Harnessing Nostalgia: The 5 Most Adored Transformers in Collectible Circles!

Welcome to your source for all things antiquated and action-packed!

Whether you’re a die-hard aficionado or a dabbler looking to dive deeper into the awe-inspiring world of Transformers, you’re going to enjoy this nostalgic journey back to the Golden Age of Saturday morning cartoons.

So, buckle up and prepare for an enthralling ride, as we explore the five most popular Transformers ever to grace your living room floor!

Optimus Prime: The Unquestioned Leader

Let’s kick off this list of awesome with the iconic Optimus Prime. This Autobot leader embodies majesty, strength, and noble charisma. It’s no wonder he stands as one of the most coveted Transformers in the toy collecting world.

G1 Optimus Prime source: Transformers Wiki

This venerated leader isn’t just a top-rank in the collectible sphere; Optimus Prime transcends generations, acting as the epitome of the Transformers brand. His formidable truck mode and suave robot form, paired with memorable G1 quotes, make him irresistible to collectors worldwide.

Bumblebee: The Lovable Hero

Can we discuss popularity without mentioning our universally adored “little buddy”, Bumblebee? This Autobot is nothing short of a crowd charming phenomenon. Blending steadfast loyalty with credible versatility, Bumblebee’s Volkswagen Beetle and contemporary Camaro incarnations have consistently soared in the popularity charts.

Beyond the trench warfare between the Autobots and the Decepticons, Bumblebee shows us the importance of courage, determination, and friendship in every episode – qualities that every collector treasures.

Grimlock: The Fearsome yet ENDARING DINOSAUR

Ask anyone about Transformers, and there’s one Dinobot that they won’t leave out – Grimlock! The charismatic T-Rex captures fans’ hearts with his unique blend of brain and brawn, mixed with a child-like naivety.

His G1 design remains etched in the memories of many collectors, as it perfectly encapsulates the magic that Transformers brought into our lives. Grimlock’s articulated jaw and the radiant dino-form make him a hot favorite among seasoned toy collectors.

Megatron: THE UBIQUITOUS Villain

Behind every great story is an equally great villain. This statement holds true with Megatron, the treacherous leader of the Decepticons! Portrayed as the arch-nemesis of Optimus Prime, Megatron’s wickedly impressive robot form and his notable transformation into a handheld weapon make him a must-have addition to any Transformers collection.

Soundwave: THE SPY AMONG US

Rounding off our list is Soundwave, the Decepticon’s master of espionage. What makes Soundwave stand out, is his unique ability to transform into a microcassette recorder, as well as the smaller Decepticons hidden within his tape-deck! This cloaked complexity contributes to his charm, making Soundwave a compelling collectible for Transformer enthusiasts.

And there we have it! The top five Transformers figures, ranked in all their bot glory.

Each one of them holds a special place in the toy collecting world, representing the epitome of imaginative transformation, lovable characters, and narratives that have hooked us over the years!

Whether you’re tracking down these icons for the love of toy collecting or are enchanted by the realm of Transformers, remember: The magic of these seminal heroes isn’t just in how they transform, but in how they’ve transformed us along the way.

Happy collecting, Autobots and Decepticons!

Fanaticcon 4 (Ottawa) 2023

We have been and done, Fanaticcon 4 in Ottawa!

This was our third time attending this local comic, game and toy convention. It’s always great to see how hard everyone worked and how it all came together. It was great to get out and mingle with some familiar face and meet some new ones.

We did our rounds and checked out all the amazing vendors. We brought our two youngest kids this year. It was fun and both of them (plus the Mr.) left very happy shoppers having found some treasured comics and must have video games.

I think the highlight for all of us this year (aside from going to begin with) were the cosplayers walking around. Incredible jobs done on their costumes and being in character just put the cherry on top. They’re always also so friendly and welcoming to take a picture! We ran into a Jawa, Darth Maul, and we also saw the capital ghostbusters among many other characters. So fun!

