The first toy we look at in 2004 is from 1988, and it's this nifty little Godzilla Egg. The egg can be wound up, and when released the hatchling pops out and walks. It's disturbingly cute. Be sure to check it out in today's review!

A number of items, but not all clearance items, are now being marked at 50% off as of last night. Items include Star Wars toys, all TransFormers Armada, LEGO sets, G.I. Joe items, a few Lord of the Rings figures, and more. Check your local store or stores to see what's left.

A number of items stocked by TJ Maxx over the holiday season are now marked down roughly 40%, including a number of Playmobil sets. As the selection varies widely from store to store, you should take it upon yourself to see what's out there if you're in the market for pirates and bikers and other such things.

Happy New Year and stuff. Since it's a holiday, we thought we'd share this link to amusing furnishings that our pal May sent in to us.

LOTR enthusiasts, we have good news and bad news. The good news is not only are the new assortments of the figures from the epic film series on shelves, but they're all on new packaging (like the Aragorn mentioned previously) and the deco on the toys has been changed slightly. So collectors, you're in luck-- your scarce toys are still distinctive. The toys are also $4.99 each instead of $7 and up.

Hasbro posted an update with a new toy, the new Energon Autobot Cliffjumper. Sure, he looks nothing like his namesake from 20 years back, but he looks pretty slick.

Turns out that LEGO sets on clearance at Target vary by location. For example, one store has upwards of 40 of the mini sets featuring the Pod Racers from Episode I for under two bucks a head, while another store had a mix of all of them. And some stores have the AT-AT on clearance, while others don't. As you may have guessed, we found them at $49.98, a fine price for a set we presume to be awesome. There may be a review up at Galactic Hunter soonish if we feel like it.

It's either varying by location or something. A number of sets are now 50% off at some area Target stores, including the marvelous Viking Longboat.

It's apparent that Toy Biz is really sending new stuff all over the place now. We spotted a solid case of toys, including a highly posable and truly awesome Magnetic Spider-Man with magnets in the hands and feet, a 26-inch tall (that's 26, not 2.6) flagpole, and more articulation than the super-articulated Spidey from the first film. Pics and a review to follow.

It appears that Adult Swim's The Brak Show has been canned for reasons currently unknown to us. The often hillarious show ran for roughly 30 episodes, which is probably enough to guarantee a DVD release. The final episode, which ran on New Year's Eve, was quite hillarious if for no reason other than the ending scene was a total hoot. The announcement of the show's demise was made both during the show and repeated immediately afterward to probably make sure the viewers realized it wasn't a joke.

Happy Anniversary to...

A carded sample of the new Universe Sunstorm with bonus Street Action Team has shown up for sale on an eBay auction which is particularly notable in that it hasn't even been confirmed by Hasbro yet. The set looks nice and, like many recent repaints, uses stock photos for the packaging.

The in-store sales on MOTU have been lackluster at best, with little new or interesting product and even less in the way of a decent discount. After poking around the Web, we found that all the good deals were online, while the items remained full price in stores. While we don't particularly care for plugging stores' online deals, fact is these were good enough to share for once, especially seeing how at least one of the items really never saw much distribution.

The Toys "R" Us Exclusive Ultrasaurus kit is available online for $59.99. In stores, it's $79.99.

Target stores are stocking a bundle of three figures (Cobra Commander, Duke, Snake Eyes) and a VHS tape of the Spy Troops movie for a low $9.99. It is unknown if this is an exclusive at this time.

Packaging freaks, take note. The recently released Spider-Man 2 movie toys have a brand new Super Posable Spider-Man figure that not only breaks articulation records, but also packaging records. So far, the figure is posed a minimum of three different ways in its packaging, which is a nice way to show off just how movable this toy truly is. While the appeal of this particular webslinger will be to open the toy, odds are collectors will be in for a treat trying to figure out how many different poses are out there for the packaged plaything.

It's a new year, and that means that Wally World has now moved all their toys around yet again. Some stores have toys in the regular aisle as well as aisles of new and clearance product elsewhere in the stores, so when making your runs this weekend be sure to keep your eyes open for oddly placed plastic.

An unpackaged sample of the new Universe Sideburn has shown up for sale on an eBay auction. The robot mode looks a lot like the Super Sideburn figure that was released a few years back, but the vehicle mode looks like a brand new vehicle.

Slow news day. That, and we put off the update late, so we're watching Rebirth of Mothra, a 1996 movie, on the Sci-Fi Channel. Apparently you can get this movie and the sequel, Rebirth of Mothra 2, on a single DVD for about $20. If you liked Godzilla 2000 and need more modern Toho madness, look this up.

