Toy Fair 2013 : A Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Preview

The curse of the Yeti has stuck again on this lot...which is to say the toys in this room moved too damn fast for us to get our shots in! Could have been the radiation too. We can come up with a lot of excuses. Suffice to say, what we pulled out of this folder is a little grainy..a little out of focus..and shot at a distance...but as always, we'll take what we can get. After all..beggars and all that.

Nothing earth shattering among the items they had on hand at UK Toy Fair in representation of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle kingdom. Playmate's "Ooze" theme for this year has already started to hit stores in the states and you'll find several reviews around the interwebs. Their "Flingerz" (Turtles that shoot discs out of their bellies...adorable) assortment has hit stores as well, right alongside the baby turtles swimming in vats of Ooze. New to me was the Mutagen Ooze Drop Copter...which is just what it sounds like..and the Ooze Cruiser, two more new vehicles that look like trikes called the Road Raider (with an exclusive Leo figure) and the Stealth Bike (with an exclusive Raph decked out in his helmet and gloves) which sort of makes him look like a Road Warrior or a cop (can we get a Village People TMNT set going??!!), and a Pop Up Pizza Playset called....(oh man...I love the designers of this)..wait for it...ANCHOVY ALLEY!!!  The set features trap doors, shooting pizzas and sliding doors.

Re-Live the Madness of CATDOG!!

Running in circles has never been funnier or more exasperating unless you’re CatDog. Nickelodeon’s fraternal twins arrive kicking and screaming on DVD, October 18, 2011 from Shout! Factory. Featuring the first 10 episodes from the show’s premiere season, CatDog: Season 1 - Part 1 follows the adventures of the feline-canine brothers Cat and Dog, conjoinedtwins, who adore and irritate each other like fleas. Long anticipated by fans, CatDog: Season One - Part One has not been available in stores until now. A must have for fans of Nickelodeon, cartoon fanatics and DVD collectors, the two-disc DVD set has a suggested retail price of $19.93.

Like all of Nickelodeon’s classic shows, CatDog: Season One - Part One features an all-star voice cast, which includes Tom Kenny (SpongeBob SquarePants, Rocko’s Modern Life), Jim Cummings (The Super Hero Squad Show, Reno 911) and Carlos Alazraqui (The Fairly OddParents, Rocko’s Modern Life).

A fan favorite, CatDog: Season One - Part One, is a tale of opposites attached starring CatDog, the most unlikely brother duo ever seen. The conjoined brothers love each other yet they are so different, they can’t help but annoy themselves silly with their contrarian activities. Prim and proper, Cat is the very definition of culture, while Dog is the ultimate tail-wagging, sofa-jumping, car-chasing roughneck. But despite their very different personalities, CatDog are the best of friends, sticking to one another — literally — through thick and thin, even when it comes to facing off against their devious neighbor Winslow and the rough ’n’ tough gang of Greaser Dogs!

Voltron Force Landing June 16th

Nicktoons, the fastest growing kids’ network, brings the iconic franchise Voltron™ to a new generation with the brand new animated series, Voltron Force™. The series will launch as a commercial-free presentationof the 90-minute movie, “Voltron Force: New Defenders Trilogy,” Thursday, June 16, at 8:30 p.m. (ET). The half-hour series, which features an all-new theme song produced and recorded by Grammy Award®-winning producer and artist Swizz Beatz, follows the adventures of a new class of recruits as they join forces with the original team to fight evil by forming Voltron, the legendary super robot. The first original Voltron content in 10 years, this new iteration from World Events Productions in association with Classic Media and Kickstart Productions will feature never-before-seen Voltron configurations when the team’s Lions unite. The series will regularly air Thursdays at 8:30 p.m. (ET) on Nicktoons.

“Voltron Force stays true to the concepts that made the original such a success, but also takes the action, adventure and fantastical robotic creations to the next level,” said Keith Dawkins, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Nicktoons and TeenNick. “As a fan myself, it’s exciting to see the saga continue and for our network to be part of the brand’s legacy.”

