On April 19th, 2008, Danica Patrick became the first female driver to WIN an Indy Car race event.

CustomCon 19 started today.
Check out the latest custom action figure creations at RTM, Raving Toy Maniac. Check back each day of this five day event for new customs and be sure to read the creative recipes.

http://www.toymania.com/customcorner/cc19/index.shtml

Tags: Custom Action Figure

Cartoon Network has announced Batman: The Brave and The Bold, a new animated series slated to debut in 2008.

"Batman isn't going at it alone this time! From Warner Bros. Animation comes the latest interpretation of the classic Batman franchise. Our caped crusader is teamed up with heroes from across the DC Universe, delivering nonstop action and adventure with a touch of comic relief. Blue Beetle, Green Arrow, Aquaman and countless others will get a chance to uphold justice alongside Batman. Though still based in Gotham, Batman will frequently find himself outside city limits, facing situations that are both unfamiliar and exhilarating. With formidable foes around every corner, Batman will still rely on his stealth, resourcefulness and limitless supply of cool gadgets to bring justice home."

The series, consisting of 30-minute episodes, will be produced by James Tucker and Linda M. Steiner -- the team behind Legion of Super Heroes -- and will be executive produced by Sam Register. Other creators include line producer Amy McKenna, story editor Michael Jelenic and directors Ben Jones, Brandon Vietti and Michael Chang.

Tags: Cartoons, DC Comics, DC Superheroes

BURBANK, CA (April 2, 2008) – The wait is over! Birds of Prey, the hit WB show, will finally make it to DVD. Three young female heroines will be fighting together, living together, and soaring into adventure together when Warner Home Video's (WHV) releases of Birds of Prey: The Complete Series on July 15, 2008 for $39.98 SRP. Birds of Prey: The Complete Series includes all 13 episodes from the series plus all-new bonus features in a 4-disc collection.

From the creators of the CW hit Smallville, Birds of the Prey was produced in 2002 for the WB and is loosely based on the DC Comics series with the same name. The hit show brought in 7.6 million viewers each week and was the largest audience in the 18-34 demographic for the network at that time. While the world was sleeping at night, the Birds of Prey flock together to fight crime on the streets of New Gotham City. Several years after the city was abandoned by Batman, the awesome threesome of Huntress (Ashley Scott), Oracle (Dina Meyer), and Dinah (Rachel Skarsten) was formed. Huntress is the daughter of Batman and Catwoman, and can smell danger from miles away. Dinah has the gift of clairvoyance and Oracle leads the team through her cyber experience, despite being wheelchair bound by the Joker. During the course of the show, the girls are often confronted with schemes masterminded by Dr. Quinzel, but always prevail and beat her at her own game.


"The Birds of Prey continues the legacy of Batman in an action-packed show with a trio of female heroines that are adored by fans," said Rosemary Markson, WHV Vice President, TV Marketing, "We are delighted to finally release Birds of Prey: The Complete Series for the very loyal fan base and a new generation of comics lovers."

In addition to the entire series, complete with 13 full episodes, Birds of Prey: The Complete Series includes never-before-seen special features such as:

• Gotham Girls S1-3 – An animated series of shorts starring the Birds of Prey characters.

Birds of Prey: The Complete Series
Street Date: July 15, 2008
DVD SRP: $39.98
Running Time: 727 mins

Tags: DC Comics, DC Superheroes

Three models will be offered in for the 2009 model year including the Dodge Challenger SE, Dodge Challenger R/T and Dodge Challenger SRT8.

The Challenger RT will come with the new-generation 5.7-liter HEMI V8 mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission producing 370 horsepower and 398 ft-lbs of torque.  An optional precision-shift six-speed manual transmission with pistol grip handle is also available, horsepower & torque increase to 375 and 404 respectively with this option.

The Dodge Challenger SE is powered by the 3.5-liter High Output V6 with a four-speed automatic transmission producing 250 horsepower and 250 lb.-ft of torque.

PRESS RELEASE
Introducing the All-New 2009 Dodge Challenger
35 Years Later, Dodge Redefines Modern American Muscle

• Re-creation of vintage American muscle car blends nostalgic flair with modern engineering and technology

• First five-passenger, two-door coupe produced from proven Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger platform

• First modern-day, HEMI®-powered car offered with precision-shift six-speed manual transmission

• New-generation 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 delivers increased fuel economy (an estimated 5 percent) with more horsepower (30 hp) and improved torque (8 lb.-ft.)

