Quantcast
Channel: Alltop RSS feed for toys.alltop.com
Viewing all 90227 articles
Browse latest View live

LEGO & Me: Of Bittersweet Memories, Untold Stories & Bootleg Alternatives

0
0

My recent memory of LEGO mini figures, were blind-packs of Series 11, which I found at the 7-11 store where my late-Dad was hospitalized in Singapore General Hospital, circa September 2013.

In an attempt to relive my own anguish and sadness of my dad's condition, I sorted out a unknown measure of relief with multiple purchases of the blind packs, I suppose - conveniently disregarding my financial lack, knowing things would turn out tough, if ever my dad had passed ...

And in some ways, it worked. For my "Mind", instead of my "Wallet", of course ... I found myself engrossed and happy with my new purchases, and even attempted online trading with folks (something I have not done in a decade). My mental stress was distracted whenever I played with my LEGOs, and I will always be grateful for the reprieve it provided then.


(Left: For Trade / Right: Result of a successful toy trade with Chip @thecparks)

From the Yeti House-husband, to the Emo Warrior of The Galaxy, or even the Sideburned Hitman with a penchant for burning his targets, to the adventures of the Space Yeti (not related) and even the Robot Granny would have her day in the sun, someday … kitbashing / mashing LEGO-parts even inspired me to start writing fiction! and I even published one too … but alas, all plans and words came to a standstill, when dad's condition got worse…


(Character stories waiting to be told, and one day they will be …)

Dad was sent to a hospice to live out his remaining days, where he breathed his last, and left our world, near end of October. I have not visited the 7-11 at the hospital since we left, and neither could I find them at other branches I visited.

The notion of LEGO mini figures holds both a bittersweet memory now; both of my newly-found toy-joy, and of the heartache intertwined with my dad's death. And I have since decided not to continue buying that series.

Also my financial situation was in a state of "disarray", and frankly, LEGOs are not cheap in the first instance, at the very least not within my personal ability.

And while this might have been my most recent past memory of, truth is, not less than 2 years ago, I had quite frequent experiences with LEGO, with building buses and sports cars, as part of my rehabilitation for Stroke, where it encouraged my dexterity (Stroke left my right hand immobile for some time) and recognitional abilities, post-Stroke. Like i said; "bittersweet".


(Found at least 3 different brands bootlegging Star Wars!)

Having seen bootleg LEGOs for some time now, I recently picked up a few, out of curiosity, and admittedly in an attempt to somewhat grasp unto the toy-joy I felt not too long ago, as well bolstered by the LEGO-builds I have been posting about on my no-longer-restricted-to-art-toys-only-blog, no doubt with the excitement for the upcoming LEGO movie too!

The joy I had found and felt, was something I had missed for years! Reminding me of the childhood days when I spent endless hours building pirate space ships and cartoon-styled vehicles (think "Wacky Races" x "M.A.S.K.)! This was in the late 80s / early 90s, where LEGO mini figures had not existed, and where building blocks reigned supreme, with unbridled imaginations running wild hahaha


(Having fun with bootleg Clonestroopers)

I remembered - in my adult days - of finding out the LEGOs I had then, were actually "Taiwan parallel imports" instead. Dad could not afford to purchase the legit brand, then, perhaps. I never "blamed" my dad for that, and have always veered towards the focus on the child's / players' experience with their toy(s), versus the corporation which manufacturers them for profit, not that I condone or endorse "buying bootlegs", of course!


(BFFs Thor and Hulk taking #toyselfies)

The amount of direct LEGO bootleggery these days, seems confined to Character Mini Figures - seen most times coming along with a LEGO build set - now individually boxed, non-blind pull, and you can easily choose what/who you prefer to own and collect. And while the price is not too far from a legitimate and licensed blind-pack, it is still cheaper than getting a whole LEGO set to get the figures.

The quality of the bootlegs are also a mixed bag, from surprisingly good printing, and swappable with legit LEGOs, to some dodgy coloring. For purposes of this blog, I will be doing more features and highlights on the bootlegs, in time to come :)


(One brand's Batman comes with a Batarang, while
the other comes with a pistol and rifle instead!)

