McFarlane SportsPicks is no stranger to recreating some of the NBA’s greatest players as highly detailed action figures and our seventeenth lineup is no exception. Coming to stores in February of next year, we couldn’t wait to give fans a sneak peek at our upcoming NBA product.

Take a quick time out from what you are doing and feast your eyes on the newest NBA action figures from McFarlane Toys. Coming to stores in February 2010.

NBA SERIES 17: * KEVIN GARNETT — Boston Celtics * CHRIS PAUL — New Orleans Hornets * PAU GASOL — Los Angeles Lakers * DERRICK ROSE — Chicago Bulls * LEBRON JAMES — Cleveland Cavaliers * KOBE BRYANT — Los Angeles Lakers * DWAYNE WADE — Miami Heat * ELTON BRAND — Philadelphia 76ers.

McFarlane Toys produces action figures of popular players from all four major sports including Baseball, Football, Hockey and Basketball.

Included in Series 2 are Martian Manhunter, the second named member of the lifeless, emotionless Black Lanterns to be revealed; John Stewart, the Green Lantern charged with the task of protecting Earth; Kryb, the sinister, infant-stealing Sinestro Corp member; and the nameless, mysterious Indigo, who personifies compassion.

All four figures feature multiple points of articulation and include a display base. The Martian Manhunter figure stands at 7′ high. John Stewart and Indigo each come with their own version of a lantern, and Kryb comes with a baby accessory that fits into the cage-like sack affixed to her back.

PRESENTING A FIRST LOOK AT COOPERSTOWN SERIES 7 ACTION FIGURES. McFarlane Toys presents Cooperstown Series 7. Coming to stores in March, this legendary action figure lineup features four debut figures and will be the first Sports Picks assortment for 2010 to emphasize our new clamshell packaging. All six of these baseball greats are in 6-inch scale and feature articulation, accurate uniforms and custom bases.

As you may have heard, all of our sports action figures will be including Collector Level versions of certain players in each assortment and Cooperstown series 7 is no exception. To find out more about our Collector Level program, please refer to our news release for more information.

COOPERSTOWN SERIES 7: * BABE RUTH 3 — New York Yankees * THURMAN MUNSON — New York Yankees * CARL YASTRZEMSKI — Boston Red Sox * TONY GWYNN — San Diego Padres * JOE MORGAN — Cincinnati Reds. Cooperstown Series 7 will be in stores nationwide March 2010.

The six collectibles will be presented in a new UFC-themed packaging that includes action photos of each respective fighter’s memorable moments as well as a short biography.

“These six athletes provide a strong, varied base for our first UFC series,” said Damon Lau.  “There are established champions like Chuck Liddell and George St. Pierre, popular up-and-comers like Rashad Evans and Kenny Florian and guys like Clay Guida and Lyoto Machida who have loyal, growing followings.”

“We think fans will really connect to these collectibles through their detail and the enhanced packaging,” said Barron Lau.  “We want them to feel that by owning a Round 5 figurine, they, in a sense, own a piece of that fighter.”

The issuance of UFC Series 1 signals the discontinuation of the previous Round 5 Series.  The remaining inventory from the 17 figurines issued in the previous four Series under that brand will continue to be available while supplies last.  Limited editions and other special versions of the UFC Series 1 athletes are also in the planning stages.

“The Limited Editions we have issued have been wildly popular, so we are definitely looking at expanding those offerings,” added Barron Lau.

Liddell, one of the most popular MMA fighters ever, held the UFC light heavyweight belt for two years, using his devastating striking skills to rack up a 21-7 record, including 13 knockouts, against a top-shelf list of opponents since his 1998 debut at UFC 17.   He also showed his power by ending all five of his successful title defenses with a KO or TKO.

St. Pierre is often mentioned on the short list of top “pound-for-pound” fighters in MMA, and he’s backed up that distinction with wins in his last six bouts, all headliners, to raise his overall mark to 19-2.  The UFC welterweight champion proudly represents his native Montreal, Canada.

Evans has shed his underdog status with a series of standout victories, moving to light heavyweight after winning The Ultimate Fighter 2 television series as a heavyweight.  Now 13-1-1, successive wins over Michael Bisping, Liddell and Forrest Griffin were surprises to many and earned “Suga” his first title shot earlier this year, a loss to Machida.

Florian is another graduate of The Ultimate Fighter who has fulfilled his promise, springboarding from his strong performance in TUF 1 to post an 11-4 record and headline cards.  He has also branched out to the media side of the sport as a weekly host of MMA Live on ESPN and several UFC color commentary stints.

Guida has ridden strong conditioning, action-packed fights and a flashy style to a prolific MMA career, with 35 bouts (25 wins) to his credit.  Known as “The Carpenter” for his previous career while he trained and fought for his chance, Guida is a frequent “Fight of the Night” honoree, including his last bout, a split decision defeat in a free-for-all with Diego Sanchez in June.

Machida is also prominent in the “pound-for-pound” discussion, made even more evident by his win over previously-unbeaten Evans at UFC 98 in May, in which “The Dragon’s” lightning-quick form and powerful striking was on full display.  The undefeated (15-0) UFC light heavyweight champion is scheduled to make his first defense against Mauricio “Shogun” Rua on October 24.

Round 5 collectible figures may be purchased at leading North American retailers such as Toys ‘R’ Us, Kmart and Walmart.  Other retailers can be found at www.round5mma.com/wheretobuy.php.

