May 2010 Notable Toys — Miniatures

This updated giant-size edition of Twilight Imperium features more than 200 masterfully sculpted oversize plastic miniatures which include the typical TI units (Ground Forces, Cruisers, Dreadnaughts, Carriers, Fighters, PDS, and Space Docks), as well as two new units (the massive War Sun, and the Destroyer). The Twilight Imperium gameplay has been refined and redone by original designer Christian T. Petersen. This design features faster gameplay, and involves players in a far more active game experience, with much less downtime. The package contains oversize board tiles, more than 400 cards, every known civilization of the Twilight Imperium universe, almost every expansion rule and component ever published for Twilight Imperium, a graphical overhaul, and full-color rules set. Rick Nauertz, Sales Associate for Fantasy Flight Games, told TDmonthly, "Twilight Imperium 3rd Edition is nothing short of a massive epic release, and is destined to become a classic for years to come. Fantasy Flight Games has directed all its craft, talent, and energy into this massive production." Launch date: Dec. 12, 2008.

Twilight Imperium: Shattered Empire is an expansion for Twilight Imperium Third Edition. It enhances gameplay with a variety of new options and enables you to play with seven or eight players in an epic struggle for true galactic dominance. A copy of Twilight Imperium 3rd Edition is required to play this game. Rick Nauertz, Sales Associate for Fantasy Flight Games, told TDmonthly, "This expansion adds several new races, units, systems and more to the already popular Twilight Imperium game." Launch date: Dec. 12, 2008.

The Fuzzy Nation Norwich "Prue To You" is one of a kind. It is a stylish handbag that will match the Norwich "Prue To You" pooch. Julie Flann, Manager of Marketing & Sales at Manhattan Toy, told TDmonthly, "This little fuzzy fashionista will 'terrier heart out' in her striped mini and Georgia peach silk organza bow." Launch date: 2010.

The Sharpei Nuff Said Darn Cute Plush is approximately 9" long and 10" tall, with a super-pudgy modacrylic fur body and cool hunter green hoodie top with zipper. Julie Flann, Manager of Marketing & Sales at Manhattan Toy, told TDmonthly, "This Sharpei features a bone cross 'puff piece' pendant on a chunky ball chain that can be removed to use as a key or backpack hanger." Launch date: 2010.

The Norscot Peterbilt Model 389 Tri-Axle Replica with Trail King Lowboy Trailer with Cat D8R load features realistic detail in 1:50 scale. The trio package includes the Peterbilt 389 Day Cab configuration with rolling wheels, clear windows, interior cab detail, and lowboy trailer with detachable gooseneck. The Cat D8R Series II Track-Type Tractor die-cast scale model is included.

This multicultural collection of miniature babies features different ethnic groups plus a brown teddy bear. Pieces measure approximately 1.5” (4 cm). The collection is conveniently packaged in a reusable acetate take-along container. Meticulously painted by hand, these figures are phthalate and lead free and meet or exceed all safety standards. The set includes educational information in five languages. "We do not sell to Big Box discounters like Target and Costco," Ramona Pariente, President, Safari Ltd., told TDmonthly. Launch date: March 2010.

These animal erasers have removable puzzle parts so they can be taken off and reassembled. The animal collection includes elephants, panda bears, a giraffe, a cow and a pig.
— "Over the course of the last year, it was 500 to 1,000 units per week," Gage Brownell of Belmont Toys in Belmont, Mass., told TDmonthly in March 2010 about his store's sales of Iwako erasers.
— BC USA Erasers were on the top-10 best-seller list at Jillie Beans Toys & More in Westminster, Colo., in April 2010, reported Owner Valerie Elsea. “Tweeny girls and boys love them and they are easy to collect,” she told TDmonthly. “They’ve been selling well since the fall of [2009].”
— Gwen Bowden, manager of Doodlehopper 4 Kids in Springfield, Va., told TDmonthly in a Summer 2011 survey that her best-selling collectibles are "Japanese erasers. We sell some every day - about 100 per month."

Teeny Little Families are a collectible figure collection with a subtle environmental message. The figures represent seven different animal families who recycle human trash to make their homes. Bottle caps, soda cans, and old alarm clocks become bright and colorful houses and playgrounds for the Teeny Little Families. The Teeny Little Family Figures sets include four family members and two accessories the adults can hold. Launch date: Fall 2010.

These are hard plastic 28mm multi-part figures for wargamers, modelers and collectors. It's the first set in the Hammer of the Gods Dark Ages range and features 24 multi-pose Vikings. Award: 2009 Reader's Choice Award - 2nd Place Tabletop Gaming News. Launch date: October 2009.