Live in the USA? Your local Target stores now have Energon toys on an unadvertised sale, with the toys being a couple of bucks off. Basic and deluxe figures are $1 off, with larger sizes being $2 or $3 off. If you still want Energon toys and were holding off for a sale, well, this is it.

Galactic Hunter has posted their weekly Q&A column by yours truly yet again. The column is also taking additional questions now, so be sure to send yours in if you have any.

It was the last major label release you never heard from a band you loved-- or should have loved. Devo's Shout is a synthesized, blippy romp that is probably about as '80's as a Devo album can get. Featuring a cover of a Hendrix song and a number of originals, today's review focuses on the Infinite Zero records release that also featured two bonus tracks.

One of many highlights out of the final weeks of 2003 was this Magnetic Spider-Man Action Figure. The figure can be stuck to a variety of surfaces and glide down the 26 inch tall flag pole included with the toy, although it should be noted it's a little awkward going down. The figure is incredible, though, so be sure to check it out in today's review!

While we've noticed it at a few stores, it seems He-Man.org is also reporting that not only are stores marking them down, but also possibly discontinuing the line as an item they'll carry in the future. While many saw it coming, and it isn't definite yet, it is unfortunate to see the property end on a whimper.

BZPower is reporting LEGO's latest foray into construction-based action figures is now hitting England. These kits are due to hit the USA in roughly six months and we hope to bring you impressions around that time.

Homestar Runner has updated after a holiday break with a new Strong Bad Email. Be sure to check it out.

Stikfas are a Hasbro-distributed model kit action figure that have been sold at numerous stores, but now the company is producing Xevoz, which are larger, about the same price, and prepainted. The first assortments of these blister-packaged figures are hitting Toys "R" Us this week so be sure to keep your eyes peeled if you're into such things.

An unpainted sample of Strika in what appears to be Universe colors has shown up at TFClub, a Japanese message board dedicated to robots in disguise. Due to the Dinobot spark crystal, fans are assuming this is a new mold and not a Beast Machines-era prototype.

Target is offering a number of unadvertised specials which seem to vary from store to store on its selection of video games. Highlights include the likes of Mario Golf for $29.99, $20 off. If you're looking for games, it might be good to check for fluke discounts.

DVD File has added images and features of the upcoming Pink Panther Collection which features artwork from the great Shag, previously best known for his indie record album covers. The set features five films and a disc of extras, but does not feature Return of the Pink Panther. Return, distributed by Artisan, is widely available in $5.50 bins at most Wal-Mart locations. The aforementined box also contains a few Panther short cartoons, so it seems to be a nice set with a hefty $69.99 price tag.

The Onion has updated its AV Club section, but apparently not the regular page as of press time. As there are interesting features there, check it out.

Sweet merciful crap. We're now in posession of the Japanese version of the 20th Anniversary Masterpiece Edition Optimus Prime. In short, we're very pleased.

Wal-Mart stores are now stocking pens based on military G.I. Joe designs. The figures are standing upright with the tip of the pen extending out of a figure's boots, and the pen plugs into a stand for the figure. It's an interesting piece, but it seems like it might be awkward to actually write with it.

As reported previously, it seems Target stores are more or less randomly marking down their clearance stock today, and it seems that new old items are showing up in stores. For example, a store which had no Powerlinx Optimus Prime figures previously now has them for $19.98, complete with bonus CD-ROM. The majority of clearance toys were moved to a clearance ghetto next to the toy section, so when you go looking, be sure to do some snooping around.

Recently, Al Franken stopped by NPR's Fresh Air to gab about his various projects, namely his USO show that he performed for the troops in Iraq and elsewhere. He performed some of his material and talked about what it's like to perform alongside a pro-Bush country music star. You can find the interview in a streaming format at the Fresh Air Web site.

We originally planned to run a story on the 2003 Masters of the Universe Hot Wheels cars today. Masterpiece Convoy took that part of the evening up, so this feature will appear at some point in the near future.

Today at Galactic Hunter we look at the first batch of Animated Clone Wars figures with the marvelous Obi-Wan Kenobi action figure. Despite looking like a statue, his unusual articulation allows him to assume a number of unique poses that really surprised me. If you're looking for something different and are a fan of Star Wars, don't miss today's review!

First up: looks like Sony's new PSX console is doing quite well. According to this article at GameForms, 100,000 units of the set-top box have been moved so far. Not bad for a $1,000 piece of consumer electronics.

The Raving Toy Maniac posted this report with pictures and information on the upcoming eighth series of Muppet action figures. The highlight? Marvin Suggs, which should please many fans of the original Muppet Show.

Last year, some cereals were packaged with DVDs featuring full-length pan and scan programs like the animated Jackie Chan Adventures show, or the movie The Muppets Take Manhattan. Now, ShowBizData reports General Mills will offer The King of Queens, Mad About You, The Donna Reed Show, and Barney Miller episodes in five of their cereals. You're very excited, I can tell.