Purchasing bootleg LEGOs have also afforded me an interested development of dialog and feedback from folks too! From fellow collectors of bootlegs discussing the virtues and lack of the bootlegs, to folks deriding me for buying and "supporting" bootlegs, in the first place. I acknowledge the same could have happened if I purchased licensed LEGOs too, but I currently could not afford to do as such, so the point is lost to me, sorry :p

In this short span of time, I had experienced a "more" active community participation, compared to the years I had been blogging about "art toys" before! This is indeed a refreshing happenstance for me, and I truly appreciate this :)

I might blog in a vacuum (even if I want to or not), but I do not believe in collecting toys as such. It's sharing the joy that enriches the experience, no?

Nevertheless, I do not need to justify my purchases, as I have my own intentions to achieve and experience for selfishly myself. What I can only hope for, are folks - regardless of age and pay-scale - are able to experience the joy of toys and of "play", with a keen assessment of one's own financial ability.

…but if the Masters of the Universe or even Super7 LEGOs were ever to be released? Then I'll be in SERIOUS spending-trouble! LOL

Cheers,
Andy TOYSREVIL


(WolverHulk versus BlackBelt Yeti with a "ice paddle punisher",
that's how I like to play with my LEGOs - Kitbashing LEGOs! LOL)

set database: LEGO sheffield exclusive minifigure pack

The AFB Podcast Episode 99: Bowen Designs Double Header / Green Arrow Toy History

0
0

Episode NINETY-NINE of the AFB Podcast is live at iTunes and is now available for direct downloadDownload and subscribe to the podcast at iTunes now! 

Join Ben, Scott and Adam  for Episode Ninety-Nine of the Action Figure Blues Podcast! The AFB Podcast is a weekly look at action figures, statues and other collectibles from the worlds of comic books and pop culture.

This week, we look at the Bowen Designs Hobgoblin and Modern Rogue Statues, and then we give DC's Green Arrow the AFB Toy History Treatment!

If you can't use iTunes, you can download Episode Ninety-Nine here now! Click on the link to listen, or right click to save the file! The podcast will always be available from the “Podcast” tab here - but if you can subscribe and give us positive ratings at iTunes, that will help us greatly! 

The AFB Podcast is also on Stitcher Radio!

Have a listen, and please give us some feedback at podcast@actionfigureblues.com - we might even read out your feedback on the next show!

Happy listening!






What's Shipping For The Week Of January 15, 2014

3.75" DC Comics Deathstroke Figure By Icecreamman

figma Armin Arlert gets another arsenal of images

0
0

Okay, so we had an unpainted prototype then magazine scans of the painted figure. Now we have glorious, detailed pictures of the Max Faxtory's figma for Armin Arlert, Eren's brainy friend in Attack on Titan. The three new photos that were posted on Nitohei's Twitter feed (1, 2, 3) are close-ups of some of the images used in the previously featured magazine scan. We can see more detail in his outfit and Vertical Maneuvering Equipment along with some of his extra facial expressions, like Armin's look of shock and agony, tears filling up his eyes (god knows this expression is needed in that show).

figma Armin Arlert will be a Winter Wonder Festival exclusive starting on Febuary 9 (fear not, you can purchase those online via Good Smile Company's online store). He will cost ¥4,500.

figma Armin Arlert gets another arsenal of images screenshot

Read more...

Mattel Disney Pixar CARS Diecast: CARS 1 Collectors Checklist 2006 to 2013, Part 2

0
0
PART 1 is HERE of the CARS 1 checklists. There is a bubble circle to indicate a Classic (fixed eyes release); a lenticular release and/or a Kmart release with Rubber Tires. There is also another column to indicate minor (yellow) or major variants (green). It is subjective but generally, it’s the 2-foot rule. If you […]

Transformers Rescue Bots Season 2 Cartoon Delayed Till February?

0
0
The voice actor of Rescue Bots' Chase character, D.C. Douglas, has posted a notice on his Facebook account that the second season of Rescue Bots has been delayed from January to February 2014. Fans of the cartoon aimed at younger fans will have to wait till next month to see the new episodes. Disappointing news for fans looking forward to the January start date. But as soon as we have more concrete info, you'll find it here.

