April 2012 Notable Toys — Action Figures

Complete with secret hiding place for storing buried treasure, the Super Set Pirates Cove is the perfect set for young swashbucklers looking for the next adventure. Set includes two figures, a fortress with secret compartment, a working cannon, dinghy and oars, and additional accessories.
— In an April 2012 survey, Ming Yang co-owner of Richard's Variety Store in Atlanta, Ga., told TDmonthly that Playmobil is "always a stable item" in the construction category.
— In a Summer 2012 survey, Cynthia Phillips Strinich, owner of Phillip's Toy Mart in Nashville, Tenn., told TDmonthly that Playmobil was an overall bestselling brand at her store.

The Power Rangers iconic Megazord comes in a sleek Samurai look. Three ways to play: 1) Morph as Megazord mode; 2) Morph as Zord mode; 3) Morph with items in the ZordBuilder collection. The ZordBuilder collection takes Deluxe Megazords to an ultimate level. Collect and combine with: Cycles or Zord Vehicles (#31550 or #31565, each sold separately). Collect all the Megazords and Zord Vehicles to create the Samurai GigaZord.
— As of 4/11/2012 this product had 4 out of 5 stars from 11 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Durable; has three modes of play. Cons: Difficult for kids to maneuver and connect.

For centuries, Skylanders have competed in gladiator-style events inside epic arenas of sport, where only the greatest of combatants become immortalized as magical, golden statues that stand watch as guardians. These are the Legendary Skylanders. Whenever the world is in peril, special Portal Masters can bring these statues to life and summon the Legendary Skylanders to defend Skylands against any evil that threatens it. Bring the Skylanders to life in the Skylanders Spyro's Adventure video game and on the web in Skylanders Spyro's Universe. Build the ultimate collection of Skylanders - over 30 Skylanders to collect. Each Skylander has their own unique powers and abilities to enhance game play experience and save Skylands. Each character has unique abilities and powers - play more and unlock special moves and superpowers. Skylanders are action figures with brains - the Skylanders are so powerful that they remember their in-game experiences and upgrades. Skylanders figures work on and across all major video game systems, including Wii, Nintendo 3DS, Xbox 360, Sony PlayStation 3 and PC/Mac computers. Skylanders Single Pack includes: 1 Skylander Figure, 1 Trading Card, 1 Sticker Sheet, 1 Web Code.
— As of 4/11/2012 this product had 4.7 out of 5 stars from 10 reviews on ToysRUs.com.

LEGO Ninjago Zane DX (2171). Kids spin their way to victory and become a Spinjitzu master. Zane is now a dragon ninja and has reached a level of Spinjitzu ability that allows him to ride the awe-inspiring Ice Dragon. Wearing the white dragon suit and armed with the Shurikens of Ice, no skeleton is a match for him. Use the four battle cards included in the set to influence the battle.
— As of 3/30/2012 this product had 4.3 out of 5 stars from 3 reviews on ToysRUs.com.

This ZipBin® Dinosaur Explorer Day Tote Playset has an has an earthy tone to it with beautiful artwork and prehistoric creatures all over. With softs sides and a handle on top, the tote is convenient to carry anywhere. It is ideal for exploring like an archeologist and for storing favorite collection of dinosaurs. It also holds lunches or school supplies and is great for field trips or camp. When unzipped it becomes a Playmat or placemat that can be wiped clean with a damp cloth. Weighs less than one pound. Includes 2 dinosaurs.

For 2012, play catch with this new, delightful Golden Retriever Puppy from Safari Ltd®. Its shaggy golden coat and eager expression capture this adoring animal’s most treasured features at a darling young age. Size is 2.75”L x 2.25”H. Suitable for ages 3+. All products are 100% guaranteed and phthalate and lead free to ensure children’s safety. Safari Ltd®’s 2012 introductions and more can be viewed and purchased online at safariltd.com. Launch date: 2012.
— William Meredith, owner of Learning Express in Cary, N.C., told TDmonthly in a Fall 2012 survey that they sell about 30 replica animals from Safari each month (more during the holidays, as stocking stuffers), making them one of their overall best selling toys.

For 2012, discover the thrills of leading a wolf pack with the new Safari Ltd® Wolf. Listen for the echoes of its piercing howl as it communicates with its fellow pack members. Standing 5.25”L x 3”H this figure is appropriate for ages 3+. All figures are 100% guaranteed and phthalate and lead free to ensure children’s safety. Safari Ltd®’s 2012 introductions and more can be viewed and purchased online at safariltd.com. Launch date: 2012.

In the clouds above lives a mystical and translucent Cloud Dragon. Safari Ltd® welcomes this magical creature to its 2012 collection. Beware, as its icy cold breath gives a cool breeze to the world below. Measuring 8.5”L x 4”H, this model is appropriate for ages 4+. All products are 100% guaranteed and phthalate and lead free to ensure children’s safety. Safari Ltd®’s 2012 introductions and more can be viewed and purchased online at safariltd.com. Launch date: 2012.
Awards: 2013 TDmonthly Seal of Approval

Study the chip-chip sounds that give name to the new 2012 life size Eastern Chipmunk from Safari Ltd®. Learn from this intelligent creature as its perked ears listen closely for the softest of sounds. Model is 7”L x 3.5”H and is appropriate for ages 3+. All products are 100% guaranteed and phthalate and lead free to ensure children’s safety. Safari Ltd®’s 2012 introductions and more can be viewed and purchased online at safariltd.com. Launch date: 2012.

These fun, full function Remote Controlled Free Riders come with figures of Sonic and Jet. Taken directly from the hit racing video game in the Sonic the Hedgehog Series. Launch date: February 2012.

Collect hundreds of favorite characters from the Monsuno Animated TV Series for amazing transformation reveal and controllable, fast-action battle play. Each 1-pack comes with 1 collectible Monsuno core, 1 transforming action figure and 3 collector game cards. Launch date: March 2012.

With the simple press of the button, these robots go from car to Transformer. Choose from Bumblebee or Knockout. Launch date: Fall 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

These construction toys allow kids to build their own transformational action figures. Prices range from $19.99 to $39.99. Launch date: February 2012.

Two of boys' most popular toys - dinosaurs and vehicles - have been brought together to create a unique 2-in-1 play experience with VTech's Switch & Go Dinos. Each toy transforms from a dinosaur to a vehicle and back again in a few simple steps. Each comes equipped with an LCD screen for customized animation, dinosaur and vehicle sound effects and educational dinosaur facts. The line features seven unique and collectible dinosaur toys. Launch date: February 10, 2012.
— As of 10/30/2012 this product had 4.6 out of 5 stars from 43 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Durable; easy for kids to make the transformation happen; sounds change between dinosaur noises and car noises, depending on which form the toy is in. Cons: One reviewer said the toy was too noisy.