Tag Archives: toys “r” us

Around the Tubes

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It’s new comic book day! What’s everyone getting? What are you excited for? Sound off in the comments below. While you wait for shops to open, here’s some comic news and reviews from around the web in our morning roundup.

SyFy – How Mainstream Comics Companies Fail Female Creators – A good rundown of the main challenges that still exist.

Kotaku – Toys ‘R’ Us Is Kinda Coming Back – Interesting. We are intrigued.

ComicBook – ‘X-Men: Days of Future Past’ Star Facing $70 Million Fine for Tax Evasion – The Chinese government is looking to make examples.

 

Reviews

The Beat – Belonging

Talking Comics – Doctor Who: The Thirteenth Doctor #0

Newsarama – The Lone Ranger #1

Alterna Comics Expands Newsstand Distribution, Adds Toys”R”Us; Books-A-Million

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After introducing their product line to a test market of newsstands back in July, Alterna Comics has expanded distribution to include nearly half of all Barnes & Noble stores, all Books-A-Million stores, and they have secured a deal for their all ages (Adam Wreck, Amazing Age, Lilith Dark) titles to be distributed into the top 200 Toys”R”Us stores over the holiday season.

The company has been shaking up their business and distribution model. Earlier this year they launched a new line of newsprint comics with a cover price of $1 to $2 which has resulted in multiple printings. They also recently launched television ads to air in the New England region.

In the announcement Peter Simeti (the publisher and founder of the eleven-year-old company) had this to say:

I’m thrilled for the creators at Alterna, obviously. They’ll be able to get their comics in more stores, in front of more people. That’s a great thing for comics in general. Comic shops are obviously still the best place to find comic books, but expanded distribution in today’s market is an absolute necessity. Comics should be everywhere and as a publisher, my entire job revolves around getting our comics in as many places as possible. I’m happy to report that we’ve been receiving dozens of messages from readers that are finding our titles on newsstands and then going to comic shops to add them to pull lists or pick up other titles that might have been sold out. This is exactly what we wanted to happen.

Alterna has also expanded newsstand distribution to western Canada and to Germany. Between comic shops and newsstands, Alterna is reporting that over 1000 stores are currently carrying their comics.

NYCC 2017: Toys“R”Us to Offer Exclusive Retro Starfire DC Vinimate

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The DC Vinimates line kicks off this week with Series 1 shipping to stores, including comic-style versions of Batman, Harley Quinn and Hal Jordan. In addition to the comic-style figures, Toys“R”Us stores will carry an exclusive line of Vinimates based on the hit animated series Teen Titans Go!, and will kick things off at New York Comic Con with an exclusive figure!

Teen Titans member Starfire will be the first DC Vinimate available at Toys“R”Us. Based on her retro appearance in the episode “Baby Hands” and inspired by her classic comic book appearance, the big-haired figure stands 4-inches tall and strikes a pose straight from the movie! Packaged in a full-color window box, the figure will be available for purchase at Toys“R”Us booth #110 at New York Comic Con and online from Thursday, October 5 through Sunday, October 8.

Future releases in the Teen Titans Go! line include Blackfire, released along with DC Comics Series 1 this fall, and Nibor, the reverse-Robin, who will release along with DC Comics Series 2 in early 2018.

Marvel Minimates Series 20 Makes a Splash at Toys“R”Us!

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Diamond Select Toys is celebrating the 20th series of Marvel Minimates at Toys“R”Us! Since 2008, Toys“R”Us stores have gotten their own unique assortments of Marvel Minimates, featuring heroes and villains from across the Marvel comic book universe, and even the world of Marvel films. The landmark 20th series dips into the realm of Marvel TV, and Toys“R”Us is offering collectors an amazing deal!

Beginning Friday, November 6 through Friday, November 20, Toys“R”Us will offer a Buy One, Get One deal on all two-packs of Marvel Minimates Series 20*. That means that for every two-pack of Marvel Minimates Series 20 you buy, you get one absolutely free! That’s four Minimates mini-figures for the price of two!

