San Diego Comic Con: Neopets Celebrates 25 years of Fandom!

Neopets, the beloved virtual pet site that has captivated millions of online gamers for 25 years, is celebrating its silver anniversary at San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) 2024. From Wednesday, July 24th to Sunday, July 28th, Neopets will host an array of fan-focused activities and exclusive merchandise at booth #3839.

 

Here's what attendees can look forward to:

·        Exclusive Collectibles:

o   Phat Mojo SDCC Plush: Limited edition Aisha and Shoyru plushes, each with an in-game code. With only 500 Aisha plushes at the Neopets booth and 500 Shoyru plushes at the UCC Distributing booth, these are true collector’s items.

o   Marvelous Merch: From What’s Your Passion pins and lanyards to NeoHoods, each purchase comes with exclusive in-game codes.

·        Engaging Activities:

o   Social Media Giveaways: Share your SDCC photos using #NeopetsSDCC2024 for a chance to win daily Neopets prize packs.

o   Meet Big Aisha: Snap a photo with our beloved mascot, Big Aisha, every day of the event.

o   Wheel of Excitement: Spin for a chance to win fabulous prizes at Faerieland’s favorite attraction.

·        Special Panel Event:

o   "Neopia Reimagined!": Join Neopets CEO Dominic Law and Upper Deck President Jason Masherah on Thursday, July 25th, from 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM at Room 28DE, for an insightful discussion on bringing virtual characters to life.

·        Upper Deck Collaboration:

                                        o  Limited Edition Trading Card Game: Visit the Upper Deck booth for an exclusive six-card Neopets Battledome promotional pack, featuring two SDCC-exclusive cards.

10TH ANNUAL HER UNIVERSE FASHION SHOW TO CELEBRATE MATTEL AND DECADES OF FASHION INNOVATION AND GEEK COUTURE AT SAN DIEGO COMIC-CON

 

The iconic 10th annual Her Universe Fashion Show, presented by Her Universe and Mattel, today announced the 2024 show theme will celebrate decades of fashion, innovation, and geek couture as Mattel approaches its 80th anniversary. This year’s show at San Diego Comic-Con, held Thursday, July 25 beginning at 6 pm, will also honor other legendary Mattel brands including Hot Wheels, UNO and Magic 8 Ball through an incredible lineup of fashion and giveaways. 

Mattel will bring the lobby to life creating a vibrant showcase celebrating 35 years of Polly Pocket, highlighting nostalgic fashions across three plus decades. Guests can expect an immersive experience, filled with nostalgic charm, innovative displays and photo opportunities that pay homage to Polly Pocket whose legacy continues to make the ordinary extraordinary.

“As Mattel approaches its monumental 80th anniversary next year, we are delighted to celebrate geek culture couture by partnering with Her Universe to showcase unique designer interpretations of our IP,” said Meredith Norrie, Vice President of Global Licensing and Consumer Products, Mattel. “Mattel’s iconic house of brands have long served as a source of joy and inspiration to bring fans together at San Diego Comic-Con and beyond. By teaming up with Her Universe Fashion Show, we are tapping into our shared passion of fueling fandom, creativity and self-expression.”

To commemorate a decade of unforgettable shows, host and Her Universe founder Ashley Eckstein  (voice of Ahsoka, Star Wars & Founder, Her Universe), and co-host Michael James Scott (Broadway star, Aladdin, The Book of Mormon, Something Rotten), will lead an evening dedicated to Mattel’s nearly 80 years of innovation and imagination. 

From the moment the lights go down, audiences will be enthralled by Ashley Eckstein’s cutting edge couture look, certain to make headlines as she does every year with her one-of-a-kind reveal. The dynamic hosting duo will then shine a spotlight on geek couture fashion, promising unforgettable surprises you won’t want to miss. As previously announced, award-winning director Jeremy Merrifield will direct the show. 