“I’m truly excited to be involved in the re-emergence of this classic cartoon,” said Swizz Beatz. “I enjoyed watching Voltronas a child and now can enjoy it with my own kids.”

The original robot-action show, Voltron: Defender of the Universe, has become a massive pop-culture success since its launch in 1984. The series’ signature maneuver of combining forces to attain a common goal has resonated with many, earning references on television shows (such as South Park, The Fairly OddParents and Lost), by hip-hop artists (Swizz Beatz, Busta Rhymes, Eminem, Wu Tang Clan, among others) and by athletes (like LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Amar’e Stoudemire, Laurence Maroney and Chris Paul). The series also has a loyal Hollywood following of celebrities such as Jonah Hill, Megan Fox, Seth Green and Zach Galifianakis, to name a few.

Set five years after Voltron: Defender of the Universe, Voltron Force follows three new recruits – Daniel, Vince and Larmina – as they get a once-in-a-lifetime chance to train alongside their heroes – Keith, Lance, Hunk, Pidge and Allura – and learn to fly incredible robot lions. The series will journey to new planets, discover new powers and unearth ancient secrets. Voltron will be needed once again to combat a rising evil in the galaxy and a tyrant from within. Bonds will be formed, friendships will be tested and plenty of laughs will be had as the Voltron Force gels together as a team in an epic battle of good versus evil.

In the 90-minute movie premiere, “Voltron Force: New Defenders Trilogy,” Daniel and Vince are recruited into an underground resistance movement led by former members of the Voltron Force to recover the keys to the lions. They soon meet fellow classmate Larmina, and the three cadets are introduced to their Voltcoms, an advanced wrist device that acts as an activation key to the lions. Their Voltcoms are also capable of generating unique weapons and powers based on personality and fighting styles. As the new cadets explore the Castle of Lions and uncover clues to Voltron’s origins, the original Force gets their groove back to form Voltron once more, determined to take on the duel-threat of King Lotor’s Robeast and Sky Marshal Wade’s war machine.

Voltron Force
Tags: Voltron Force Episodes,Voltron Force,Voltron Force Games

On Nicktoons.com, a dedicated Voltron Force show page will feature video clips, full episodes, flipbooks, characters profiles, a dedicated message board and exclusive weekly printables. A new printable, featuring exclusive character art, will become available every Thursday during premiere episodes. Additionally, on May 27, Nicktoons.com will launch a new game, “Voltron Force: Ultimate Victory,” which will allow users to play as all five Lions and transform into Voltron. During the on-air premiere of Voltron Force on June 16, the network will also offer a Game Code that unlocks the bonus and unlimited “blazing sword” in the game.

Do The VOLTRON!

On one hand, I applaud NickToons for promoting the hell out of their upcoming Voltron Force cartoon (coming this June), but I can't abide by laziness. We have a new video called "Let's Voltron". The name suggests we'll be introduced to some awesome new dance I will instantly fall in love with, want to master and then take to the hottest clubs in New York City to spread like a particularly nasty make-out rash. Do we get that? Noooo. We get some kids dancing along to a guy going "WOO! WOO!" like he's Will Smith and flashing the occasional image of the mighty lion-bot. BAA. Get back in the studio and have Wu-Tang Clan whip out the most awesome homage to a killer 80's cartoon you've ever heard. After that, you can just swing your arms around in a sword slashing, double fisted motion (like a modified cabbage patch) and no one will give a damn because the track will be so scorchin. MAKE IT HAPPEN!!

Voltron Force
Tags: Nicktoons,Nicktoons Videos,Nicktoons Games

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.

New Power Rangers Shows Coming

We've just gotten word that Power Rangers have returned to Saban, the guys that started it all. The deal puts 700 episodes of Morphin badassedness back in the hands of Saban and drops 20 new episodes on Nicktoons. Toy rights will remain with Bandai who have some awesome plans for the line. Here's the announcement...

