March 2011 Notable Toys — Action Figures

This Toob® contains highly detailed, hand-painted landmarks from cities around the world. An educational insert gives fun facts about the landmarks. Includes Statue of Liberty, Eiffel Tower, Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Pyramids of Giza, and more.

This popular video game gets its own collectible SackBoy critters, dressed in some of the costumes from the game. Available later this year.

The race is on to see who will make it to the Fountain of Youth first. Will Jack Sparrow be outsmarted by Blackbeard or wooed by Angelica, or will he beat his rivals to the coveted pools of eternal youth? Set includes Jack Sparrow, Barbossa with peg leg and Blackbead minifigs, plastic waterfall detail and two chalices. Launch date: May 2011.

Includes Jack Sparrow and two Zombie minifigs, buildable shelf and two ships in a bottle. Launch date: May 2011.

At White Cap Bay, Jack Sparrow and the other pirates must capture a mermaid. Spot them using the searchlight and shoot the net from the boathouse cannon. But beware- if the whale oil tips over, the whole lighthouse is sure to go up in flames. Includes Jack Sparrow, three mermaids and three other pirate minifigs, mini-boat with pirates’ victims, crewmates and a collapsing lighthouse. Launch date: May 2011.

Modeled after Blackbeard's ship in the upcoming Pirates of the Caribbean on Stranger Tides, this 1097 piece set features seven mini-figures from the movie including Jack Sparrow, Angelica and Blackbeard figures. The ship is designed to look like it's made out of bones and skulls, along with wood. This is the only LEGO Pirates of the Caribbean set that features the mini-fig of Angelica. She features a new style of brown female hair and hat that is exclusive in the LEGO universe to her character. Launch Date: Summer 2011.
— Barb Stein, owner of Toys on the Square in Hummelstown, Pa. told TDmonthly in late Spring 2011 that she sells more than 30 LEGO products each month.

Authentic cloth sails, a retractable crow’s nest, canon with working projectile and launching deck complete Blackbeard's ship. Once you capture your rival, use the retractable plank walk and send him to his doom. Midsection opens for inside play; detachable longboat also included. Launch date: March 2011.

Kids place their characters on the spinner, arm them with 14 different weapons and use the battle cards to spin their way to victory. Watch out for the deadly flick and ball shooters. Set includes 2 minifigures with special accessories, 2 spinners, 14 weapons, 2 character cards and 8 battle cards.

Kids build the Spinjitzu Arena, pick their character and play the cards to influence the outcome between Jay, the Master of Lightning, and Frakjaw, the toughest warrior in the Skeleton Army. Set includes 2 minifigures, 2 spinners, 6 weapons, 2 character cards, 8 battle cards, and enough LEGO® bricks to make the Spinjitzu Arena.
— In late Spring 2011, 5 of 12 retailers surveyed said that LEGO was their best-selling brand of licensed products. Brooke Andrews, Owner of Miller's Toys in Mamaroneck, N.Y., said that LEGO Ninjago was their best-selling licensed product. "We sold out our whole LEGO order, and there are also books, games, and accessories," she told TDmonthly.

The Kre-o Transformers Optimus Prime set comes complete with more than 500 pieces, the largest amount featured in any of the 2011 KRE-O sets. Builders can assemble the popular Optimus Prime character in ‘vehicle’ mode as the notable semi-hauler or in ‘robot’ mode to create the leader of the Autobots. When in ‘vehicle’ mode, the truck’s removable cab converts into a mini-command station and the trailer opens to fit the two motorcycles and four unique Kreon mini figures included with the set. The trailer can also be disassembled and built into a command center playset for the Kreonmini figures. When in ‘robot’ mode, builders can blast into action with a projectile launching brick. The Kre-o Transformers Optimus Prime set includes orange traffic cones and cool decorative decals. Launch date: Fall 2011.

The 2-in-1 Kre-o Transformers Bumblebee set allows fans to create and recreate their favorite Autobot character in ‘robot’ mode or in ‘vehicle’ mode. In ‘robot’ mode, builders can convert the wings on Bumblebee into a glider for Kreonmini figures to balance on. In ‘vehicle’ mode, open up the driver’s door and take up to two Kreonmini figures for a spin. Set includes two Kreon mini figures and more than 300 pieces.  Launch date: Fall 2011.