The assortment, based on the animated series Marvel’s Ultimate Spider-Man, includes three different two-packs: Spider-Man with Nick Fury, Nova with Carnage, and Stealth Suit Spider-Man with Sandman. Each 2-inch Minimates mini-figure features 14 points of articulation, as well as fully interchangeable parts and accessories. Spider-Man comes with a web line, Nick Fury comes with a pistol, Nova comes with a hairpiece and flight stand, Sandman comes with shape-shifting hands, and Stealth Spider-Man comes with an alternate chest block!

Once Series 20 is gone at Toys“R”Us, it’s gone, so grab your set soon, and get ready for Marvel Series 21, featuring Secret Wars! Coming this holiday season!

Toys”R”Us To Launch New Star Wars Saga Products With Midnight Opening Events Worldwide

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Star Wars Force Day

The next chapter of the legendary franchise Star Wars begins at Toys”R”Us stores across the globe on Force Friday, September 4 at 12:01am as fans get first access to new toys, exclusive Giveaways and more.

Toys”R”Us is going into hyperdrive and preparing an out-of-this-galaxy, global celebration for the upcoming debut of toys based on the next chapter of the Star Wars Saga. Counting down to the highly anticipated toy launch and this fall’s new theatrical release, Toys”R”Us stores worldwide and Toysrus.com have transformed into Destination: Star Wars, every fan’s retail source for The Force with hundreds of new products, including those only available at Toys”R”Us.

On Force Friday, Toys”R”Us stores around the globe will open their doors for special midnight opening festivities, providing customers of all ages the opportunity to be among the first to purchase must-have merchandise, receive exclusive giveaways and immerse themselves in all things Star Wars. The company’s international flagship store, Toys”R”Us Times Square in New York City, will host a historic Star Wars toy exhibition leading up to the grandest midnight opening celebration of all, welcoming legions of eager fans with costumed characters, signing events, giveaways and more all day on Thursday, September 3.

With operations in 38 countries, Toys”R”Us is leveraging its global footprint and position as the toy authority to provide an unprecedented Star Wars experience worldwide. Locations in Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Japan, Poland, Portugal, Spain and the U.K, will open at 12:01am to welcome eager shoppers. The first customers to line up for the big product debut will receive Star Wars giveaways, including an exclusive poster, as well as the chance to be among the first to purchase exclusive Star Wars merchandise in dedicated front-of-store feature shops.

Leading up to Force Friday, stores in each of these countries will count down the minutes to 12:01am on September 4 with digital clocks, as well as Star Wars-themed microsites on each of their respective websites.

Stores in the U.S. will open their doors, giving customers the opportunity to be among the first to purchase hundreds of new Star Wars playthings, including a wide variety of merchandise they can’t find anywhere else.* As an added bonus, little Jedi Knights and their families attending midnight opening events will have the chance to receive special giveaways, including a limited edition LEGO Star Wars Commemorative Brick and an exclusive Star Wars poster, while supplies last.** Also at midnight on Force Friday, shoppers will be able to browse and purchase the new products online.

At the company’s international flagship store in New York City, Toys”R”Us Times Square, where fans of all ages are encouraged to come dressed as their favorite Star Wars character and take part in dozens of one-of-a-kind activities designed especially for Star Wars aficionados.***

The store is kicking the party off early with a special exhibition featuring prototypes, originals and early editions of some of the best-known Star Wars toys in the world, curated by Rancho Obi-Wan, Inc., a non-profit museum that houses the Guinness World Record-certified largest collection of Star Wars memorabilia. Presented prominently throughout the store, “Destination: Star Wars – The Experience,” will be on display from Wednesday, August 26 through Monday, September 7 and will feature dozens of notable collectibles based on all six feature films from the Star Wars Saga, including the original first four mail-away action figures from 1978, a large-sized Chewbacca figure in never publicly-released The Empire Strikes Back packaging from Kenner Products and a rare 2003 LEGO Star Wars Cloud City building set.****

