The Nevarro Cantina, as seen in THE MANDALORIAN, began showing up in stores last month, and comes with a lot of great props, including bar stools, bottles, and cups. It was released by Hasbro in their STAR WARS "The Vintage Collection" line. The box has outstanding pictures of set-ups with figures from THE MANDALORIAN. And … Continue reading 2022 Nevarro Cantina Playset
Hasbro has a line of six-inch Transformer figures called R.E.D. (Robot Enhanced Design). These figures don't transform into vehicles, making it possible for Hasbro to give us a more accurate portrayal of the robot modes as seen in the cartoons. While some collectors feel there's no point to a Transformer figure that can't transform, others … Continue reading Coronation Starscream Figure
In the mid 90s, an all-new line of STAR WARS toys reached dizzying heights of popularity. And yet, just a few years earlier, the franchise was all but dead. 1986 thru 1994. Nine consecutive years without the release of any new STAR WARS 3.75-inch figures. Except for one. According to Stephen Sansweet's excellent guidebook, Vlix … Continue reading Star Wars 3.75-Inch Figures Part 4 (1995-1996)
I recently finished the MASTERMINDS trilogy by Gordon Korman and have added them to my list of all-time favorites. The first book was published in 2015 by Balzer + Bray, an imprint of HarperCollins. The sequels followed in 2016 and '17. They are middle-grade novels, intended for ages 8 to 12, however teens and adults … Continue reading MASTERMINDS by Gordon Korman
1983 Early in '83, Kenner updated the backer cards for all their STAR WARS figures with the RETURN OF THE JEDI logo and an offer to receive a free Nien Nunb figure from the upcoming film, still months away. Around this time, a slip was placed in STAR WARS vehicle and playset toys, hyping the … Continue reading Star Wars 3.75-Inch Figures Part 3 (1983-1985)
By 1979, Kenner had conquered the toy world with their hot new STAR WARS line, but this was only the beginning. 1980 As 1980 began, anticipation was in full swing for THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK which would be released in May. The cardbacks were updated with the EMPIRE logo and an offer to receive a … Continue reading Star Wars 3.75-Inch Figures Part 2 (1980-1982)
Kenner revolutionized the toy industry with the introduction of their 3.75-inch STAR WARS "mini-figures." Before then, most action figures were much larger. With STAR WARS having so many spaceships, vehicles, and locations, Kenner saw the potential of making toy versions of these vehicles and locations that would be compatible with action figures. It wasn't practical … Continue reading Star Wars 3.75-Inch Figures Part 1 (1977-1979)
Life after death. A topic that has haunted our imagination for centuries. Think of all the books and shows that deal with ghosts and where we go next. There's a lot, but here are two of my favorites, both written by the great Carol Lynch Williams: NEVER THAT FAR (Shadow Mountain, 2018): After her grandfather … Continue reading NEVER THAT FAR and MESSENGER by Carol Lynch Williams
Let's take a look at the four TIE Fighters released by Kenner during their original STAR WARS run: TIE FIGHTER (1978) The good old original! Featured a light-up laser you could activate at the touch of a button, and pop-off wings to make the ship appear to be blown up during play time. A TIE … Continue reading Vintage TIE Fighters
Would you like to see a hundred-dollar Pop? Here you go. You're welcome. Most Pops packages have the clear window so you can see the actual product without opening the package. Sadly, this one doesn't have that. Still, this is a super impressive addition to anyone's Pop collection, Pokemon fan or not!