You can see both of these bots in-package at this thread at the 2005 Boards.

The biggest news around town today is that a few stores are leaking the new Toa sets from the new Metru Nui storyline. Namely, members of LEGO's Proto Squad are finding them in the mail, and a few Bionicle fan sites are reporting that a few LEGO stores are selling them early and selling out quickly.

You can see both of these bots in-package from Yahoo Japan auctions. Cosmic Rust posted links.

The Raving Toy Maniac posted a shot and some information about the upcoming Ghost of Sam Arrow exclusive action figure. It'll be available at Wizard World Los Angeles or through the Palisades Toys Collectors Club.

A second Godzilla movie from the "Millennium Collection" is coming out shortly. Godzilla vs. Megaguirus was released after Godzilla 2000 and is coming to DVD at the end of the month. You've been warned, more man-in-suit monster fun seems to be on the way... and yes, it's dubbed!

Two new Spider-Man 2 movie toys were spotted this weekend, the new Spider-Car. It's available in black and red and includes a figure that seems to be as posable as the super-posable Spidey from the first film. Both versions are shipping to Target stores for about $19.99.

Need Holiday Playmobil? You may be in luck depending on your local Toys "R" Us and how they handle the holiday clearances.

Talk about the best car show ever. Mazda posted a page hyping up its newest car... and the TransFormers toy to be based upon it. Yowza. Talk about knowing how to market your car...

If your local Toys "R" Us store still has them, we've found that the Toa Nuva kits are $3.98. Target has theirs down for roughly the same price. Not a bad price for a canned mechanical tiki thing.

Earlier, we reported that the 2003 Zoids Energy Liger was being spotted around town, ringing up at $29.97 at Wal-Marts and a surprising $0.00 at Target stores. Over the past month, the toy has remained at $0.00, meaning the toy's price is more or less determined by the cashier at the register or the nearest member of management. Today, we scored two at two separate Target stores at $3.24 before sales tax. As such, we highly advise you scour your local stores for this piece and see what happens when you ask what it costs.

TV fans, take note: the new The John Henson Project is on SpikeTV tonight. Will it be good? No idea. But it's 30 minutes long and hopefully the former Talk Soup host will bring on the funny. There's also a new Simpsons, Arrested Development, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and Sex and the City tonight as well as, we think, some new shows on the Williams Street segments of Adult Swim.

Item 1: We may have a winner for the most ridiculous product of the year, at least in concept. Jakks Pacific has released a new toy where you get a small pyramid or similar structure and "excavate" a piece of action figure. There are three figures with six pieces each, and you don't know the piece you get until you buy it. While cute in concept, the packaging shows no image of the final figure and the price is a little high. So if you're lucky, you'll end up paying about $30 for a small, perhaps six inch action figure. Three monsters are currently available, including the Creature from the Black Lagoon and the Mummy. It's an amusing idea, but for five bucks a blind pop, it's hard to imagine these being much of a hit. We spotted one sample at Target.

Galactic Hunter has posted their weekly Q&A column by yours truly and, as always, I'm eagerly looking for new questions. So, feel free to send any in.

Toenut. Never heard of them? That's OK, they've never heard of you either. Today, we look at Toenut's Test Anxiety EP. This mid-'90's rock act put out a few releases, all of which were fairly unique and as by definition, unlike most of other albums put out at the time. Full of noise, blips, and a female vocalist the likes of which you rarely hear, this disc provides something rare. Namely, something different. Read more about them in today's review.

A lot happened with LEGO lately, and here's the rundown of what you may have missed...

Larry David fans, rejoice. Today, the first season of the HBO comedy series Curb Your Enthusiasm hits stores. The set includes the first ten episodes and the hour-long pilot.

Homestar Runner updated with a great new Strong Bad Email as well as a whopping four new games. Classic gaming fans, you're going to love this one.

Today at Galactic Hunter we look at yet another Ultra figure with this review of the C-3PO (Tatooine Escape) action figure. He's the first modern action figure to include a properly scaled Escape Pod from the Tantive IV, and even though he's based on an existing figure we like to think he's still plenty cool. If need an excuse to buy more droids and the only new vehicle for the immediate future, don't miss today's review!

The Raving Toy Maniac posted this list of assortments due out from all three films through 2004. While it may not be new, there were plenty of surprises to us including two new Boromir figures.

While Vince and Larry are absent, the hallmark of the toy line and public service announcements from a few years back is here again. This time, Mattel has released the Incredible Crash Dummies. Action figures, which are about the same size as an old Kenner Batman figure, are packaged with any of a variety of accessories, as you can see in this ultra-crappy cardback photo we took in a hurry because we need to sleep.

