Open Your Toys Cast

I think these toy companies are going to outlast all of us. Man, all I have seen is how people are going to cherry-pick to the extreme, only shop at Ross, or even quit collecting altogether due to the price increase on 6-inch figures. I don’t think we’ve even seen the increase at higher price points that is for sure coming. I was going to link to a bunch of these figures, but of course, there were no new announcements for Black Series, Classified, or even official Transformers. So I’ll just leave this here. At what price point do you stop collecting?

Usually, a multiple of 50 would be cause to celebrate. Just not feeling it this time around. See you at 400. FYI, it will also be our 20th anniversary.

I’ll keep this one short like the show. Here are my favorites. Finally, Two Bad, but unfortunately, it’s too bad. A new size comparison shot of the Thunder Machine makes it much more appealing. I haven’t seen the short yet, but an evil Bumblebee with a fusion cannon? Yes please. And Star Wars literally had nothing except a soon-to-be stateside pair of mystery Siths.

Toy companies really seem to be following this pattern. Is that because it’s essentially just us 30 to 50-year-olds buying this stuff now? Do you ever see a kid older than 7 in the aisles anymore? For MOTU, the Creative Beast guys double-dipped on the Dino-Riders-inspired Battle Cat and Teela exclusive homage. Transformers has been going back to its 40+ year old roots for years now. The new Dramatic Capture Grimlock scratches multiple itches for us old guys. Some nostalgia is simply fixing oversights of the past. How about an O-ring Ninja Force Quick Kick or Destro? While Star Wars might have one of the most beloved histories, they are probably doing the least when it comes to nostalgia. They are really pushing hard on more current, yet much less revered sources for their toys. Luckily for them, I love this amazing Mercenary Guard Droid and STAP.

This week I’m going to feature things that I love that may not be everyone’s cup of tea. In other words, a curated list. I’ve been loving Blokees, especially the Defender Series. 2.5-inch stylized building kits? Yes, please. I own very few props or role-play items. However, a bomb wielded by a hot chick in space bounty hunter disguise? Yes, please. How about a 3rd-party solid piece of plastic meant to look like the oozing slime of my childhood? Yes, please. Probably the least controversial, but still not for everyone. How about a figure of a mech suit, but finally cartoon-accurate? Yes, please.