Thanks to the team at Fanaticcon for hosting us! We had a great time! A day well spent! Stay tuned for future announcements about Fanaticcon 2024!

What to bring to an event (besides your smile)

We will be attending Fanaticcon 4 (Ottawa) and Ottawa Comiccon is happening in September plus we also have the Toys, Dolls and Teddys show in October, so many events I don’t know if we can make them all but we will try!

All these events got me thinking about something I could share with our readers, people like us who either participate or attend their favourite collectors events; how to prepare for a fun time and avoid unnecessary stress.

Going to events is always exciting but they can also be costly and overwhelming if you just walk in blindfolded. There are so many people to see and things to look at or do, where do we start?

First off, get tickets early. Don’t wait until the day of the event. Even if tickets are available at the door you don’t want to stand in line and have to wait. Plus, sometimes advance tickets come with perks and a discount.

Dress appropriately, unless you’re in costume. It can get pretty hot even in a well ventilated or laid out area. Lots of bodies in one space heats things up. Luckily, most events have wristbands or stamps or ticket stubs of some kind which allow attendees to go out for fresh air, grab a beverage or whatever and come back to enjoy the rest of the show. Also, wear comfy shoes because you will walk, a lot.

Charge your phone the night before (or if it’s an evening event charge it during the day beforehand) and bring your charger in your car. I once attended an event and had my phone die during a really awesome moment I attempted and failed to capture on video because SOMEONE (me) didn’t think to charge their phone before the event. Don’t do what I did. Don’t miss the moment.

Bring drinks and snacks in a cooler. If the event allows you to leave and come back, you’ll already have some things to munch on from the comfort of your cooler and save on spending at a cafeteria or worse have nothing if the venue doesn’t have any food sources.

Bring a bag. Reusable shopping bags can be found anywhere, usually we keep them in the trunk of our vehicle since you prettymuch need them wherever you shop. This goes for conventions too! You don’t want to walk around with your arms full of goodies (trust me it’s easy to get carried away with buying the things). A simple reusable shopping bag can come in very handy.

If you carry a purse or wallet, bring the bare minimum. I suggest paying cash for any items just to avoid any issues with disloyal currency and maybe theft at a bigger venue with more people. Carrying a heavy wallet or purse is just annoying imo.

Bring your best attitude and have fun! Take your time to look around(maybe you’ll see something and take a trip down memory lane), don’t be shy to talk to the vendors and artists, cosplayers love when you admire their costumes. Even if you don’t plan to buy anything, you can still have a full and fun day at an event if you prepare.

Have any tips to add? Leave a comment below this post!

Fanaticcon 4 This Summer!

It’s that time of year again folks, when Mr and Mrs Toybox start getting hyped up for some summer collecting and also summer events happening in our local city!

This summer, geeks and nerds alike will be gathering in Ottawa, Ontario for our favourite local event: Fanaticcon 4!

What is Fanaticcon?

Fanaticcon is described as a fan-driven convention for nostalgic toys, collectors items, games, art, cosplayers and more! It’s a day to get together and celebrate all things geeky with other enthusiasts like you!

What happens at Fanaticcon?

Vendors

Fanaticcon will have over 33 vendor booths to check out featuring some of the Ottawa areas finest nostalgic toys and games vendors, collectibles, artists and much more. There are also games and prizes throughout the day. Make sure to stop at Flacs Collectibles and Kaboom Comics stations!

Cosplay

Expect to see the unexpected! Fanaticcon attendees have amazing cosplay skills and they will definitely be on display once again this year for us to be in aw of! Plus, there’s a contest and you have a chance to win a prize if your costume is judged THE BEST of Fanaticcon!!! So fun!

Celebrity encounters

Come and rub elbows with some spectacular special celebrity guests like Abby Hagyard (You Can’t do that on TV/Carebears), Ken Sangoes (Nightmare on Elmstreet 3), Kurt Lehner (Celebrity Artist) and more including Lance (the loser) from Canadas Worst Driver 6 for pics, chats and fun!