“We’re thrilled to present the new Dora Links doll,” says Mattel vice president, marketing, Gina Sirard. “The entire Dora’s Explorer Girls collection speaks to the way older girls want to play today, while including all the cool, empowering attributes that have made Dora such a global and groundbreaking phenomenon.”

Dora Links, the cornerstone of the new Dora’s Explorer Girls collection, is an interactive, computer-compatible doll. Dora and her four best friends — Naiya, Emma, Kate and Alana live in the robust online world of Puerto Verde, a fictional beachside city, where the girls go to school, get involved in their community, help friends, and work together to keep their home clean and green.

“Dora’s Explorer Girls is an appealing and engaging expansion of one of the most popular preschool franchises of the past decade,” says Chris Byrne, content director, TimetoPlayMag.com aka The Toy Guy®. “Combining beautiful styling, age-appropriate stories and a delightful way for girls to grow up with a best friend, this innovative brand extension also provides diverse on- and offline play options, adding to its appeal and relevance to older girls.”

Dora Links offers an exciting innovation in computer-connected play — appealing to a new generation of technologically savvy kids. As girls play online, they can customize their doll and watch as she magically transforms right before their eyes.

Dora Links Exclusive Online Features:

The interaction starts when girls plug the Dora Links doll into the computer (via USB) to access her online world. As girls explore and solve the online mysteries, there are opportunities to have Dora assume a variety of disguises. They can change her speech, hair length, eye color and jewelry color to correspond with their play. Mattel enhances the play with an innovative twist on this kind of computer interaction:

• When they make a change online, the doll, itself actually changes, too. So, for instance, when girls change Dora’s hair length online, with a click of the mouse… the doll’s hair magically grows, too.
• The Dora Links doll also has a unique alert system; she knows when new mysteries are being added to DoraLinks.com. Even when the doll is disconnected from a computer, it will let girls know what new things are happening in Puerto Verde.

The interactivity allows girls to directly influence Dora’s adventures as they help her solve the online mysteries that prominently feature relatable pro-social themes — like volunteerism, water conservation and planting trees to help the environment. Whether Dora and her friends are organizing a beach clean-up, volunteering at the neighborhood animal shelter, or taking part in a city-wide flower-planting day, they need kids’ help to make their city a better place!

New mysteries will be uploaded to DoraLinks.com on a regular basis. In one such mystery – Ghost in the Park – Dora and her friends volunteer to clean up the park after a windstorm left the park in shambles. Dora meets her friend Naiya at the park where she tells Dora about a spooky noise heard while the neighbors were cleaning up the park. Dora calls together all of the Explorer Girls to help solve the mystery of this spooky noise. Each girl heads off to a different part of town to uncover clues. The girls regroup to put the pieces of the mystery together and determine that the sound really isn’t a ghost, but instead came from the wind blowing across a hollow bamboo stalk. With the mystery solved, the girls return to help with Park Clean-Up Day.

Throughout the mystery and game play, Dora imparts her unique observations in both English and Spanish. All the dialogue is voiced by the characters and the matching text appears on screen throughout the activities.

The Dora’s Explorer Girls online world is completely closed to ensure a safe environment, free of social networking, for girls to enjoy Dora’s new adventures.

Dora Links Doll and Collection Features:

The Dora’s Explorer Girls collection features playsets, accessories, and a total of five dolls. The dolls in the collection include the interactive Dora Links doll and her four best friends:

• Naiya, a math and science wiz who has a real passion for studying the stars
• Emma, an accomplished musician in the school band who takes time to help out younger musicians
• Kate, a voracious reader with a vivid imagination who loves to write plays and perform in them
• Alana, an athletic, confident soccer player who loves animals and loves helping her friends

The collection will feature a wide range of offerings including accessory and fashion packs (sold separately), as well as the interactive Puerto Verde School. Each item in the collection will include an online code that girls can download to unlock new areas in Dora’s online world including new activities, games and mysteries.

Top 15 G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra 3 .75 inch Figures to add to your G.I. Joe collection.

In No Particular Order

1. FIREFLY: Firefly works for COBRA in many capacities – from explosives specialist to advanced aircraft pilot, with expertise in combat tactics, martial arts, sabotage and cerolitions. He reveals little about himself, preferring to show his talents by results instead of words. Like the other members of this special operations unit that operates around the globe, officially, this warrior doesn’t even exist. Few know the truth – that the G.I. Joe unit is fighting a secret war, as the first and last line of defenses against the forces that seek to plunge our world into chaos.

Articulation and Pose ability: 8/10
Durability: 8/10
Color scheme paint job: 8/10
G.I. Joe accessories: 10/10
Overall Design: 8/10

2. REX “THE DOCTOR” LEWIS: He is the chief experimental doctor for M.A.R.S. Industries and developer of advanced nanotechnology. Disfigured in an explosion, he relies on life support equipment as he launches a diabolical plan to satisfy his thirst for power and revenge. His preferred weapon? M.A.R.S. Industrial radical exponential nano-injector system.

Articulation and Pose ability: 10/10
Durability: 8/10
Color scheme paint job: 10/10
G.I. Joe accessories: 10/10
Overall Design: 10/10

3. CONRAD DUKE HAUSER: He served as a special forces army captain. He commands a military convoy protecting M.A.R.S. Industries nanomite weapon prototypes. What the Major doesn’t know is that his convoy is heading straight into a terrible trap. The enemy is waiting to ambush them as they roll through the desert. Action figure is outfitted in regulation fatigues and comes with his preferred weapon: the M2X1 suppressive fire heavy machine gun with grenade launcher. Firuge comes with night-vision helmet, pistol, hand grenade and other mission-specific gear.

