The New DuckTales Cartoon Is Weird... and AWESOME

The last we heard from Disney XD's DuckTales reboot, we got to sing along with the cast and realize we still knew every word to the super catchy theme song. Also, the 10th Doctor was involved...so all was right with the world. Now we get a look at the very modern art style used in this new cartoon series, and get re-acquainted with Donald Duck and his nephews as well as Scrooge McDuck, Webby and Launchpad McQuack. ...It never occurred to me there were so many Scottish ducks in this cartoon...

G.I. Joe: Renegades: The Complete First Season

YO JOE! Fans of the popular animated series G.I. JOE: RENEGADESrejoice! On September 25, 2012, G.I. JOE: RENEGADES: THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON Blu-ray Collection debuts on home entertainment shelves from Shout! Factory, in collaboration with Hasbro Studios. This highly anticipated 3-disc Blu-ray set collects all 26 adventure-filled episodes and an original behind-the-scenes look at G.I. JOE: RENEGADES bonus feature. Delivering exciting, action-packed storytelling and spectacular animation, this special Blu-ray collection is a must-have for fans and collectors of all ages and has a suggested retail price of $49.97.

G.I. Joe: Renegades: Season One, Volume One

This summer, prepare to join the action and witness the emergence of the heroic G.I. JOE team as a cadre of highly-trained specialists who are forced to band together to prevent the nefarious COBRA from achieving world domination. On June 5, 2012, Shout! Factory, in collaboration with Hasbro Studios, will debut fan favorite animated series G.I. JOE: Renegades Season One, Volume 1 on DVD. Featuring the first 13 episodes from the first season, this collectible 2-DVD set is a must have for fans, kids and collectors and has a suggested retail price of $19.93. The initial product run of G.I. JOE: Renegades Season One, Volume 1 DVD set will include a Movie Cash offer to see the upcoming major motion picture G.I. JOE: Retaliation, in theaters June 29 (waiting for clarification on this, though it is probably too late for them to change the packaging now. readers will note the film has been pushed back to next year).

When a spy mission against Cobra Industries goes awry, a group of young G.I. JOE team members is forced to hit the road as fugitives. Now the team members — DUKE, SCARLETT, ROADBLOCK, TUNNEL RAT, RIPCORD, BREAKER and SNAKE EYES — must use their wits and elite training to prove their innocence to the world before being caught by the authorities, the COBRA organization or, worse yet, another elite military team called the Falcons.

With exciting, action-packed storytelling, spectacular animation, G.I. JOE Renegades, produced by Hasbro Studios, boasts an incredible voice cast, including Charlie Adler (Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen), Lee Majors (Six Million Dollar Man), Clancy Brown (Shawshank Redemption), Jason Marsden (Batman: The Brave and the Bold), Johnny Messner (Tears of the Sun) and Kevin Michael Richardson (The Batman).

Toy Fair 2012 : Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

MTVGeek (and our awesome friend Lemonjuice McGee) broke the news and now...IT IS EVERYWHERE!! The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are back in a big bad way with a new cartoon looming and a giant heap of new toys which are more than likely to see us collectors disappointing the children when fighting over said toys at retail stores. Let's face it..their arms are under-developed. You gotta be fast. SURVIVAL OF THE DORKIEST!!

The new cartoon will premiere late this year with 26 half hour episodes starring your favorite heroes-in-a-half-shell; Michelangelo, Donatello, Raphael, and Leonardo with a slightly edgier look to them. Personally, I love it! It's a nice blend of the classic comic style, the old cartoon series and the current comics. Of course, the current pictures of the cartoon look like crazy CGI, making the toys far cooler in comparison, so we are in wait and see mode. Remember how hyped we were for Voltron...and look what happened there. Let's take a look at the toys!

Basic Action Figures : Each Turtle is wearing his signature bandanna and comes with their two core Ninja weapons. A bonus weapons accessory rack is also included. Each turtle figure is uniquely sculpted, with heights ranging from 4.25 to 4.75 inches. These figures have more than 15 points of articulation and are compatible with the new line of vehicles and playsets. They call this feature "Ninja Battle Boost". Characters include Shredder, a Foot Soldier, The Kraang, Master Splinter, April O'Neil and all 4 Turtles.