The adventure kicks into high gear on Thursday, September 3, when the store hosts Star Wars activities throughout the day, beginning at 9am****, including:

  • A book signing and meet and greet with Steve Sansweet, Chief Executive Officer and President of Rancho Obi-Wan, Inc., storied Star Wars author and former Head of Fan Relations and Director of Content Management at Lucasfilm Ltd.
  • An art class and meet and greet with fan-favorite Star Wars and science fiction artist, Jeff Carlisle.
  • Star Wars product demonstrations and activations throughout the store, including Star Wars-themed 3-D action figure creation with 3D Plus Me, video gaming on Disney Infinity 3.0 Star Wars kiosks and experiencing intergalactic sound on Star Wars-themed headphones powered by SMS Audio.
  • A LEGO Star Wars make and take for rebels looking to build their toy empire brick by brick.
  • A Light Saber Academy with members of New York Jedi, a community of cosplayers, martial artists and teachers who share practical stage combat techniques oriented toward Light Sabers.
  • Photo opportunities with costumed characters, including Furbacca, a character versioned after the Hasbro® toy that makes wookiee sounds like CHEWBACCA, Geoffrey the Giraffe and more.
  • Ice cream flavors inspired by the Star Wars Saga from Scoops”R”Us™, the flagship store’s in-house ice cream shop located on the Lower Level.
  • Star Wars-themed cookie decorating at a “Wookiee” Cookie Party on Level 1.
  • Special giveaways for the first fans in line, including a Collector’s Edition LEGO Star Wars Commemorative Brick, an exclusive, limited edition Star Wars poster and a Star Wars Character Flashlight giveaways from JAKKS Pacific.***
  • Star Wars trivia, a costume contest and a galaxy of excitement and prizes, while supplies last, for those fanatics waiting in line.
  • A panel discussion with Steve Sansweet and Jeff Carlisle for select lucky fans, which will also be livestreamed via Periscope @Toysrus on Twitter.
  • The ultimate unveiling of the official Toys”R”Us Times Square Star Wars feature shop at 12:01am on Force Friday, September 4.


*Toys”R”Us stores in the U.S. will open at 12:01am local time on Friday, September 4, except for stores in Paramus, NJ, which have varying store open times due to local ordinances. Toys”R”Us Express and Outlet locations generally follow the hours of their respective shopping centers. All store hours can be found online at www.Toysrus.com/StoreLocator.

**Event open to all ages. Parental supervision required at all times. All giveaways and event materials available while supplies last and distributed to event participants only. Limit one per person. Quantities limited; no rain checks. Giveaway quantities vary by store.

***Event open to all ages. Parental supervision required at all times. All giveaways and event materials available while supplies last and distributed to event participants only. Limit one per person. Quantities limited; no rain checks.

****Toy enthusiasts can view the entire listing of products featured in “Destination: Star Wars – The Experience” and a full schedule of Toys”R”Us Times Square events, including times, online at the company’s Times Square Store Special Events page.

SDCC 2015: Toys”R”Us’ Lineup Of Exclusive Convention Toys

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Comic Vector LogoToys”R”Us has revealed its lineup of exclusive figures and playthings that will be available at the highly anticipated San Diego Comic Convention. You can get these must have items at the Entertainment Earth booth (#2343) and online at Toysrus.com/ComicConvention from Thursday, July 9 through Sunday, July 12.

In conjunction with Comic Convention, Toys”R”Us has introduced a new shop titled, “Collector Vector,” dedicated to collectible action figures, playsets and more for the mature collector community, available now in its stores nationwide and Toysrus.com. This specially designated destination features nearly 100 highly sought-after collectibles.

