January 2009 New Specialty Toys — All

Ghosts, pumpkins and black cats can be found in this spooky collection of six glow-in-the-dark tattoos.
— Three of 52 retailers named items by Dover when asked by TDmonthly about best-selling Halloween items in fall 2008.
— Teresa Derry, owner of Annie's Toy Chest in Cocoa, Fla., told TDmonthly in a Winter 2012 survey that glow-in-the-dark tattoos were one of her Halloween bestsellers.

This set of three frightful characters move along when their string is pulled. Each is between 4.5” and 5.5” tall.
— Three of 52 retailers told TDmonthly in fall 2008 that Gund items sell well for Halloween in their stores.

Kids can flip this 2.25”-diameter Poppin’ Hopper inside out and watch it launch into the air.
— Three of 52 retailers mentioned Toysmith novelties when asked about popular Halloween items in their stores, in fall 2008.

Complete with a bright construction vest and hard hat, this dress-up set also includes a screwdriver, hammer and construction flag.
— Nearly 10 percent of 52 specialty retailers named Small Miracles when asked in fall 2008 about brands that sell well for them in terms of Halloween merchandise.

Written by Geoff Johns, this series will bring back the original Flash, Barry Allen, as well as other key characters. Launch date: 2009.

Whenever the Shi'Ar aliens are involved, readers know they are in for a galactic storm of a story. The universe is learning to fear Vulcan, the long-lost brother of X-Men Cyclops and Havok. Havok, Polaris and Marvel Girl stand in his way, as events converge to the upcoming War of Kings. The comic is by Christopher Yost, Dustin Weaver and Jaime Mendoza with a cover by Brandon Peterson. Launch date: February 18, 2009.

For Spider-Man to save his loved ones, he must face thirty of his deadliest foes, all while dealing with Harry Osborn's return from the grave. Part 3 of the Character Assassination storyline is written by Marc Guggenheim and drawn by John Romita Jr. and Klaus Janson. Launch date: February 18, 2009.

Photographer Phil Sheldon might not be a superhero, but he's had a ringside seat to the best and worst the Marvel universe has to offer. Continuing his story from the acclaimed Marvels miniseries, he is now witnessing the dark side of heroes and villains, such as Elektra's epic fight with Bullseye. The comic comes from fan favorites Kurt Busiek and Jay Anacleto. Launch date: February 25, 2009.

The combined might of the Justice League of America and Dr. Light (the heroic female one, not the evil male one) must take on the cosmic entity Starbreaker to prevent him from consuming the sun. This comic is written by Dwayne McDuffie, featuring art by Ed Benes. Launch date: February 18, 2009.

“Legendary writer Grant Morrison concocts an unthinkable plot: The death of the Dark Knight,” DC Comics writes. As Bruce Wayne slips out of the public eye, Batman's villains rise and Batman's allies have to try to keep order. This oversized deluxe hardcover comprises “Batman” issues #676 through #683. Launch date: February 4, 2009.

This issue is both a “Faces of Evil” story highlighting a villain of the DC Universe and the finale of the “New Krypton” storyline. As tensions rise between the Kryptonians and Earthlings, Superman's people have plans of their own. “Writer Geoff Johns and artist Pete Woods wrap up this cosmically important chapter in Superman's life by introducing a major change to The Man of Steel's status quo!” publisher DC Comics notes. Launch date: January 2009.

Buffy confronts shape-shifting vampires, forcing her and her friends seek out the only other being they've known who possesses such power: Dracula. It also includes “A Beautiful Sunset,” a stand-alone issue written by “Buffy” creator Joss Whedon. Launch date: November 19, 2008.

Buttermilk is the original "Pancake Puppy" from which the others are fashioned after. Buttermilk is a classic stack of pancakes dripping with butter and syrup.

The First Lady of the "Pancake Puppies" collection, HotCakes is dolled up in shades of pinks and reds, and garnished with cherries and a silk bow for her blond hair.

Silver Dollar is the imagination of a plate of small pancakes from the kitchen as a stack of silver coins from the kitchen's vault.

The cute little infants will warm the hearts of parents both young and old. Complete with bonnets and pacifiers, they are easy to care for. Diapers included too.

With a banana over his head to top things off, Banana Cakes' yellow appearance makes this silly character full of bananas.

It's cuteness rolled into three. Three adorable pups are wrapped in pancake blankets. Cute little faces on one side and irresistible tails and paws sticking out the other. Pigs in a Blanket never had it so good.

Build exciting projects with the Electronic Playground (EP-50) such as Voltmeter, Alarm, Radio Announcer and many more.

Power a clock with the Cola Clock Kit. Learn how batteries work when you use cola to make a chemical reaction that powers a clock.

From the Patchwork Collection of Penelope Peapod dolls and corresponding baskets/purses, this set features a soft-bodied doll surrounded by a bright color palette and fun design.

One of 10 new breeds of ultra soft, floppy pups with realistic features, more poseability, and fine detail.
— Kelly Ratoff, manager of Kennebunk Toy Co., in Kennebunk, Me., says the store sells approximately 36 to 40 Douglas stuffed dogs per month.

Quilti Dogs and Horses are a bouquet of fresh, new color to enhance a room, give as a gift, or carry in your backpack as a pal...Two sizes, Two styles.  Fanfare Horse comes in multiple prints and two sizes. Minty Mini Quilti Dog (Lil' Buds) comes in multiple prints and two sizes.

This kit includes everything a young author needs to write and illustrate an inspirational book. It comes with two cover pages, 18 book pages, 10 washable markers, Internet Production drawing tools, and a story planner that references Christian topics and stories from the Bible. Production of the 7" x 9" hardcover book takes three to four weeks.