The Shellraiser! : Built to run either on the subway rails or on the busy streets of New York City, the Shellraiser delivers all the fire power needed for the Turtles to travel together to take down Shredder and the Foot Clan! With entrances on the top, in the front and on the side of the car, up to eight Basic Action Figures can fit inside. The Shellraiser really packs a punch with Ninja Battle Boost technology, including a spring loaded cannon on the top of the car and a side door that automatically opens with the touch of a button, sending kids’ favorite hero in a half shell flying out the side with 360 degree Ninja flip-kicking action, to wage battle on anything standing in its way!

Rippin' Rider includes classic Turtles details and texture, as well as "Finger Flick Missiles" that will destroy enemies on impact. Any Turtles figure will fit on this motorcycle.

Sewer Spinnin' Skateboard features Ninja Battle Boost technology that allows it to perform up to 10 different skateboard tricks (turn around on ramp, bump-n-go action, bump-n-spin action and wheelies!) on a ramp that is included.

Ninja Stealth Bike featuring an exclusive Raphael

Dragon Chopper featuring an exclusive Foot Solider : When ready for battle, simply push the activation button and watch as the action figure performs a 360 degree flip over the handle bars and lands on its feet, ready for battle!




Secret Sewer Lair Playset : Stands 42" tall with three levels, 20+ features and resembles the lair the Turtles live in on the new show. Features include: telescoping periscopes, rope swing and swing-down ladders, zip lines, elevator, Shredder statue, computer lab, doors that open and close, an ooze drain, trap doors, secret entrances and more! THIS WILL FIT OVER 50 FIGURES!!!





Deluxe Power Sound FX Collection : Every 6 months, Playmates wants to release a wave of Turtles with some sort of gimmick involved. This is the first wave! Each of the figures stands 5.5 inches tall and features proprietary wire coil activation in the arms and legs that triggers heroic battle phrases. The longer you pull back that limb, the longer the sound is activated and will not end until released, as in a Hiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii YA! karate chop yell. Shown are all four Turtles and Deluxe Power Sound FX Shredder.













Ninja Combat Gear : Each set includes the Turtle's authentic noise-making ninja weapon, signature bandanna and two throwing stars.

Leo's Electronic Stealth Sword : 2 ways to play: Ninja Battle & Ninja Training (allows you to practice or battle a virtual foe!) Leo's sword lights up with three different colors: Blue, Green or Red, has a motion sensor to track your movement (Leo trains you!), sound effects and 40 phrases by Jason Biggs who voices Leo on the cartoon.
Classic Collection Action Figures : In the style of the classic cartoon series! Each Turtle stands 6 inches tall, features more than 30 points of articulation and is authentically detailed to appeal to the true action figure collector. The line kicks off with all four Turtles, but if it does well, Playmates is fully prepared to take the line as far as we'd like including characters from the classic cartoon series and movies!













Battle Shell 11" Figures : Only available at Toys R Us, these fully articulated Turtles come with their core Ninja weapons that are stored either on their belt or their back holster, as well as secondary weapon accessories, which can be stored in the Turtles' opening back shells

CLICK HERE for more Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle eye candy!!

Keep Idle Hands bookmarked for the next two weeks as we go full on into Toy Fair 2012!

Jem and the Holograms Coming to The Hub

We hear about every ripple in the vast ocean that is the boy's toy world...documenting each resurgence and DVD re-release for our beloved Transformers, G.I.Joe, Thundercats, etc; but what of the geek ladies (and some boys partial to pastel colors instead of camo)? The Hub cable channel seems to have a keen understanding of your 80's flashbacks and programs with them in mind. Now its time to pay homage to a woman and her band who learned from Bowie and Madonna, diverging from the candy coated world of Barbie to provide a role model girls that was..truly..truly outrageous...

The iconic and beloved pop-culture series "Jem and the Holograms” is coming to The Hub!