Since 2014, the Her Universe Fashion Show has captivated fans with the creativity of talented designers who have worked tirelessly to showcase one-of-a-kind custom geek couture looks on the runway. This year's ultimate prize will again be the opportunity for two of the 25 participants to design a special fashion collection with Her Universe. The audience will choose one winner, along with a winner selected by an expert panel of judges, including the 2023 Her Universe Fashion Show winning designers Rachel Petterson and Raeven K; Robin Motts, SVP Hot Topic Merchandising; Vivienne Medrano, Creator of Prime Video’s Hazbin Hotel and Helluva Boss; and VP of Barbie Product Design at Mattel, Robert Best.

The Umbrella Academy The Fourth and Final Season

The Hargreeves siblings have scattered after the climactic showdown at the Hotel Oblivion led to a complete reset of their timeline. Stripped of their powers, each is left to fend for themselves and find a new normal — with wildly varying degrees of success. Yet the trappings of their uncanny new world prove too hard to ignore for very long. Their father Reginald, alive and well, has stepped out of the shadows and into the public eye, overseeing a powerful and nefarious business empire. A mysterious association known as The Keepers holds clandestine meetings believing the reality they’re living in is a lie and a great reckoning is coming. As these strange new forces conspire around them, the Umbrella Academy must come together one last time — and risk upsetting the shaky peace they’ve all endured so much to secure — to finally set things right. The fourth and final season via NETFLIX on August 8th 2024.

 

SAVING BIKINI BOTTOM: THE SANDY CHEEKS MOVIE

When Bikini Bottom and all its denizens are suddenly scooped out of the ocean, Sandy Cheeks and SpongeBob SquarePants journey to Texas to save the town from a villainous plot. August 2nd only on NETFLIX.

Hasbro Toys to Ring in the New Year – PLAY-DOH, PEPPA PIG, and MY LITTLE PONY

HASBRO is starting the New Year off right with a variety of brand-new toys from your favorite brands, including PLAY-DOH, PEPPA PIG, and MY LITTLE PONY, all available January 1st at select retailers! These exciting new toys are perfect for your little ones to whip up engaging creativity, stepping into new worlds of playful imagination.

PLAY-DOH has inspired generations of imagination through tactile and sensory play, and it’s just getting started! Whether you are blending up a delicious treat with the SWIRLIN’ SMOOTHIES BLENDER PLAYSET, styling the silliest look with the HAIR STYLIN’ SALON PLAYSET, or even exploring the globe with the AIRPLANE EXPLORER STARTER PLAYSET, there are no rules or expectations... Anything is possible!

PLAY-DOH SWIRLIN’ SMOOTHIES BLENDER PLAYSET

(HASBRO/Ages 3 years & up/Retail Price: $9.99 /Available: 1/1/24) 

Whirl into imaginative play with the PLAY-DOH Swirlin' Smoothies Blender Playset! This kit lets children create PLAY-DOH fruits and vegetables, pop them into the blender, and press through to swirl them into super colorful pretend smoothie creations to "pour" into cups! Perfect for kids who love to play in the kitchen, the playset includes a blender with a plunger, extruder, scoop, ice cube tray, 2 cups, and 5 cans of PLAY-DOH Compound to create a variety of ingredients and toppings. Pink Play-Doh whipped cream? Why not? Pretend yellow strawberries? Of course! Make-believe blue broccoli? Go for it! PLAY-DOH sets like the Swirlin' Smoothies Blender Playset make great creative toys for 3 year old girls and boys and up.

Purchase HERE

In Stores This Week From DST: Star Wars, Marvel and the Green Hornet

It’s time for another shipment of toys and collectibles to arrive at your local comic shop, courtesy of Diamond Select Toys and Gentle Giant LTD! This week, there are busts and statues from Marvel, Star Wars and the Green Hornet – it’s the best of all worlds! Find a store near you at comicshoplocator.com, or order online at diamondselecttoys.com and gentlegiantltd.com!

