November 2008 Notable Toys — Action Figures

“Welcome to a world of science, of fiction, of fantasy, and of science fiction fantasy. Welcome to the world of Futurama…Welcome to the world of tomorrow!” Bendable, Poseable toys included in box set: Fry, Leela, Professor Farnsworth, Bender, and Planet Express Spaceship (keychain).

From his humble Super 8 beginnings that smashed him upon TV screens nationwide on “Saturday Night Live”, to the unique spot that he now occupies in the nation’s consciousness, Mr. Bill has become a legend.

Super flexible, bendable, and poseable Gumby bendable toys are highly collectible. The first bendable Gumby sweeps the country in 1964. By 1966, Gumby sales break all records!

This action figure is a tribute to all those hard-working waitresses, with thanks for putting up with everyone's silly menu questions, finicky standards and ridiculous requests, all while keeping a smile on your face. Each 5" (12.7 cm), hard-vinyl action figure comes with a removable serving tray, two plates (breakfast and lunch) and a removable cloth apron. It comes on an illustrated blistercard. Launch date: November 20, 2008.

These 3.75", fully articulated historical action figure warriors are highly detailed and accessorized with accurately rendered uniforms, armor and weapons. The collections features "unique play and collectible value born of perenially compelling, historical themes and a high level of poseability," Len Gatdula, product development manager for Unimax Toys, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2009.

This poseable figurine with removable parts is part of the Shockini Robot Series. It is about 2.5" and comes with a paint set and stickers.

Kotobukiya and internet retailer Action Figure Xpress announce an all-new Iron Man Movie Fine Art Bust due out early in 2009.  The exclusive will be limited to just 500 pieces, along with a limited edition two-pack featuring both busts packaged together with a certificate of authenticity. The bust features Iron Man in his Mark II Armor with light up repulsor hand and marquee base. Launch date: 2009.

KizPal is an original line of action figures that connect kids to the KizPlanet Virtual World. Each toy generates a digital avatar, letting kids explore the vast virtual ecosystem as their favorite Kiz Toys characters, safely interact with other kids, play exciting 3D adventure games and help defend KizPlanet from the maniacal Simon Welk and his army of Muck Men. KizPal features fully developed Kiz Toys characters and storylines, fun, user-friendly gameplay and safe interaction for kids of all ages. Launch Date: March, 2009

Bunkies is a collectible action plush toy. Unique patterns and expressions make each Bunkie a unique character. Handmade from cotton with all embroidered features, Bunkies are a safe, creative toy that can spark any kid's imagination. Launch date: October 2008.

ModelWorks makes artfully crafted personalized action figures in just 10 days. ModelWorks Mini-Me separates itself from other companies by making hobby-grade models. The difference lies in the details. “We don’t just sculpt a face, we capture an expression," Graeme Warring, president of ModelWorks and creator of the Mini-Me, told TDmonthly. Launch date: October 20, 2007.

Based on the hottest selling video game of the season, "Guitar Hero," this collection features 6" scale articulated figures that each come with a character-specific guitar. The line-up includes Lars Ümlaut, Johnny Napalm, God of Rock and Axel Steel. Launch date: October 30, 2008.

Collectors can relive all the fun and laughter from The Big Lebowski with these cool action figures, which are not sold in mass-market stores. It "makes a great gift for adults that love pop culture. The retail price point makes it an affordable gift item," a representative for Entertainment Earth told TDmonthly. Launch date: October 2008.

Snoopy is Charlie Brown's virtuoso beagle from the Peanuts comics. This figure is bendable and poseable.

From the popular manga and anime series, this collectible box set includes Speed Racer, Racer X, and Trixie, along with Speed Racer's Mach 5 in the form of a keychain.

This collectible box set include the Griffin family from the TV series Family Guy. Characters include Peter, Lois, Meg, Chris, Brian and Stewie. All characters are bendable and poseable.

Based on the popular cartoon character of the 1920 silent films, this Felix the Cat is bendable and poseable and stands at 5" tall.

These 6" action figures are hyper-poseable and come with a comic or poster. The Maxx Series (Series 1) features the following characters: ShadowHawk, Scud the Assassin, Katchoo of "Strangers in Paradise," Kabuki and The Maxx (8"). Each is priced at $13.95 except for the Maxx, at $14.95. Launch date: December 2008.

Representing the Witness Security and Protection Program, this 12" figure is outfitted for action and even has a real leather gun holster plus a Black Wolffe ballistics vest. Launch date: October 24, 2008.

Was King Arthur real? What were the coolest weapons that knights carried? How were castles built? And what was the best way to capture one? Kids will learn the answers to these questions along with countless other facts in this fascinating introduction to the world of medieval knights and castles. It includes 16 custom chess pieces, a 24-page fact-book and two games: Chess and Capture the Castle. Launch date: September 2008.

This highly detailed figurine is hand-painted and historically accurate. Almost all Papo Figurines can stand on their own or ride any of the horses. "The concept of creative imaginative play continues to be something that retailers and parents are very pleased with," Larry Hotaling, president of Hotaling Imports, Papo’s U.S. distributor, told TDmonthly. "It’s something that’s [otherwise] lacking with today’s children ... Papo’s been very well received." Launch date: April 2008.
—  “They're popular because they're cool. [Kids] can play with them alone, or here in the store.  They'll sit down on the playmat and they'll set up their guys, and they'll have wars,” said Linda Angel, owner of Kidoodles Toys in Norman, Okla., of the popularity of her Papo figurines. “The girls are buying the princess fantasy and fairy tale figures. And when they're not playing with them they make great room art and [the kids] can display them.”
—  Eight percent of 64 retailers named Papo as their best-selling line of collectibles in August 2008.

Two-inch-tall Birdie Girl is an eligible bachelorette with fresh breath and no signs of aging. She is designed by Tummie.

Monsterpocalypse is a fast-moving, action-packed strategy game played with high quality collectible miniatures portraying the most fearsome giant monsters ever imagined. Each battle takes place in a city, which opposing players construct by placing models of buildings on a city map. Players will then build their force from their respective collection of models. Each force will consist of a giant monster model, and several supporting units (tanks, flying vehicles or creatures — depending upon which of the themed factions you decide to play). Purchasing Booster Boxes will expand your collection, giving you more tactical options and abilities to better suit your strategy. Launch date: October 10, 2008.

This action figure portrays the Joker character in Warner Bros.' 2008 movie "The Dark Knight." Launch date: 2008.