Articulation and Pose ability: 8/10
Durability: 10/10
Color scheme paint job: 9/10
G.I. Joe accessories: 10/10
Overall Design: 9/10

4. AGENT HELIX Covert Operations: She is a covert operations officer with advanced martial arts training and expert marksmanship. An Olympic-class gymnast, her distinctive “whirlwind attack” is an overpowering combination of kicks and firepower. Her preferred weapon? Dual 10mm autopistols.

Articulation and Pose ability: 10/10
Durability: 9/10
Color scheme paint job: 10/10
G.I. Joe accessories: 6/10
Overall Design: 10/10

5. BARONESS: Anastasia Decobray is as dangerous as she is beautiful. A master spy for COBRA and a powerful, high-ranking figure at M.A.R.S. Industries, she carries out her plans with icy efficiency.

Articulation and Pose ability: 10/10
Durability: 8/10
Color scheme paint job: 9/10
G.I. Joe accessories: 8/10
Overall Design: 9/10

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6. CRIMSON NEO-VIPERS: are masters of power and lethality within the COBRA ranks. They guard the leaders of COBRA and willingly submit to agonizing procedures to obtain exceptional abilities and incredible endurance. Their preferred weapon? M.A.R.S. Industries D57-B extreme environment electromagnetic rifle.

Articulation and Pose ability: 8/10
Durability: 10/10
Color scheme paint job: 10/10
G.I. Joe accessories: 8/10
Overall Design: 9/10

7. NIGHT ADDER: He is a security officer for the COBRA organization. With his trained attack dog, he enforces the highest levels of protection using a ruthless approach that has earned the fear of his fellow officers as well as unlucky intruders.

Articulation and Pose ability: 10/10
Durability: 10/10
Color scheme paint job: 10/10
G.I. Joe accessories: 10/10
Overall Design: 10/10

8. PIT COMMANDO Covert Military Force: They rigorously trained for any situation that requires immediate response, decisive action and outstanding expertise. There elite soldiers are specialists at combat reconnaissance and covert missions. Their preferred weapon? An 820 selective-fire long-range fully automatic assault rifle.

Articulation and Pose ability: 10/10
Durability: 10/10
Color scheme paint job: 10/10
G.I. Joe accessories: 10/10
Overall Design: 10/10

9. KAMAKURA Ninja Apprentice: KAMAKURA is a ninja on the G.I. JOE team and apprentice to the team’s ninja commando SNAKE EYES. He is being trained in the secrets of the ARASHIKAGE clan and shows impressive skill in the unarmed combat and the strategic use of martial arts weapons.

Articulation and Pose ability: 9/10
Durability: 8/10
Color scheme paint job: 8/10
G.I. Joe accessories: 8/10
Overall Design: 8/10

10. RED FANG NINJAS: They are mercenaries who work for COBRA ninja STORM SHADOW. The members of this secret underground faction have extraordinary skills and powers, which have earned them a reputation as the best of the best.

Articulation and Pose ability: 10/10
Durability: 8/10
Color scheme paint job: 8/10
G.I. Joe accessories: 7/10
Overall Design: 8/10

Notable mentions:

11. SNAKE EYES Paris Pursuit, 12. SHANA “SCARLETT” O’HARA – Desert Ambush, 13. GENERAL CLAYTON “HAWK” ABERNATHY ATTACK ON THE G.I. JOE PIT, 14. SNAKE EYES CITY STRIKE, 15. 3.75” DESTRO 2-Pack Special Edition Figures

Stay Tuned for Part 2 of The Ultimate G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra Toy Guide Part 4 series feature where we let you know what G.I. Joe Toys to avoid buying as well as the best G.I. Joe Vehicles to add to your G.I. Joe collection.

STAR WARS – the biggest motion-picture franchise of all time – is now being transformed into small collectibles that will be irresistible to fans of the Force. The line of STAR WARS MARBS from JAKKS Pacific will feature characters from Star Wars: The Clone Wars and iconic classic characters such as Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Chewbacca, Han Solo, Yoda and many more. Special limited edition and oversized MARBS will feature Limited Platinum Han Solo and Darth Vader vs. Obi-Wan Kenobi. Star Wars MARBS collectibles are expected to be available at mass retailers nationwide. Ages 6+, Suggested Retail Price $3.99

Marvel fans can get in on the fun too, as JAKKS launches Marvel MARBS collectibles based on the most robust library of popular Super Heroes from the past and present! Look for your favorite classic and modern Marvel characters in the MARBS line-up including Spider-Man, Captain America, Iron Man, Wolverine, Mystique, and more from the popular Marvel Universe portfolio in the toy aisle.

The 2009 MXS Motocross Xtreme Sports line. The MXS Basic SFX Bike & Rider features a bike and authentic rider figure Suggested Retail Price: $7.99. MXS Wicked Rivals 2 Pack includes a PRO Rider and a fierce Skeleton Rider Retail Price: $14.99.

