Shocker standing tall after action-figure flap

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Second of two parts

NEW YORK - All was not fun and frolic for action-figure makers who showcased their work at this year's American International Toy Fair.

Take the legendary demise of 1990s powerhouse Toy Biz, once a major creator of pop-culture products based on "The Lord of the Rings" and superhero licenses. It was renamed Marvel Toys last year.

Its major lineup was reduced to some independent-comics-themed and wrestling figures along with Curious George items (a few quickly recalled in the China debacle).

A final nail was hammered into Marvel Toys' coffin this year with the company taking on more of a consulting role for Marvel Entertainment and its master toy licenser, Hasbro.

That's more than fine for scrappy entrepreneur Geoff Beckett. The die-hard action-figure lover went from the construction business to toy creator with the Buffalo-based company Shocker Toys, a venture developed with partner Lance Buttiglieri back in 2000.

Mr. Beckett's beef with Marvel Toys came when his plans to produce independent-comics action figures appeared to be absorbed partly into his competitor's plans. A war of e-mails and emotional releases became a murky swamp of licensed-agreement reality versus "he said" hearsay at best.

However, Mr. Beckett is proud to be the last man standing, and he delivered the final word at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center this year with his Indie Spotlight figures. He gleefully displayed the lineup of 6- to 7-inch-tall gems highlighting David Mack's Kabuki, Jim Valentino's Shadowhawk, Rob Schrab's SCUD and Sam Kieth's "The Maxx."

Shocker also is known for the Shockini, a miniblock figure not to be confused with Mini-Mates or Stifkas. Fans can expect a robust lineup of comics-themed two-packs soon, including Dick Tracy, Madman, Solar and the Tick.

Let's temporarily chalk one up for the small guy in the dramatic war of toy-making. Now, if Mr. Beckett's product actually makes it to shelves this summer, he really can celebrate.