• 5.7-liter HEMI goes from zero to 60 mph in less than six seconds

• SRT-exclusive 6.1-liter HEMI V-8 engine goes from zero to 60 mph in less than five seconds

• Best-in-class rear head (37.4 inches) and leg (32.6 inches) room provides spacious back seat for up to three adults

• Best-in-class trunk space (16.2 cu. ft.) equal to the Dodge Charger

• New “EZ” entry with high-mounted seat-back lever for easy, one-handed operation; enables second-row passengers to enter and exit with ease

• More than 25 safety and security features including supplemental side-curtain air bags, advanced multi-stage air bags, Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and anti-lock brakes

• Equipped with cutting-edge technology including MyGIG™ radio/navigation, UConnect® Hands-free Communication System, Keyless Go push-button start and Remote Start

• To ensure quality, Dodge Challenger engineers logged nearly 3.2 million customer-equivalent miles in the development process

• All-new 2009 Dodge Challenger to arrive this fall

The all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger merges the best American muscle-car characteristics - unmistakable design, world-class handling, powerful engines, and technology - designed to delight driving enthusiasts across several generations.
“Our all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger is a modern-day muscle machine representing the best from the past and present,” said Mike Accavitti, Director, Dodge Brand and SRT Global Marketing, Chrysler LLC. “Thirty-five years following the debut of the original, we are bringing Dodge Challenger back and loading it with essential hardware, styling and technology desired by today’s buyer.”
The Dodge Challenger is the first five-passenger, two-door coupe produced from Chrysler’s proven rear-wheel-drive platform that delivers the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger. Developed with Dodge’s credo of “bold, powerful and capable,” the Challenger delivers a modern two-door muscle car.
Three models will be offered in North America: Dodge Challenger SRT8®, Dodge Challenger R/T and Dodge Challenger SE.
Essential Hardware
The Dodge Challenger R/T features the new-generation 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine with a five-speed automatic transmission that produces an estimated 370 horsepower (276 kW) and 398 lb.-ft. of torque (540 N•m). For 2009, the HEMI engine is upgraded to get an estimated five percent improvement in fuel economy as well as an increase of 30 horsepower (9 percent) and 8 lb.-ft. improved torque (2 percent) over a greater range of engine speeds. The Dodge Challenger R/T also offers a precision-shift six-speed manual transmission - the first for a new-generation HEMI-powered car - that produces 375 horsepower (280 kW) and 404 lb.-ft. of torque (548 N•m) when running on premium fuel. The Dodge Challenger R/T can go from zero to 60 mph in less than six seconds.
The 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 features an SRT-exclusive 6.1-liter HEMI V-8 engine mated with a new-for-2009 six-speed manual transmission or a five-speed automatic transmission with Auto Stick that generates a blistering 425 horsepower (317 kW) and 420 lb.-ft. of torque (569 N•m). The vehicle can go from zero to 60 mph in less than five seconds.
The Dodge Challenger SE powered by the 3.5-liter High Output V-6 with a four-speed automatic transmission produces 250 horsepower (186 kW) and 250 lb.-ft. of torque (339 N•m).
Patterned off the Dodge Charger architecture, the front suspension and five-link independent rear suspension system on all Dodge Challenger models provide excellent ride and handling characteristics.
Essential Styling
The Dodge Challenger design team stayed true to the concept revealed at the 2006 North American International Auto Show, while drawing upon elements from the original Challenger. The result: a bold, aggressive muscle machine that blends nostalgia with modern Dodge style.
“Our designers wanted to capture the mind’s-eye view of what people today remember about the Dodge Challenger from 35 years ago,” said Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President – Design, Chrysler LLC. “Their challenge was to excite today’s customer by capturing the emotion of the original Challenger, while offering today’s comfort and performance.”
On the exterior, the long, raised performance hood with scoops and recessed grille with round dual headlamps are reminiscent of the original Dodge Challenger. The bold A-line, or character line, that runs from stem to stern gives the all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger an instantly recognizable muscle car profile. Retro dual rectangular exhaust outlets complete the look from the rear.
On the interior, the trapezoidal theme of the door-panel cove and gauge cluster, dark headliner and slanted shifter console are inspired by the original Dodge Challenger. The modern interpretation of the Dodge Challenger offers exceptional rear seating for a two-door coupe, achieving best-in-class rear head (37.4 inches) and leg (32.6 inches) room compared to the competition. Coupled with best-in-class cargo space (16.2 cu. ft.) - equal to the Dodge Charger - the all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger offers added comfort and functionality.
Essential Technology
The all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger offers customers a full range of innovative technologies including:

• MyGIG™ provides a cutting-edge multimedia audio and entertainment system, with built-in navigation

