Thursday, February 12, 2009



In a battle that brought Mega-City one to its knees, Judge Dredd, the gritty hero of Britains award-winning anthology 2000 AD, faced off against Fox Films Alien in one of the most memorable comic book cross-over stories of all time.

First 4 Figures and Dark Horse Comics are proud to present a truly unique sculptural treatment inspired by this masterpiece. Rife with special features, this limited-edition piece is the perfect collectible.

Starting with a spot-on interpretation of the classic illustration by Henry Flint, painstakingly built up and re-created as sculpture, with every detail intact, the transmogrifying heads of the protagonists blend together as one.

The otherworldly skull of the alien is visible through a blackened translucent surface, creating an eerily striking effect. A hidden lighting element in the base creates an otherworldly glow that seems to pulsate with evil. Alien eggs surround the base, with unusual resins used to create a viscous pool within these pods, as face-huggers slowly emerge.

The fully hand painted statue is minutely detailed, stands 11.5" tall and comes securely packaged in deluxe full color packaging. Includes Certificate of Authenticity. Strictly limited to 1,000 numbered statues for Worldwide distribution, it is likely that only a small number will reach U.S. shores. Read more...

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The Rabbit Ronin turns twenty-five!



Hailed across the world for his unparalleled storytelling, comics auteur Stan Sakai sets the bar even higher with Usagi Yojimbo: Yokai -- writing, hand-painting, and lettering a thrilling original story.

Yokai are the monsters, demons, and spirits of Japanese folklore, such as the shape-changing kitsune, the obakeneko demon cats, and the evil oni ogres. Usagi faces all these and more when a desperate woman begs for his help in finding her kidnapped husband. Tracing the abducted man to an old castle, Usagi finds the ruins haunted by creatures of Japanese legend, and discovers that they are amassing for a great raid on the countryside! Fortunately, Usagi is joined by Sasuke the Demon Queller, who fights for the same cause, but things aren’t always as they seem, especially when dealing with the supernatural!

“Longtime Usagi Yojimbo designer Cary Grazzini and I were tossing around ideas for Usagi’s 25th anniversary,” said editor Diana Schutz, “and Cary commented that he would love to see Stan hand-paint an original story. Fans don’t often get to see Usagi in color, much less painted by Stan himself, so the standalone graphic novel seemed a perfect way to celebrate this special anniversary. And painted color will bring the fantastical creatures of Yokai to outstanding life!”

With beautiful watercolor art and story by the masterful Stan Sakai, this new mass-market hardcover graphic novel is a perfect introduction to the beloved samurai rabbit and a must-own for any Usagi fan!

Usagi Yojimbo: Yokai arrives on shelves this November! Read more...

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Acclaimed Comic Creators Make Horror a Family Affair with Pixu: The Mark of Evil



“The story telling [in Pixu] is beautiful, creating a real sense of dread and supernatural menace. Smart, subtle and genuinely disturbing.”—Mike Mignola, creator of Hellboy

The 2008 Eisner Award-winning team for Best Anthology -- New York residents Becky Cloonan (American Virgin), and Vasilis Lolos (Last Call), and their close friends, the Brazilian twins Gabriel Bá (The Umbrella Academy) and Fábio Moon (Sugarshock) -- have reunited to create one of the most–talked–about comics collaborations of the year, Pixu: The Mark of Evil.

This gripping tale of urban horror follows the lives of five lonely tenants – strangers -- whose lives become intertwined when they discover a dark mark scrawled on the walls of their building. The horror sprouts quite innocently from a small seed and finds life as something otherworldly, damaged, full of love, hate, fear, and power. As the walls come alive, everyone is slowly driven mad -- defenseless against the evil in the building, stripped of free will, leaving only confusion, chaos, and eventual death.

Originally self-published as a two-volume book, this groundbreaking work receives a deluxe presentation in a hardcover edition featuring never–before–seen concept illustrations from each of the artists.