Green Hornet Kato 1/7 Scale Resin Mini-Bust

A Diamond Select Toys release! Gangsters beware! Green Hornet’s sidekick Kato is battling his way into the Diamond Select Toys line of mini-busts! Standing approximately 6 inches tall, this 1/7 scale bust of Kato is based on his appearance in the 1960s TV series, and sits atop a detailed pedestal base. It will look great next to your Batman 1966 mini-bust collection! Limited to 1,000 pieces, it comes packaged with a hand-numbered certificate of authenticity in a full-color box. Designed by Barry Bradfield, hand-sculpted by Jean St. Jean! SRP: $59.99

https://www.diamondselecttoys.com/kato-mini-bust/

New Year! 2024 is Time for Us to Get Back on Track!

Happy New Year! Let's start off 2024 with what this blog/site was before the pandemic. Just need to get back into this and not get burnt out. Lost some of that passion the last few years. Pandemic, injuries and just not mentally wanting to take the time to fully commit to this anymore. Collecting never stopped but just a lot of personal stuff with the day job, life, friends, family and this year mostly need to do better at balancing everything. Still have some of that passion to continue this blog / website. This year the loss of a few people in the art toy community was a huge blow to so many. Collecting is what brings a lot of people together. Collecting and this blog is my outlet and what takes me away just for a little bit out of the real world and the daily grind. It brings a different type of happiness that is hard to explain. With that said, it's time for this blog to rise back up and to start posting a lot more. Here's to 2024 being a better year for everyone! Keep on collecting!

Hello Kitty & MetaGaia Launch Metaverse Experience

Hello Kitty and MetaGaia Launch Radically New Metaverse Experience

Explore Hello Kitty Themed Digital Destination in AI-enhanced Metaverse

Hong Kong – July 19, 2023 – MetaGaia, an AI-enhanced open metaverse, today launched the exciting metaverse destination Hello Kitty Seven Wonders with Sanrio Hong Kong, a lifestyle brand with pop icon Hello Kitty and other beloved characters. The Hello Kitty Seven Wonders digital destination in MetaGaia features Hello Kitty-themed digital items and activities in MetaGaia, giving fans a chance to build their own community and interact with their favorite characters in a new virtual world. 

Download the MetaGaia app here.

Advokate Group, the parent company of MetaGaia, brings a wealth of expertise in creating virtual spaces within the metaverse. MetaGaia stands out as the first metaverse to offer AI-powered companions, augmented reality games, social features, brand shopping and digital asset purchasing. This dynamic platform provides Hello Kitty fans with a unique and immersive experience with Hello Kitty and Friends characters. 

CBS Studios to Return to San Diego Comic-Con with Fan-Favorite Franchise and Series "Star Trek" and "Ghosts"

The “Star Trek” Universe Returns with an Exclusive Screening and Content in Hall H on Saturday, July 22

 

Official 50^th Star Trek Animated Celebration Panel on Friday, July 21

 

“Ghosts” Screening and an Exclusive Behind-the-Scenes on Thursday, July 20

 

 

 

July 18, 2023 – CBS Studios returns to San Diego Comic-Con, featuring screenings, exclusive content, activations, booths and more. Attendees will have the chance to find out their destiny at the “Ghosts” Woodstone Mansion on the convention floor, collect exclusive pins and posters from their favorite Star Trek series, and a chance to win prizes! Additional details about the experiences, giveaways, and presentations below:

 

STAR TREK Universe in Hall H. As previously announced by Paramount+, the fan-favorite STAR TREK universe returns to San Diego Comic-Con, featuring exclusive reveals and surprises from upcoming and current seasons of STAR TREK: DISCOVERY, STAR TREK: LOWER DECKS, and STAR TREK: STRANGE NEW WORLDS. Fans in attendance will also be the first to see the highly anticipated STAR TREK: STRANGE NEW WORLDS and STAR TREK: LOWER DECKS crossover episode with a special Hall H premiere screening! Saturday, July 22, 1:30-2:45 p.m. PT, Hall H

 

PARAMOUNT+ PRESENTS PEAK ENTERTAINMENT AT SAN DIEGO COMIC-CON

 

PARAMOUNT+ PRESENTS PEAK ENTERTAINMENT

AT SAN DIEGO COMIC-CON!