The following Toys”R”Us exclusives will be available at the Comic Convention and online at Toysrus.com/ComicConvention beginning Thursday, July 9:

BATMAN™ Classic TV Series Batgirl from Mattel®

Brave and beautiful in 6-inch scale, and rendered in actress Yvonne Craig’s likeness, this classic TV series Batgirl features dynamic, iconic colors, a two-sided soft goods cape and 16 points of articulation for ultimate playtime action and posing. Collectors can display her on the included base and choose between one of two retro cityscape backdrops. Available only at the Comic Convention and online at Toysrus.com/ComicConvention.

Photographer Dennis Stylist Lin

Photographer Dennis
Stylist Lin

Photographer Dennis Stylist Lin

Photographer Dennis
Stylist Lin

BATMAN™ vs Harley Quinn from Schleich®

With this two-pack, supervillain Harley Quinn leads her own battle against the formidable and legendary BATMAN™. Complete with her signature black and red harlequin costume, this figure’s false smile hides a sneaky criminal, so BATMAN will need all of his high-flying skills to fight her. Available only at the Comic Convention and online at Toysrus.com/ComicConvention.

BATMAN vs Harley Quinn (in package) Batman vs Harley Quinn (OOP)

G.I. JOE DESERT DUEL from Hasbro®

It’s a fast-firing, high-rolling G.I. JOE-Cobra battle with this DESERT DUEL pack. Complete with a Cobra Basilisk tank and an Elite Horseman figure to drive it, fans can load missiles in the elevating, rotating launcher, making the set’s Cobra Air Trooper figure a rolling nightmare for the G.I. JOE commandos. But with the included Philip “Chuckles” Provost figure, kids and collectors can fold out the camouflage canopy on the F.O.E. Striker 4-wheeler and take aim at enemies with the poseable cannon. And, if the pack’s Night Fox figure has to pursue enemies on foot, the cannon comes off the vehicle. Available only at the Comic Convention and online at Toysrus.com/ComicConvention.

G.I. JOE DESERT DUEL (in package) G.I. JOE DESERT DUEL (OOP)

Mortal Kombat X Glow-in-the Dark Raiden from Mezco Toyz

As befits Raiden, the Elder God of Thunder, this 6-inch scale figure features 23 points of articulation, many with ball joints, allowing collectors to recreate all the moves and poses that have made Raiden part of Mortal Kombat gaming legend. Raiden comes complete in a displayable collector-friendly blister card, as well as with alternate lightning hands and a lightening ball. To ensure a game-accurate likeness, each figure is sculpted using the digital files from the game developers themselves. Available only at the Comic Convention and online at Toysrus.com/ComicConvention.

Mortal Combat X Glow-in-the Dark Raiden

MY LITTLE PONY MAUD ROCK PIE™ from Hasbro®

Fans can join in on Ponymania with PINKIE PIE’S sister, MAUD ROCK PIE™. This detailed and beautiful pony comes complete with an outfit featuring all kinds of flowers, perfect for kids and collectors looking to have the best MY LITTLE PONY adventures. This item will become available at Toys”R”Us stores later this year.

MLP MAUD ROCK PIE (in package) MLP MAUD ROCK PIE (OOP)

MY LITTLE PONY DARING DO DAZZLE™ from Hasbro®

Fun is on its way with this storybook pony pal who loves adventure. This DARING DO DAZZLE™ figure is an intrepid pony and she’ll bring the magic of friendship to all fans’ MY LITTLE PONY playtime. She’s got the outfit and hat for fun on safari, and fashionistas can style her hair with the included comb so she never looks less than fabulous. This item will become available at Toys”R”Us stores later this year.

MLP DARING DO DAZZLE (in package) MLP DARING DO DAZZLE (OOP)

MY LITTLE PONY PRINCESS CELESTIA™ from Hasbro®

PRINCESS CELESTIA™ is a kindhearted pony who spreads friendship wherever she goes. This talking figure’s incredible wings light up and move, and she wears the crown of a true princess. Fans can experience their own PRINCESS CELESTIA pony adventure for $20. This item will become available at Toys”R”Us stores later this year.

