Earlier this year at the International Toy Fair in New York City, the LEGO Group unveiled the Yoda Chronicles, which will include a series of books from DK Publishing, video games, movies and, of course, a toy LEGO line. Here is a first look at a new LEGO Yoda and Storm Trooper minifigures from the highly anticipated addition to the series. LEGO Star Wars: The Yoda Chronicles by Daniel Lipkowitz a hardcover book for about $18.99 from DK Publishing and you can pick it up through my site via Amazon. That focuses on the wise Yoda providing facts, pictorials showcasing Yoda training Luke on Dagobah, befriending Wookiees and more all as LEGO. Check out more below.

Back in February I was invited to cover the New York Toy Fair and one of my highlights even though I wasn’t invited too, was the unveiling of Disney Monsters University toy line. The event had special guest John Goodman who is the voice of Sulley, Director Dan Scanlon and Producer Kori Rae. Held in the basement of the Javis Center Disney recreated the entrance of Monsters University, displaying all the upcoming MU toys in the line, which plans to offer hours and hours of imaginative play filled with innovative and interactive features.

You can read some of the highlights of the press release below and detailed pictures of the toys, along with a video of John Lasseter, chief creative officer of Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios as he discusses the details of the new line.

Monsters University Product Line Highlights:

Scare-Off Sulley (SRP $79.99, available fall 2013) is the most interactive toy in the Monsters University collection with five different modes of play and the ability to sense its environment, changing play modes automatically to match its current surroundings. Kids can interact directly with Scare Off Sulley by challenging him to a “scare off” – if they scream loud enough, he will fall backwards in fear.

100 percent kid powered, the Sulley Monster Mask (SRP $24.99, available spring 2013) allows kids to move Sulley’s eyebrows and lips as they put on the mask and open, close or move their jaws up and down.

The Roll-A-Scare Race Playset (SRP $19.99, available spring 2013) allows kids to utilize the Roll-A-Scare™ Monsters Assortment (SRP $6.99 each, available spring 2013) to roll, pop and scare with favorite characters from the movie. The monsters slide down the playset and as they reach the bottom they pop-up for scaring fun. Each figure is uniquely stylized and has a surprise pop-up activation that can also be activated with a Student ID card that springs the monsters open. There are 12 characters to collect in total to recreate favorite scenes from the movie.

Fisher Price will introduce a variety of toys and playsets from the Fisher-Price by Imaginext® line including the Monsters University Row Playset by Imaginext® (SRP $29.99, available spring 2013), which comes with electronics featuring character voices to relive the fun of chasing Archie the scare pig through the quad. The set comes with two figure disks that either spin the bottom floor so you can have the monsters chase Archie in circles or catapult Archie across the set, through a trap door and into his cage.

Mimoco makers of the Mimobot a line of designer USB flash drives and card readers showed off their lastest collaboration with Hasbro at this years New York Toy Fair. The My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic X MIMOBOT Series of flash drives, available in up to 128GB as well as USB3.0 speeds. The collection features Rarity, Twilight Sparkle, and Rainbow Dash, each of the My Little Pony Mimobot drive’s come with a preloaded extra digital goody called Mimory. A bonus of My Little Pony-themed content includes the MimoDesk personalization suite of super cute wallpapers, icons, and avatars, exclusive MimoByte sound software, as well as an entire digital issue of the My Little Pony comic-book, videos, and a preview of the gorgeous new watercolor Pony adventure book “My Little Pony: Under the Sparkling Sea” by award-winning illustrator Mary Jane Begin!

Read more details below and you can order the My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic X MIMOBOT Series now through Mimoco.

Rarity MIMOBOT is the super glam unicorn of the crew, sporting diamond-esque cutie marks, fluttery eyelashes, and a refined vocabulary. Rarity includes an indicator light that will give off a bright glow to expose buried treasures, like your most recent report or assignment. A precious jewel for any MIMOBOT collector’s
trophy case, Rarity is a special-edition product available exclusively at www.mimoco.com.