 

Lineup Features Can’t-Miss Programming for the STAR TREK Universe,

TRANSFORMERS: EARTHSPARK and BIG NATE

 

Fans Can Also Enjoy The Lodge: A Paramount+ Experience and the

Official San Diego Comic-Con STAR TREK: STRANGE NEW WORLDS

Interactive Booth

 

Paramount + Brings Yellowjackets, Transformers, and More to Fans at San Diego Comic-Con 2023 (UPDATED 7/18/23)

Paramount+ is a total household entertainment offering and streaming platform that features both iconic franchises and beloved series. The magic of the ‘Mountain of Entertainment’ campaign is the service’s unmatched content offering is showcased in an authentic and interesting way, drawing in consumers. The Lodge: A Paramount+ Experience is the next iteration of the campaign, offering a unique and immersive experience that brings Paramount Mountain to life.

The Lodge: A Paramount+ Experience will also serve as the redemption location for fans who complete Paramount's Passport Digital scavenger hunt. Fans who visit each of the 8 Paramount activations throughout San Diego, located both inside and outside the convention center, will be rewarded with a Paramount Passport prize pack, including themed memorabilia from beloved titles and more.  

 

Dates: July 19 - 23, 2023

Opening Hours:

Wednesday: 6 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Thursday – Saturday: 12 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Sunday: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.

 

The Lodge: A Paramount+ Experience at SDCC 2023 comes after a successful four-city tour debut earlier this year. Content creators who traveled to Mammoth, CA, and Steamboat Springs, CO, got to stop by the slope-side hub built right into the mountain, while thousands of guests in Austin, TX, for SXSW 2023 visited a three-story pop-up on Rainy Street. Following SXSW, The Lodge took over the exhibition floor at VidCon in Anaheim, CA, with guests stepping inside the world of their favorite YA and kids’ entertainment titles.

 

●      Transformers: Rise of the Beasts: Visit Energon Station to replenish your energy and unleash your inner beast with some tantalizing PRIMAL BREW (cold brew) and AUTOBOT TEA (iced tea).

●      Good Burger 2: Munch on delicious tray pass sliders from the classic Good Burger counter.

●      Yellowjackets: Step inside Lottie’s serene compound, where there’s more than meets the eye. Guests will explore a path through the activation to the secrets inside, and those lucky enough to reveal the iconic antler queen will leave with their very own bespoke Yellowjackets playing cards.

●      SpongeBob SquarePants: Take a trip under the sea to Bikini Bottom and visit The Krusty Krab. While at the iconic restaurant, grab a seat at the boat set for an underwater selfie photo moment.

●      Special Ops: Lioness: Crime awaits in the CIA safe house, where guests will be asked a series of “tests” matching with one of the three female archetypes. Fans will then receive a card with a character-match write-up and tune-in info. For guests passing by, the space features a spycraft wall where consumers can discover secrets.

●      Star Trek: Returning by popular demand, Star Trek’s Caricature Studios welcomes guests to take a seat at one of three rock thrones where artists will sketch visitors as their own Trek character. While at each studio, guests can select from a menu of preset characteristics adding details like uniform weapons, specialty alien-race touches, skin tone, etc.

●      1923: Discover a hidden speakeasy where you’ll find yourself in the Silver Dollar Soda Shop. Step inside and order a glass bottled root beer or a specialty cocktail within the existing nook. With a tasty beverage in hand, guests can then take a seat in the 1923 portrait studio for a vintage-style photo moment.

●      CBS Sports: Reimagine the iconic CBS Sports desk with a winter twist celebrating all sports, all the time. While walking around, take a peek at the CBS Sports “Hall of Fame” memorabilia wall, including items from NFL, UEFA & NWSL (San Diego Wave FC), and play a friendly game of shuffleboard.

●      Ink Master: Experience a day in the classic Ink Master banquette booth while flipping through a book of airbrush tattoo options from your favorite Paramount+ shows. Stencil options from beloved Paramount+ shows include Beavis and But-Head, Spongebob, RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars, and more.

