August 2010 Notable Toys — All

“Robot Dance,” the first album from Mr. Leebot, is a electric powered tribute to the synthetic sounds of the 80’s. Drawing inspiration from Devo and Talking Heads, Mr. Leebot brings new wave to kids across sixteen tracks with names like “Rumbling Tummy” and “It Wasn’t Me.”
— Charles of A Child Grows reports that the songs on “Robot Dance” live up to the CD’s title; their electronic rhythms are sure to inspire breakdancing and doing the robot. Charles warns parents, however, that “Mr. Leebot’s sound is so unmistakably 80’s throughout the CD that unless your family can’t get enough of the dance sounds of Yo Gabba Gabba!, you may not be able to sit through the entire sixteen tracks on the CD.”
— Nugget Island’s Matthew Siden calls the album “a keytar classic.” According to Matthew, highlights of the CD include “’Paper Airplane’ and wear-your-helmet song ‘Protect Your Nog’ [which] serve as proof that a poppy kids’ song can meld with bleepy programming and actually work.”

Jeff Jones and the Earthtones inspire kids to “Sing a Little Song, Do a Little Dance” on this 14 track CD. Latin, Caribbian and Asian musical styles influence many of the songs, including “La Bamba,” “Je Je Kule” and “Cumbia del Sol.”
— Gayle Geise of Parents’ Choice called the CD “an exciting, musical journey” that gets kids “twisting, dancing, singing, responding to calls, moving faster and slower as they ride their ponies-all while successfully introducing a number of general music lessons.”
— Daniel Freidman from Raising Arizona Kids referred to the songs as “sophisticated fare.” Daniel especially enjoyed "Night in Wulanbatuo," a “soothing, melancholy song that features Chinese lyrics and a Tibetan melody.”

Grammy Award winning children’s musicians Cathy and Marcy team up with human beatbox Christylez Bacon to combine folk and hip-hop styles. This eight track CD is filled with new songs and children’s classics like “Froggie Went A Courtin’” and “Syncopated Washboard Rhythm Song.”
— Mark S. Tucker of Folk & Acoustic Music Exchange described the CD as “very Sesame Street-ish.” Though the recording quality is “somewhat amateurish” and the CD is “only a half hour,” Mark recommended from “Banjo to Beatbox” as “a nice little addition to the catalogue of discs for kids.”
— Caroline Holt from Our Kids listened to the CD with her kids as well as four other adults. Caroline and her children preferred the beatbox songs on the CD, while the other adults greatly favored the folk songs. As a whole, they “found it annoying that it flip-flops between beatbox and folk songs,” though Caroline felt the low price tag made the album a worthy purchase even for only half the songs.

With realistic, modern details shrunk down to a size that fits in the palm of a child's hand, the Service Center 5-Pack of Matchbox cars from Mattel brings the excitement of city streets within reach.  Tow truck, fuel tanker semi, heavy duty pickup and the other members of the set are completed with believable branding.  Matchbox cars can be collected or traded, and their durable die-cast construction will stand up to plenty of play.
— “[Matchbox] is a good price point for our store,” said Mike Snyder, manager of The Game Place in Charlottesville, Va. Snyder said his wife refers to Matchbox cars as “reward toys”.
— Out of 38 retailers, four said Matchbox cars from Mattel are their top-selling die-cast item, reporting sales averaging 40 per month during a July 2010 survey.
— In a Summer 2012 survey about die-cast toys, Dean Smith, owner of JaZams in Princeton, N.J., told TDmonthly that they sell about 12 of this Matchbox car 5 pack each month.

The Hot Tunerz 5-Pack of Hot Wheels cars from Mattel features five different models and five sharp paint jobs on realistic street racing cars.  The free-rolling cars are modeled to a detailed 1:64 scale, and are a great starter or addition to a collection of other Hot Wheels cars.
—“You can't have a toy store without Hot Wheels,” said Sue Hottel, owner of No Kidding in Mattapoisett, Mass., in July 2010.
— Six out of 38 retailers said Hot Wheels are a best-selling item during a July 2010 survey of top-selling die-cast items.
— Gwen Bowden, manager of Doodlehopper 4 Kids in Springfield, Va., told TDmonthly in a Summer 2011 survey that her best-selling die-cast is "Hot wheel cars, both singles and 5 or 6 packs." She sells about 36 each month.

