The latest in Beckett Media's lineup of magazines for plush toy collectors, called Plushie Pals, is focused solely on virtual worlds-centric merchandise, such as the Webkinz, Neopets and Club Penguin collectible stuffed toys. They're currently promoting a six-month subscription for $24.99, with a free Lil'Kinz (smaller versions of the Webkinz toys) thrown in. The magazine also has an online component, where users can check the current issue's headlines, vote in polls, and see toplists of the most highly-prized (and highly-priced!) toys. When the rare Webkinz are selling for eyebrow-raising prices, it's clear we've got a craze going on!

“We’ve had our eyes on Webkinz for about eighteen months and since the 2007 releases, we’ve seen dramatic increases in value on the secondary market. Seeing a Webkinz like Cheeky Dog sell for over $1500 was incredible," said Doug Kale, Beckett Media plushie collectibles expert in a press release. "The Webkinz craze has all the same feeling and buzz of Beanie Babies or Pokemon. This is the perfect time to launch Plushie Pals, since the values of Webkinz and Shining Stars as well as Beanie Babies are seeing tremendous action on the secondary market."

Plushie Pals magazine will be produced on a bi-monthly schedule with a cover price of $5.99. Beckett media says 75% of its readership are girls with an age range of 6-14 and a combined annual purchasing power of $40 billion, the primary demographic for plush collecting.