I did actually meet the real Abby but this prop was too fun to pass up!

There is just a whole lot of awesome going on at Fanaticcon, it’s impossible to write it all here in the blog. Seriously, you walk in and it’s like 🤯 – mind blown, where do we start!!!

If you get VIP tickets and come early you get first dibs on all the vendors. Plus, kids under 12 get in free and have the chance to get a surprise bag (first come first served).

How much is it to get in Fanaticcon?

$15 at the door 11am-5pm or $20 early bird VIP 10am-5pm. Kids under 12 are free!

When and where is Fanaticcon?

August 13th 2023 at the Ottawa Conference and Event Center

Find all the info on the Fanaticcon Ottawa Facebook Page

This will be our 3rd Fanaticcon and we are looking forward to seeing familiar faces and meeting new geeks and nerds like us!

Unleashing Your Inner Child: The Joy and Value of Toy Collecting as a Hobby

Hello there! Let’s travel back in time, a time when your heart skipped a beat as you ripped off the vibrant packaging of a brand new toy. You marveled at the intricate details of your Transformers action figure, or the captivating elegance of your new princess doll.

Today, we’ll reignite that excitement and dive into the nostalgic, rewarding, and uniquely captivating hobby that is toy collecting.

Toy collecting is more than just hoarding kids’ stuff. It’s an engaging world of nostalgia, appreciation for artistry, the chase for that rare find, and yes… lots of fun. And even better? It could be an investment, with some toys appreciating in value over time, just like that super rare mint-condition Optimus Prime Transformer from the 1980s.

Embarking on the Adventure of Toy Collection

Remember, every journey starts with a single step…and every collection starts with a single toy. Start by exploring your interests. Do you have fond memories of playing with action figures, like He-Man or G.I. Joe? Or did you spend hours lost in the world of dolls, comics, or miniatures?

Once you’ve identified your interests, it’s time to do a little research. Discover the classics in your chosen category, identify the rare pieces, and gain an understanding of the value of different toys. Your childhood favourites might just turn out to be highly coveted collectibles today.

Chasing the Thrill of the Find

Part of the joy in toy collecting comes from the thrill of the hunt – from rummaging through piles at garage sales and scrolling through eBay listings to attending toy fairs or visiting local toy stores. Each find can feel like unearthing a hidden treasure and adds a unique piece in your growing collection.

Creating Your Toy Sanctuary

Your toy collection is a physical representation of your personal journey. Each piece’s story and how it came to be part of your collection adds to the fun and satisfaction. So why not create a dedicated space in your home to display your collection? You’ll be surprised how a well-arranged display of vintage toys can add a whole lot of character to a room.

Joining the Toy Collecting Community

Engage with fellow enthusiasts. By joining toy collecting communities, both online and offline, you’ll discover new friends who share your passion. They could offer collecting advice, trade toys, or simply share stories of their own fantastic finds.

Toy collecting isn’t just a hobby, it’s an adventure filled with fascinating tales and exciting experiences. It takes you on a nostalgic ride into your childhood while introducing you to a vibrant, dedicated community. Whether you are nostalgic about the simplicity of vintage toys, passionate about the artistry behind miniatures, or love the thrill of finding a rare comic book, toy collecting offers something for everyone.

So, why not relieve that childhood fascination once again?

Start your toy collecting adventure today and discover the immense joy this hobby can bring!

My Little Pony X Transformers Crossover – My Little Prime

Being children of the ‘70s and ‘80s, Mr and Mrs Toybox can fully agree on this collectible treasure heading into their collection (specifically, Mrs Toybox special shelf). There was no hesitation for either to agree that the My Little Pony x Transformers Crossover – My Little Prime figure is more than meets the eye!

Based on the Comic Books

My Little Prime is a pony released by Hasbro which celebrates the MLP X Transformers Crossover Comic books where the Transformers find themselves somehow crash landed in Equestria and the Matrix ends up mashing a pony with Optimus Prime creating My Little Prime. You’ll have to read the comics to learn more but that’s the basic idea. We recently picked up this comic series, hence why we also got the associated figure.