DVDFile is reporting that Godzilla against Mechagodzilla is coming to DVD on March 23. It is unknown if this is, in fact, the original film or the feature that was only just recently released in Japan as cover art and details seem scarce at this time. REVISED JANUARY 15 2004

While selection and prices vary by store, we deemed it notable that the Fire Phoenix Z-Builders kit was spotted at a Wal-Mart clearance rack for $5. Last week at the same store, it was $14.96. As such, it may be worth looking around and scanning some items to see what you can get.

TVShowsOnDVD.com posted numerous television and TV special DVD releases in the past day. You should go through their news for the full scoop, but announcements included the Garfield and Friends TV show as well as the many holiday specials, Remington Steele, Millennium, Invader Zim, and more. If any of those tickle your fancy, ye best go over to that site and do some reading.

The Onion updated with its first full post-holiday installment. And of course, it's funny so be sure to read it if you're so inclined.

CNN is reporting that mall toy seller Kay-Bee Toys is filing for bankruptcy. While this doesn't necessarily mean the chain is knocking at death's door, it's not exactly a good sign of things to come. Here's hoping they pull through, as they've been a great source of oddball clearance finds and exclusives over the years.

Mattel has released a series of five Sega-themed Hot Wheels vehicles. Our sample was spotted at a Wal-Mart over the weekend. This vehicle sports graphics from the popular Super Monkey Ball series.

Cosmic Rust posted numerous images of an Armada Skywarp repaint that looks a lot like Starscream. The items is presumed to be an exclusive, but further details are not yet available. The site shows the toy in both modes. Note that the faction symbols were left unpainted.

TVShowsOnDVD.com posted some more tidbits from a recent chat with a Fox DVD executive and one of those revealed that Arrested Development is currently being examined for an upcoming DVD release. This is indeed good news.

Because of time constraints and a sense of optimism about how long it would take our review of the Masterpiece Convoy set has been postponed until next week. And that Masters of the Universe Hot Wheels feature is also still in development.

US Target stores have marked their remaining clearance stock from the holidays down to 75% off. Numerous items are left depending on the store. We saw numerous items over four Targets, including TransFormers Armada Hoist, Unicron, and Minicons, tons of Playmobil and LEGO, and a Zoids Gojulas Giga for a paltry $12.44. If you need toys for gifts, donations, or yourself, get to Target post-haste before everything disappears, as the stores seemed fairly raided by Thursday evening.

Today at Galactic Hunter we look at one of the stranger animated figures with this review of the Animated Mace Windu action figure. While the only reason you'll probably have to get this one is to finish the set, today's review looks at this unique character which, while certainly an odd toy, isn't nearly as awful as some have been saying.

Two reports surfaced today on an upcoming wide-release of the Famicom-colored (NES-colored to you and me) GameBoy Advance. This system is bundled with the original Super Mario Bros.

A list of frequently asked questions was posted to TVShowsOnDVD.com, so now you know where you can buy Season 1 right now, and when it's going to show up elsewhere. A few online venues have it for $59.99 today, but it will be released wide on April 27. Preorders for the April release are as low as $44.96 so far.

Fans of this show are in luck. TVShowsOnDVD.com posted the MSRP, cover art, and release date. Basically, it'll be about $70, much cheaper than expected, and include tons of unreleased footage and a few unaired episodes. If it's on sale somewhere on its release date of April 6.

Over the weekend, Mazda and Hasbro announced a new toy in the Alternators line of TransFormers. While it has no name as of press time, the toy was only confirmed for a US release. Not surprisingly, Japanese importers have just confirmed the Japanese Binaltech release and toy and game importer NCS seems to be the first to have the Japanese version up for preorder. On the bright side, at least you now know it's a sure thing... the toy ships to Japan in September of this year and seems to be priced the same as all the others.

At Comic-Con International in San Diego last summer, Hasbro showed off individually carded G.I. Joe action figures packaged with gum. Now Yo Joe! has added images of them to their site, as they seem to be hitting stores. We have yet to see them, but hey, we'll keep you posted if we do.

This article, as well as many others, have reported that the mall toy store we've all come to love and hate could close as many as 500 of its roughly 1300 stores. More as it develops.

Like pain? The trailer for Garfield the Movie is online. It's short, it appears Odie doesn't really follow the comic design, and it looks about as bad as you would have expected..

Please note prices vary by location. Numerous Wal-Mart stores have knocked older toys down even cheaper. Old Star Wars Power of the Jedi figures are $1, as is the Basic Fun Optimus Prime Flashlight. The Ninja Turtles Battle Shell was down to $10, and the Masters of the Universe basic figures and War Whale were $4 each. Also, the giant sized X-Men and Urban Legends Marvel multipacks, with five and four figures each, were a super-cheap $8.