“The passion and zeal that Gabriel Bá, Becky Cloonan, Fábio Moon, and Vasilis Lolos bring to comics is contagious,” said Pixu editor Sierra Hahn. “Accomplished cartoonists in their own right, their collaborative efforts have garnered them much deserved acclaim from the comics community and fans alike. Dark Horse is honored to bring their lushly illustrated, poetically articulated book of horror to the masses.”

This hardcover collection arrives on shelves July 15, 2009, carrying a $17.95 price tag. Read more...

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War of Kings Begins and Darkhawk Soars High With A Sell Out!

As excitement continues to build around War of Kings, Marvel is proud to announce that War of Kings: Darkhawk #1 (of 2) has sold out at Diamond (though copies may be available at the retail level.) With War of Kings underway, the cosmos is on the brink of destruction and Darkhawk can’t help but get in on some of the action! Join fan-favorite writer C.B. Cebulski, along with red-hot artist Harvey Tolibao, as the former New Warrior known as Darkhawk discovers a violently dark secret about his amulet and realizes a much different destiny lies ahead of him, one that he never even could have imagined!

“Darkhawk is back baby! My hats off to you gentlemen.” – Ryan Read, Comixtreme.com

“The creative team did an excellent job here!” – David Hodum, ComicsBulletin.com

“In the end, I care about and am more interested in the character now than before I started reading.” – Kevin Fuller, IGN.com

“For readers looking to get in on the ground floor of a space-faring adventure, this is a nice investment and enjoyable read” – Doug Zawisza, ComicBookResources.com

Marvel urges retailers to check their orders on all War of Kings related tie-ins, as they continue generating significant buzz and quickly sell out. So, what are you waiting for? Go out, get in on the fun, and make sure you pick your copy of War of Kings: Darkhawk #1 (of 2)!

WAR OF KINGS: DARKHAWK #2 (of 2) (JAN092534)
Written by C.B. CEBULSKI
Penciled by HARVEY TOLIBAO & BONG DAZO
Cover by BRANDON PETERSON
Rated T+ …$3.99
FOC—2/26/09, On-Sale—3/18/09

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Acclaimed Author Barry Lyga Gives Wolverine His Worst Day Ever!

Acclaimed Author Barry Lyga Gives Wolverine His Worst Day Ever!

Marvel is proud to reveal that acclaimed YA novelist Barry Lyga (The Astonishing Adventures of Fanboy and Goth Girl, Hero-Type) will make his Marvel Comics debut with Wolverine: Worst Day Ever, an all-new illustrated novel for all ages. Featuring new cover art by Todd Nauck (Amazing Spider-Man Obama Story), this original illustrated hardcover features a look at Wolverine like you’ve never seen before!

“The book is told as a series of blog entries by a new student at Xavier's School,” Lyga explained, “with illustrations culled from Wolverine and X-Men comics going back as far as Giant-Size X-Men #1.

“The difficulty in writing a character like Wolverine is that so many people have had so many things to say about him already. It was my job to introduce the character to a new kind of reader, so I sort of gleefully plunged in and tried to distill Logan down to the basics and then look at him through the very warped eye of a kid who doesn't have any kind of automatic respect for Wolverine or the X-Men or anyone else, for that matter. Honestly, I'm kinda surprised Marvel let me get away with it.”

That’s right, Bub, Wolverine: Worst Day Ever is an all-new illustrated novel for all ages examining Wolverine’s life and times as one of Marvel’s deadliest heroes. In stores this April, experience the most unique look ever inside the mind of everyone’s favorite X-Man in Wolverine: Worst Day Ever!

Retailers, please note that this was previously solicited as Wolverine GN.

WOLVERINE: WORST DAY EVER (JAN092590)
Written by BARRY LYGA
Cover by TODD NAUCK
Paper over Board Hardcover Format
Interior art various Marvel artists
All Ages …$14.99
On-Sale—4/8/09

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Hasbro’s Toy Fair Offerings Showcase Powerful Brands and Wide Array of Entertainment Options in Traditional Toys and Games and Beyond



Hasbro, Inc. (NYSE:HAS) comes to Toy Fair ’09 with a powerful and versatile portfolio of brands with a focus on providing unique forms of entertainment for children and families at a great value.

