Action-Figure.com has a few more details on the first wave of Sesame Street figures.  Apparently now they have "action features".  Ugh.  Maybe it won't be too bad.  I know I never would have thought I'd see/hear the phrase "now with banana-phone answering action!" associated with action figures .  They still do look pretty neato though, wouldn't mind getting a Cookie Monster.  They also have some pics of the figures, accompanied by accesories and "letters" for each of them.

Sesame Street Figures

Yeah, just saw that new Insider pic of Grievous this morning.  Kind of cool that they are featuring him so much and actually letting us see him this early.  You can check the pic out here:

Insider Grievous Cover

You scare me too Adam, but more power to you if you can afford it...and you have a collection you enjoy.

I've also haven't posted my totals here yet, but since I'm keeping track of them this year in a spreadsheet anyways, I just as well post them.  My wife wanted me to keep track "so I realize what I actually spend on that stuff".    Jan/Feb were a little higher than she/we liked, but I told her it evens out throughout the year.  I personally haven't found anything new since the last week of Jan/first week of Feb.  Thanks to some much appreciated help from Matt (JediMAC) I have been able to get a few other things though.  Here's my rundown so far this year (without tax added in I guess, can't remember that):

January
R-3PO - $4.99
Animated Wave 1 - $6.99 each=$27.96

February
Luke Skywalker - Hoth Attack - $4.99
Luke Skywalker - Jabba's Palace - $4.99
R2-D2 - Jabba's Sail Barge - $4.99
R1-G4 - Tatooine Transaction - $4.99
Animated CW Wave 2 - $6.99 each=$27.96
Ultra Wampa - $9.99
SA Clone - $4.99
ROTJ Burger King Glasses (ebay) - $18.50

 Total= $114.35

Other than that, I haven't found anything for quite some time Star Wars-wise.  I'm really hoping to find a Jabba and Skiff Lando sometime soon, as well as the rest of their waves if possible.  It seems like many of us are going through a dry spell in our areas though, hopefully things will pick up soon.  I did receive the Chewie/Luke Unleashed...but paid for them last year so I didn't count it on the spreadsheet.  I just wanted to start fresh and see what the spending was for 2004.  I'm happy things are coming out/being found quickly this year...but every time another wave is found somewhere, I feel a little more behind .  Overall, my wife isn't too crazy about my total, so I'm laying off vintage loose figures and ebay purchases...and just sticking to modern stuff for now.  I guess I did also purchase a Zipline Batman (had to have a Batman) that isn't included on there...I think it was about $7.  Good luck to everyone, hopefully stuff starts showing up soon.

If there are any left once StarWarsShop comes back online, I'm down for one too.  I have always liked the Muppet line, and although I have been unable to collect it, I don't want to pass this one up.  Is anyone else around these boards still collecting the rest of the line?  From what I have heard/read Target is not going to carry these anymore?  So is it just TRU (or online/speciality shops) for these now?  I kind of wish there was a way to pick up some of the older figures, for reasonable prices.  But, while I'm wishing, I wish there was a regular Rowlf coming out besides the one exclusive to the playset.  He was my favorite Muppet, but not sure if I want to spend the moolah to get the whole playset just to get him (although it looks great).  A very tempting line though....

I really hope that everyone's luck turns around soon, but I'm glad to hear that this area isn't the only one in a "dry spell".  I haven't seen anything new in quite some time (with the exception of animated Clone Wars stuff, there seems to be plenty of that...other than Clones).  Otherwise, no "regular" basic figures (or Ultra for that matter) to be spoken of.  I have seen a fair amount of the Bail Organa wave at TRU, but otherwise it has been basically nothing since I found the Tatooine and Hoth Waves towards the beginning of February.  But, I guess things started early this year...just anxious to find me a Jabba and Lando Skiff.....and all the rest too I guess  Every time I hear of another wave being sighted, I feel a little more behind.

That insert pic of Han is really bad.  I'm looking forward to this wave though, should be a good one.  Like said above, looking at the back of that card it looks like the Han's headsculpt might be pretty good.  I've always been looking forward to a Madine too, boring or not, and the Lando looks very well done too.  I hope that these aren't tough to find since they are the last "Saga" wave before the card change.  Of course, I shouldn't complain, I'm still looking for the Jabba's Palace and Yavin waves .

LordoftheRingsGuide.com has some more new shots up of upcoming LOTR minimates (Gimli, Theoden, Wormtongue, and Uruk Crossbowman).  Boy, this line is awfully tempting to me....

LOTR Minimates Pics

Toy Biz-- If it wasn't for the Lord of the Rings, this company wouldn't have my money. I quit Marvel Legends because I simply hate chases and this whole one-per-case idea, not to mention the joints on the figures aren't tight enough, so it felt like a complete ripoff. I dig the LOTR line though, and wish the action features were never brought into the line. And, they really need to stop making Gollums/Smeagols now. Right now.

Good point HMI, that is something I have noticed as well with the Marvel Legends line.  At least with the figures I have gotten, many of the joints seem quite loose right out of the package.  I'm scared to try to pose/repose different figures, thinking that I will create even more looseness .