Variety just sent out the breaking news that actor Ryan Reynolds last seen in Wolverine: Origins as Deadpool will play the title roll in the upcoming Green Lantern feature film.   Reynolds beat out “The Hangover” star Bradley Cooper, singer Justin Timberlake and Jared Leto.

You can read the full story here.

Hey MOTU Fans!

Oh man, this is BIG… the design team at Mattel just announced the first book in their “Designed @ Mattel” series and it’s a MOTU art book!

The book shows off the fantastic art of the MOTU brand from 1981 through current day. It’s packed with never-before-seen Mattel concept art, behind-the-scenes notes, posters, oil paintings, and a whole lot more from across the brand. All that MOTU art from over the years is mighty sweet, but the book also premiers concept art from new projects, like a proposed live action film!

It’s a soft-cover edition, limited to only 1,000 numbered copies. Each one comes with a numbered cover ribbon and an embossed seal. The first place they’ll be available is San Diego Comic-Con. Purchases will be limited to two per guest, per wait in line. And get this… you can even have your copy signed by the Mattel artists at the show!

If any units remain after the show they may be sold on Mattycollector.com, but honestly, we expect to sell out at SDCC. Be sure to come by the MattyCollector.com booth early for your chance to own a piece of MOTU history!

—Matty

Today the official website for Comic Con International posted a list of the 2009 exclusives for the show.  This is NOT a complete list yet, so far it’s only four pages long,  but starts as a good guide to how much money you will need to bring with you to the con and what lines you will want to stand in first.

There are still several key companies like NECA, Mezco, Kotobukiya, BifBangPow, Underground Toys and others missing from the list.  I’m sure new items will be updated over the next 2 weeks as we count down to the biggest pop culture convention of the year!

You can see the Official SDCC exclusives list here.

To see some of the other Con exclusives not on the list yet, you can click here.

Benefit supports Hasbro Children’s Hospital and Bradley Hospital

PAWTUCKET, R.I. (July 9, 2009) – On August 3, fans of the G.I. JOE brand will have an early opportunity to see their favorite action heroes come to life at a special charity premiere of G.I. JOE: The Rise of Cobra, hosted by Hasbro, Inc. (NYSE: HAS). Hasbro is underwriting the entire evening’s festivities, with 100 percent of ticket sales benefiting Hasbro Children’s Hospital and Bradley Hospital.  Tickets are on sale now.

“This charity premiere gives Rhode Islanders and G.I. JOE fans the unique opportunity to not only watch their heroes on the big screen, but also to play a part in being a hero themselves by supporting two hospitals that provide vital care to children in our community,” said Brian Goldner, president and chief executive officer of Hasbro, Inc. and producer of G.I. JOE: The Rise of Cobra.  “I am thrilled that we have been able to provide Rhode Islanders with the opportunity to see the film before the rest of the world. After all, this is the birthplace of the G.I. JOE saga!”

Hasbro has a long history of supporting programs that help children triumph over critical life obstacles through its community relations programs – including national and international philanthropic partnerships, cause marketing initiatives, and Team Hasbro, the company’s employee volunteer program. All funds raised at the premiere will support programs and services at the two dedicated pediatric hospitals in Rhode Island – Hasbro Children’s Hospital, ranked among the top 30 children’s hospitals in the country by Parents magazine, and Bradley Hospital, the nation’s first psychiatric hospital devoted exclusively to children and adolescents.

According to Goldner, leveraging one of Hasbro’s most iconic and recognizable brands to lead this fundraising effort makes sense for the children who count G.I. JOE action figures among their favorite toys, as well as fans who are eager to see the G.I. JOE story take to the big screen.

“G.I. JOE: The Rise of Cobra brings to life the tales of heroism and bravery that have been synonymous with the G.I. JOE brand since its launch 45 years ago,” said Goldner. “Hasbro is thrilled to work with Paramount Pictures and director Stephen Sommers to create a film that brings together G.I. JOE fans of all ages to experience this legendary saga.”

G.I. JOE: The Rise of Cobra will appear in theaters nationwide on August 7, 2009.

In addition to the premiere party and advance screening of G.I. JOE: The Rise of Cobra, those purchasing tickets will receive a unique gift pack of G.I. JOE products and other Hasbro collectibles. Fans will also have a chance to meet some of the actors from the movie.