The full-function large-scale MXS Radio Control Bike and Rider is a great value! The detailed full function radio controlled motorcycle features a bike and rider that drives forward, left and right and also features high performance stability control for cool stunts. Four AA batteries and one 9V battery are required. Ages 6+, Suggested Retail Price: $19.99

2009 GX RACERS. The GX Speed Assortment includes one car, a speed gyro, and rip cord. The GX Multi-Pack Assortment comes with two speed gyros, two cars, two rip cords, and 2 track engines that can be used to make the cars compatible with other track sets. Ages 6+, Suggested Retail Price: Speed Assortment $5.99; Multi-Pack Assortment $11.99

Experience GX Racers toys performing extreme stunts with the GX Stunt Packs Assortment. Each set includes a GX Racers car, a unique stunt gyro, and an action packed stunt accessory. Choose from the Side Spin, Line Rider or Jumper. Ages 6+, Suggested Retail Price: $9.99

The 2009 Plug It In & Play TV Games  lineup. All new titles for 2009 are expected to include Retro Arcade featuring Pac-Man, The Price is Right and sequels to best sellers like Star Wars, SpongeBob SquarePants, Spider-Man, Power Rangers and Disney Princess. No video game console or software needed – just Plug It In & Play! Ages 5+, Suggested Retail Price: $19.99.

With the reactive motion controller, the gamer’s moves control the action on screen as characters replicate their movements in real time on the TV screen when they jump, wave, and move around. The controller plugs into the A/V jacks of any standard TV and contains multiple games in each controller, and no additional consoles or cartridges are needed.

G.I. Joe The Rise Of Cobra Destro (Weapons Supplier) Figure

One cool accessory that is that the rifle breaks apart. And that one of the pistol can fit in the removable shoulder holster. The missile launcher is pretty cool looking, as it’s not the regular green missile that most of the cobra figures comes with, as this one has a yellow tip to it, making it seem hot, flaming.

The head sculpture is actually pretty good, silver with great detail, as it has Hollowed out eyes. It sucks that the mask isn’t removable. The figure has a nice range of motion, legs, knees. But the uniform he’s wearing has restricted his movement a bit, not the most smoothest figure in the G.I. Joe The Rise Of Cobra toyline.

Description: Destro is the arrogant, egotistical founder of M.A.R.S. Industries and like his ancestors, a brilliant designer of military weapons that he sells to the highest bidder. His burned face is repaired with an injection of nanomites that heals the burns but changes the skin into a silver mask. -Reviewed by Mario Diaz, SoHood.com

NERF DART TAG FURYFIRE 2-Player Set. (Ages 8 years & up/ Retail Price: $39.99/Available: Fall 09) Gear up and go with the new NERF DART TAG FURYFIRE 2-Player Set. Complete with two new rapid-fire FURYFIRE blasters featuring auto-advance barrels that hold ten darts, two redesigned scoring vests, two sets of VISION GEAR eyewear and 20 DART TAG DARTS, the NERF DART TAG FURYFIRE 2-Player Set inspires engaging, energetic team play. Each set includes one green and one orange blaster; gather a group and divide teams by color to create an extreme NERF DART TAG environment. No batteries required. Each set sold separately.

NERF DART TAG Targeting Set. (Ages 8 years & up/ Retail Price: $14.99/Available: Fall 09) Build the skills to stay cool and calm when caught in the middle of high-energy NERF battles with the new NERF DART TAG Targeting Set. Bring the DART TAG experience indoors and perfect your game by standing the target on various surfaces or attaching it to the back of your door. Complete with one blaster, one set of VISION GEAR eyewear and three DART TAG DARTS, the NERF DART TAG Targeting Set is a great way to improve your accuracy and impress your teammates. No batteries required. Each set sold separately.

NERF DART TAG CAPTURE THE FLAG Set. (Ages 8 years & up/ Retail Price: $34.99/Available: Fall 09) You’ll have to use your stealth and speed to win NERF’s adrenaline-pumping twist on capture the flag. Complete with two redesigned scoring vests, two STORMFIRE blasters, six DART TAG DARTS and a new Electronic Flag, the NERF DART TAG CAPTURE THE FLAG Set offers an advanced way to enjoy classic DART TAG action. The Electronic Flag features flashing lights, sounds and motion sensors and includes three built-in game modes: Battle your opponents to see who can capture the Flag and not get tagged! Or race to “seek” and “disarm” the Flag with challenging five and fifteen-minute timed modes. Requires two “AA” batteries; not included. Each set sold separately.

NERF N-FORCE Swords. (Ages 6 years & up/ Retail Price: $12.99/Available: Spring 09) Master your hand-to-hand battle skills with the first introductions in the NERF N-FORCE line. Standing 32 inches in length, the flexible, durable, foam N-FORCE Swords are unlike any NERF product before them. The NERF N-FORCE Swords are available in blue and yellow at most major toy retailers nationwide. Each sold separately.

NERF N-FORCE MARAUDER long sword. (Ages 8 years & up/ Retail Price: $17.99 Each/Available: October 2009) The second addition to the new NERF N-FORCE line, the N-FORCE MARAUDER swords are both longer and wider than previous N-FORCE Swords to help you march into any mission feeling confident and cool. Available in red and black at most major toy retailers nationwide and on HasbroToyShop.com. Each sold separately.

NERF N-STRIKE RAIDER RAPID FIRE CS 35 blaster. (Ages 6 years & up/ Retail Price: $34.99/Available: Fall 09) Get ready for the highest dart capacity NERF blaster yet! The NERF N-STRIKE RAIDER RAPID FIRE CS 35 blaster 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 interchangeable with the NERF N-STRIKE RECON CS-6 blaster and NERF N-STRIKE LONGSHOT CS-6 blaster. 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 blaster also features a cool “digital camo” pattern unlike any NERF blaster before it. No batteries required.

NERF WALL TO WALL Basketball Set (Ages 4 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $9.99/Available: Spring 09) It’s a slam dunk! The NERF WALL TO WALL basketball set transforms any room into a basketball court. For the first time since 1971, take NERFOOP from the back of your door and stick it almost anywhere on your wall. Players can enjoy home court advantage as they position the NERFOOP backboards anywhere they like using 3M Command Strip adhesives and then tipoff to shoot some hoops with friends. The set comes complete with two wall adhesive NERFOOP backboards and one NERF mini basketball.

