Toy Fair would eat my wallet

OK, not really, since you can’t actually buy anything there. But if I ever went, I know my next several paychecks would be spoken for once this stuff hits retail.

The American International Toy Fair kicked off this weekend and runs through Wednesday in New York. 34,000 toy lovers are expected to visit and ogle the new toys coming out, from infant playthings to the latest in action figures.

One of these years, I’m going to find someone to hire me to attend and report on it.

Until then, I have to live vicariously through other people’s websites. Here’s a roundup of some of the coolest (to me, anyway) stuff I’ve seen:

For the sheer number of photos, my favorite site to peruse is Toy News International. Their galleries are divided by company and then by toy line, so you can easily find the latest from the “Avengers” movie, DC Universe, Lego and more.

Mattel has a bunch of stuff coming up, but there’s actually very little I’m interested in. The “JLU” line is wrapping up with a bunch of three-packs, but they’re not characters I’m interested in (or are minor repaints of figures I already have). So far, only one figure in the subscription line of DC Universe Classics is in my league, but DC Direct just did a Starman (from JSA/Legion of Super-Heroes) with interchangeable heads, and since I didn’t get the giant Legion set, I have no need for it.

Nothing from Mattel’s Super Friends line yet, though, so I’m hoping to news of those soon, because that’s been pretty neat.

Mezco also has some freaky DC figures on display from its Mez-Its line, larger characters and keychains. But where’s Aquaman?

For DC, I’m much more interested in what Lego has. There are already several DC (and Marvel) super hero sets in stores, with more to come. They look pretty sweet. I may have to buy them for my future nieces and nephews. Yeah, that’s it.

the Lego Catcycle City Chase building set is unveiled at the American International Toy Fair. (Associated Press)

Speaking of Lego, they also have a fun-looking “Monster Fighters” line with classic characters such as Dracula and Frankenstein’s Monster and, of course, “The Lord of the Rings,” just in time for this year’s first “Hobbit” movie.

Pippin, from the new Lego "Lord of the Rings" collection launching in June, stands at attention in a building set recreating Middle-earth action. (Associated Press)

For Muppet fans, Tough Pigs has a nice little round-up. There’s not much, as usual, but we see some drawings of Funko’s upcoming POP figures and bobbleheads. I’m reserving judgment until I actually see them because the art doesn’t look promising.

And the little kid in me wants the new plush Grover 2.0.

Action Figure Insider also has a nice look at several upcoming sets, including Diamond Select’s figures from the little-known Rankin/Bass special “Mad Monster Party” and “The Munsters,” soon to be (possibly) revived by Bryan Fuller (“Pushing Daisies”).

In this photo provided by Hasbro, toy demonstrator Jeff Wolf shows off the new Star Wars "Ultimate FX Lightsaber" Darth Maul edition in double-bladed form at Hasbro's American International Toy Fair showroom. The toy features a progressive light-up blade with vibrant LED lighting and is packed with an adapter to create the double-bladed version. (Associated Press /Hasbro)