The evening will feature a preshow party at the Showcase Cinemas in Warwick, R.I., beginning at 6:15 p.m. with the movie screening at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available now for $75 and can be purchased by calling (401) 727-5637. (more…)

Mattel posted this news and video today over on their MattyCollector.com site:

San Diego Comic-Con is just about here, and man, do I have an early show-stopper toy for you! You already know our DC Universe Classics Wonder Twins figure set includes Zan, Jayna, an eagle, and a water bucket with the face of Zan. Sweet, but that’s not what I’m talking about… it’s the AMAZING package that features lights and sounds you gotta see to believe!

DCUC Wonder Twins packaging w/lights and sound

Remember, the set that includes Gleek will only be available at SDCC while supplies last. If you don’t make it to SDCC, you can still get the Wonder Twins — but without Gleek — here at MattyCollector.com on Monday, August 3rd at 12:00 Noon!

For more information on Mattel’s Comic Con Exclusives and panels click here.

Mez-itz 6″ rotocast vinyl collectibles that are cool by design.

seriesOne of Mezco’s designer vinyl line presents Hellboy & Abe Sapian. These figures, based on the character designs from the film Hellboy 2:The Golden Army unleash the potential of the Mez-itz designer figures. Applying the essence of these dynamic heroes onto the canvas like Mezitz vinyl Mezco produces something exciting and original.

These two figures are exclusive to Toys R Us and ToysRus.com.
They can be purchased at

http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3684540

http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3684541

or at your local Toys R Us retail location.

Abe Sapien, the psychic humanoid amphibious paranormal investigator of Hellboy fame, gets the deluxe treatment with this super-sized figure. Standing a towering eighteen inches tall, this Abe Sapien is faithful to the design of Abe as seen in Hellboy 2:The Golden Army. Abe features fifteen points of articulation, removable goggles, and removable breathing apparatus.

Abe will be available at San Diego Comic Con in July 2009 or through Mezco Direct at
http://www.mezcotoyz.com/store/detail.aspx?ID=728

Abe Sapien photos by Jason Jerde.

It’s the 15th of the month and that can mean only one thing, new product on sale on MattyCollector.com.  This month you have your choice of the new Justice League Unlimited Legion Of Super Heroes 4-pack..  On sale RIGHT NOW for $30 + shipping.

Or Zodac the Cosmic Enforcer from the red hot Masters of The Universe Classic line. On Sale right now for $20 + shipping.

The servers seem to be a bit slow this morning and you might have to wait in a “virtual line” to place your order, but just hang on.  All reports so far are that they are all still available… but they won’t last forever so get over there!

Get ready for the best toy news of the year!  In celebration of Marvel Comics’ 70th Anniversary, Toys R Us and Diamond Select Toys are teaming up to conduct a poll where, for the first time ever, YOU the fans will decide which new Marvel Minimates will be featured in an exclusive box set!  And because this first-ever Minimates Poll needed that little something extra, all ten potential Minimates have been taken from one of the most popular Marvel events of all time – Secret Wars!

That’s right True Believers!  Beginning today and continuing until May 31st, fans will be able to visit ArtAsylum.com to cast their ballots in deciding which of their favorite characters will be included in the exclusive Secret Wars Minimates box set.  Spanning the twelve-issue Secret Wars, the characters listed below represent some of the most well-developed, visually-distinct and fan-favorite characters of all time – as well as some of the strangest!

PAWTUCKET, RI – April 15, 2009 – Hasbro announced today that G.I. Joe: Resolute, an adult fan oriented animated mini-series, will be broadcast via Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim on television as well as online.  Based on the classic G.I. JOE brand, Hasbro created 60 minutes of total content for this new story which will be presented as 11 episodes.

Beginning on April 17, fans will be able to see the first five minutes of the brand new, stand-alone animated mini-series on AdultSwim.com.  These episodes are broken down to ten 5-minute episodes and one 10-minute finale.  Following the first episode on April 17, subsequent installments will be posted on the Adult Swim website leading up to a full presentation of the entire series.   This finale will be broadcast on Adult Swim April 25 at midnight.  This televised event will not only feature all episodes seen online, but will be the first time fans can watch the final 10 minutes of the G.I. Joe: Resolute saga.  All episodes, including the finale, will be available to view online after this airing.