NERF NFL VORTEX HOWLER Football (Ages 5 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $9.99/Available: Fall 09) Tell your receiver to get ready to run with the NERF NFL VORTEX HOWLER football, the farthest flying footballs! Allowing for ultimate performance, a three-fin tail provides long distance aerodynamics and finger grips help you get a solid grasp on your game. As you watch your pass sail through the air, the cool whistling sound will let everyone know your team is on its way to a touchdown. VORTEX – THE FARTHEST FLYING FOOTBALLS! Choose from the Green Bay Packers, the New York Giants, the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Dallas Cowboys, the New England Patriots or the Indianapolis Colts. Each sold separately.

NERF NFL POCKET VORTEX Football (Ages 5 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $3.99/Available: Fall 09) For casual game play anytime, anywhere pull out the NERF NFL POCKET VORTEX football. This mini version of the classic NERF VORTEX is perfect for a pickup game with friends, featuring the same three-fin tail and NFL styling as the NERF NFL VORTEX HOWLER football. VORTEX – THE FARTHEST FLYING FOOTBALLS! Choose from the Green Bay Packers, the New York Giants, the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Dallas Cowboys, the New England Patriots or the Indianapolis Colts. Each sold separately.

NERF NCAA MARCH MADNESS WALL TO WALL Basketball Set (Ages 4 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $9.99/Available: Spring 09) Bring on-court action to any room and keep track of the NCAA Tournament at the same time with the NERF NCAA MARCH MADNESS WALL TO WALL basketball set. NCAA brackets located on one of the NERFOOP backboards let you check out your favorite NCAA team’s advancements while you challenge your friends and family to a game of your own. For the first time since 1971, take NERFOOP from the back of your door and stick it almost anywhere on your wall. Players can enjoy home court advantage as they position the NERFOOP backboards anywhere they like using 3M Command Strip adhesives and then tipoff to shoot some hoops with friends. The set comes complete with two wall adhesive NERFOOP backboards and one NERF mini basketball.

NERF NBA NERFOOP 3 Point Shootout Set (Ages 4 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $9.99/Available: Fall 09) Now you can bring NBA All-Star Game action to your own room with NERF’s NBA NERFOOP 3 Point Shootout Set. Show off your skills and best basketball-sinking shots as you compete against your friends and the clock in this competition of accuracy and speed. Score the most points in a minute and you’ll earn the title of 3 point shootout champ! Includes one NBA branded NERFOOP backboard and three NERF basketballs.

The G.I. JOE THE RISE OF COBRA STEEL CRUSHER A.P.V. comes loaded with a  missile launcher, removable Iron Plow attachment and a Cobra figure named Nitro-Viper.

I’m a huge G.I Joe  fan, one that saw the cartoon series in the 80’s and brought the toys, but far from some sort of expert, so excuse me if I don’t remember who Nitro Viper was. I’m just putting him down as a general solider, that is included with the vehicle. The figure uniform is a dark blue with a clear visor that is removable as well as the vest that is also removable.

The STEEL CRUSHER A.P.V comes with nice rubber wheels, it’s a nice touch, as so many company’s might have gone with the traditional hard and plastic wheels, here the soft rubber really adds to  the overall feel of quality to an already wonderful G.I. Joe Vehicle.

The vehicle seems very durable, as it could take some pounding, some of which have to be reasonable. Not a baby slamming the heck out of it, just the occasional dropping it, tumbling, or crashing into other toy vehicles.

Description: The STEEL CRUSHER Armor Plated Vehicle (A.P.V.) tears through the Paris streets on a mission of destruction: to release the nanomite weapon and destroy the Eiffel Tower! The NITRO-VIPER blasts through traffic at top speed and smashes past obstacles in his way, but he can’t shake the G.I.JOE team that’s determined to stop him. -Reviewed by Mario Diaz, SoHood.com

One cool accessory that is also included is the stand to put the figure on, rather then just have a plain and boring stand, it’s actually a dog tag, that has Duke’s information on it, well only his name, code name and that he’s from the united states, and the word classified on it.

The head sculpture actually resembles the likeness of Channing Tatum, the actor that plays Duke in the movie. The figure has a nice range of motion, legs, knees. The arms and elbows become  easier to move once his outer jacket is removed, leaving more room to truly extend the arms around.

Description: Before joining the G.I. JOE* team, Major CONRAD “DUKE” HAUSER served as a special forces army captain. He commands a military convoy protecting M.A.R.S. Industries’ nanomite weapon prototypes. What the Major doesn’t know is that his convoy is heading straight into a terrible trap. The enemy is waiting to ambush them as they roll through the desert.

G.I. JOE THE RISE OF COBRA BARONESS Attack on the G.I. JOE Pit. Baroness has plenty of cool accessories, included are two small Pistols, a Briefcase that is capable of open and closing, Sunglasses, Grappling Hook, missile launcher and a stand.

The stand is not as cool or fancy as Duke’s was, as this one is pretty plain, the Cobra logo and just the name Baroness label on the front and two foot pegs to hold the figure.

I don’t know about the face sculpture on this one, as maybe the whole glasses part may have affect the way the facial features turn out.

The figure itself is smaller then the regular male G.I. Joe’s, as her limbs are way skinner. She has wide range of motion on all movable parts, legs and arms. The hole on the thigh enable one to put the other pistol when not in use.

