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Take two…. A spree of summer hits including “Spider-Man 2,” “Shrek 2” and “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” rocked the action figure business. A walk down the retail isle wouldn’t be complete without bumping into your onscreen favorites. “Now a days people are associating all movies with action figures,” says Steve Meynig, Manager of Tom’s Toys in Beverly Hills. There is another boost on the way with “Yu-Gi-Oh!” and “The Incredibles.” Down the line, “Revenge of the Sith” and “The Batman” are revving up for the distant future. Everyone still loves the bad guys, but some popular hero’s have made the cut as well.
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1. Spider-Man 2: Doctor Octopus Deluxe Roto Figure 12” ($9.99, 4+) by Toy Biz
Doc-Oc with bendable tentacles and claws is everyone’s favorite mad scientist and the season’s must-have toy.
- An overwhelming bestseller at the majority of retailers contacted.
- NPD Group ranks Spiderman in the top five action figure toy properties based on movies.
- “Spider-Man 2” has 65 domestic and 260 international licensees.
2. Spider-Man 2: Spiderman 18” Amazing Spiderman Action Figure ($24.99, 6+) by Toy Biz
Spidey falls just under his evil nemesis for the kids’ choice with 67 points of articulation and a removable wrist launcher.
- The 6” versions are also very popular according to a company representative.
- Ranked on four online top 10/bestselling lists.
- “Spider-Man 2” made a record $180 million in its first six days.
3. Star Wars Miniatures: Entry Pack ($19.99, 12+) by Wizards of the Coast (ToyDirectory)
This new game has sixteen classic mini characters that are a hit with kids and collectors.
- The return of vintage figures have made the line hot again.
- NPD Group ranks Star Wars #3 in action figure toy properties based on movies.
- The prequel “Revenge of the Sith” is set to release in may 2005.
4. Lord of the Rings: Return of the King- Legolas 6” ($7.99, 5+) by Toy Biz
This endearing elf comes dressed in combat gear with a bow and arrow that actually fires.
- Legolas is a top seller on Amazon.com (8.2.04).
- Toyglobe.com’s top ten ranked Rings #1 (8.2.04.).
- NPD Group ranked Rings in the top five action figure properties based on movies.
5. Yu-Gi-Oh: Blue Eyes Shining Dragon ($29.99, 4+) by Mattel
Watch out! He is a 9” expandable replica of the most powerful monster.
- A Burger king campaign is launching with the film.
- Yu-Gi-Oh is listed on Yahoo shopping’s top toy searches.
- The films release in August will put this popular anime series in high demand.
6. Lord of the Rings: Return of the King- King Aragorn 6” (7.99, 5+) by Toy Biz
Suited up in armor and cape he has sword-slashing capabilities and customers notice the resemblance to Viggo Mortenson.
- Aragorn is popular among large Los Angeles retailers surveyed.
- Rings sold well for the BigBadToyStore.com.
- Rings was the #6 most searched action figure on Lycos 50 last month.
7. Power Rangers: Dino Thunder- 5” Red Ranger ($5.99, 4+) by Bandai
Rangers still have “power” at the register after all these years.
- This ranger has consistently been the most popular for Bandai.
- Expected to do well by eToys.
- Rangers scored high with kids ages 4-8 surveyed.
8. Shrek 2: Far Far Away Action Figure Pack 1 (Aprox $9.99, 4+) by Hasbro
All in one…Shrek, Fiona and even the hard to find Puss ‘N Boots.
- The DVD release is expected to bring another surge in sales.
- “Shrek 2” has been a bestseller for eToys.com
- “Shrek 2” has the highest yearly domestic grosses for 2004 at 433,510,973 according to boxofficemojo.com (8.5.04).
9. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban: Azkaban Dementor ($9.99, 5+) by Mattel
Kids love the bad guys and 8” tall evildoer attacks with the pull of a lever.
- One of the most desired figures in the series.
- Lycos top 50 searches for 213 wks.
- According to Foxnews.com “The most in-demand merchandise around comes from “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.”
10. Batman/Justice League: Batman 10” (Approx $9.99, ages 4+) by Mattel
This caped crusader from the cartoon network is flying off the shelves.
- “Batman Begins” is schedueled for release in 2005.
- “The Batman” will premiere as an animated series on the WB in the fall.
- Batman is repeatedly successful for large retailers surveyed.
* 11. Bonus: The Incredibles 5” Deluxe Action Figure Pack (Aprox $9.99, ages 4+) by Hasbro
- Each covert super hero comes with a signature movement from the movie, due in theaters on November 5th.
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