Intended for the adult fan that grew up with the brand in the 80’s, G.I. Joe: Resolute received standing ovations at both the G.I. JOE Convention, “JoeCon,” and San Diego Comic-Con in 2008 where sample clips were previewed.  Since then, fans have eagerly been awaiting the announcement of air-dates for the series.

“In a very exciting year for the G.I. JOE brand, we’re thrilled to be able to bring the G.I. Joe: Resolute animated series to the adult G.I. JOE fan,” said Michael Verrecchia, Director of G.I. JOE Entertainment Marketing.  “Adult Swim is the perfect broadcast platform to deliver the series, which features a more sophisticated animation style and story than prior animation.”

Hasbro developed the animation with executive producer Sam Register as well as a powerhouse creative team at Titmouse Studios including Joaquim Dos Santos, a veteran animation director, who worked closely with award-winning comic writer Warren Ellis, who penned the entire series. This highly regarded team brings an edgy, intense feel to the series, which will feature the most popular characters in the G.I. JOE vs. COBRA canon.  Iconic characters such Duke, Snake Eyes, Scarlett and Roadblock will do battle with Cobra Commander, Destro, Baroness and Storm Shadow.

Fans can learn more about G.I. Joe: Resolute by visiting www.gijoeresolute.com

‘Tis the season for Comic Con exclusives to be revealed and this week Diamond Select Toys and ActionFigureXpress.com announced 2 new Minimates boxed sets that will be sold at San Diego Comic Con 2009 :

Champions Minimates Box Set

This highly anticipated boxed set will be sold at San Diego Comic-Con July 22-26 and will be limited to just 2,000 sets! Includes four of the original Champions team members – Angel (in his classic red outfit), Ghost Rider (Johnny Blaze), Black Widow, and Hercules!

Exclusively available from Action Figure Xpress, stay tuned for preorder details for both attendees and non-attendees!

Terminator 2 Minimates Cyberdyne Assault Box Set

Featuring:

Muscle Shirt Terminator, SWAT Sarah Connor, Miles D, and Scorched Endoskeleton

This exclusive Minimates box set will be available at the 2009 San Diego Comic Con from Action Figure Xpress.

Favorite Ghosts and Ghostbusters Included to Celebrate Classic Film’s 25^th Anniversary

CULVER CITY, Calif., Feb 04, 2009 (BUSINESS WIRE) — Sony Pictures Consumer Products and Mattel, Inc. announced today the development of a new collectible line of toys based on the world’s favorite poltergeist fighting team, the Ghostbusters, including an extensive cast of ghosts and ghostbusters – celebrating the 25^th anniversary of the frightfully funny classic film “Ghostbusters.”

Mattel’s “Ghostbusters” collectible line debuts with 12-inch figures in June 2009, and will be available exclusively at MattyCollector.com. Each figure will feature window box packaging and include authentic Ghostbuster equipment unique to each character. For the first time, Mattel’s line will include talent likeness of Egon Spengler, Ray Stantz, Peter Venkman and Winston Zeddemore. Select prototype figures will be on display February 6-8 at New York Comic Con and February 15 at Mattel’s New York Toy Fair Collector Preview Night (by invitation only).

“We have assembled a quality group of licensing partners to support and celebrate the anniversary for one of Columbia Pictures’ most cherished properties. Mattel’s line-up of collector toys is the perfect complement to what will be a great selection of 25^th anniversary product,” said Juli Boylan, Senior Vice President, Sony Pictures Consumer Products Worldwide.

“Ghostbusters” collectors can also look forward to 6-inch figures, with one debuting at San Diego Comic Con in July 2009. Sculpted by Four Horsemen Studios, the team currently working on Mattel’s popular DC Universe(TM) Classics and Masters of the Universe(R) Classics collectible lines, the 6-inch line will come complete with authentic “Ghostbusters” equipment and ghost.

“There haven’t been many comedic blockbusters over the past quarter century as memorable and loved as ‘Ghostbusters,’” said Tim Kilpin, GM for Boys, Girls & Games, Mattel, Inc. “We are honored to participate in the celebration of the film’s 25^th anniversary by creating the most extensive line of ‘Ghostbusters’ collectibles ever.”

