Hasbro Inc., a global branded play company providing children and families with a wide-range of immersive entertainment offerings based on the Company's world-class brand portfolio, announced today that it has been recognized as one of the "2012 World's Most Ethical Companies" (WME) by the Ethisphere Institute. The Ethisphere Institute is a leading business ethics think-tank dedicated to the creation, advancement and sharing of best practices in business ethics, corporate social responsibility, anti-corruption and sustainability.

Which Battle Droids are best? Why, the cheaper ones of course! Would action figure collectors follow Star Wars to a non-Hasbro toymaker? And should you expect the Walmart-exclusive figures so show up as new Vintage repacks this fall? That's up to you, but we explore all this and more in this week's Q&A!

Southern California received an early dose of pop culture and ample amounts of rain as WonderCon 2012 was moved to the massive Anaheim Convention Center this year with their traditional venue at the Moscone Center in San Francisco under construction for upgrades. While it is organized by the same group that does Comic-Con International in San Diego, it was much smaller in scope and foot traffic, partially due to the foul weather. Despite this, there were still enough cosplayers, panels, and exhibitors to go around.

We have uploaded photos from WonderCon at the Anaheim Convention Center this weekend,  including shots from Gentle Giant, Kotobukiya, eFX, Action Figure Express, and some Views from the Floor.

From the just-released DVD sets-- formerly Walmart exclusives, but now closeout fodder-- it's Clone Trooper Gearshift!  Well, it's "Clone Trooper" on the box, at least. He has a new helmet with lamps!  Is it cool?  I think so. Read on to learn more!

Available for pre-order at Brian's Toys are the next two Clone Wars figures, Waves 2 & 3.  These waves include Republic Commando Boss, Commander Wolffe and Aayla Secura. The Gentle Giant Ponda Baba statue and Kotobukiya 501st Clone Troopers model kits have arrived and are now shipping.  If you can't get enough of the "It's a trap!" humor, get yourself the Admiral Ackbar canvas artwork by Steven Daily!

From StarWars.com: Gus Lopez and his team are planning a long list of reasons for collectors to take in every moment they can of the Star Wars Celebration VI collecting program. Similar to past Celebrations, the collecting panels and events will have something for collectors spanning all levels and interests. Of special note will be the unique and highly-prized items, created just for Celebration, that the group hands out at their panel presentations. From special medallions to Star Wars mini-cereal boxes, the group has created new items for each convention, and what they have in store for this year promises to be even more exciting than before.

In what seems to be the default retail flow for Walmart exclusives, the bargain chain finds continue as Jedi Temple Warchives...ehrmmm...Archives (Just kiddin Paul! We think your site rocks!), reports finding the Barc Speeder with Clone Trooper Buzz and AT-RT with Arf Trooper at a Ross Department store.

LEGO adds another fantastic set to their Ultimate Collector Series assortment this May. The UCS R2-D2 features a rotating head, retractable leg, and opening front panel. Check out all the details and a preview video with LEGO designers.

Hasbro was on a roll a few years ago, if you loved astromech droids it couldn't be better.  R4-H5 was one of many awesome new robots released in 2008, and he's not too expensive.  Is it time to buy?  Read on!

The guys at Jedi Defender have posted some carded photos of the upcoming Wave 13 of Vintage Collection action figures including Kithaba, Nom Anor, and Clone Wars style Anakin Skywalker!

The two "cancelled" Walmart exclusive Clone Wars DVD figure sets have popped up on eBay courtesy of a seller in Woodland Hills, CA. UPDATE: Yakface has a report that these sets have been found at Marshalls and TJ Maxx for $9.99 each! 

Sideshow announces that Medicom is re-issuing the awesome Real Action Heroes Sixth Scale Darth Maul. The highly detailed, super articulated Sith Lord includes interchangeable hands, removable hooded cloak, and a Light Up Double Bladed Lightsaber.

It's not the first SCUBA Clone Trooper, but it's certainly the most animated!  How does this newly-sculpted submarine pack-in work out? Pretty well.   Read on!

Our sponsors at BigBadToyStore.com has released their latest newsletter featuring new Star Wars TVC and Clone Wars figures and assortments.