“Jem and the Holograms,” which originally aired in the late 1980s, will join The Hub’s schedule weekdays beginning Tuesday, May 31, at 7 p.m. ET (with encore performances throughout each day) and on Saturdays at 10 a.m. ET.

To celebrate, we’re kicking off with a special marathon of the first 6 episodes of "Jem and the Holograms" on Saturday, May 28, from 2-5 p.m. ET / 5-8 p.m. PT.

Mucus Tick Oozing Your Way

The wait is almost over!! After countless hardships, China mishaps and the poor Shocker Toys crew's nerves stretched to their limits as we missed every convention of the season....they are on the way. Indie Spotlight Series 2, complete with my very own, first ever Idle Hands exclusive action figure MUCUS TICK is on the way to the US of A and will soon be in your hot little hands!!! The big pic to your left is a shot of an actual production piece taken before my lovely booger Ticks were packed up and shipped off. The pics below show the custom card art (by Diana Deissler & Myself) we created for the project, making the limited edition Mucus Tick 100% unique. We'll give a shout when they start shipping, but for now, get those pre-orders in! CLICK HERE to catch your Uncommon Cold Mucus Tick today! After all, can you think of a better holiday gift for the dork in your life?




NOTE: For those looking forward to Indie Spotlight series 2, the exclusives were shipped first and the regular wave will follow.

NOTE #2: The eyes and teeth WILL be painted on the finished figure. This was an early shot taken right after the first ones were assembled. YAY accuracy!

New Voltron TV and Toy Series in 2011

World Events Productions (WEP), a leader in animated television production, and Classic Media, a global media company with a portfolio of some of the world’s top family entertainment brands, today announced the relaunch of the iconic Voltron™ brand for a new generation of fans in celebration of the 25th Anniversary of the original Voltron series, which first aired on television during the 1984-1985 television year. Effective immediately, Classic Media is to helm international distribution and worldwide merchandising and licensing for Voltron.

As the first step in reintroducing the Voltron brand to fans, an all-new animated television series is being created. The series, Voltron Force, is the first original franchise-related television content in 10 years and is scheduled to debut on Nicktoons in 2011, with WEP and Classic Media producing along with leading Hollywood production company Kickstart Productions (Wanted, Wolverine and the X-Men).

Voltron, the original robot-action series, is the story of five space explorers who pilot incredible robotic lions that combine to form Voltron, an invincible guardian sworn to defend the universe. Voltron Force will follow a group of new recruits on their once-in-a-lifetime chance to battle alongside the original group of heroes led by Commander Keith in the Black Lion and Allura in the Blue Lion. The new series will consist of 26 half-hour episodes of 2D and CGI animation and will have all the thrilling excitement of robot lions in action, combined with compelling storylines and the dynamic, relatable characters that made the original series so popular. Voltron Force promises to be an excellent co-viewing opportunity where lifelong Voltron fans can now share the experience with their own children.

In addition, Mattel is developing a new line of Voltron toys for fans of all ages. Mattel’s toy offerings will appeal to adults who grew up with the popular ‘80s series, as well as a new generation of fans that Voltron Force will create.

“I am thrilled to partner with Classic Media as we introduce Voltron to a new generation of fans,” said Ted Koplar, President, WEP. “Classic Media’s exceptional brand management capability will play an integral role in the highly-anticipated relaunch of this classic property.” Koplar continued, “Voltron’s legacy of innovative and iconic toys is in great hands with Mattel, whose vision promises to re-imagine and re-invigorate Voltron toys like never before.”

“We are delighted to be a strategic partner of WEP’s on the revival of such an iconic brand as Voltron and greatly look forward to working with Kickstart Productions in bringing this new animation series to all of our key international partners across broadcast and home entertainment,” said Chloe van den Berg, EVP, International, Classic Media.

“Classic Media is excited to partner with WEP and Kickstart Productions to reintroduce Voltron to the next generation of fans,” said Nicole Blake, EVP, Global Marketing & Consumer Products, Classic Media. “With a renewed emphasis on building a global consumer products program and its intrinsic transformation play pattern, anchored by Mattel as master toy partner, Voltron is poised to regain its position as a top kids property.”