My Little Pony x Transformers Crossover My Little Prime is 4.5” in size and looks like a pony mashed with Optimus prime; basically what it’s supposed to look like. I suppose it would be cool for the huge Transformers fans if this figure transformed but traditional original pony fans will agree, it’s better off as a figure.

Cutie Marks and Bots!

CUTIE MARKS AND BOTS: Crossover Collection My Little Prime is an exciting character mashup. 4.5-inch figure has a retro My Little Pony form factor with Transformers-inspired design
Hasbro Shop

Thoughts from the Toybox:

There was no question in mind that this My Little Pony x Transformers crossover My Little Prime would some day be in Mrs Toybox’s special collectors shelf. MLP was one of her ultimate favourite cartoons as a young girl. She even had many ponies and the pony castle as a child that unfortunately disappeared over time. This new collection makes up for lost treasures.

Looking for your own MLP x Transformers Crossover My Little Prime figure? Look no further than searching eBay or Amazon. We were able to snag this one for under $25 including shipping via the latter.

Not sponsored or endorsed by any mentioned brands. This post is for entertainment and informational purposes only.

Transformers G1 Figure Patent Prints by Patere on Etsy!

More to collecting than meets the eye

Mr and Mrs Toybox have been collecting items of nostalgic interest their entire lives and now do it as a serious hobby together. Mr Toybox has always been a huge fan of Transformers and he doesn’t collect just any Transformers collectible figures, he has been focussed for over ten years with no end in sight. Aside from

Something that always grabs our attention when it comes to collecting toys is artwork themed with our favourites. The best kind of fan art is always the handmade kinds, fans really put their hearts and soul into their crafts for their favourite nostalgic characters. Sometimes, reprints are also fun to get your hands on.

hello Etsy!

Mrs Toybox is an Etsy seller and from time to time she enjoys helping out other small businesses like the print shop Patere on Etsy who sell patent blueprint prints. You can get them on cardboard, map or regular paper and in different sizes depending on your needs. The shipping is fast and the product is superb! We highly recommend them for your print needs and they make a great gift for the collector in your life!

Optimus Prime ‘85

The first addition to his new Transformers Prints collection was of course Optimus Prime from 1985. I believe there is more to this print, perhaps description of the numbers and more detailed toy instructions but having something like this hanging in the Transformers collection area is really something. It brings authenticity and nostalgic value to the look of the collection of bots.

Other choices of Transformers Patent Prints

Thanks to Damon for going out of their way to find us some other Transformers blue prints and putting them up to order. Considering the price of true prints plus the cost of shipping and also purchasing an 8×10 frame, these prints are worth it from a decorative perspective.

Other Transformer Patent Prints Available

Soundwave
Megatron
Starscream
Buzzsaw
Grimlock
Ironhide
Perceptor

Visit Patere on Etsy

Visit Patere on Etsy to see his full library of patent prints available, he’s got more than just Transformers. He also has patent prints of cartoons, movie characters and vehicles.

Not sponsored or endorsed by Etsy or any mentioned shops. Honest review and opinions are those of the Authors of The Toybox Collection and are a reflection of our experience and impression of the product and brands mentioned.

The Fanaticcon 3 Experience!

The Toybox Collection around Ottawa!

It’s not often since covid 2020 that The Toybox Collection has gone to any major events, except Fanaticcon 2 last year. We had a great time and just had to do it again.
Fanaticcon 3 happened this past weekend and what a time was had by all! We went. We saw. We bought some comics and met some really cool people.

The event

Fanaticcon 3 was a smash, we would say. The place was packed with people of all kindred collectors, cosplayers and folks of all kinds. You could feel the excited energy in the room as soon as you walked through the doors.

