News? Yeah, we got that...

 

While you were out gallivanting at Prof. Oak’s Pokémon Ranch this past week, I was busy attempting to dig up a little bit o’ news.  Well, TGIF, I finally found it by week’s end.  The tip of the iceberg is at Wal-Mart.  They are beginning a toy aisle reset!  Finally!  The plan-o-grams were taped to the pegs and lo, there were Pokémon areas mapped out!--including a spot for one of my faves, the elusive (well, unless it be a Sudowoodo or Bonsly…) mini-plush.  As I mentioned earlier, Target is also up to something, as their price cuts end at the beginning of June and one store had the new Pika yellow sign up.  Stay tuned!  Oh, and at TRU:  a “Rival Reactor” in Snorlax, Golem or Staraptor designs—this is a sound-activated toy that apparently reacts to you shouting at it.  Um… I did not try this.  I suppose you younger fans may give it a shot when you stroll by.  I don’t think an adult doing a screech attack would be well received in these turbulent times…

 

Now, what did I find?  OK, I got my new manga a little early at my local Barnes & Noble.  Check it out (photo below), the new issue of Diamond & Pearl Adventures and the re-issue of the Pokémon Adventures series.  What’s great about the re-issue?  OMG, this time they did it right to left, just like the original Japanese Pocket Monsters Special!  Yay!  Go, Viz!  The left to right Viz English translations ended around the time the Yellow saga wrapped up.  I still have my complete set of the American comic size Yellow Caballero series (and then there were the graphic novel comps. that were just a little bigger than current manga size)!  Anyhow, I sure hope Viz goes for the entire series—maybe we’ll get to see little Emerald tinkling over the balcony in English (issue #29), eh, Pojo?

 

I also found two new TCG blister packs.  Thanks to another Pokémon fan site tip, I got my Trading Card Game Player’s Guide with Toxicroak foil at Target, $9.99.  The other site warned that the Guide is probably best for newbies and didn’t really tell them much they didn’t already know; however, I think it’s a nice addition to a collection, just to have an official publication.  I’m figuring all the great fan columns and communication online are really what can enhance the playing experience.  Thanks to all the great folks that chat and share!  I also found a blister pack containing a Rotom foil, collectible coin, POP booster and a Rising Rivals booster, $4.99 at Target (apologies if omahanime already mentioned this—I’ve been soo busy at work, I haven’t kept up on my reading this week!).

 

Well, that’s it for now, can’t wait to see those new toys!  Pika Pi!

 

Loretta