MLP PRINCESS CELESTIA (in package) MLP PRINCESS CELESTIA (OOP)

Star Wars™ The Black Series Jabba’s Rancor™ Pit from Hasbro®

Star Wars™ fans can re-create one of the biggest battles and missions in the Star Wars Saga with this set from The Black Series. Jabba’s Rancor™ Pit includes highly articulated 6-inch figures, all of which are featured in the epic Return of the Jedi scene where Jabba the Hut throws a Gamorrean Guard and Luke Skywalker into the Rancor Pit, while Princess Leia looks on in horror. This item will become available at Toys”R”Us stores later this year.

Star Wars The Black Series Jabba's Rancor Pit (in package) Star Wars The Black Series Jabba's Rancor Pit (OOP)

TRANSFORMERS Masterpiece Bluestreak from Hasbro®

What’s the most unstoppable thing on the battlefield? The mouth of Bluestreak. He never stops talking and he’s not a fan of silence. He likes the Decepticons even less. If words were fireblasts, Bluestreak would have wiped out the Decepticons long ago. This highly detailed figure easily converts from robot mode to sports car mode for added play, and comes with a blaster that jumps out whenever he sets his sights on Decepticons. This item will become available at Toys”R”Us stores later this year.

TRANFORMERS Masterpiece Bluestreak (in package) TRANSFORMERS Masterpiece Bluestreak (OOP)

POWER RANGERS™ Limited Black Edition Legacy Megazord from Bandai™

After 20 years of POWER RANGERS™ action and excitement, fans can return to the beginning with this original MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS Megazord. This limited edition Legacy Megazord with premium diecast parts will be available to conventioneers and online shoppers in black and gold. This item will become available at Toys”R”Us stores later this year.

POWER RANGERS Limited Black Edition Legacy Megazord (2) POWER RANGERS Limited Black Edition Legacy Megazord

Armor Wars #1/2 Exclusively at Toys “R” Us

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This May, the most anticipated comic event of the year will officially unleash as Marvel Comics launches its epic event, Secret Wars. An initiative that shakes the foundation of the entire Marvel Universe, Secret Wars presents a gripping original series that features new incarnations of Marvel’s iconic heroes and villains, intense battles and the emergence of new worlds. One of the hottest and most anticipated Secret Wars storylines – Armor Wars – centers on a civil war in a city of iron men and iron women that threatens to destroy the Stark dynasty. But the origins of this cataclysm all lay within the pages of Secret Wars: Armor Wars #½, which will be released as a free gift with purchase exclusively at Toys“R”Us® stores nationwide and online at Toysrus.com. As part of the company’s massive Marvel’s Avengers: The Age of Ultron retail program, Toys“R”Us customers will receive a complimentary Secret Wars: Armor Wars #½ comic with any Marvel purchase of $25 or more from Sunday, May 3 through Saturday, May 9, while supplies last.*

In this directly connected Secret Wars comic, Eisner Award-winning writer James Robinson and artist Mark Bagley treat readers to a heart-pounding look at the events that lead to Armor Wars.

In the retro-future city of Technopolis, the population is now in the clutches of a disease that makes it impossible for anyone to survive without a suit of armor. Rival brothers Tony and Arno Stark provide the technology that keeps the city alive.

But, there are secrets on the street about the origin of the disease that confine the citizens of Technopolis…and key players begin to make their moves based on data that could take down the protectors of the city Tony Stark (IRON MAN) and Jim Rhodes (THOR).

*Quantities limited; no rain checks. Limit one per customer. Not valid on prior purchases. Offer valid 5/3/15-5/9/15.