From board games to action figures, and from live action movies to online game play, Hasbro is focused on providing something for virtually every taste and age group to enjoy…any time, any where.

Leading the way are the highly anticipated live-action movies, TRANSFORMERS: REVENGE OF THE FALLEN, the follow-up to the 2007 blockbuster TRANSFORMERS; and G.I. JOE: THE RISE OF COBRA, based on Hasbro’s legendary G.I. JOE VS. COBRA saga.

“Hasbro enters 2009 with an incredible array of entertainment and products for consumers of all ages,” said John Frascotti, Hasbro’s Chief Marketing Officer. “In challenging economic times, people often turn to brands and experiences that they know and trust. We are confident that many of our new and re-imagined brand offerings this year will resonate well with consumers around the world as we continue to inject creativity and innovation into some of the world’s most classic and popular brands.”

Brand highlights include:

BOYS

GI JOE: THE RISE OF COBRA Movie Line

In 1964, the introduction of Hasbro’s G.I. JOE line created the “action figure” category. Since then, the G.I. JOE property has evolved, delivering a unique brand of action for each new generation. This summer, fans of all ages will see the G.I. JOE franchise taken to the next level with the major motion picture release of G.I. JOE: THE RISE OF COBRA, on August 7, from Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Entertainment, in association with Hasbro. The film focuses on an elite G.I. JOE team that uses the latest in next-generation spy and military equipment to fight the corrupt arms dealer DESTRO and growing threat of the mysterious COBRA organization.

Hasbro’s 2009 product line allows fans of all ages to capture the excitement of the movie and recreate it in their own homes. The line features dozens of action figures, vehicles based on the film and the SNAKE EYES ROLE PLAY SET, which gives fans the gear needed to “become” the legendary Ninja character.

TRANSFORMERS: REVENGE OF THE FALLEN Movie line

This summer, the colossal battle between the AUTOBOTS and the DECEPTICONS continues when “ROBOTS IN DISGUISE” once again invade movie theaters around the world. The new DreamWorks Pictures and Paramount Pictures live-action movie TRANSFORMERS: REVENGE OF THE FALLEN debuts June 26, 2009 and continues the story from the 2007 worldwide blockbuster film that finds two warring factions of robots colliding in a major battle on planet Earth. In 2009, Hasbro continues the legacy with its new line of movie-based TRANSFORMERS toys that capture the action and excitement of the new film. Fans will love the new action figures in multiple scales and kids can pretend to be a TRANSFORMERS robot by wearing the new BUMBLEBEE MOVIE VOICE MIXER HELMET. Additionally, coming in the fall, young fans will enjoy TRANSFORMERS R.P.M.’S MINI-VEHICLES, a new line of miniature, non-converting TRANSFORMERS-themed vehicles.

STAR WARS CLONE TURBO TANK

(Approximate Retail Price: $99.99; Ages: 4 & up; Available: Fall 2009)

The next generation of STAR WARS fans are being introduced to the STAR WARS galaxy via the must-see animated series STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS airing on Cartoon Network. As a follow-up to the popular AT-TE vehicle that topped Christmas lists in 2008, the CLONE TURBO TANK is an enormous field vehicle from the animated series, designed to transport up to twenty clone troopers (sold separately) into battle. The TURBO TANK features electronic sounds, running lights, phrases from the animation, a hidden, launchable speeder bike and a removable command center.

WOLVERINE ELECTRONIC CLAW

(Approximate Retail Price: $19.99; Ages: 4 & up; Available: Spring 2009)

On May 1, 2009, Hugh Jackman reprises his highly praised portrayal of WOLVERINE in the new X-Men Origins: Wolverine movie from 20th Century Fox. Now you can pretend to be Wolverine, the next Marvel superhero to get the big-screen treatment. Slip on the WOLVERINE ELECTRONIC CLAW to act like the most intimidating of all the X-Men. The retractable claw includes iconic WOLVERINE phrases and sounds.