Description: BARONESS Anastasia Decobray is as dangerous as she is beautiful. A master spy for COBRA and a powerful, high-ranking figure at M.A.R.S. Industries, she carries out her plans with icy efficiency.-Reviewed by Mario Diaz, SoHood.com

The new 2009 toyline is set to hit stores this holiday, Amazon has it listed that it will be released on Nov 30, 2009. From the images that I’ve seen the figures look both flexible and all seem to have great detailed sculptures.

UFC Deluxe Figures feature 29 points of articulation to recreate the most dramatic MMA moves. JAKKS expects to ship new waves every third month, each featuring at least eight different fighters, as well as exclusive figures and assortments available at different mass retailers nationwide – Collect them all! A replica fight poster from each event will also be included with each purchase. Ages 8+, Suggested Retail Price $9.99

The Octagon is where all the action happens! JAKKS’ 14” UFC Octagon playset features hinged “play-doors” for easy access and is the perfect place for kids to battle and recreate their favorite fight moments. Ages 8+, Suggested Retail Price $19.99

A must-have for UFC’s top fans and collectors, the Official Scale Deluxe UFC Octagon playset is a huge, 30”, authentic playset in 1:1 scale with the Deluxe UFC action figures! This Ultimate Octagon playset features more than 60 unique pieces, padded posts, foam-polymer mat and removable cage walls for battle access. Ages 8+, Suggested Retail Price $99.99

Play like a true champion with your very own collection of UFC Championship Belts. These authentic, wearable replica belts for UFC, Pride, and WEC are the only ones on the market that fit adults and kids.

Show your UFC spirit by creating your own wall of champions like the real fighters do! Ages 8+, Suggested Retail Price $11.99

Comics On-Sale:

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #598 2ND PRINTING VARIANT (DR), DARK REIGN: HAWKEYE #4 (DR), DARK REIGN: LETHAL LEGION #2, DARK REIGN: THE GOBLIN LEGACY ONE-SHOT, DARK REIGN: THE HOOD #3, DARK REIGN: THE SINISTER SPIDER-MAN #1 2ND PRINTING VARIANT, DARK REIGN: THE SINISTER SPIDER-MAN #2, DARK REIGN: YOUNG AVENGERS #3 (DR), DARK TOWER : THE FALL OF GILEAD #3, DARK TOWER : THE FALL OF GILEAD #3 BREITWEISER VARIANT, DARK TOWER : THE FALL OF GILEAD #3 SKETCH VARIANT, DARK X-MEN: THE BEGINNING #2, FANTASTIC FOUR #569 WRAPAROUND COVER, KID COLT ONE-SHOT (MDCU), MARVEL PREVIEWS #72, MARVEL ZOMBIES 4 #4, NEW AVENGERS #54 2ND PRINTING VARIANT (DR), NEW AVENGERS #55 (DR), SECRET WARRIORS #6 (DR), SECRET WARRIORS #6 70S DECADE VARIANT (DR), SON OF HULK #13, SON OF HULK #13 30S DECADE VARIANT.

TERROR, INC. – APOCALYPSE SOON #4, THOR #602 2ND PRINTING VARIANT, THUNDERBOLTS #134 (DR), THUNDERBOLTS #134 30S DECADE VARIANT (DR), ULTIMATUM #5, ULTIMATUM #5 DELL’OTTO VARIANT, ULTIMATUM #5 FINCH GATEFOLD COVER VARIANT, ULTIMATUM #5 MCGUINNESS VARIANT, ULTIMATUM #5 MCGUINNESS SKETCH VARIANT, ULTIMATUM: SPIDER-MAN REQUIEM BOOK #2, WAR OF KINGS: ASCENSION #4, WOLVERINE NOIR #4, WOLVERINE NOIR #4 CALERO VARIANT, X-MEN FOREVER #2 2ND PRINTING VARIANT, X-MEN FOREVER #4, X-MEN FOREVER #4 30S DECADE VARIANT, X-MEN LEGACY #225 2ND PRINTING VARIANT

Collections On-Sale:

ESSENTIAL PETER PARKER, THE SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN VOL. 4 TPB, GHOST RIDER: THE LAST STAND TPB, INVINCIBLE IRON MAN VOL. 2: WORLD’S MOST WANTED BOOK 1 PREMIERE HC, MARVEL MASTERWORKS: THE X-MEN VOL. 2 TPB, MARVEL MASTERWORKS: THE X-MEN VOL. 2 TPB VARIANT (DM ONLY), SOLEIL: SCOURGE OF THE GODS VOL. 1 PREMIERE HC, SPIDER-GIRL VOL. 11: MARKED FOR DEATH DIGEST, WEREWOLF BY NIGHT: IN THE BLOOD TPB

Co-created by Tommy Blacha and Brendon Small, the Metalocalypse television series follows the on- and off-stage adventures of the world’s most brutal band as they create a wave of mayhem, death, and destruction wherever they go. Since debuting on Adult Swim in 2006, the series has become one of the network’s highest-rated original series, and the second season was watched by more than five million 18 to 34-year-old viewers, according to Nielsen Media Research. This animated band has also had a lot of very real success, as the band’s debut CD, Dethklok: The Dethalbum, is the fastest-selling death-metal album of all time since debuting at #21 on Billboard’s Top 100 list, and a real-live version of the animated band has completed nearly sold-out tours. The follow up album, Dethklok: The Dethalbum II, will be released on September 8th from Williams Street Records.

