Like the Mesozoic Era, except the Dinosaurs are better.
What are two of the things I liked the most growing up? Well, Godzilla and the NES are way up there. I was a big fan of the NES game, Godzilla: Monster of Monsters – one of my favourite games on the platform. So when I caught wind that NECA was producing a figure based on Godzilla’s sprite in this game – I was there friend, I was there. It’s like this figure was made for me.
Continue reading “Figure of the King of the Monsters of Monsters”
Once upon a time, far far away there was a stall. This stall was chock full of Farm Animals… A veritable…Farm Animal World. And these mighty steeds and loyal pups could be had for a pittance. At the hallowed Dollar Store, a bag of Farm Animals. To fill your world.
Continue reading “Farm Animal World – A World Of Farm Animals”
One of my favourite movies since childhood is Gremlins. It appealed to me on a little monsters level then, and on many more levels now. It’s a dark holiday comedy that plays its horror card well and its tongue-in-cheek card just as well. So I love Gremlins. I also love vintage toys, not exactly a unique combination :P. Recently I was gifted something that captured both sides of this coin…
Continue reading “It’s Okay To Get These Gremlins Wet – Make My Monsters Grow!!”
Man, Dinosaurs are awesome. They are all like “ROAR!!!” and badass, stomping around and not taking any crap from anyone. Heh, but Dinosaurs have a strong place in my heart. From Definitely Dinosaurs, Dino Riders, Jurassic Park, and so on and so forth. As a kid I was inundated with Dinosaurs and hey – I wasn’t complaining.
Continue reading “The Secrets Held In A Dinosaurs Tub (With Playmat & Accessories, Even)”
It’s easy to find video game merch these days, especially for a series as robust and beloved as the Mario Brothers series. But back when the NES was recent, especially in my neck of the woods, things were different. Promotions existed, but they felt rare and far between. So when McDonald’s carried Happy Meal toys of one of my favourite games (of all time, no less) I was just so excited. I only owned one of these as a kid. They’re not particularly rare and I’m sure modern figures are more accurate to game art. But I have no shame in admitting that I wanted these for purely nostalgic reasons. Besides, they’re really cool and a neat little corner of Nintendo and Mario history.
Continue reading “The Happiest Meal – Super Mario Brothers 3 McDonald’s Toys”
There are the mainline toys that everyone knows. GI Joe, Transformers, Ghostbusters, TMNT, Masters of the Universe and so on and so forth. These are what stand out in memory because these are what people still talk about. But there are so many toys that don’t fit into the mainstream. Those that may have only appeared for one or two years, those that were little more obscure but just as special. Sectaurs, Inhumanoids, Barnyard Commandos, Visionaries, Army Ants, Rock Lords and their ilk. Even if some had comics and shows, they are sort of getting swallowed by antiquity and so their novelty is not lost on collector’s. Mattel’s Food Fighters fits this bill.
Continue reading “Food Fighters Are A Cut Above – Tantalizingly Tasty Toys”
It had never occurred to me to actively seek out Dragon Quest merchandise until a few years ago. Being quite late to the game, much of it was already relatively expensive. Of particular interest to me was the Metallic Monsters Gallery series. These were small metallic Dragon Quest creatures that essentially serve as paper weights or display pieces.
When I caught wind of the 25th Annversary series, I immediately jumped on a King Slime and, well, now I wish I picked up the standard slime and bubble slime as well. However I will remark that my first shopping experience with the online import store AmiAmi was completely satisfactory and this King Slime was a great trial run for my first time ordering from the store.
Continue reading “Dragon Quest 25th Anniversary Metallic Madness Madness MADNESS!!”
Why did I awake at that hour? The bedroom was completely dark. I made to get up, chill for a few minutes and get back to sleep. But as I did, I was caught by two glowing eyes. They are glowering at me from at the top of the dresser. I am startled, but then I laugh. Because I quickly realize the face behind those eyes…
A face only a dork could love – callous yet soft, at once grotesque and endearing. The Boglin. Perhaps no other toy best describes what I loved about the figures of my childhood. The Boglin epitomized everything a kid was scared of and obsessed over, all at once. An ugly under-the-bed monster pet hand puppet. Is it any wonder they stole my heart?