Twilight Sparkle MIMOBOT is hungry for knowledge and data. From her ‘sparkly’ cutie-mark to her starry eyes, this little pony has seemingly no end to what universal truths she can store – besides her capacity – which, fortunately, can go up to a large 128GB.

Rainbow Dash MIMOBOT is so fast she gives our super-speed USB 3.0 drives a run for their memory! Full of speed, spunk, and now your digital memories, the Rainbow Dash MIMOBOT radiates her prism-spectrum mane, lightning-cloud cutie mark, and undeniable charisma.

One of my highlights at the 2013 New York Toy Fair is always to see the lovely ladies of the Madame Alexander booth. I have to admit I have never been much of a doll person, I have had a few collectables here and there, though I find myself giving them to someone I know who would really appreciate the articulation collectable dolls have. Regardless I always make a point to come visit Madame Alexander to see what wonderfully delightful doll collaborations that are in store for the upcoming year. Obviously my eyes always dart to the Disney collectables and this year MA surprised me with the 2013 collection which included 10” Tinker Bell and her sister Periwinkle, an 8” Pinocchio (in Pleasure Island) and 10“ Disney princesses, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty and Snow White, and a 8” Christopher Robin and Classic Winnie The Pooh, all dolls are fully articulated.

Plus Madame Alexander was pleased to show off their 10” Cissette dolls fully articulated, based on characters from the new Disney movie, Oz the Great and Powerful, featuring main characters Oz (Oscar Diggs), Glinda, Theodora and Evanora, all perfectly crafted in costumes reflecting their roles. It also happens to be the 75th Anniversary of the classic Wizard Oz movie.

more photos descriptions and details of the dolls are below.  

The Great & Powerful Oz

In Disney’s™ new movie, we come to know the Great Oz as Oscar Diggs. Presented here, for the first time, he a 10”, fully articulated, male Cissette has brown eyes and painted on brown hair and goatee. He, a small time circus magician, dresses for the part in black and grey pinstripe pants and a dark grey, tweed, double-breasted vest. His outfit is further defined by the addition of a white, stand-up collar, a black necktie and black nail- head buttons down the front of the vest. Over the pants and vest he wears a full length, long sleeved, majestic, magician’s robe made from a wine colored crepe that features gold, rust and orange embroidery around the neck, down the front and at the edge of the sleeves. And on his head Oscar Diggs wears a magnificent multi-colored, striped Madras turban that has a green rhinestone directly in the center. White socks and black vinyl, lace-up, ankle boots completes the costume for the man who will eventually hide behind a curtain.

10”, fully articulated, Glinda, who was always known by that same name, has brown eyes and long, blonde wavy hair. The dainty gown, for this very good witch, combines a metallic, silver corset with matching sequined sleeves. The floor length, white chiffon skirt, of the dress, has a grey print embellishment at the hem and a silver organza underskirt. The feathers that adorn her top are a mix of white flock, gold and silver lame. White tights and thigh-high, lace-up, white vinyl boots, with white satin ribbon lacing, are worn with the gown, as are her silver passenmenterie tiara, which has white cabochon rhinestone that extends down to Glinda’s forehead. Her metallic gold wand is ornamented with a teardrop shaped rhinestone at the top. The tiara and wand are the finishing touches to Glinda’s ensemble.

10”, fully articulated, Theodora, she who would eventually be the Wicked Witch of the West, has brown eyes and side-parted brunette hair that’s swept to one side and fashioned into a braided bun. Theodora is flamboyantly dressed in an all-in-one combo of black, shiny stretch pants and a white linen blouse with lace trim and an overlapping V-neck front. Over the pants and blouse she wears a burgundy velvet riding jacket, detailed by a shawl collar, and a peplum at the waist, lined with pink and white striped taffeta. The look of the jacket is further enhanced by black teardrop beads down the front and on the side pocket flaps. A smashing, very wide-brimmed, burgundy velvet hat, that has a gathered crown, a white feather on one side, black satin ribbon ties and a black, beaded, bolo fastening, graces her head. The finishing touch for Theodora is her trendy, black vinyl, textured, knee-high boots.