GIRLS

FURREAL FRIENDS LULU, MY CUDDLIN’ KITTY

(Ages 4 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $54.99/Available: Fall 09)

The FURREAL FRIENDS brand launched in 2002 with the introduction of a lifelike cat and this fall, the brand returns to its roots with the introduction of LULU, MY CUDDLIN’ KITTY pet, the most realistic feline to join the family. The "purr-fect" pet for little girls, LULU, MY CUDDLIN’ KITTY pet features soft white and marmalade fur and preens, cuddles, and mews just like a "real" kitty cat. LULU, MY CUDDLIN’ KITTY loves to snuggle; gently rub her back and she will “purr" and "meow" to show that she is happy. Once she's relaxed, LULU will roll over onto her back, indicating it’s time to have her tummy rubbed. Just like a "real" cat, LULU preens as she "licks" her little paw, then lifts it up to clean her adorable face.

ZAMBI THE BABY ELEPHANT, a special edition FURREAL FRIENDS plush toy

(Ages 4 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $49.99/ Available: Fall 09)

Hasbro is introducing ZAMBI THE BABY ELEPHANT, a special edition FURREAL FRIENDS plush toy as the Company launches PROJECT ZAMBI, a global cause initiative dedicated to raising awareness and supporting programs that help care for the estimated 15 million children who have been orphaned as a result of the AIDS epidemic in Africa. ZAMBI THE BABY ELEPHANT features soft and cuddly ears and feet that are covered in a special fabric pattern designed by boys and girls from Zambia in one of the communities dedicated to caring for children orphaned by AIDS. Like the other animals in the FURREAL FRIENDS line of “come to life” plush pets, when you play with ZAMBI THE BABY ELEPHANT, he will play, blow kisses, raise his trunk, and trumpet his elephant call. He’ll also have a sensor on his trunk, so he can hold onto your finger and “shake” your hand. Hasbro has committed to donate a minimum of $500,000 (in U.S. dollars) to the PROJECT ZAMBI Fund, part of the Hasbro Children’s Fund, in 2009. This fund will benefit programs that help make life better for children orphaned by AIDS in Africa.

LITTLEST PET SHOP PLAYFUL PAWS PET DAYCARE CENTER

(Ages 4 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $24.99/Available: Spring 09)

The LITTLEST PET SHOP pets will love to gather at the PLAYFUL PAWS PET DAYCARE CENTER for an ultimate day full of fun! Pets will be amused for hours in this activity-filled two level playset. While spending time at the PLAYFUL PAWS PET DAYCARE CENTER, the LITTLEST PET SHOP pets can play on the jungle gym slide, take a spin on the perch or just relax on the basket swing - pets can even take a ride on the habitrail shaped elevator. After a day full of fun, tuckered out pets can get pampered and groomed at the second level salon or take a nap in their sleeping cubby. The PLAYFUL PAWS PET DAYCARE CENTER playset comes with an exclusive porcupine pet in addition to cool accessories, lots of storage space and easy portability for girls to display their LITTLEST PET SHOP collection anywhere.

MY LITTLE PONY NEWBORN CUTIES LITTLE RAINBOW DASH'S ROOM Playset

(Ages 3 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $24.99/Available: Spring 09)

New this spring is the MY LITTLE PONY NEWBORN CUTIES line, an adorable new collection of figures and playsets that offers little girls a new way to play "mommy" to their baby ponies. After a day filled with pony-fun, NEWBORN RAINBOW DASH pony can't wait to get back home to unwind at the MY LITTLE PONY NEWBORN CUTIES LITTLE RAINBOW DASH'S ROOM playset.

STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE BERRY CAFE Playset

(Ages 4 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $34.99/Available Fall 09)

The STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE BERRY CAFE playset is the most popular hangout in BERRY BITTY CITY - it's where STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE and her friends can gather for “snacks”, “smoothies”, and fun! Shaped like a strawberry with opening doors and windows, the two-story cafe also features STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE's bedroom and includes a three-inch scented STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE MINI DOLL with removable fashion. The STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE BERRY CAFE playset comes complete with adorable accessories including furniture, pretend food, a spinning smoothie machine, a “flying” bird that STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE or her friends can ride, and more.

TWEEN

NERF N-STRIKE RAIDER RAPID FIRE CS 35

(Ages 6 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $34.99/Available: Fall 09)

As Hasbro’s iconic Nerf brand celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2009, get ready for the highest dart capacity NERF blaster yet. The NERF N-STRIKE RAIDER RAPID FIRE CS 35 is the next big thing from NERF’s popular N-STRIKE line of dart blasters and features a collapsible stock and new drum magazine that holds 35 darts and is interchangable with the NERF N-STRIKE RECON CS-6 and NERF N-STRIKE LONGSHOT CS-6. By holding the trigger and pumping, players can instantly transition between “single” fire and “slam” fire mode, unleashing a rapid stream of 35 darts. Complete with a removable shoulder stock and Tactical Rail System allowing players to customize their blaster for each mission, the NERF N-STRIKE RAIDER RAPID FIRE CS 35 also features a cool “digital camo” pattern unlike any NERF blaster before it.

SUPER SOAKER 50

(Ages 6 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $14.99/Available: Spring 09)

Celebrate the 20th anniversary of the iconic SUPER SOAKER brand with the re-launch of the original water blaster that revolutionized outdoor fun! The legendary SUPER SOAKER 50 blaster is back and better than ever as it combines a cool retro look with modern high-powered performance! The SUPER SOAKER 50 holds up to 25 ounces of water and blasts up to 35 feet.

PRESCHOOL

PLAYSKOOL CLIPO HIPPO

(Ages 18 months & up/Approx. Retail Price: $20.99/Available: Spring 09)

The CLIPO system from PLAYSKOOL is a unique collection designed for toddlers that encourages creative, open ended play while helping to develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. The CLIPO system features colorful, chunky pieces in a variety of shapes and sizes perfect for little hands. An adorable new addition to the popular CLIPO line, the brightly-colored CLIPO HIPPO is set on wheels for stackable, moveable building fun.

KOTA & PALS MONTY REX Dino

(Ages 3 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $74.99/Available: Fall 09)

Preschoolers will delight in the awesome animated MONTY REX dinosaur. Standing over 15-inches tall, this lifelike dino not only moves its head, tail, and arms, but also actually walks. Toddlers can enjoy fun filled adventures with this realistic T-Rex pal that responds to touch, roars back when spoken to, and dances along to four engaging onboard songs.

GAMES

BOP-IT!

(Ages: 8 & up/Approx. Retail Price: $19.99/Available: Fall 2009/Players: 1 or more; Batteries are included. Requires 3 AA)

BOP-IT, which was first introduced in 1996, returns in 2009 with an updated look and new playing challenges. The game calls the shots, inviting players to shout, twist, pull or bop their way to victory. The game now features three tricky new levels and can be played by one or more players. Plus, in party mode, the game will challenge players to use different body parts, such as an elbow or head, to “bop” their way to the next round.

CANDY LAND: SWEET CELEBRATION game

(Ages: 4 & up/Approx. Retail Price: $19.99/Available: Fall 2009/Players: 2 to 4)

In honor of the 60th birthday of CANDY LAND, Hasbro introduces CANDY LAND: Sweet Celebration game, which invites players to a party at King Kandy’s castle. Children become the game designers as they create their own path to King Kandy’s castle with individual path pieces that link together to make up the freestanding game board . Travel to two new destinations in CANDY LAND – Captain Kidd Cone’s Ship, the SS Neapolitan, and the Chunky Chocolate Mountains – to find ice cream cones and chocolate treats galore.