●      Pet Sematary: Modeled after the film’s themes, guests will be invited to the Pet Sematary portrait studio for a photo moment where aftereffects will be added to invoke the dead in a beautiful yet dying environment. Post-photo, digital versions will be available for consumers to share on social media.

 

UPDATE - 7/18/23

Here's a few pictures from The Lodge!!!

 

 

Looks to be an awesome activation!

Icon Heroes Introduces Zoo Jitsu Fighters at SDCC

Get ready for something savage at San Diego Comic Con because we're about to unleash the beast!

Visit Icon Heroes at booth 3245 for an exclusive sneak peek of their epic new line, Zoo Jitsu Fighters 1/12 scale action figures coming in 2024, and score a FREE limited edition poster and sticker (while supplies last) when you stop by our booth. zoojitsufighters.com

Transformers MIRAGE Porsche 911 Photo Opp at San Diego Comic-Con

In celebration of the home entertainment debut of the hit film TRANSFORMERS: RISE OF THE BEASTS, fans will have the opportunity to pose for a photo with the MIRAGE Porsche 911, receive a free, limited-edition poster designed by Orlando Arocena aka “Mexifunk” (while supplies last), and win digital codes to watch the adrenaline-fueled blockbuster at home!  At the Hasbro booth on Saturday, July 22 from 6-7PM, “Mexifunk” will also be signing a select number of the exclusive Comic-Con posters.

Get ready to roll out when the adrenaline-fueled adventure TRANSFORMERS: RISE OF THE BEASTS becomes available to buy or rent on Digital from Paramount Home Entertainment.  Fans can watch all the action at home starting July 11, 2023.

Fans who purchase the film on Digital can immerse themselves in the world of TRANSFORMERS with over an hour of thrilling bonus content.  Take a deeper look at the AUTOBOTS, MAXIMALS, and TERRORCONS, as well as the humans at the center of the film. See how filmmakers recreated 90s New York City through incredible set design, music, and fashion. Go behind-the-scenes of the eye-popping action, from the edge-of-your seat car chase on the streets of New York City to the mesmerizing battle on the mountains of Machu Picchu, Peru.  Plus, check out deleted and extended scenes not seen in theatres.  Bonus content is detailed below:
 

• Human Affairs— In a world of robots, machines, and aliens, we explore the humans who help save the world.
• Life in the 90s— The filmmakers discuss how the music, set design, fashion, and cultural references transport viewers to New York in the 90s.
• Heroes— Get an inside look at the inspiration and thought process behind designing the AUTOBOTS and the MAXIMALS.
• Villains—Watch as the filmmakers bring the TERRORCONS and PREDACONS to life.
• The Chase— Meet MIRAGE, a new AUTOBOT that converts into a 1993 Porsche, and experience the adrenaline-filled car chase through New York City.
• The Battle of Ellis Island— Join the cast and crew as they go behind-the-scenes of the epic battle sequence between the AUTOBOTS and the TERRORCONS at the museum.
• Into the Jungle— The TRANSFORMERS franchise has been filmed all over the globe. This time, join the cast and crew as they explore the new and exotic location of Peru.
• The Switchback Attack— Witness the wild, intense driving sequences filmed on location in Peru where the AUTOBOTS fight the TERRORCONS through a town square and into the mountains 15,000 feet up.
• The Final Conflict— Get a behind-the-scenes look at the film’s epic climax. Watch as the AUTOBOTS, MAXIMALS, Noah, and Elena attempt to save the world.
• Extended/Deleted Scenes—Includes an alternate opening and ending to the film!

Synopsis
OPTIMUS PRIME and the AUTOBOTS take on their biggest challenge yet!  When a new threat capable of destroying the entire planet emerges, they must team up with a powerful faction known as the MAXIMALS. With the fate of humanity hanging in the balance, Noah (Anthony Ramos) and Elena (Dominique Fishback) will do whatever it takes to help the TRANSFORMERS as they engage in the ultimate battle to save Earth.