“This collaboration with Dark Horse Comics is a great opportunity for us to partner with a company that has a shared sensibility and fan base with one of Adult Swim’s most popular brands,” said Christina Miller, vice president of Cartoon Network Enterprises. “Combining the pool of artistic talent of both companies, we have created a great publishing program that will both deliver the quality, entertaining content that our fans look for and will expose the hilarious antics of Dethklok to a new group of potential fans.”

“I am a huge fan of Eric and of The Goon,” says Dark Horse President Mike Richardson. “Eric, it turns out, is a huge fan of Metalocalypse. Once Eric suggested this team up, we began discussing the project and it seemed like a natural fit. We couldn’t be more excited about introducing these characters to the comics world.”

Comics On-Sale:

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #596 2ND PRINTING VARIANT (DR), AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #597 2ND PRINTING VARIANT (DR), AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 600 ROSS COVER, AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 600 WRAPAROUND COVER, AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #600 JRSR VARIANT, AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #600 QUESADA WRAPAROUND VARIANT, AVENGERS: THE INITIATIVE #26, BLACK PANTHER #6 (DR), BLACK PANTHER #6 40S DECADE VARIANT (DR), CAPTAIN AMERICA : REBORN #1 QUESADA WRAPAROUND VARIANT, CAPTAIN BRITAIN AND MI13 #15.

DARK REIGN: FANTASTIC FOUR #5 (DR), DARK WOLVERINE #76, DARK WOLVERINE #76 50S DECADE VARIANT, DARK WOLVERINE #76 YOUNG GUN VARIANT, DEADPOOL: SUICIDE KINGS #4, GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY #16, HALO: HELLJUMPER #1, IMMORTAL WEAPONS #1, IMMORTAL WEAPONS #1 AJA VARIANT, INCREDIBLE HERCULES #131, INCREDIBLE HERCULES #131 40S DECADE VARIANT, INCREDIBLE HULK #600 ROSS COVER, INCREDIBLE HULK #600 MCGUINNESS WRAPAROUND COVER, INCREDIBLE HULK #600 SALE VARIANT, INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #14 2ND PRINTING VARIANT (DR).

MARVEL ADVENTURES SPIDER-MAN #53, MS. MARVEL #42 (DR), NOVA #27, RIFTWAR #2, RUNAWAYS #12, SAVAGE SHE-HULK #4 (DR), SECRET INVASION CHRONICLES #5, SPIDER-MAN MAGAZINE #7, THE WONDERFUL WIZARD OF OZ #8, THOR & HERCULES: ENCYCLOPAEDIA MYTHOLOGICA, ULTIMATUM: SPIDER-MAN REQUIEM BOOK #1 2ND PRINTING VARIANT, UNCANNY X-MEN #510 2ND PRINTING VARIANT, UNCANNY X-MEN #511 2ND PRINTING VARIANT, WOLVERINE FIRST CLASS #17, WOLVERINE ORIGINS #38, WOLVERINE ORIGINS #38 40S DECADE VARIANT, X-FORCE #17, X-FORCE #17 BLOODY VARIANT.

Collections On-Sale:
CABLE CLASSIC VOL. 2 TPB, MARVEL 1985 TPB, MARVEL ADVENTURES FANTASTIC FOUR: FOUR-THREE-TWO-ONE…DIGEST, NEW AVENGERS VOL. 10: POWER PREMIERE HC, OFFICIAL HANDBOOK OF THE MARVEL UNIVERSE A TO Z VOL. 9 PREMIERE HC.

Comics On-Sale:

AGENTS OF ATLAS 8, ALL SELECT COMICS 70TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL, ALL SELECT COMICS 70TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL MARTIN VARIANT, AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #599 (DR), AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #599 70S DECADE VARIANT (DR), BETA RAY BILL: GODHUNTER #2, CAPTAIN AMERICA #600 2ND PRINTING VARIANT, CAPTAIN AMERICA #601, CAPTAIN AMERICA #601 BLACK AND WHITE VARIANT, CAPTAIN AMERICA #601 DJURDJEVIC 70TH ANNIVERSARY VARIANT, DARK AVENGERS #7 (DAX), DARK AVENGERS #7 BIANCHI VARIANT (DAX), DARK REIGN: MISTER NEGATIVE #2, DEADPOOL #12 (DR), DEADPOOL #12 60S DECADE VARIANT (DR), DEADPOOL: SUICIDE KINGS #1 2ND PRINTING VARIANT, DEADPOOL: SUICIDE KINGS #2 2ND PRINTING VARIANT, DEADPOOL: SUICIDE KINGS #3 2ND PRINTING VARIANT, FRANKLIN RICHARDS: SCHOOL’S OUT!, INCOGNITO #5, IRON MAN: ARMORED ADVENTURES ONE-SHOT, IRON MAN: ARMORED ADVENTURES ONE-SHOT YOUNG VARIANT.

LOCKJAW AND THE PET AVENGERS #3, LOCKJAW AND THE PET AVENGERS #3 HENRICHON VARIANT, MARVEL ADVENTURES THE AVENGERS #38, MIGHTY AVENGERS #27, MIGHTY AVENGERS #27 50S DECADE VARIANT, NEW MUTANTS #2 2ND PRINTING VARIANT, NEW MUTANTS #3, NEW MUTANTS #3 50S DECADE VARIANT, NEW MUTANTS #3 PIERFEDERICI VARIANT, PUNISHER #7, TIMESTORM 2009/2099 #3, X-FACTOR #46, X-MEN FOREVER #1 2ND PRINTING VARIANT.