Saban Capital Group, Inc., in cooperation with Toei Company Ltd., the original Japanese creator of the Power Rangers television show, announced today that it has acquired the Power Rangers property from The Walt Disney Company. The acquisition represents the return of the global franchise to its original developer, Haim Saban, who introduced the first Power Rangers series in 1993. The acquisition includes worldwide rights to the brand as well as over 700 episodes produced over 17 years.

Power Rangers marks the first property for Saban Brands, the recently formed subsidiary of Saban Capital Group, Inc., which was created to manage and license entertainment properties and consumer brands across media and consumer platforms throughout the world. Concurrent with the acquisition of the Power Rangers franchise, Saban Brands has announced a new, long-term master toy and video game license agreement with BANDAI NAMCO Group. Bandai has been the toy partner for Power Rangers since its inception.

“Power Rangers is one of the world’s leading children’s entertainment properties and we are delighted to see its return,” said Haim Saban, chairman and chief executive officer, Saban Capital Group, Inc. “We are also very proud and excited to renew our long-standing partnership with Namco/Bandai and know that this powerful combination of experience and capabilities will continue to support the global success of Power Rangers.”

Following its introduction in 1993 on the Fox Kids Network, Power Rangers quickly became the most watched children’s television program in the United States. Emphasizing the importance of teamwork, responsibility and helping others Power Rangers follows the always exciting and often humorous adventures of a group of ordinary young people who “morphed” into superheroes. The series has been translated into numerous languages and rose to become the #1 boys brand in the world from 1993-97, based on toy sales and television ratings. The Walt Disney Company acquired the franchise in 2001 as part of its purchase of Fox Family Worldwide, which included Saban Entertainment and its library of children’s programs. To date, Power Rangers has aired in over 60 countries and the property’s licensed products and promotions have generated well over $5 billion worldwide.

“I am confident that the talented management team at Saban Brands will expand our licensing partnerships and capitalize on the significant growth potential of this powerful brand,” said Haim Saban.

NEW Last Airbender Character Posters

Also known as AVATAR: The Last Airbender. I find it funny that that's the name of the show but they gave up the main title for the giant blue cat movie. I find it double funny that the two main characters aren't the slightest bit Asian, as they are in the cartoon. At any rate, here's the eye candy, posted today by Yahoo Movies with little fanfare and zero info.



If you haven't watched the cartoon yet, you owe it to yourself. It's playing in heavy rotation on Nicktoons and the season DVDs are cheap enough. This is the best cartoon series ever created with more drama, laughs and wow moments than any film out there. Since the series has ended, you can watch the whole thing straight through. Start today!!

The Last Airbender hits July 2nd, 2010.

Alicia Masters: "The Marvel Universe is a Cold, Cold Place"

Alicia Masters. Blind daughter of the Puppet Master. Girlfriend to The Thing (so, admittedly, a mineralphile). Like Rick Jones, a reoccurring human character in a not so human Marvel Universe and often, its moral compass. It came as no surprise when the character was included in the Fantastic Four films (re-imagined as a hotter black woman) and soon after, integrated into the Frenchimation smash hit, Fantastic Four: World's Greatest Heroes (as a slightly less hot black woman..with one profound difference.) Tapping into the emotional depth of a blind woman who loves a man and his rocky bits all the same, the creators felt that such a woman would be profoundly sensitive and sought to find a way to convey this visibly in her animation. The results are quite striking.


To our knowledge, this is the first female character on Nicktoons to display her special sensitivity in such a manner, on television and the internet...and probably the DVD. Congratulations to the courageous creators of this monumental piece of pop culture history. I suppose Rosa Parks never imagined the day when a black woman would be the first to proudly display her nipples in a children's animated show.















Bravo.

Editor's Note: We suggest those interested in seeing this episode do so very soon. TV Guide has you covered.

Wolverine and the X-Men Face the Phoenix

It is unclear if it is happening THIS Friday at 8pm on Nicktoons, but Marvel.com is teasing the event with this image of the Phoenix effect plucked straight from the cartoon. Check your local listings for further details and Marvel.com for the skinny.