TRANSFORMERS: RISE OF THE BEASTS will arrive on 4K Ultra HD SteelBook^™, 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray^™, and DVD on October 10^th.

TRANSFORMERS: RISE OF THE BEASTS is rated PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi action and violence, and language.

BoxLunch and Entertainment Weekly Join Forces to Invite Fans to Celebrate Their Fandoms at the BoxLunch X EW Treat Truck at San Diego Comic-Con

BoxLunch and Entertainment Weekly Join Forces to Invite Fans to Celebrate Their Fandoms at the BoxLunch X EW Treat Truck at San Diego Comic-Con

 

San Diego, CA (July 17, 2023) - BoxLunch, the pop culture retailer with a cause, has teamed up with iconic entertainment outlet Entertainment Weekly to bring an activation to fans attending San Diego Comic-Con.

 

On Thursday, July 20th (12pm to 6pm) and Friday July 21st/Saturday, July 22nd (11am to 5pm), fans with and without Comic-Con badges can visit the BoxLunch x EW Treats Truck. This one-of-a-kind collaboration offers fans the opportunity to celebrate their fandoms while indulging in delicious summertime treats. Every fan that stops by and shares their fandom using #BoxLunchXEW receives a surprise merchandise item from BoxLunch’s selection of licensed fandom products. In addition, for every post on socials featuring #BoxLunchXEW, BoxLunch will donate a meal** to their charitable partner Feeding America®.

 

"At BoxLunch, we are passionate about connecting people through the power of fandom," said Ed Labay, Executive Vice President of Merchandising and Marketing for Hot Topic Inc. "We are thrilled to partner with Entertainment Weekly to bring this exciting activation to life. The Treat Truck perfectly encapsulates our shared commitment to providing unforgettable experiences for fans while supporting our philanthropic mission to help end hunger in the US with our partners at Feeding America."

 

Come show off your fandom at the BoxLunch x EW Treats Truck located at 4TH AND K in Downtown San Diego.

 

Keep your eyes on @BoxLunchGifts and @EW socials for updates and surprises throughout the convention.

Hasbro Celebrates its 100th Anniversary at 2023 San Diego Comic-Con International

Hasbro Celebrates its 100th Anniversary at 2023 San Diego Comic-Con International

Revealing an Amazing Brand Lineup Through Dazzling New Products, Experiences, Programming and More Surrounding Fan-Favorite Brands: TRANSFORMERS, Dungeons & Dragons, Magic: The Gathering, NERF, G.I. JOE, Power Rangers and Premier Collaboration Brands: Star Wars™, Indiana Jones™ and Marvel

Visit Hasbro Booth #3213 for Talent Meet & Greets, Signings, Product Showcases, Photo Opportunities, Contests, and Giveaways, Among Other Fun-Filled Branded Activities

Select Hasbro Pulse Products and Convention Exclusives Will Be Available to Purchase at The VAULT: A Hasbro Pulse Store in Downtown San Diego, CA

 

PAWTUCKET, R.I. -- July 17, 2023 -- Celebrating its centennial anniversary this year, Hasbro, Inc., a toy and game company, is returning to San Diego Comic-Con International, showcasing an incredible lineup of branded activities based on fan favorites, including TRANSFORMERS, Dungeons & Dragons, Magic: The Gathering, NERF, G.I. JOE and Power Rangers, as well as products from premier collaboration brands, Star Wars™, Indiana Jones™ and Marvel from The Walt Disney Company.

"We are absolutely thrilled to celebrate our 100th anniversary with our fans at San Diego Comic-Con," said Kim Boyd, Head of Toy at Hasbro. “With ten decades of unforgettable history, Hasbro has been instrumental in enabling generations of families to create lasting memories through imaginative play and storytelling. Along with new product launches at San Diego Comic-Con, fans can expect to experience their favorite products and entertainment in innovative ways, featuring iconic brands like TRANSFORMERS, G.I. JOE, and NERF.”