A confirmation that this set is still coming was posted to TVShowsOnDVD.com, which should please many fans of this true highlight of 1990s American animation. Or rather, animation produced for America. Contents and release dates are unknown, but hey, it's something.

Tformers.com posted scans of a Japanese magazine or catalog unveiling STD Convoy and Kicker. STD Prime, which basically means "Standard Optimus Prime," is the $10 version of the cap section of Energon Optimus. It can combine with other similarly designed vehicles and is supposedly much more posable than his $40 sibling. Meanwhile, Kicker takes the design of Takara's new and super-posable Microman designs and turns it into a new toy. Takara has had much success turning this basic template into high quality figures, so this is sure to please fans the world over. It is not known when (or even if) both of these toys will make it to North America, but it is pretty much a given that this Convoy toy will be released here this year.

TVShowsOnDVD.com strikes again, giving vague confirmations that we'll be seeing more of this show in March of this year on DVD. No word of what episodes are to be included.

Late last year, we reported a large G.I. Joe set exclusive to K-Mart that included a couple of vehicles and six figures in the 12" scale for the G.I. Joe vs. Cobra line. Stores that still have this set have since marked it down. Prices vary from store to store, but we found it for $48 (formerly $59.99). K-Mart has "marked down" numerous other Joe items with new clearance tags with the same old price, as well.

*GASP!* TVShowsOnDVD.com has dug up some information on the adventures of Krang and the Neutrinos! These classic cartoons, which we must confess did not age gracefully, are coming to DVD starting this April. And you thought there wouldn't be anything fun after the TransFormers run ended.

Remy has confirmed that a third set of Micron Boosters (the first was Series 0, then 1, and now 2) is coming. He also confirms a Command Jaguar Desert toy which, as of now, is assumed to be a dirt repaint of the basic toy we know and love as Battle Ravage. No images have leaked of either.

Live in the USA? The shop for the USA on Playmobil.com has added the Dinosaur Dungeon (aka Skeleton Cave, 3040) for under $12. If you didn't get the set in the great TJ Maxx blow-outs of 2003, or need a cheap gift for someone, this is a nice set. It has several glow-in-the-dark dinosaur bits as well as four people, one of which has a tiki-type mask which probably has some cultural significance which we ignorant folk know nothing of.

Wizards of the Coast and Gamekeeper are closing with all items advertised as 30%-50% off. We spotted numerous items at 75% off, so if you need games, cards, or the like, go out and see what's left.

BZ Power has posted that the Kanoka disc sets are showing up at Wal-Mart, and that the chain as well as Argos (UK) and LEGO direct have started selling more of the Metru Nui Toa sets. Time to start hunting if you haven't already.

Galactic Hunter has posted their weekly Q&A column by yours truly and, as always, I'm eagerly looking for new questions. So, feel free to send any in.

One of the most interesting alternative bands to come out of the late 1990s, and not in the "alt" alternative sense, was Japan's Buffalo Daughter. Synthesizers and sound effects flow through all of New Rock, a 1998 exercise in experimental electronic rock of some description. The songs are very ethereal, and really do seem great at painting a picture in someone's mind, be it an underwater electronic voice or a busy terminal of public transportation. Curious? Read more about them in today's review.

NCS and Lik-Sang are each offering up the new GameBoy Advance SP Famicom Color which celebrates 20 years of the Family Computer (aka Famicom, aka NES.) The unit has an MSRP in Japan of about $125 and importers are charging a little bit more. It includes absolutely stunning packaging art as well as the original NES version of Super Mario Bros. We're assured that the Japanese unit, as is, should have no problems functioning with American voltage. The unit can be easily preordered for $150 or less.

Rhino has released a DVD, which totally slipped under our radar, of numerous Devo music videos and performances. The content is different from the VHS "We're All Devo!" and altered a bit since this set was originally sold as a laserdisc. The DVD release, entitled The Complete Truth About De-Evolution has a lot of content but is missing the video for "Are U Experienced?" as Jimi Hendrix' estate denied them permission for its inclusion. Still, it's cheap (under $10 online, $17 at Best Buy) and from what I've seen so far, it's quite good if you're a fan of the band.

Remy's TransFormers has posted packaged shots of Cruellock, Perceptor, Divebomb, Signal Flare, Snow Cat, Rodimus, and Prowl.

A particularly amazingly great Homestar Runner update was posted on Monday, so be sure to check that out.

While they've been out for a while, we just found them and therefore they're new to us. Kay-Bee stores are now receiving their exclusive Hot Wheels-sized Spychangers. Available are Optimus Prime, Autobot Jazz, Autobot Wheeljack, Hoist, Silverstreak, and Prowl. They're $3.99 per, which isn't exactly cheap, but hey, we still likes 'em. I picked up a sample as can be seen below, and I'm quite pleased with it overall.