10”, fully articulated, Evanora, with brown eyes and side-parted, brunette hair pulled back and styled into a loose bun, looks more beautiful than you’d ever expect the future Wicked Witch of the East to look. She’s dressed in a full-length gown of sheer, metallic green boucle with an overlapping skirt that’s lined in black glissenette. The square neckline of the bodice, to the gown, is made brilliant by the addition of rhinestones. The sleeves of long, black lace are lined in beige glissenette and the shoulders are trimmed with black marabou. Black tights and knee-high, black flock lace-up boots add detail to the striking costume. A large green pendant on a gold chain and a dark gold, passenmenterie hair comb, with two black, attached, coque feathers, add even more style and flair to, Evanora’s finished look.

Disney

10”, fully articulated, Cinderella, with blue eyes and upswept blonde hair, wears a royal blue satin gown. The full-skirted gown, detailed with gold embroidery on the bodice and hem, has a light blue, taffeta underskirt. Two layers of aqua glitter tulle adds sparkle and shimmer to the skirt of the gown and a sky blue peplum enhances her waist. Sky blue chiffon sleeves grace her arms and a royal blue headband adorns her head. A black ribbon choker, a white tulle petticoat, nude pantyhose and light blue satin pumps completes Cinderella’s royal blue look.

10”, fully articulated, Snow White, a brown-eyed beauty, with a black page-boy that’s worn with bangs and adorned with a red satin headband, wears a colorful gown. The gown combines a blue satin bodice, layered with blue glitter tulle, and a yellow satin, full skirt that sparkles with a layer of yellow glitter tulle. Blue satin, puff sleeves with yellow binding and red velvet appliques add dimension and color to the bodice. A white taffeta petticoat and pantaloons, white knit stockings and copper satin pumps, with clear heels, completes Snow White.

10”, fully articulated, Sleeping Beauty who has blue eyes and long blonde hair, wears a fuchsia taffeta gown. The sweetheart bodice of the gown is covered with a layer of gold mesh, the waist is light pink satin and the skirt sparkles with an overlay of pink glitter mesh. A glamorous, white organdy portrait collar is attached to the bodice, which laces up the back. With the gown, she wears nude pantyhose and white satin pumps with clear heels. Pink gloves, a gold necklace, with a molded clasp, and a matching gold crown, complete the lovely and dreamy Sleeping Beauty.

10”, fully articulated, Periwinkle has blue eyes and a dazzling hairdo of icy white spikes and bangs. Her icy blue ensemble pairs a felt bodice, topstitched with white thread, with matching, slim pants that are also topstitched, on the sides. White feathers cascade down the back of the bodice where the back lacing and wings meet, Those wings of white shimmer organza and swirls of silver glitter add a an ice-citing accent to Perwinkle’s appeal. Icy blue slippers with light blue pom poms are the final touch for this icy blue fairy.

Our 10” fully articulated Tinker Bell, with blue eyes and blonde hair upswept into a topknot/ponytail combo, looks Hollywood glamorous in a forest green outfit. Her outfit features a green felt corset, worn beneath a matching, long-sleeved, jacket, with a jagged edge, that’s trimmed with white fur. Olive green pants, with forest green topstitching and a matching belt, compliments the jacket. White glitter, organza wings, attached to the belt, is made brilliant with swirls of metallic gold glitter. Forest green shoes, with upturned toes, trimmed with white fur, black ribbon and white pom poms go beautifully with the jacket. White pom pom earmuffs and a pink ribbon in her hair completes Tinker Bell’s movie queen look.

8”, fully articulated, has blue eyes and a blonde bob. He’s dressed in a red, mini gingham smock and matching shorts. A white collar and tucks add details to his smock. White socks and tan, laced, shoes completes Christopher Robin’s outfit. But Christopher Robin is never complete without Pooh, is he? Not to worry… Christopher Robin and Classic Winnie The Pooh comes with a plush Pooh.

