, and is a perfect companion for looking at a book or watching TV. Kids can sit on it, lay on it, ride on it. The wheels and bottom half detach, leaving a soft plush dino behind. Launch date: 2012.

Darth Maul has undergone years of demanding and brutal training under his master Darth Sidious to become an incredible Sith warrior. He demonstrates his skill by expertly spinning his double-bladed Lightsaber. He attacks with precision and ferocity, twirling the twin blades to strike his Jedi opponent.  This fierce DARTH MAUL figure is rendered in careful detail to look just like the character in the Star Wars: The Phantom Menace movie. He comes with his trademark double-bladed lightsaber. When the adventure is over for the day, set him on his battle base. Figure comes with weapon accessories, Galactic Battle Game card, battle base and die. Launch date: 2012.
— In a Summer 2012 survey, two out of 10 retailers said Star Wars characters were their best selling action figures.
— In a August 2014 survey, Charles, manager of Miller's Toys in Mamaroneck, N.Y., told TDmonthly that "Star Wars is finally coming back," and Star Wars toys are among their best-selling action figures.

Micro heroes, mega battles! Iconic STAR WARS characters get a collectible new gaming twist, as players use Fighter Pods to knock down as many figures as possible. Spin, Launch or Roll the Pod into battle…even connect the Pods together or place the figures on top or inside of them for extra “power.”More than 100 STAR WARS FIGHTER PODS figures available in a unique new style from all six STAR WARS films and The Clone Wars animated series. Each set sold separately. Launch date: 2012.

Hot Wheels Apptivity™ lets kids take a 1:64 scale Hot Wheels car and race through three exciting game modes. Launch date: May 2012.

The Laugh & Learn™ Apptivity™ Monkey is an interactive plush learning toy for babies that also lets them enjoy their very own apps on mom or dad’s iPhone® or iPod® touch device. Toddlers can squeeze monkey's hands and feet to interact with the app, which teaches baby about colors, numbers, animals and much more. Launch date: May 2012.

Sleek high tech looking tablet with 21 smooth touch icons. Tablet has 4 activities to learn about Dinosaurs and 15 dinosaurs to discover – just like in the Smithsonian Museum. earn their names, hear their sounds, learn what their diet was and more fun information. Launch Date:  September 2012.

Kids can learn about colors, quantities, observation skill and more with Arthur’s Little TV. One infra-red remote and 4 double sided scene cards + 1 default scene card for 9 total fun scenes to interact with. Insert card into TV and start playing with fun discover and questions about each scene. Touch one of 6 Arthur characters on the remote to answer. Launch Date:  September 2012.