And Now..Thundercat Action Figures!!

The skies open up...the birds sing...it's like the end of Episode 1 without having to sit through all the crap that wasn't the Maul vs Jedi fight!! Action figure collectors, today, the wishing ends. Bandai is set to bring classic and new school Thundercats cartoon figures to the pegs. Read on...

Warner Bros. Consumer Products (WBCP) announced today a powerhouse partnership with Bandai America Incorporated, as the global master toy licensee for the animated series, ThunderCats. Under the new agreement, Bandai and their international affiliates will create and distribute products worldwide that will complement both the classic brand property, as well as Cartoon Network’s fresh take on the animated series, with new television episodes set to air in 2011.

“With their legacy of cultivating fun and fresh play experiences for beloved character properties, Bandai is the ideal master toy license for ThunderCats,” said Brad Globe, president, Warner Bros. Consumer Products. “We are thrilled to team up and introduce the ThunderCats property to a new generation of fans.”

“ThunderCats have been a cult pop culture phenomenon for the past 25 years, and Bandai America looks forward to developing modern and engaging toys for these beloved characters,” said Masayuki Matsuo, chairman and chief executive officer, Bandai America Incorporated. “Through the Bandai America and Warner Bros. Consumer Products partnership, die-hard devotees as well as a new generation of fans will be introduced to quality, innovative toys that will create magical playtime experiences capturing the adventurous spirit of the brand.”

An all-new animated series, based on the iconic 1980s action classic, ThunderCats, is currently in production at Warner Bros. Animation. The new ThunderCats, a 21st century reimagining of the series that will air on Cartoon Network, will appeal to viewers who have loved the characters all their lives as well as young newcomers to the franchise. A sweeping tale combining swords and science and boasting ferocious battles with the highest of stakes, the grand origin story of Prince Lion-O’s ascension to the throne – and of those who would thwart his destiny at any cost – takes on epic dimensions in this sharp new telling. As the forces of good and evil battle each other in the quest for the fabled Stones of Power, Lion-O and his champions learn valuable lessons of loyalty, honor and mortality in every episode.

ThunderCats is executive produced by Sam Register (“Teen Titans,” “Ben 10,” “Batman: The Brave and the Bold”). Michael Jelenic (“Batman: The Brave and the Bold,” “Wonder Woman”) and Ethan Spaulding (“Avatar: The Last Airbender”) are the producers. The series marks a creative collaboration between Warner Bros. Animation and Studio4°C, one of the most vibrant animation studios in Japan.

And just because I'm an ass, I'm going to add I knew about this and it was FRICKEN KILLING ME that I couldn't tell you about it!!!! Phew. It's out now.

Mucus Tick LIVES!! Sort of..Not Really...

Talk about a labor of love! My obsession with The Tick has now bent the fabric of reality and I've literally WISHED an action figure into existence!! This Friday, May 28th, at 10am, you will be able to visit the Shocker Toys web store and pre-order your very own Mucus Tick action figure. ~tears up~

When comic book and cartoon hero The Tick fights an "Uncommon Cold", he finds himself facing off against an evil version of himself..his own sickly mucus given life by an evil alien!! Essentially, it's The Tick..but itSnot. Let the ultimate battle begin!

Mucus Tick is a translucent green version of Shocker Toys Indie Spotlight Series 2 Tick action figure with new card art. This Idle Hands exclusive action figure will be limited to 1,000 pieces and then poof..its gone. At only 22 dollars a figure (+ shipping, natch), you can afford to amass an army of these drippy fiends and take over your friend's shelf units!! VICTORY THROUGH EVIL BODILY FLUIDS!!

Mucus Tick joins Barry Hubris in The Tick Action Figure family along side Hunter Rose Grendel, The Blue Beetle (Dan Garret) and The Blank (from Dick Tracy), rounding out the Indie Spotlight Summer Exclusives.