8”, fully articulated, Pinocchio, a Maggie with a new face stencil, blue eyes and a brunette boy cut, looks like a real boy. He’s dressed in a yellow cotton shirt, with a blue bow, and red flock shorts and suspenders that are accented with yellow buttons. The vest, worn over his shirt, is black felt trimmed with gold braid. Brown Mary Jane’s, white gloves with black details and a yellow felt hat with a blue band and donkey ears, nearly completes Pinocchio. The final touch is the tail on his backside.

Hey everyone I am here LIVE covering the 110th New York Toy Fair with my photographer. We had a rough start this morning since we had to be up super early, but it all paid off once we got to the LEGO Press Event. The kind people at LEGO walked us around the LEGO booth and showed us a bunch of the new products from CHIMA, TLTR The Hobbit, Disney’s The Lone Ranger, Star Wars and Marvel Super Heroes that will be emerging in the months to come! After all the hussle and bussle to make it there on time I stuffed myself with a muffin…or two and got to taking pictures (more on that later) but frist I really wanted to share with you the exclusive gift LEGO gave me it’s amazing! A clear 4×4 cube with a NY City W 46th & Broadway backdrop with logo “Secrets To Reveal There Are”  featuring a Yoda as tourist in his I ♥ NY Tee-shirt. All of this to promote the launch of “Yoda Chronicles” a very special LEGO Star Wars Event, so stay posted for more information.

Check out more pictures below.

Oh and I forgot part of the Activison Sklyanders event I was given a cool gift bag which included a exclusive 2013 New York Toy Fair Skylanders Giants Chop Chop character with new WOW POW! Thanks Activison!

News dropped that the Disney/Pixar will be unveiling new Monsters University toys and merchandise at a exclusive press event in conjunction with the New York Toy Fair February 11, 2013. Along with the unveiling film director Dan Scanlon, producer Kori Rae, and stars Billy Crystal (Mike Wazowski) and John Goodman (Sulley) will all be in attendance to speak about the new products as well as answer questions about the film.

Also making its debute will be a bunch of new merchandise for the Toy Story, Cars and Brave lines.

Stay posted for more New York Toy Fair News!

The New York Toy Fair is literally just around the corner and Mega Bloks is giving us a sneak peek at the new Mega Bloks Power Rangers Megaforce line which will be hitting stores this Spring.

Mega Bloks Power Rangers Megaforce is getting a revamp from the ground-up with a focus on action and battle poses with ball joints and added articulation.

Making the new figures easy to manipulate even while it’s attached to block pegs.

Check the preview below.

San-X licenser Dream from Asia was showing off its new line of Rilakkuma concepts, the line showcased bear buddies Rilakkiuma, Korilakkuma and Korilakkuma along with Kiiritori the yellow bird which is Kaoru’s pet. Crazy names to remember but these little bear are super kawaii popular in Asia. The line features tons of plushies, strapy cell phone/ key-chains and plushie wallets in all characters.

Let’s take it down a notch from cute to a little grimy. Neca booth was jam-packed  at this years New York Toy Fair so it was hard to move around but I was able to get some really good pictures of a new line of Gremlins toys they will be dropping this Summer. Wow the detail on these were pretty scary.  Neca really nailed it when it came to capturing the look of these cute little guys that can turn evil with just a drop of water. The set features gremlins from all 3 movies (I believe) since the theme was entitled Gremlins Magical Series 3. Well let me start the ones pictures above  and below Gremlins: Mogwai: Series 1 and 2 both have poseable ears and eyes. Gremlins: Gremlins Series 1 and 2 Action Figure Assortment not sure if they move or not I was scared to touch the display. The Series 1 both Mogwai and Gremlins will be out Spring 2012 the following Series 2 will drop Summer 2012. OK last but not least the Gremlins Prop Replica Stunt Puppet is a cast mold directly from the original films stunt puppet. Hand-painted made of rubber and latex stands 30 inches tall and is very limited to only 1000 worldwide. Honestly it is freaky but amazing in quality, you would have had to be there in person to see how articulate the sculpture is. I really want one for myself but I don’t think I would be able to sleep at night. There were a few other pieces in the collection I’m not to sure about like the electric Gremlins and the Lady Gremlin I will try to figure out if those are available too.