Today at Galactic Hunter we look at the final Ultra figure from series one with this review of the General Rieekan (Hoth Evacuation) action figure. Sure, he doesn't have a weapon, or articulation that's any better than a figure from 1995, or more than 60 seconds worth of screen time. But we're Star Wars fans, and we care about our leaders in this little universe. Find out why we care in today's review!

Once again, TVShowsOnDVD.com comes through. The newest Futurama box comes out on March 9, and there's some art available to boot. As such, kindly check it out.

The Onion updated with its usual compliment of fun and merriment. There's also an interview with Amy Sedaris of Strangers With Candy fame in the AV Club segment, so be sure to check that out.

The shining star at the end of 2003 was intended to be released in early 2004, but nobody seemed to complain that Takara's Master Piece Convoy came out early. The name is a little funky, as "Master Piece" should have been one word and most fans outside Japan know the character as Optimus Prime, but this is still the finest collectible based on a toy property from the 1980's that we've ever seen. The toy is incredible, even if the truck mode isn't, and be sure to check it out in today's review!

Once again, TVShowsOnDVD.com has more to tell us than we knew could be told. It turns out both a basic and a super-deluxe version of Freaks & Geeks is on the way, each containing a heck of a lot of extras. Check out this story for the rest.

Once again, LEGO Shop At Home has had the six new figures in the Toa series in and out over the past few days, along with new photographs. If you're in the market for them and don't wish to wait for retail, they're $7.99 direct and it's a total crapshoot if they'll be in stock when you click this link.

Friend of the site Zac pointed us out to this limited edition set of figures from that marvelous Daft Punk animated movie that the kids love so much. It's a fairly limited edition with little other information available.

Today at Galactic Hunter we look at the final Animated Clone Wars figure from wave one with this review of the Asajj Ventress action figure. She sports two weapons and a wicked sharp sculpt, plus she's the only animated Star Wars figure since Kea Moll way back in the day. Find out if she's worth the scratch in today's review!

The wonders of TVShowsOnDVD.com never cease. Check out this story for some more information on the upcoming cartoon release, which includes a whopping four unaired episodes! 80's junkies, rejoice!

An eBay auction has surfaced showing an unpainted yellow test shot of the new Alternators toy, Autobot Tracks. It seems this is the first photography of the toy, so hey, good times.

A stroke of luck in a Mesa, AZ Wal-Mart yielded five of the six new-for-2004 Toa Metru. These new figures are named after the Turaga kits from the first year of Bionicle, but are super-posable toys that far surpass previously released kits. We did not find Toa Nokama at press time.

Originally planned for release in Summer of 2002 was Ed Wood, the partially true story of the filmmaker's unique life. At the time, it was said that it was delayed indefinitely because Tim Burton came on board to add extras and, at the time, that seemed fair.

A post on He-Man.Org's forums has confirmed what many of us have feared to be true, and that's that the line is dead. According to Mattel, it seems the line has been discontinued as far as distribution in the United States goes. Considering the line had fairly poor distribution in 2003, it's a shame that most fans never even had the chance to see a single figure from the Snakemen figure on stores (like us), or maybe never saw Roboto (also, like us). The line seems to be doing adequately in Europe, though, so while it's down, it seems it has a little while before it's totally out.

The aborted TransTech line of TransFormers has had a lot of concept art show up for it over the years, but one we hadn't seen previously has shown up at this post at TFClub. This Ultra Magnus seems to be a fairly striking design, but also seems more similar to his namesake than other toys that were to have been in this line.

We found some interesting items tonight, namely reduced prices on G.I. Joe Valor vs. Venom in 12" and 4" sizes, some cheap Adventure Team sets from last year or earlier, and of course more cheap Armada TransFormers. The biggest surprise was that Unicron, formerly $42 and change, was reduced to roughly $20, and now is back up to over $48. So much for discounts. The Maxcon toys with bonus Minocons (i.e., Predacon with bonus Minicons) are down to $11 at most if not all locations.

Yesterday it was reported Bob Keeshan, best known as Captain Kangaroo, has passed on. Bob, where ever you are, you will be missed.

Select Toys "R" Us stores are receiving the latest batch of rotocast figures from Toy Biz. Following Aragorn and Legolas are Ringwraith and Gimli, both of which seem to have some nice articulation but lots of problems in the head area. Even the place where the Wraith's head would have gone seems a little off, but hey, it's probably worth your while to check these out if you're a fan of such things.

Saturday's hunts proved that numerous, but not all, Phoenix area Wal-Marts now stock several if not all of the new Bionicle Toa kits. And yes, we did get a Toa Nokama, but no, we do not have finished pictures for you just yet.

