How about some REALLY awesome news to start 2013? Well, this should suffice.
While skimming the net today I found 2 very good leads on the potential release of both Thumpback, the Water Element Giant, and Eye Brawl, the Undead Element Giant.
Before calling my local GameStop I checked online to make sure the release date on the Scorpion Striker Battle Pack with Hot Dog and Zap was in fact pushed back to 1/9/2013. That sadly turned out to be the case and I got confirmation when I called in...
However, when on GameStop.com I found the packaging proof had been added for BOTH Thumpback and Eye Brawl!!
This is a big deal because that is what GameStop has done in the past before a new character was up for sale...You can also note that they have yet to add the Wave 3 Single Packs to that coveted list, so I am thinking it is imminent that we will see both Giants very soon.
Checking around elsewhere, I turned up on Amazon link to Thumpback...with the packaging proof, yet another encouraging sign!
As of right now I do not know solid dates, but I will update this post as the info trickles in...
Here are some helpful links:
Eye Brawl at GameStop:
http://www.gamestop.com/toys/skylanders-giants-eye-brawl-individual-character-pack/105996
Thumpback at GameStop:
http://www.gamestop.com/toys/skylanders-giants-thumpback-individual-character-pack/106002
Thumpback on Amazon:
Thumpback Amazon
Eye Brawl at Walmart:
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Skylanders-Giants-Giants-Eye-Brawl-Universal/21309831
Thumpback at Walmart:
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Skylanders-Giants-Giants-Thumpback-Universal/21309832
Personally I am more excited for Eye Brawl, but I know the vast majority seems to want Thumpback.
Stay tuned for updates and good luck landing the new Giants!
*Update 1/2/13 5 AM (so much for getting to bed earlier in 2013): It looks like several sources are saying we will see Thumpback and Eye Brawl hit on the 9th and that we can expect Ninjini mid-to-late January. I obviously can not confirm this and would still call it speculation, but they have to come out some time, right?!
I also want to point out that there remains a good chance we could see some straggling characters like Wrecking Ball or Spyro in their S2 repose hit the shelves.
I'm still waiting on the assignment of any Triple Packs, although at this point it is likely I'd only be up for the tail end of them (could see all S2 in a few)...
I will update again as new or confirmed info arrives.
Updated 1/4/2013 to add Walmart Links.