Few vehicles on the city streets captivate children as much as the garbage truck.  This big modern semi, detailed at a 1:43 scale and complete with an opening back hatch, lets kids have their very own to drive around the towns of their imagination.  The pull-back motor sends it zipping off on its route.
— Eight out of 38 retailers surveyed in July 2010 by TDmonthly said Schylling is their top-selling die-cast line.
— "We sell the small cars and trucks by Schylling every day," Grafton Stine, owner of Toys on the Square in Hummelstown, Pa., told TDmonthly in a 2011 survey.
— Diana Nelson, owner of Kazoo & Company in Denver, Col., told TDmonthly in a Summer 2012 survey that "Schylling has some of the best die-cast pricing along with Toysmith."

Featuring multiple points of articulation and carefully sculpted details down to the creases in his costume, this Batman action figure depicts the character as drawn by comic artist Jim Lee. The figure stands 6.75” tall and comes with a base.
— Out of 38 retailers who participated in a July 2010 survey of best-selling action figures, two listed DC Comics as their top supplier.

Often whimsical and sarcastic, Accoutrements's line of action figures contains many unlikely characters. While perhaps not a comic or movie feature, the Crazy Cat Lady is a familiar concept that Accoutrements brings to life in a wild-eyed, wild-haired woman who comes packaged with six felines. Articulated arms and legs can be posed to hold the cats, as well.
—    “Accoutrements action figures are an ongoing best seller,” said Samuel Cox, owner of My Favorite Toys in Carbondale, Ill., during a July 2010 survey of best-selling action figures.
— Crazy Cat Lady was named by TDmonthly as “one to watch” way back in November 2004.
— Three out of 38 retailers said Accoutrements is their top-selling line of action figures in July 2010.

In a morphing combination of the two popular franchises, Transformers and Star Wars, this action figure from Hasbro offers kids a whole new way to look at some of their favorite stories. Star Wars character Obi-Wan Kenobi is here as a powerful fighting robot that can transform into Starfighter.  His dual lightsabers in mech mode become firing projectiles in Jedi Starfighter mode.
— In July 2010, three out of 38 retailers named Star Wars Transformers Crossovers as their best-selling action figure. Sales reported average 20 per month.

As though stepping straight out of an ocean-themed animal park, Playmobil's smiling Dolphin Trainer comes ready for a sunny day's work with these cute, intelligent marine mammals. Featuring a sun visor and sandals, the trainer comes with a bucket of fish and two friendly dolphins. This set can be fully integrated with many other sets in the Playmobil line.
— “I sell a lot of Playmobil,” said Jude Larene, owner of Izilla Toys in Seattle, Wash., of his best-selling action figures in July 2010.
— During a survey of 38 retailers, five listed Playmobil as their top-selling action figure.

The Malta Knight figuring from Papo is detailed play figure ready for action. With his sword raised and helmet turned to face his assailant, he can stand alone or ride one of the man armored horses available in the line. The Malta Knight wears chain mail and a bright red tabard emblazoned with a white cross, finished with period inspired details like his shoes, helmet, and scabbard.
—“[Our best seller is] Papo action figures by Hotaling Imports. We can't keep them on the shelves,” said Kathy Burns, manager of My Favorite Toy Store in Downer's Grove, Ill., during a July 2010 survey of top-selling action figures.
— Nine out of 38 retailers said Papo is a best-selling item in their stores.
— Linda Laramy, owner of Crackerjacks Toys and Childrens Books in Easton, Md., told TDmonthly in a Summer 2011 survey that she sells "a couple dozen" Papo knights each month, making them her best-selling action figure.