While action figures remain unseen, the movie versions of the walkie talkies for Spider-Man 2 are now available. One's Spidey, the other is a very odd looking Doctor Octopus. As it's a particularly revolting looking toy, we're hoping future Doc Oc releases are a little more exciting.

The third major revision of the Hulk Hands are now available, proving that these weren't the failure most people seemed to think. Originally in open packaging, they were changed to a window box late in 2003. Now, the same window box has been changed to feature comic-style graphics, and the hands themselves are a new color of green that's certainly more comic book-y. So if you have some burning desire to own all the versions of the Hulk Hands, there's one more to look for.

Next week, we'll be looking at the new Bionicle set Toa Vakama as well as the Masters of the Universe Hot Wheels cars. Instead of a CD, this week we'll be looking at the DVD set released for the first season of Curb Your Enthusiasm.

Galactic Hunter has posted their weekly Q&A column by yours truly and, as always, I'm eagerly looking for new questions. So, feel free to send any in.

Last year, Takara introduced new, super-posable Microman action figures. They've also discovered that these figures are a great template for super-posable licensed figures, like Gatchaman or Kicker from TransFormers Energon. Now we have a picture from a recent Takara event that was seen on this report revealing Batman to be an upcoming release. It includes a ton of accessories and has posability out the yinyang, so this looks like one of the highlights of 2004.

In case you have yet to see them, here's all six of the newest Toa, the Toa Metru. Made of the same parts in new colors, these kits have a few really clever pieces that allow them to quickly grow in height or shrink as you so desire. The new masks look significantly more stylized and more like a hood ornament from an American car from between the 1930s and 1960s.

It's all about perspective. Curb Your Enthusiasm brings a sort of honesty that you can't find on television these days with a sort of selfishness that you can really get behind. Larry David manages to highlight the important things in life, and this box set gives you 10 episodes of fun, a one-hour special, and an interview. Find out more in today's review!

With the new year came a whole new line of Bionicle toys, and today we look at the leader, Toa Vakama. The name should be familliar, as he was originally a smaller Turaga kit back in 2001. The upgraded kit is worth the extra bucks with enhanced posability and all-new parts, which you can see more of in today's review!

Despite their best efforts, an upcoming "secret" cover of ToyFare Magazine ended up leaking to the Web yesterday which revealed they're doing something that's been a long time coming, a huge guide to 1980s toys. On the cover were the new 12" Cobra Commander, the Skeletor statue... and Energon Shockwave. The toy appeared in robot mode with purple and green coloring and some very Veritech-ish head decorations. It is not known what it will turn into right now, but hey, that's why you need to pick up the next ToyFare magazine. It seems the image has been yanked from the Web as of this report, but you never know what remains in the dark corners of the Internet.

Kevin Murphy of MST3K fame has put together predictions for movies in 2004 as part of the NPR Weekend Edition program. Be sure to check it out.

Coming today, or in many cases, yesterday since stores put them out early:
Comic Book: The Movie
Critc, The: Complete Series
Dilbert: Complete Series
Godzilla vs. Megaguirus
Godzilla, Mothra And King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All Out Attack
Star Trek IV: The Undiscovered Country Collector's Edition

Remember Adaptation? The really good movie with Nicolas Cage?

Numerous sightings and a few eBay auctions have hinted at what we now know to be true. A Scottsdale area Wal-Mart yielded Prowl, Rodimus, and the G.I. Joe-flavored Snow Cat last night.

Today at Galactic Hunter we look at the the first new creature from Mos Eisley as seen in Star Wars for quite some time. Garindan, while made from some existing parts and some new, comes together as a great and nicely sized action figure. While well worth buying, you can read all about him anyway in today's review!

He-Man and the guardians of Eternia are having a bad week. Not only have they been all but cancelled, but now Kay-Bee toys has the action figures on clearance. Basic figures are under $5 each, Deluxe are under $6. The selection varies from store to store, but one local sighting yielded Whiplash, Flame Armor Skeletor, Man-E-Faces, Ice Armor He-Man, Two Bad, and a few others. (For the record, no Evil-Lyn, Buzz-Off, or our beloved Roboto, whom we have never seen.) Also available was the Toys "R" Us exclusive two-pack-with-video with the Wolf He-Man and Snake Skeletor, only $9.98.

It appears the newest batches of of the Lord of the Rings Armies of Middle-Earth toys are making the rounds, starting with Suncoast Motion Picture Co. Friend of the site ZB has confirmed that the new assortments with Sauron and Isildur have hit stores, so keep your eyes peeled for the latest releases.

Numerous copies of the just-cancelled two-disc set of Ed Wood are showing up on eBay and DVD forums since stores apparently decided to sell them. In the off chance you find one, or two, please buy an extra and let us know. (We'd appreciate it.) Stores are asking roughly $29.99 if they have them. The disc was originally set to street next Tuesday.