Mattel will also create characters and ghosts from the classic animated series, “The Real Ghostbusters,” to go along with the classic “Ghostbusters” film. (more…)

BBC AMERICA today announced three highly anticipated sci-fi dramas: BBC AMERICA co-production Being Human and the acquisitions of Survivors and a new season of Primeval. All three shows will premiere later in 2009.

· Being Human (6 x 60), a Touchpaper Television and BBC AMERICA co-production for the BBC, distributed by RDF Rights, part of the RDF Media Group.

· Survivors (1 x 90, 5 x 60), a BBC production distributed by BBC Worldwide.

· Primeval (10 x 60), an Impossible Pictures production for ITV, distributed by BBC Worldwide.

BEING HUMAN – U.S. PREMIERE

Mixing the mythic with the commonplace, the farcical with the horrific and the domestic with the epic, this BBC AMERICA co-production is a witty and extraordinary look into the lives of three twenty-somethings and their secret double-lives – as a werewolf, a vampire and a ghost. The trio do their best to live their lives as normally as possible, despite their strange and dark secrets.  But with unwelcome intruders into their world, a threatened revolution from the vampire underworld and constant threats of exposure – on top of the day-to-day issues faced by young people – the only thing they may be able to rely on in their heightened world, is each other.

SURVIVORS – U.S. PREMIERE

The chilling new apocalyptic drama, Survivors, focuses on the world in the aftermath of a virus that has wiped out 99% of the human race. The lonely few who remain struggle to start over in a devastated world where everything that was once safe and familiar is now strange and dangerous. At the center of the story is a bewildered but resilient group of survivors led by Abby Grant (Julie Graham), a woman whose strength comes from a burning need to find out if her young son is still alive. This brave new world brings an opportunity for new beginnings, but also terrible dangers – not just the daily struggle for food and water, but a deadly threat from other survivors.

PRIMEVAL – U.S. PREMIERE

Sci-fi thriller Primeval roars back onto BBC AMERICA. When evolutionary zoologist Nick Cutter (Douglas Henshall) discovers prehistoric creatures alive and well in the present day, the natural world is turned on its head and humanity faces a threat to its very existence. Unexplained anomalies are ripping holes in the fabric of time, allowing creatures to roam the modern world.  In the new season Cutter struggles with the death of his assistant and his wife’s betrayal, while the cloak of secrecy behind which they’ve been working is beginning to slip.

(more…)

Our friends over at Bif Bang Pow! updated their blog with a message for readers and achievers of all shapes and size:

Jason Lenzi here again, with some very exciting news that you (and I) have been waiting a long time to read: Wave 3 of our Big Lebowski Urban Achievers action figures are up for pre-order right now! With new and improved images!

That’s right, after nearly a year and a half of calls, paperwork, designs, hold ups, let downs, drinks, and heartburn, unveiled for the first time, are Donny, the Stranger and Jesus Quintana, in full regalia, over at the Entertainment Earth site, right now! They’re crafted with the same loving care that went into our previous waves, and we think they’ll look beeeutiful standing proudly next to Jeffrey and Walter (which you already have, right? Right??). From Donny’s burger, to the Strangers bottle o’ Sasparilla, to Jesus’ handy ball cleaner, all of the details and accessories you know and love from the film are in place and ready to move into your office or home.

Stay tuned for some more cool Lebowski products from BigBangPow! that we’ll be featuring on the site in the next few weeks.

MARK IT ZERO!!!!!!!

All Hands, This is the Captain…

Diamond Select Toys is excited to announce by far the largest collectible this side of the Neutral Zone, the classic Star Trek Captain’s Chair replica!  That’s right, Captain Kirk’s instantly recognized command chair from the bridge of the U.S.S. Enterprise can finally be yours!

This iconic sci-fi release measures an astonishing 3 1/2 feet wide by 3 1/4 feet deep and stands just under 3 1/2 feet tall.  The chair itself is constructed of high-quality fiberglass and features plastic, metal and wooden accents to recreate the legendary original prop.  Highlights include a newly-engineered base to allow full 360° rotation, a leather seat cover, working indicators and switches as well as your favorite sound effects from the classic Star Trek series!

Detailed schematics of the Captain’s Chair supplied by Paramount were used to iron out the various chair designs and create the ultimate Star Trek lifestyle accessory.  The right-hand console includes settings for Yellow and Red Alert, Pod Jettison, Micro Tape and the ship’s Intercom while the left-hand panel features Hailing Frequencies, Viewscreen Activation and Shuttle Operation controls – each with sound effects or light-up details.