CLUE: Secrets & Spies Edition

(Ages: 9 & up/Approx. Retail Price: $24.99/Available: Fall 2009/Players: 2 to 5)

As one of the world’s top six international secret agents (Scarlet, Mustard, Plum, Peacock, White or Green) your mission in the Clue Secrets & Spies game is to intercept agent Black and put an end to his evil plot for world-wide disaster and become the world’s ultimate spy. Using your secret decoder, reveal the secret missions you’ll need to complete. And always be aware of your mobile phone - you never know when headquarters will send you actual, game-changing text message directly to your personal, mobile phone. (Hasbro is committed to maintaining text messaging support through 12/31/11.)

CONNECT 4x4 Game

(Ages: 8 & up/Approx. Retail Price: $19.99/Available: Fall 2009/Players: 2 to 4)

CONNECT 4x4 enhances the classic four-in-a-row game with more competition and strategy in the first-ever four player edition. A clear double-decker checker grid replaces the standard grid, allowing players to win by playing four-in-a-row in a horizontal, vertical or diagonal line on either side of the grid or by weaving through one side of the grid to the other. Look closely to find ways to connect the ringed checkers that may be unseen by your opponents. Or, act defensively and play the new block checker to prevent an opponent from scoring what might be a winning move.

GIRAFFALAFF LIMBO

(Ages: 4 & up/Approx. Retail Price: $29.99/Available: Fall 2009/Players: 2 or more)

GIRAFFALAFF LIMBO is the crazy new game of “how low can you go?” Spin the dial to try one of the 6 limbo styles: classic, crabwalk, crawl, giraffe walk, forward or backward. The game’s built-in sound will play an encouraging song as preschoolers try not to bump into GIRAFFALAFF. If GIRAFFALAFF is knocked over, he’ll roll on the floor in laughter.

HASBRO CARD GAMES

(Approx. Retail Price: $5.99-$6.99/Available: Spring 2009)

Four new Hasbro Card Games for kids and families are being introduced to the card game aisle in 2009. Make deals and build words in a flash with MONOPOLY DEAL and SCRABBLE SLAM Card Games (both recommended for ages 8 & up). Experience four favorite card games shuffled into one with CRAZY OLD FISH WAR Card Game and keep younger players engaged round after round with PICTUREKA! card game (both recommended for ages 7 & up).

MONOPOLY CITY

(Ages: 8 & up/Approx. Retail Price: $34.99/Available: Fall 2009/Players: 2 to 6)

Say goodbye to green houses and choose from over 80 3D structures, including industrial blocks, stadiums, skyscrapers and even parks built in the middle of the board to create a unique game experience. The introduction of MONOPOLY CITY represents one of the most radical game developments in MONOPOLY history. Set the length of game play and start buying and building right away. Rents can be boosted through investment, but beware of other players sabotaging the game by building hazards such as polluting power plants to send opponents’ rents plummeting.

PICTUREKA! FLIPPER Game

(Ages: 6 & up/Approx. Retail Price: $24.99/Available: Fall 2009/Players: 2 or more/ Requires: 3 AA batteries, which are not included)

PICTUREKA! FLIPPER incorporates the same find it fast, find it first fun of PICTUREKA! Standing tall in the center of the table, the 3-D penguin frantically flips small game tiles from its rotating base in a circular pattern onto the game table. Players then race to try and find the wacky drawings on the tiles that match the “mission cards” before the penguin “quacks” and places more tiles on the table.

TRIVIAL PURSUIT: TEAM Edition

(Ages: 12 & up/Approx. Retail Price: $29.99/Available: Fall 2009)

Everyone is sure to have fun navigating the newest version of the world’s favorite trivia game: TRIVIAL PURSUIT: Team Edition. Instead of the traditional right or wrong questions found in previous versions of TRIVIAL PURSUIT, players will now have the opportunity to answer six different types of questions. And, for the first time ever, you can earn partial credit for answering the question mostly right. There’s no need to collect wedges for each category, just be the team ahead at the end of the game. Read more...

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