Lee's #119

Cover: In the upper left, there is a small picture of the Duffman figure above a graphic indicating that this issue contains their San Diego Comic Con coverage.

Pg. 30: Playmates coverage from the Comic Con-- This picture spread features images of Moe's Tavern w/ Duffman, Bongos Collide set, KKBL w/ Bill and Marty, Dr. Nick Riveria w/ Office, Mr. Burns w/ Burns Manor, Jacques and Bowling Marge set. Also pictured are the Krusty bobblehead and the Faces of Springfield first series.

Pg. 54: Inve$tmentary-- "if you're like most Simpsons collectors, you were jazzed that Playmates produced Apu, Marge and Maggie figures, but you were a bit dismayed when you learned they'd be shipped with playsets as opposed to on blister cards. Well, we've good news for you. Apu ($$$- Best return) and Marge with Maggie ($$$- Best Return) have been released on single blister cards in the U.K., and to date that's the only way them on that style packaging...."

Pg. 112: Price Guide News-- "Many of the expensives Simpsons pieces have dropped of late. Lisa ($45), Grandpa ($35), Barney ($20), Chief Wiggum ($20), Waylon Smithers ($40), Moe ($20), Milhouse ($18 ) , Otto ($18 ) , and Nelson ($18 ) . One of the reasons for the plummet is because the first assortments had at least one short-pack (Lisa, and Smithers for example). Ever since the cases have been packed more evenly, secondary market interest in the line has wavered and pieces have been sitting in TRU and KB. Also, the once might Simpsons exclusives have fallen; Pin Pal Burns ($50), Convention Comic Book Guy ($30), Boxing Homer ($30), and Pin Pal Moe ($20).... There are two reasons for this: 1) The pieces have become too common and are just not selling high. 2) The collector can't get a hold of one and has no choice but to bid for one online at some outrageous price. Most collectors we've spoken too are opting not to buy them at inflated prices." The carded Bongos 3-pack is pictured here, though no mention is made of them on the page.

Pg. 123: Price Guide-- Lisa, Grampa, Barney, Chief Wiggum, Waylon Smithers, Moe, Milhouse, Otto, Nelson, Pin Pal Burns, Con. Comic Book Guy, Boxing Homer, and Pin Pal Moe are all listed as 'Cold' (drop in price). The Bongo Comics 3-pack is listed as 'Hot (increase in price).

Man, just realized this has been all but forgetton. Poor Mark has a bit of updating to do. Mark, hopefully the news archives will help.

Anyway, here's my contributions:

Tomarts #103:

Cover: The top bar mentions "Simpsons" as being featured inside.

Pg 7: Action New Briefs-- A news item on the Celebrity Mail-Away offer. It states that the Simpsons Collector Sector and Playmates are working on this special offer. It gives details on how to get the figures and features a picture of them.

Pg. 25: Playmates-- This is an update on recently released WoS merchandise. It features carded images of Bongo 3-pack, THOH 3, All-Star Series 2, Series 9 figures, Assortment E playsets, and the Bowling Alley set.


Lees #120

Pg. 7: $$$ Hot Online Auctions $$$--The Treehouse of Horror 3 set is listed as Gold (Highest Return)

Pg. 9: Lee's Toy Gazette-- A news item on the Celebrity Mail-Away offer is featured here. It contains the Playmates press release description of the promotion as well as details on how the offer works. The two figures are pictured. They also feature a copy of the order form, which readers can photocopy and send in.

Pg. 78: Inve$tmentary-- The Simpsons (Mattel)*: They bring up the success of the first two THOH sets and mention that the third THOH ($$$- Best Return) is just as successful. They state that this "line shows no sign of losing steam, so make you purchase yours before they're gone".
*Please note that the mistake in the company name is their's.

Pg. 112: Price Guide News - Simpsons (Playmates)-- They state that "The Simpsons line has been in a rut and pieces are dropping in value every month. As with the past two years, one piece outshines them all - it's as close to a sure thing as you're get. We speak, of course, of the Treehouse of Horror set ($70).

Pg. 123: Price Guide-- The following items are listed as 'Hot' (price increase)... THOH 3, Bowling Alley set, Prom set, and Mobile Home set. The Bongo Comics 3-pack is listed as 'Cold' (price decrease).

Mark is gonna love you for this, Mr. Proofreader.

However...

Quote:

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> May 2000 Bill LaRue interviews Jeff Trojan about the WoS line for his website Collecting Simpsons!.
Should drop either ! or .

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There is no mistake there. "Collecting Simpsons!" is the site's name.