Super Festival Tokyo Event Images - Transformers Cloud Optimus Prime and Megatron, Ultimetal Optimus Prime, More

0
0
Thanks to Snakas who has posted lots of images from the Super Festival even going on in Tokyo, Japan this weekend. Get a look at the e-Hobby book who were there showing new Transformers Cloud Optimus Prime and Megatron figures that were shown with new packaging. Also shown are images of the Ultimetal Optimus Prime and Fewture Roadbuster figures. Check out all the toys on display below for the full look.

Mega Steel - MS-03 Radio Images and Details for Not Blaster Figure No Availalbe for Pre-Order

0
0
Curt from TFSource has let us know they have a new preorder up for Mega Stees M-03 Radio! This action figure homage to the G1 Blaster character stands an impressive 18CM / 7-inches in height and is fully transformable. The set includes a radio, laeser gun, alternate head and more. See the details below. You can preorder yours now at TFsource.com

KusoVinyl & KusoPop' Jonathan Ma Answers "How Was 2013?"

0
0
WHAT: I asked a select few folks how their 2013 was, and what should folks expect from them in 2014, and this is what they shared with TOYSREVIL…

TOYSREVIL-SAYS: KusoVinyl & KusoPop Owner Jonathan Ma shares with us a lookback at their year of 2013, with toys, Toys and TOYS!


JONATHAN MA: In 2013, we finally released Minicel series with Rotobox. Wish a successful release at SDCC 2013, Minicel blind box sold out one month after the event. 2 months later, in November, we released another 2 versions of Minicel & Minifah, which also received a lot of positive feedback.

Another great release we had in 2013 was the Death Serpent with Jesse Hernandez. We again challenged the factory with such complicated design from Jesse. With over 400+ spray masks and pad print molds created, it took almost a year in production to first released the Shadow edition in June with Outland Toy store in Neitherland.






JONATHAN MA: In 2014, we will continue our development of Minicel series with Rotobox, as well as developing more characters for our KusoPon allstar series! Also we will be releasing the last 2 colorways of Death Serpent (still in production :p).

Hopefully, we can make more awesome designs with talented artists.



Doc Thomas Reviews > Geihoza and the Geist Glow-in-the-Dark Mordles

0
0
I love Mordles. As described at length in my previous review [Review > Mordles Mega-Review (Mordles, ToyFinity)], I am addicted to the little buggers and adore my little demon army. As thorough as my previous review was, I’m back to cover the latest in the series, the awesome glow-in-the-dark (GITD) series, which is available right […]

Toy News Roundup: 'Hot Toys', 'The Walking Dead' And A NES Predator Figure From NECA?

Sponsor Announcement: Big Bad Toy Store

0
0
Big Bad Toy Store has updated their front page with cool pre-orders and new arrivals. Follow this link to check out the new offerings including collectibles from NECA, Bandai, Star Wars, Transformers, and more!

ThreeA: Q&A Session #16

0
0
ThreeA has released their sixteenth question and answer session via their World of ThreeA website. Follow through to see what questions were answered this week.

MattyCollector: MOTUC Looking Ahead at 2014 & Beyond

0
0
Read on for a lengthy press-release from ToyGuru over at MattyCollector, explaining to collectors what's in store for us during the next two years of the Masters Of The Universe Classics line.

Mattel Asks MOTU Fans To Start Planning For 2015 Subs.

Research and Markets: Toys in Thailand - Analysis of The Top 100 Companies Including Carrot Taniya, Farlin Marketing ...

0
0
Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Toys " report to their offering.

Goose Protecting Eggs Little People On Food

0
0
Shop link: http://fineartamerica.com/featured/goose-protecting-eggs-little-people-on-food-paul-ge.ht

More Ancient Stupidity

0
0
Ancient Greeks used portable grills at picnics and invented non-stick pans. And archaeologists have
Viewing all 90227 articles
Browse latest View live




Latest Images