`Save me, save me!” comes the cry, and to the rescue come Batman and Robin, Spiderman and assorted Star Wars action figures. Again this year, almost any toy department is Action Figure Paradise, and 1997’s turnout is, well, awesome.
Helped along by the re-release of the “Star Wars” trilogy, action figures from these movies continue to be hot. At Toys “R” Us, the 5-inch figures are $4.99 and 12-inch figures are $19.99-$24.99. This year, Jabba the Hutt with Han Solo and The Dewback with a Sand Trooper are joined by a new Ronto with a Jawa. Another new figure is the Enslaved Princess Leia, $4.99. The vehicle for these figures is the At-At Walker play-set, $80.
Star Wars action figures at FAO Schwarz include the usual Luke Skywalker and Leia as well as Boba Fett and Storm Trooper at $29 each. FAO Schwarz also has the limited-edition Death Star Gunner (equipped with a blaster) and Grand Moff Tarkin. Each 12-inch figure is highly articulated and fully poseable. The Grand Moff Tarkin figure comes with Interrogator Droid; $59.99 for the set.
In the “Star Trek” section of Viacom Entertainment Store (600 N. Michigan Ave., 312-867-3500), Trekkies can beam up action figures Capt. Benjamin Sisko from “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine,” and Commander Deanna Troi from “Star Trek: First Contact”; $9.99 each.
For military buffs as well as their children, Toys “R” Us has new G.I. Joe 12-inch Classic Collectors’ figures. Historical commanders include Generals Eisenhower and Patton in World War II-era clothing. FAO Schwarz has these icons, too, set in vignettes; the emblems of their units are featured in stand-up plastic, and flags are displayed. Prices range from $50 to $70.
New is the first female action figure to Hasbro’s G.I. Joe Classic Collection since 1967, the U.S. Army Helicopter Pilot, with blond, brunette or auburn hair, for $24.99. Also being introduced is the African-American Tuskegee Fighter Pilot, joining other Tuskegee Airmen such as the B-25 Bomber Pilot. Each is dressed in the authentic gear of his division and costs $29.99.
The basic 5-inch Batman and Robin action figures are joined by Mr. Freeze, Poison Ivy, Batgirl and Bane; $5.99 each. This year brings the Iceglow Bathammer Batmobile, which lights up and tracks down villains with flashing strobes; $24.95. The main feature of the D.U.O. Force Animation collection is a high-tech vehicle accessory (two toys in one), with figures such as Turbo Surge Batman, Air Strike Robin, Mr. Freeze and Wind Blitz Batgirl; $5.99. Two new long-awaited figures are The Joker and Harley Quinn. Finally, if you want to really splurge, an FAO Schwarz exclusive is the battery-powered, two-seater Batmobile Ride-On, for $199.
Jurassic Park figures continue to be popular, with each of the film’s characters coming with a baby dino; $5.99. The new electronic Mobile Command Center, selling for $59.99, is a base camp for the dino-trackers.
Six- to 8-inch Spawn figures, based on Todd McFarlane’s comic, include three versions of Spawn himself, the Clown (villain), Jessica Priest, Al Simons and others; $9.99 each. The deluxe figures coming out for the holidays will range from $14.99 to $19.99.
