August 2010 Notable Toys — Kits

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.

From SEGA's Border Break: Sega Network Robot Wars line of game characters comes the Zebra 41 fighting robot unit. The Zebra 41 has medium armor that doesn’t get in the way of its maneuverability and speed, and is further assisted by hip boosters that can be extended or retracted with additional parts.  The blue and white robot utilizes an advanced Optical Camouflage system, and takes on enemy units with an “LZ-Triad,” “Sentry Gun,” and “Leveler MP20.”  All of these additional parts can be mounted on the Zebra’s back for storage just like in the game. 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 6 inches tall, the Zebra 41 is comprised of approximately 300 parts and has an outstanding 30 points of articulation.

Kids can explore one of the most destructive forces on earth with this kit. Children can paint and display seven different types of volcanoes and a geyse, and create eruptions up to 6' high. The kit also includes a 32-page fact booklet.

This magic set is full of professional-quality magic devices and gimmicks. It includes step-by-step instruction booklets with detailed illustrations for performing over 30 mystifying tricks. Additional sets include rope tricks, thumb tricks and coin tricks.

Lightning Bug Literacy Kit Kindergarten Edition is designed to teach children essential skills that build a strong foundation for reading and writing. This program aims to help kids gain confidence while mastering grade level phonics, reading and writing skills. "This comprehensive, teacher-designed kit builds a foundation for literacy: reading, writing, reading comprehension and handwriting," Lightning Bug Learning President Julie Rebboah told TDmonthly.
— The mom blogger at Welcome to Our Wonderland read both Magic Letters and Magic Words from the kit. She stated that the “text is predictable so your child can learn the story and participate,” leading to “the clicking moment” when letter sounds and words are associated in the child’s mind. The reviewer and her daughter enjoyed the books “more then most other word family books.”
— Jenny Thompson of The Old Schoolhouse Magazine reviewed Magic Letter, Magic Words and the audio CD from the kit. Jenny exclaimed “I am not exaggerating when I say that these books changed our lives! These were the first books my daughter was enthusiastic about reading. She could not wait to read each story.”

The Sustainable Earth Lab science kit gives children the tools and information to learn first-hand about the environmental problems burdening the planet and how we can overcome these challenges through sustainable practices. The full-color, 48-page manual explains over 40 different experiments and energy conservation activities. Awards: Dr. Toy Best Green Toy Award 2010
— In late summer 2010, five percent of 43 retailers named Thames & Kosmos a top selling science and nature brand.
— “Thames & Kosmos — we sold out of all their items,” Carly Gerhardstein, manager of The Durango Kid in Durango, Colo., told TDmonthly in August 2010.

The Melissa and Doug Deluxe Magic Set includes 10 classic tricks for young magicians. The durable pieces are packaged in a wooden chest that transforms into a magic table. A secret compartment is included in to assist in performing each trick.

The My Pop Old Fashioned Soda Shoppe is an environmentally friendly product that can make up to ten liters of soda or seltzer a week. Children can reuse glass seltzer and plastic soda bottles many times. The ingredients can be all natural because users make the soda with ingredients from their own kitchen. Awards: Dr. Toy Best Green Toy Award 2010

Sticky Mosaics bring the fun and excitement of mosaic art home. This package includes peel-and-stick tile sheets in 12 assorted colors and styles, used to create four glow-in-the-dark bedtime projects.
— “They're good for car rides since they stick and you don't lose them, and they don't need any glue,” Gwen Bowden, manager of Doodlehopper for Kids in Springfield, Va., told TDmonthly in June 2010. Bowden estimated the store sells about 30 Sticky Mosaics sets monthly.
— Five of 40 specialty retailers cited Sticky Mosaics as a best-selling product for girls ages 4 to 12 in early summer 2010.
AWARDS: 2010 TDmonthly Top Seller (entire Sticky Mosaics line)

Sticky Mosaics bring the fun and excitement of mosaic art home. This individually packaged design includes more than 400 peel and stick tiles in 12 assorted colors and styles for a Fire Engine mosaic.

Sticky Mosaics bring the fun and excitement of mosaic art home. This individually packaged design includes more than 400 peel and stick tiles in 12 assorted colors and styles for a T-Rex mosaic.

Sticky Mosaics bring the fun and excitement of mosaic art home. This individually packaged design of a Clown Fish includes more than 400 peel and stick tiles in 12 assorted colors and styles for mosaic creation.

Sticky Mosaics bring the fun and excitement of mosaic art home. Package includes black and white numbered templates for preschoolers to create any of 20 fun designs with the 600 half-inch magnetic foam cubes. The cubes are easy to handle and the large easel can be flipped into either portrait or landscape orientations.

Features:

•  600 Magnetic Foam Cubes
•  20 Reusable Templates
•  12” x 17” Easel
•  Convenient Easel Stand

Awards: 2008, Learning Express Best Preschool Toy Award

Kids can design sparkling mosaics using the metallic foam magnets of Magnetic Mosaics Metal. The package includes peel and stick tile sheets in seven assorted colors and styles. The tiles are reusable and easy to store with the provided bags.

Features:
    * 2100 metallic foam magnets
    * 12” square playing surface
    * Four reusable templates
    * Seven zip-lock storage bags
    * Colorful creative ideas poster

From ancient Greece and Rome to modern times, artists have been using simple tile sets to create beautiful and intriguing patterns. Using only 64 square tiles, Mosaica unlocks hidden creativity and inspires the creation of colorful works of art.
Features:
    * 64 colorful 3/4” square tiles
    * Insert with suggested patterns
    * Magnetically receptive play surface

Designed for young mosaic artists, My First Picture Maker allows children to create sparkling mosaics through following numbers or colored symbols.
Features:
    * 300 magnetic 5/8” square tiles
    * 12” square playing surface
    * 10 reusable templates

Magnetic Color Cubes is a pocket-sized set of half-inch wooden cubes in lustrous colors allow the creative edge to flourish.
Features:
    * 100 colorful magnetic hardwood cubes
    * Travel tin and suggested patterns
    * No assembly required

Sticky Mosaics bring the fun and excitement of mosaic art home. The Fairy Tales package includes peel and stick tile sheets in 14 assorted colors and styles, used to create four designs featuring Humpty Dumpty, the Tortoise and the Hare, Little Red Riding Hood, and the Ugly Duckling.

Sticky Mosaics bring the fun and excitement of mosaic art home. The Fairies package includes peel and stick tile sheets in 12 assorted colors and styles, used to create four projects featuring fairies.