Each dolphin charm bracelet is made up of seven dancing dolphin charms. Charms are alternated between silver and colored dolphins, and spaced with a crystal rhinestone design. For wholesale orders, each dozen is prepacked with 6 pieces of black and white, and 6 pieces of blue and white colors.

The frog mood necklace not only changes colors when worn, but the frog's bottom legs dangle and wiggle and move as well. An original and unique design, created by Cool Jewels®, this mystical mood pendant hangs on an adjustable, black slider cord necklace and comes with the "Mood Jewelry" head tag, describing the meaning of each mood color.

Glass dragonfly necklace with dragonfly pendant hanging on an adjustable silver ball chain and available in pink, blue, purple, and white. Packed in a box of 12 for wholesale.

This counter display carries 72 woven peace sign bracelets in assorted colors (black, yellow, light blue, pink, dark blue, and green). Each bracelet is individually UPC'ed.

Bring the universe into your home! Laser Stars project thousands of moving stars onto the ceiling and walls. Realistic Blue Nebulae Clouds are realistic and adjustable. They can also be turned off for a brand new effect. An AC adapter is included as well.
— Laser Star was a Top 10 best seller at Figpickels Toy Emporium in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho in Aug. 2010. “We have one on display in a dark room,” said owner Brett Sommer. “It’s like a universe in a room. The blue cosmic nebulae clouds and moving green stars take most people’s breath away. Everyone wants to fall asleep floating in space.”

Mudgy & Millie is a children's book about a moose named Mudgy, and a mouse named Millie. These two best friends love playing games, and in this story the game is hide-and-seek. Take a fun-filled trip with Mudgy around Coeur d'Alene as he travels from Tubbs Hill, to the beautiful shores of Lake Coeur d'Alene in search of his pal Millie.
Written by Susan Nipp, and wonderfully illustrated by nationally acclaimed artist Charles Reasoner.
— Mudgy & Millie items were on the top 10 best seller list at Figpickels Toy Emporium in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, in Aug. 2010, as reported by owners Brett and Susan Sommer.
— “The Mudgy & Millie book is unique to this area and I think visitors buy it as a one-of-a-kind momento of their trip to Coeur d'Alene,” Brett Sommer said.

From the line of 1:1 scale models of Interceptor Dolls from One-Shot Bug Killer!! Interceptor Doll Hoi Hoi-San is the main character’s diminutive assistant and support staff, Hoi Hoi-San Mini with Hoi Hoi Carry. This little “doll” resembles her boss, with a cute maid’s uniform complete with bowtie, puffy shoes, gloves, and a big bow in her hair. She may be small, but she’s still an Interceptor Doll and comes armed with a special “Pumping Gun” in her size. She also brings an exclusive “Hand Gatling Gun” for her boss, and the fantastic Hoi Hoi Carry (a portable armory, the Carry cart has hooks on its sides for weapon storage as well as a dividing plate and opening hatch for loading items big and small). Hoi Hoi-San Mini also comes with extra eye parts for customization, three sets of hands (closed, open, and weapon gripping), and special decals. At just over 3 ¼ inches tall she is in 1:1 scale along with the other One-Shot Bug Killer!! robots.  Sculpted by Tsukuru Shirahige and Yuta Itoyama, the extermination assistant and her gear are comprised of approximately 200 pieces, and Mini has 30 points of articulation.

Joining the line of 1:1 scale models of Interceptor Dolls is the first accessory kit straight out of the hit series, Pest-X’s awesome Oboro motorcycle. Increasing the Doll’s fighting capabilities dramatically, the Oboro has two distinct modes: Pest-X can ride the device in motorcycle mode, and when transformed it into the “Daitetsuwan” (“large arms”) mode the Interceptor can wear it behind her shoulders and take on Combat-San with her special “Zentaz Ryudaken (Mikazuchi)” move. Pre-painted in dark blue and red parts to match its rider, the 6 ½ inch long (1:1 scale) Oboro features synthetic rubber tires for increased realism. (Pest-X figure not included)