Like those marshmallowy Peeps candy things? Well, now you can make your own. The Raving Toy Maniac posted this release with some photos showing you the new DIY Peeps kit, called the Marshmallow Peeps Marshmallow Maker from Wham-O. Can you believe it? Should you? Sure, why not?

Helping to fill out the thin Decepticon ranks in Energon is Snow Cat, a Wave 2 Deluxe figure that turns into a vehicle that should be familliar to G.I. Joe fans. Named after that Joe vehicle, he turns into a robot with a bit of a gut and a lot of detail, as well as some oddball colors. He has a robot mode, a vehicle mode, and a Hyper Mode for both, and you can see them all in today's review!

Following the super-nifty "Secret of Planet Xenome" Adventure Team set, proving that Joe must keep a number of secrets, is this new "Crocodile Hunter" kit. For $29.99 or so, you get a big nifty reptile (aligator or crocodile, we're not sure) and a Steve Irwin-esque figure. It's available in a variety of human flavors as well as in female.

He-Man.Org has started a fairly wide reaching campaign to help Masters of the Universe avoid oblivion. They have a number of banners, much like this one.

Rumor has it that the closing stores will be getting in lots of new product to blow out, but this isn't confirmed. What is confirmed is that this page has a complete list of store closures. Be sure to consult the list while planning toy runs.

Today at Galactic Hunter we look at the the third 12" version of Obi-Wan Kenobi to come from the original Star Wars movie. Obi-Wan Kenobi (Tatooine Encounter) is made of some old parts as well as some new, and the end result isn't exactly a step in the right direction. After all, he has no pants. To paraphrase Jerry Seinfeld, "when defending the Universe, pants always beats no pants." I didn't find it to be worth buying, but you may not feel the same after reading today's review.

Last night at a local Target, we found a single sample of Alternators Side Swipe. Apparently "Swipe" is his last name. We snapped a couple of quick shots of Mr. Swipe, and here's how he looks in his little box. He costs $19.99.

eBay seller Mimidog4428 posted a lotof new items including these two nifty new 12" G.I. Joe Valor Vs. Venom 12-Inch Figures:
Cobra Commander
B.A.T. 2.3

HobbyLink Japan added four previously unseen Zoids kits for pre-order on their Web store. They are as follows:
Zabinca
Para Blade
Waiz Wolf
Death Laser

TVShowsOnDVD.com posted bits from a chat with MC Chris, a.k.a. Chris Ward, on the future of Adult Swim's Williams Street programming on DVD. Apparently both Sealab 2021 compilation and a second Aqua Teen Hunger Force box set are in development for this Summer.

Some Target stores are placing large signs for the new 2004 Bionicle product line in their construction toy aisles. The sign shows the same key art of the six Metru Nui Toa figures and reads "Metru Nui: City of Legends" or something to that effect. (We don't have a notepad yet, still, sadly.)

While transporting Takara's Master Piece Convoy from one shelf to another, we ran into a problem. A large patch of blue paint flaked off the back of the lower waist. As we haven't previously heard of paint flaking off of plastic parts of recent Japanese releases, we find it only fair to bring this to your attention so you're extra careful not to touch the painted pieces of this toy. The toy has received a minimal amount of handling, and at this time I'm trying to find options to cover up the small but very noticable hole in his "pants" where his "butt"is.

Target has a brand new value pack for $9.99. Unlike previous value packs, which were usually two toys clamshell-packaged together, this is a new specially packaged item that actually looks pretty slick. It includes a Sand Viper, Recondo, and Wild Bill with a repainted Missile Storm Copter. For what you get, it's a neat deal, just not anything too exciting.

Who says Masters of the Universe isn't seeing any new releases? Wal-Mart stores are receiving vehicle two-packs with two cars decorated in Snake Men deco. The set includes a new sticker, and it looks very similar to a YuGiOh set from the same or a similar assortment. The cost for the two-car pack is a little high, roughly $2.76. While this may not seem like much, keep in mind the cost for a single car hovers around $0.76-$0.99 at most stores.

The Allspark has posted an interview with writer Brad Mick. Mick is best known for his work on Dreamwave's Generation One comics from the TransFormers property. Why read this? Two words: Rodimus Prime.

SCTV fans take note: TVShowsOnDVD.com posted a blurb which may or may not be legit concerning the upcoming DVD release of SCTV. This April, apparently, will mark the premiere of the comedy show on everybody's favorite digital format.

After performing some minor repairs on our Convoy, we're looking for new items to review next week. While we have numerous TransFormers to look through, we're also looking at some new Bionicle items as well as some Zoids or perhaps even something else. Got a request? Let us know.