• UConnect® Hands-free Communication System provides convenient, voice-activated communication with Bluetooth® cellular phones

• SIRIUS® Digital Satellite Radio offers a variety of commercial-free radio programs and music for enhanced listening enjoyment

• Keyless Go allows the driver to start the vehicle with the simple push of a button

• Remote Start starts a secured vehicle with the key fob

• More than 25 Safety and Security Features

Dodge Challenger offers more than 25 safety and security features including:

• Supplemental Side-curtain Air Bags extend protection to all outboard front- and rear-seat passengers

• Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) modulate the brakes for the driver to provide steering control while braking

• Electronic Stability Program (ESP) applies selective braking or throttle reduction to control oversteer and understeer

• Brake Assist ensures maximum braking action during panic stops

• Traction Control reduces the throttle and/or applies selective braking to optimize traction during acceleration

• Hill Start Assist (HSA) for Manual Transmission application assists the driver in launching the vehicle on an incline

• Automatic Headlamps turn headlamps on at dusk and off in the daylight without driver intervention

• Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPM) alerts driver about low tire pressure(s) in order to facilitate safe handling

2009 Dodge Challenger Production
The all-new 2009 Dodge Challenger will be built at the Brampton Assembly plant in Brampton, Ontario, Canada. It will be built on the same assembly line as the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger.
Source: Chrysler.com

Tags: Dodge Challenger

Diamond Select Toys has announced their second series of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine action figures.

This second series expands the crew of the former Cardassian space station by including the genetically-enhanced Dr. Julian Bashir, the best engineer this side of the Wormhole – Chief Miles O’Brien and the depth-perception impaired Klingon – Martok!  Also featured are the Previews Exclusive Colonel Kira Nerys in her Starfleet uniform and a limited two-pack containing Chancellor Gowron and a Season 4 style Lieutenant Commander Worf!

Tags: Star Trek, Diamond Select

Mattel has revealed a new line of 3.75 inch action figures called DC Infinite Universe.

I've always said that there should be a 3.75 inch DC Universe with realistic sculpts and limited articulation similar to Star Wars figures.

DC Direct tried Pocket Superheroes, but not realistic enough for me.
DC Minimates, look cool but not a collection I would go after.

Mattel's DC Infinite Heroes finally got it right.
Pictured below are: Gotham City Police Officers, Commissioner Gordon, Black Adam, Flash: Jay Garrick, Supergirl, Bizarro, Wonder Girl, Batwoman, Batman, Catwoman, GCPD Police, The Question, Hush, Black Hand, LexCorp Goon?, Green Arrow, Black Canary, Green Lantern, GCPD Police, Power Girl, Shazam! (Captain Marvel), Zoom, Wildcat, Killer Croc, Weather Wizard, Thanagarian Guards and Hawkman.

Tags: DC Superheroes, DC Comics

Here is a cool custom figure make by fp_spirit.

The recipe is:
DC Superheroes Supergirl body
DC Direct Superman/Batman Series 2 Supergirl cape
DC Direct Flamebird head
painted the boots to match the cape
painted the skin to match the head

Tags: Custom Action Figure, DC Comics, DC Superheroes

Mattel will be releasing some new DC Superhero Barbie figures this year.
These figures look like they use the new body type. They will be in the collectors series and priced about $35.00 each.

The current release dates are:
Batgirl - July 2008
Supergirl - August 2008
Black Canary - September 2008
Wonder Woman - October 2008

Tags: Mattel, DC Superheroes, DC Comics

Check out this special eBay auction.



After nearly 35 years, the All-New 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 is revving up and getting ready to race off of the production line; but when the first Challengers hit the market, only ONE of them will be painted in legendary B5 Blue, honoring racing legend Richard Petty. And it could be yours along with a custom #43 Richard Petty Designed Decal Package*.

The winning bidder will drive away in the #43 Challenger painted in B5 Blue, with "carbon fiber" look hood stripes, featuring a 6.1L SRT HEMI® V8 engine and a five-speed AutoStick® transmission.

All proceeds will benefit the Victory Junction Gang Camp, an organization dedicated to enriching the lives of children with chronic illness, founded by Kyle Petty, in honor of his late son, Adam.


The Winner will also receive:
• Two VIP Passes to the May 2008 Dodge Challenger 500 NASCAR race at Darlington Raceway, South Carolina
• Meet-and-greet session with Kyle Petty
• Roundtrip airfare for two and lodging
• Dodge Motorsports prize pack delivered at the Dodge Challenger 500 NASCAR race

Tags: Dodge Challenger