Elves and crocodiles ready for battle could be the perfect addition to a child’s toy box this year. TDmonthly’s Holiday Preview of Action Figures also boasts other non-traditional collectible figurines, including tween characters tied to a virtual world, critters that place emphasis on diversity, and designer figurines that can spruce up backpacks and key chains.
Idolz are wearable, stackable, poseable, colorful action figures with interchangeable parts. Kids can customize Idolz by collecting and swapping accessories. "This product has all the qualities of a stylish collectible, while remaining durable enough to play with or display in many different ways. It's designed to be fun and fashionable for both boys and girls of nearly all ages," Damien Noble, president of Idolz Toys LLC, told TDmonthly. Launch date: September 2009.
Standing 7" tall and fully articulated, Dexter comes with interchangeable arms, allowing him to transform from killer to blood-splatter expert and back again. "He also includes loads of great accessories: knife, body bag, ID badge, and blood slide. ... This sculpt is personally approved by Michael C. Hall and Showtime," Jenna Banks, director of sales for EE Distribution, told TDmonthly. Launch date: July 31, 2009.
Schleich is building off the success of its popular World of Elves series by introducing eight new hand-painted figurines. Zahor is one of two new fantasy figurines specifically targeted to boys. Launch date: March 15, 2009.
Suited up in his yellow protective gear and ready for action, our new firefighter figure is accurately detailed from boots to helmet. Other details include a fire ax and fire hose. Replica measures 1.25” L x 4” H. Hand painted, phthalate and lead free. Ages 3+. Includes a 5 language educational hangtag. Safari Ltd. exceeds all safety standards. Safari Ltd's products are 100% guaranteed. See the entire collection at www.safariltd.com.
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 handpainted figure is decked out with armor and weaponry. "Hotaling Inc. believes that in a world full of too many passive play options, children should be encouraged to engage in self-driven play. That's why they distribute simple and attractive toys with child-friendly designs that encourage them to actively use their imagination and develop through active play, stimulation and, above all, fun," Brian Shackelton, operations manager for Hotaling Imports Inc., told TDmonthly. Launch date: April 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
These mini collectible designer figures each stand 2.5" high and come with a metal chain, making them usable as accessories for backpacks, bags, purses, key chains and more. The blind-box packaging is designed to encourage customers to be anxious to open the box and find out which figure they purchased. Each POS box contains three units of each Koolby design and two secret Monskey figures. "The affordable MSRP of $3.99 makes Koolby and Friends a great impulse buy item in the current economic climate where customers are looking to make every dollar stretch further," Co-founder Martin New of Saizon told TDmonthly. Launch date: March 2009.
Artists can make this action figure of President Barack Obama their own, having the creative freedom to paint, decorate and display him as they wish. The figurine stands 6" tall and has 8 points of articulation.
Captain Corndog and Baron Von Broccoli will settle their ongoing feud once and for all in a knock-down, drag-out battle. The winner will become the undisputed feature dish of the kitchen. Captain Corndog stands 5.75" tall and fights for the delicious legion of carnival food. Baron Von Broccoli is 3-3/8" tall and represents the power of produce. Each vinyl figure has bendable arms and legs. They are packaged in an ilustrated window box. Launch date: February 6, 2009.
Historically accurate representations of iconic Roman figures including: a gladiator, Emperor Caesar, a Senator, a Noblewoman, a Centurion, a Roman General, a Legionnaire, a section of aqueduct, the Pantheon, the Colosseum, a Triumphal Arch and a Roman warship. Figures measure from 1” to 3”. Hand painted, phthalate and lead free. Ages 3+. Includes a 5 language educational label. Safari Ltd. exceeds all safety standards. Safari Ltd's products are 100% guaranteed. See all the Historical Collection replicas at www.safariltd.com.
The Corps of the Pontifical Swiss Guard is a small force responsible for the safety of the Pope, including the security of the Apostolic Palace and access to the entrances to the Vatican City. It serves as the de facto military of the Vatican City. The Swiss Guard has served the popes since the 1500s. "Twisting Toyz focuses its attention on those World War II soldiers not produced by other 1:6 scale toy manufacturers. Since the company is based in Italy, their primary focus has been on the WWII-era Italian Soldier, but have plans to expand into other less-known soldiers of that time," Gregory Brown, director of marketing for distributor Cotswold Collectibles Inc., told TDmonthly. Launch date: November 2008.
Monskey is a line of 2.5" collectible figures molded in smooth vinyl and decorated with the cool designs. They are a perfect addition to a desktop, dashboard, locker, backpack or keychain. Launch date: August 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.
Peanuts appeals to every generation with its simple everyday wisdoms, wit and unique perspective on life. With enduring icons like Snoopy and Charlie Brown, Peanuts has made an indelible mark on popular culture. Happiness is… the Peanuts gang!
During each episode of the “Batman: The Brave and the Bold” cartoon, the Dark Knight teams up with a fellow hero, such as Blue Beetle or Aquaman. These figures come with interchangeable accessories so boys can “build up” the figures and “battle up” the bad guys. They can also “change up” the figures by snapping and switching parts. Launch date: Spring 2009.
ToyDirectory Product ID#: 23624 (added 5/11/2009)
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Writer's Bio: Julie L. Jones has written articles for both newspapers and magazines. Before joining the staff of TDmonthly Magazine, she worked as a communications writer and provided editorial support for a market research company. Read more articles by this author
Writer's Bio: Julie L. Jones has written articles for both newspapers and magazines. Before joining the staff of TDmonthly Magazine, she worked as a communications writer and provided editorial support for a market research company. 