This Ken doll features a built-in microphone and recorder so that kids (or mischievous adults) can make Ken say ANYTHING they want. Yes, anything. The recording can be played back in the recorder’s voice, “Ken’s” voice or what is described as a “high-pitched” voice.

Mezco Toyz will be introducing even more characters from the DC Universe including world-famous super heroes such as Batman, Superman and the Green Lantern. The first series of 2 packs includes the following pairings: Batman: Gotham City's Dark Knight and The Joker: The Clown Prince of Crime; Hal Jordan as the Green Lantern: Intergalactic Protector of Earth and Sinestro: Former Green Lantern turned cosmic villain; Superman: The Last Son of Krypton- Earth's Greatest Hero and Mongul: Ruler of Warworld, gladiatorial space empire. Mini Mez-Itz are 2" collectibles. All Mini Mez-Itz feature five points of articulation and are packaged together on a blister card. This contains 1 of each of the 3 sets. Launch date: June 2011.

DC Mini Mezitz with Vehicles Set: Asst 1- Batman and The Batmobile is the 1st Mez-Itz character produced with a vehicle: The Batmobile. This 2 inch figure features all the articulation of his larger counterpart at 1/3 the size. Batman can fit inside this famous car, The Batmobile, and still have room for a 2nd passenger. The Batmobile is the first car to ever be transformed into a Mez-Itz vehicle. It measures nearly 6 inches long, features a detailed cockpit, and has a convertible hardtop so the Dark Knight and a passenger can fit inside. Batman and The Batmobile come packaged together in a collector friendly window box. Ships in late July 2011.

ThunderCats Ho! Straight from the ThunderCats' Lair on Third Earth, it's Lion-O and the legendary mystic Sword of Omens. This mega-scale figure measures over 20 inches tall from the tip of his upraised, extended sword to the soles of his Thunderian boots. Featuring 7 points of articulation this mega figure is extremely detailed, capturing not only the iconic look of Lion-O as he appeared in the classic television series, but the essence of Lion-O as he proudly raises the mystic Sword of Omens towards the heavens and roars out "Thundercats, Ho!" He comes complete with his Claw Shield and a removable mystic Sword Of Omens. Lion-O is packaged in a collector-friendly window box that allows him to be displayed while remaining Mint In Box. "We are the only 20 inch tall Lion-O ever produced. After the recent story on MTV pre-orders went insane," Mike Drake, director of special projects at Mezco Toyz, told TDmonthly. Launch date: June 2011.

Tupac Shakur has sold over seventy five million albums worldwide, making him one of the best-selling music artists in the world. Naturally, the next step was to become a bobblehead. Launch date: Early 2011.

Biggie is celebrated as one of the greatest rap artists and is described as "the savior of East Coast hip-hop." That’s why he has his own bobblehead. Launch date: Early 2011.

Each action packed figure comes with their own sports equipment: hockey puck and stick, skateboard, snowboard, soccer ball and football. Magnetized feet and hands allow each action figure to grab their gear. The line features 5 different action figures: Slap Shot Sam, Touchdown Dylan, Shredding Sean, Goalie Gavin, and Half Pipe Pete. Launch date: March 2011.

Making up Aurora's first series of exclusive soft figurines based on the Luche Libre phenomenon are the "top" six contenders wrestling to become champion. Kids will be entertained and inspired by the comic book "hangtag" attached to each plush toy. Each character is eight inches. Aurora expects to release "Series 2" featuring even more Luche Libre characters later in the year.

Based on the popular TV series, kids can play out battles between their Beyblade tops in this colorful arena. Set includes SUPER VORTEX Beystadium arena, 2 exclusive Beyblade Metal Fusion tops, 2 ripcord launchers, 24 tournament grids, official rule book and 2 collector cards. As of 1.06.2011 this product had 4 out of 5 stars from 58 reviews on Amazon.com and was No. 27 on the top 100 bestselling toys and games. Pros: Engaging; encourages critical/creative thinking. Cons: Plastic arena may not hold up to aggressive play.