 

SECRET WARS: ARMOR WARS #1/2
Written by JAMES ROBINSON
Art by MARK BAGLEY
Cover by PAUL RIVOCHE & ESTHER SANZ

SecretWars_ArmorWarsCVR

Toys”R”Us Raises more than $2 million for the Special Olympics

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Toys-R-Us-LogoToys”R”Us has announced that it has raised more than $2 million for the Special Olympics. Over an eight-week awareness fundraising program held in stores, customers pledged their support to help children with intellectual and developmental disabilities experience #MyFirstSportsMoment by learning how to hit balls, run bases, take jump shots and more through Special Olympics. One hundred percent of customer donations will be directed to Special Olympics and applied towards the upcoming 2015 World Games, as well as the expansion of the Young Athletes Program around the world. The company also encouraged individuals to share their #MyFirstSportsMoment memories and experiences on social media.

In conjunction with this campaign, the Toys”R”Us Children’s Fund made a $1.25 million commitment to serve as a Games Sponsor of the 2015 Special Olympics World Games, which in just 100 days, will welcome 7,000 athletes and 3,000 coaches representing 177 countries, to Los Angeles, CA from July 25 to August 2. As part of the expanded partnership between Toys”R”Us and Special Olympics, the Toys”R”Us Children’s Fund also awarded a $500,000 grant to the organization to advance its aggressive five-year plan to grow the Young Athletes Program in the U.S. and across the globe, so 2½ to 7 year olds everywhere can build critical physical, cognitive, and sports skills through the power of play.

For many years, the Toys”R”Us Children’s Fund, a public charity affiliated with the company, has directed grants to Special Olympics to support the organization’s Young Athletes Program. Most recently, it provided $1 million to become the first Founding Partner of the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games held in New Jersey, and with an additional $250,000 grant, was also Presenting Sponsor of the Law Enforcement Torch Run Final Leg for those Games.

Congrats Toys”R”Us on doing some good in the world.

New Assortment of The Walking Dead Minimates Coming to Toys“R”Us!

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The fifth season of The Walking Dead recently returned to television screens, and soon a new selection of The Walking Dead Minimates will arrive at Toys“R”Us with a vengeance! Based on the best-selling comic book by series creator Robert Kirkman, the latest figures from Diamond Select Toys include some of the comic’s most popular characters, as well as the line’s first fan-chosen figure!

Coming to Toys“R”Us stores nationwide and Toysrus.com in March, the new assortment features characters from the “All Out War” story arc featured in issues #115-126 of The Walking Dead, based on artwork by series artist Charlie Adlard. In the arc, Rick’s group teams up with other communities against the powerful Saviors group.

The assortment features four two-packs, each pairing a human character with a zombie. The human line-up includes:

Alexandria Rick Grimes – Living in the walled city of Alexandria with his fellow survivors, Rick leads the community to war against the Saviors. Rick comes packaged with a Balding Zombie.

Negan – Negan is the leader of the saviors, and enforces their draconian laws. He is deceptively polite, but has the potential for terrible violence. Negan comes with a gate-guarding Thug Zombie and his barbed-wire baseball bat Lucille.

Ezekiel – Ezekiel is the leader of the Kingdom, and plays the role of king with gusto. When Rick votes to stand against the Saviors, Ezekiel agrees. Ezekiel comes with a Mauled Zombie. Available exclusively at Toys“R”Us beginning in March.

Andrea – One of the few remaining members of Rick’s original group, Andrea has become an excellent shot, and is Alexandria’s resident zombie sniper. Andrea comes with the Prom Zombie, who was the winner of a poll conducted by the official The Walking Dead magazine to be the next zombie Minimate. Available exclusively at Toys“R”Us beginning in March.

Each 2-inch Minimates mini-figure features 14 points of articulation, as well as interchangeable parts and character-specific accessories. A companion assortment at comic shops will feature figures of supporting characters Jesus, Dwight, Chris, Derek and Holly.

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