The Irwin Toy Company of Toronto, Canada unveiled an extensive line of Dragonball Z figures at this year's Toy Fair in New York City. Dragonball Z is most popular series on the Cartoon Network with ratings that more than double the next best series. This week it was nudged into the number two spot in the Lycos Top 50 computer searches by Valentines Day, but it still remains the most frequently searched topic of the year so far, following up on its strong 2000 showing (see 'Internet Users Looking...'). Irwin took the DBZ license after the original licensee, Bandai America, had given up on the property, and Dragonball Z by itself has made Irwin a major player among action figure producers. Here's a quick rundown of some of the highlights of what promises to be the biggest line extension at this year's Toy Fair -- and why not, since, at this time, DBZ is simply the hottest property in the action figure category.
Dragonball Z
There are over 500 episodes of Dragonball and Dragonball Z and these episodes feature a bewildering number of characters, who provide stern tests for the martial arts heroes of the Dragonball saga. This plethora of punchers is responsible for the vast array of DBZ toys. Among the new items introduced this year are a group of 12-inch figures including Vegita, Goku, Secret Saiyan Goku, Piccolo, Tien, and Trunks. These figures come complete with real fabric costumes and are sure to find favor with DBZ fans and collectors.
Also new this year are 5-inch figures of Android 17, Android 18, Goku, Secret Saiyan Vegeta, Secret Saiyan Gohan, Dr. Gero, Vegeta and Trunks in Armor. The popular Trunks character is also featured in the vehicle known as the DBZ Trunks Time Capsule, which is also sure to be a big hit. Of special interest to the specialty market is the 9-inch collector's series of bloody, but unbowed, battle-damaged figures of Secret Saiyan Gohan, Secret Saiyan Goku, and Secret Saiyan Vegeta.
A new series of 5-inch deluxe figures feature an energy ball that lights up when you press a button on the figure's base. This series includes Secret Saiyan Gohan, Secret Saiyan, Goku, and Secret Saiyan Vegeta. Look for more information on the new series of DBZ toys as they are announced and shipping dates are confirmed.
Sailor Moon
Irwin's Sailor Moon line, consisting almost entirely of dolls and plush figures, is aimed squarely at girls. Dolls are available in 6-inch, 11.5-inch, and 17-inch formats. There are dolls of all five of the Sailor Scouts (Sailor Moon, Sailor Mars, Sailor Mercury, Sailor Jupiter, and Sailor Venus) as well as dolls for Sailor Uranus, Sailor Pluto, Sailor Neptune, Princess Serena and the Wicked Lady. Also new this year are plush versions of Luna & Artemis, Sailor Moon's wisecracking feline celestial guardians.