This impressive piece can be ordered through any comic book store and will ship in two pieces.  Due to varying shipping costs and the size of this item, we strongly encourage interested customers to request a shipping estimate from their retailer of choice prior to purchasing this item.

CBS Consumer Products and Playmates Toys will be reviving over 40 years of history with a new line of realistic Star Trek action figures, authentic playsets, and cutting-edge accessories, all approved by the creators of this summer’s blockbuster film!  Recommended for ages four and older and available at all major retailers beginning April 19th.

The first phase of the new Star Trek toys will include:

• three scales of life-like, fully-articulated action figures (3.75″, 6″, 12″) come with removable utility belts, phasers, communicators and other accessories.  ($6.99, $8.99, $29.99)

• the USS Enterprise.  The updated vessel from the new film includes lights and emits sound effects and actual film dialogue between the Kirk and Spock characters. It rests on a Starfleet shield base that attaches via a ball-and-socket tip that lets the ship pivot 360 degrees.  ($30)

• basic role-play toys boasting exciting electronic features including  the Communicator, Phaser and Tricorder ($15 each)

• amazing and intricate playsets with working lights and sounds that are compatible with the 3.75″ action figures including the Enterprise Bridge($25) and the Transporter Room playset ($30)

The legendary slasher of Camp Crystal Lake strikes again in the all new Friday the 13th film. The newest Friday The 13th film is a terrifying revision of the iconic horror franchise. The Jason Voorhees figure is crafted with incredible detail and comes with an array of weapons used in the film. Each figure stands over 7 inches tall and is fully articulated.

Expect Jason to slash his way onto stores shelves around February 13th.

Acclaimed Cartoonist to Bring the Webcarzz World to Life

Las Vegas, Kids@Play Summit at CES, January 8, 2009 – Webcarzz, Inc., the company developing the upcoming virtual world targeted towards boys and their affinity for cars and racing, today announced it has entered into a partnership with world-renowned cartoonist Kyle Baker.  Baker will develop a comic book series based on the signature Webcarzz world, an isometric playground populated by original cars that kids are creating. The announcement was made in a press conference today as part of the Kids@Play Summit at CES.

“The world of cars and racing – from a kids perspective – is something that I am very interested in exploring,” remarked Baker. “As both a father and an artist, I can appreciate the imaginative design of the Webcarzz world with its bold shapes and colors. It is the perfect setting for a new comic book.”

“Comic books and graphic novels are increasingly used to fuel new brands and intellectual properties in the video game space – and our relationship with Kyle is sure to spark the interest of consumers all around the world,” said Nique Fajors, Executive Vice President, Webcarzz Inc. “Kyle’s talent, combined with his exceptional sense of humor, will no doubt deliver an outstanding comic book that captures the vision and quality of the Webcarzz world and further entertains our consumers.”

An accomplished cartoonist, comic book writer, animator and artist, Baker has authored thirteen graphic novels, including You are Here, Why I Hate Saturn and King David.  He was a writer and artist on Disney’s PHINEAS AND FERB, and penned two Plastic Man books for Vertigo/DC Comics and Nat Turner, Cartoonist Volume 1 & 2 and The Bakers collection.

Baker is world recognized and the recipient of eight Eisner Awards, including four wins in the “Best writer/Artist: Humor” category. Baker has also won five Harvey Awards, several Glyph Comics Awards and three awards for his comic series Nat Turner (Best Cover, Best Artist, and Story of the Year); in 2007, he won Best Artist for The Bakers.

In addition to his comic work, Kyle Baker cartoons have been published in The New Yorker, The New York Times, Vibe, Esquire, BusinessWeek, Rolling Stone, The Village Voice and many other magazines, newspapers and books. His work in animation has appeared on MTV and he contributed to the Shrek and Looney Tunes movies.

Webcarzz is an integrated game experience that combines the depth of a massively multiplayer online game (MMO) and the competition of circuit track racing in a casual environment where all roads lead to fun. Webcarzz’ environment is comprised of shapes and structures that are constructed in real-time 3D as the players explore and interact through the game’s cities. The game is currently in closed beta.  For more information on the closed beta test, email info@webcarzz.com. (more…)