From the world-renowned classic manga and anime franchise Patlabor comes the D-Style Griffon. A heavy military Labor suited for combat, this super-deformed Griffon is the perfect complement to the D-Style Ingram 1. The Griffon D-Style model kit captures the look of the original mecha with stunning. With 60 pre-painted parts and easy snap-fit assembly, no glue or paint is necessary. In addition to the classic jet black color scheme, the Griffon also has several tampo print logos; there are also special pre-painted parts including the camera eye, red chest triangle, and hips. One can display the diminutive robot with various included parts like the flight unit or the aqua unit and multiple hands. Standing slightly over 4 ¼ inches tall, this little robot has approximately 15 points of articulation.

From the Frame Arms multi assemble mechanical unit model kit from Broken Blade comes the Fafnir General Baldr's Golem. With an interior core robot “Cross Frame,” this fighting unit has universal attachment points which connect to multiple armor and weapon parts, and shares interchangeable parts with the M.S.G. support series and the Border Break robots. The heroic General Baldr’s Golem has the same basic body as the standard heavy front line fighting unit with its thick and bulky armor plating, distinctive collar, and stout robotic helmet. The interior frame features approximately 30 points of articulation, fully functional even with the added components. General Baldr’s Golem comes equipped with a Press Gun, “Giallar Sigma,” “Gande Type 2” Sword, “Scutum Iota” Shield, and prototype Heavy Grand Sword. To differentiate it from the standard units, Baldr’s features special custom colors, a new head sculpt, bonus parts, and logos for the head, arms, chest, and sword. There are even “Kingdom of Krisna” logos included if the character’s original appearance is preferred. Standing almost 6 ½ inches tall, the robot is comprised of approximately 200 parts.

This robot in the Variable Infinity Series from Armored Core For Answer is the GA GAN01-Sunshine-L. The Sunshine is one of the player’s default corporate Armored Cores and a fan favorite with its heavy armor and weapons. Resembling a main battle tank, the robot is made up of blocky armored sections built to withstand incredible punishment. Able to mete out quite a bit of destruction on its own, the Sunshine is equipped with twin handheld GAN01-SS-WB bazookas and shoulder-mounted CHEYENNE02 missile launchers. Standing 7 inches tall (1/72 scale), this powerful unit is comprised of approximately 600 parts and when fully assembled it has 20 points of articulation. AC kits feature easy snap fit assembly with included pictorial assembly instructions and do not need to be painted.

The Type 38 Model 1 Remodeling Ryurai is an upgraded verson of the Zennrai. While the Zennrai featured a booster pack and heavy armor, the Ryurai goes even further with massive weaponry and advanced systems. It also continues the “main battle tank” motif with tank treads and alternate heavily armored legs. The Ryurai features all-new components like the S5 Optical Visor, Long Range Plasma Solid Cannon, and Type 65 Shield in addition to its standard complement of weapons. Standing almost 6 1/2 inches tall, the robot is comprised of approximately 300 parts providing nearly 30 points of articulation. All of the Frame Arms robots share interchangeable parts with each other and the Border Break line of robots, and can also connect to and use the M.S.G. (Modeling Support Goods) series of support units for increased customization due to its core "Frame" skeleton with universal 3mm attachment points.

From SEGA's Border Break: Sega Network Robot Wars line of game characters comes the Cougar Type S fighting robot unit. Still relying on its great speed, the “S” version of the Cougar Assault Blast Runner features additional weapon systems and armor, including great new guns and a heavy trident for fierce melee combat.  Not only can one outfit their Cougar with any combination of weapons, but the hip boosters open up and by swapping out the parts, one can shrink or extend their nozzles. Just like in the game, the robot’s weapons can be mounted on its back for storage. Each robot in the Border Break series is built on the universal core “Cross Frame” outfitted with additional armor, weapons, and accessories.  The robots are fully articulated and poseable, and you can combine and interchange parts from different units to create your own original Blast Runner. Standing over 6 inches tall, the Cougar Type S is comprised of approximately 500 parts of articulation.