Collections On-Sale:

ANNIHILATION CLASSIC TPB, CAPTAIN BRITAIN BY ALAN MOORE & ALAN DAVIS OMNIBUS HC CLASSIC COSTUME COVER, CAPTAIN BRITAIN BY ALAN MOORE & ALAN DAVIS OMNIBUS HC ORIGINAL COSTUME COVER (DM ONLY), DOCTOR DOOM AND THE MASTERS OF EVIL GN, ENDER’S GAME: BATTLE SCHOOL PREMIERE HC, ENDER’S SHADOW: BATTLE SCHOOL PREMIERE HC, ESSENTIAL MARVEL TWO-IN-ONE VOL. 3 TPB, GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY: THE POWER OF STARHAWK PREMIERE HC, GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY: THE POWER OF STARHAWK PREMIERE HC (DM ONLY), INCREDIBLE HERCULES: SMASH OF THE TITANS HC, SPIDER-MAN: TORMENT PREMIERE HC, SPIDER-MAN: TORMENT PREMIERE HC (DM ONLY), THUNDERBOLTS: BURNING DOWN THE HOUSE PREMIERE HC, WAR MACHINE VOL. 1: IRON HEART PREMIERE HC.

Comics On-Sale:

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN ANNUAL #36, ANITA BLAKE, THE LAUGHING CORPSE – NECROMANCER #3, DARK X-MEN: THE BEGINNING #1, DARK X-MEN: THE BEGINNING #1 60S DECADE VARIANT, GENEXT: UNITED #3, MARVEL ADVENTURES SUPER HEROES #13, MS. MARVEL #41 (DR), MS. MARVEL #41 60S DECADE VARIANT, PRIDE & PREJUDICE #4.

PUNISHER: FRANK CASTLE MAX #72, SKRULL KILL KREW #3 (DR), SKRULL KILL KREW #3 COW VARIANT (DR), THE STAND: AMERICAN NIGHTMARES #4, THE STAND: AMERICAN NIGHTMARES #4 PERKINS VARIANT, THE STAND: AMERICAN NIGHTMARES #4 SKETCH VARIANT, THOR: TALES OF ASGARD BY STAN LEE & JACK KIRBY #3, UNCANNY X-MEN: FIRST CLASS #1, X-MEN FOREVER #3, X-MEN LEGACY #226

Collections On-Sale:

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN BY JMS ULTIMATE COLLECTION BOOK 1 TPB, HULK VOL. 2: RED & GREEN TPB, HULK: BROKEN WORLDS TPB, MARVEL 70TH ANNIVERSARY TPB, MARVEL MASTERWORKS: WARLOCK VOL. 2 HC, MARVEL MASTERWORKS: WARLOCK VOL. 2 HC (VARIANT), MOON KNIGHT VOL. 5: DOWN SOUTH PREMIERE HC, NEW WARRIORS CLASSIC VOL. 1 TPB, RUNAWAYS: TEENAGE WASTELAND PREMIERE HC, THE MARVEL ART OF MARKO DJURDJEVIC HC, THE ODYSSEY PREMIERE HC, THE THREE MUSKETEERS GN, X-MEN: THE SHATTERING TPB

Posters On-Sale: AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #00 BY ALEX ROSS POSTER
, DARK X-MEN POSTER.

BLEACH Uncut Box Set 3 · Rated ‘T’ for Teens · MSRP: $69.97 US / $99.99 CAN · Available July 7
The day of Rukia’s execution draws ever closer, and to save her, Ichigo and his loyal comrades must navigate the madness of a Soul Society on the brink of collapse. Ichigo and Renji face the most difficult training of their Soul Reaper careers as they struggle to achieve bankai, without which they have no hope against the most powerful captain of the Seireitei–Byakuya Kuchiki. While all the players converge at the site of Rukia’s imminent execution, in the background, a group of Soul Reapers slowly uncover an unimaginable betrayal at the hands of one of their own–a betrayal that will shake the Soul Society to its very core.
Includes: Behind The Scenes of BLEACH, Kon’s US Tour original featurette, production art

BLEACH UNCUT Box Set 3 w/ Limited Collector’s Hollow Mask· Rated ‘T’ for Teens · MSRP: $89.97 US / $129.99 CAN · Available July 7
Includes: Limited Collectible Hollow Mask (limited supply!)

BLEACH Volume 18 · Rated ‘T’ for Teens · MSRP: $24.92 US / $35.99 CAN · Available July 14
The Bounts target Uryu and bring him before their leader, the megalomaniacal Kariya, despite all efforts to stop them. Kariya’s goal is to gain the unique powers of a Quincy and use them for his own diabolical purpose. Members of both the Soul Society and the world of the living gather for a fierce face-off with the Bounts!
Includes: 4 episodes (72-75), original uncut episodes

POKÉMON: ELEMENTS Volume 1: Grass · Rated ‘A’ for All Ages ·
MSRP: $9.98 each US / $14.99 each CAN · Available July 28

POKÉMON: ELEMENTS Volume 2: Fire · Rated ‘A’ for All Ages ·
MSRP: $9.98 each US / $14.99 each CAN · Available July 28

Following the POKÉMON All Star series set, the POKÉMON: ELEMENTS collection consists of the most important episodes commemorating the different types of Pokémon characters. Each disc showcases a Pokémon type with three all-time favorite episodes. Collect them all!

Volume 1 Includes 3 Grass-type episodes: 1. Grass Hysteria! 2. The Grass Root 3. Now That’s Flower Power!

Volume 2 Includes 3 Fire-type episodes: 1. The Flame Pokémon-athon! 2. Good ‘Quil Hunting 3. All Torkoal, No Play