There was so much to do and see, the first stop we made was to Ka-Boom comics where Mr. T picked up some Transformers comics missing from his collection. He did good knocking several off his list in one shot. The owners of Ka-Boom Comics are pretty awesome too. While they aren’t a store per-say, they do have a warehouse but you need to be on their list to shop. Call it the VIP treatment. Make sure to follow them on social and keep with the latest!

Political comics

This next artist was so awesome! His name is Marc Roy, (@cartoonist_CAC on instagram) and he hails from Montreal, drawing political parody comics. We at the Toybox Collection don’t usually like to bring politics into our toy collecting but this guys work is not only funny but honest and so creative, we couldn’t resist not sharing his work. Marc is such a genuine guy too who took the time to answer our questions, talk about how he started in cartooning and also signed the copy of his comic we picked up! Check his work out via Instagram!

Meet n Greet with “You Can’t Do That on TV” MOM

Mrs T went to Fanaticcon on a mission: to meet the one and only Abby Hagyard (@abbyhagyard on Instagram) of Care Bears (Teddy Ruxpin, For Better or For Worse), You Can’t Do That on Television fame. You can read about her entire experience here. Abby is the sweetest and funniest, she made the meet and greet comfortable and fun! She was down to earth, our TV Mom! You can tell she truly loves what she does!

Friends of The ToyBox Collection

This next mention is an old friend of Mr T. We had to stop by and check out Flac’s Collectibles! He and his Mrs sell super hero action figures and other collectibles. You can follow @FlacsCollectibles on Instagram!

When there’s something strange in the neighbourhood…

While we didn’t get a chance to stop and say hi (sad face), or get a picture (sadder face) with the man of the hour, Lance aka @TheToyTimeMachine, we would like to thank him (and his team of hero’s) for giving us the opportunity once again to join in on the geeky fun and rep our blog at his super awesome event! We hope to do it again next year, maybe with The Toybox Collection t-shirts? 🤔

We would love to sit here all day and write about all the amazing people and things we saw at this year’s Fanaticcon but I don’t think WordPress has enough drive space so we’ll end it with some awesome video to remember.

Fanaticcon 4

Fanaticcon 4 is already in the making!!! Check out the Facebook events page and click GOING. We already did!

Ottawa Event: Fanaticcon 2021!

Are you a geeked out comics, games, and toys loving family like we are? This September you will want to come out to Fanaticcon Ottawa – THE toy and comic convention happening right here in Ottawa! An awesome way to celebrate the last days of fun before everyone heads back to “real life” as summer comes to an end.

2021 FANATICCON 2 OTTAWA ONTARIO September 5th, 2021 @ The Ottawa Conference and Event Centre (200 Coventry rd, Ottawa, Ontario) 11:00AM – 5:00PM

What is Fanaticcon Ottawa?

Powered by The Toy Time Machine, Fanaticcon Ottawa is the second annual event celebrating pop culture with awesome exhibitors showcasing comics, toys, games, arts, entertainment, cosplay and more!

There will be tables to shop for the best in collectables, cosplay costume contests, arcade challenges powered by crosscades, meet and photobomb guests, get some autographs, enjoy the vibes of DJ BIGGZ and so much more!!

Tickets are on sale right now ($8 in advance through the events website) or $12 at the door on the day of the event! Visit Fanaticcon.ca for more event and ticket info!

New info is being added constantly including exhibitors and special so make sure to like the Fanaticcon Facebook page and follow @fanaticconottawa on Instagram keep up to date!

We are super stoked and can’t wait for September! Don’t worry, we will be taking all health precautions at one of our first public events since Covid took over. Mask up!

Follow The Toybox Collection on social for our latest updates and fun! We always have something to show from our ever growing collection!

@TBCollection on Twitter
@TheToyBoxCollection on Instagram
facebook.com/TheToyboxCollection

Stay fun!

*Fanaticcon 2 was originally scheduled for spring 2020 but we all know what happened. Thank you to the event hosts for having us at your event!*

Sweet Deals – Where to look for toys on the cheap!

Mattel Hot Wheels Star Wars ships and vehicles from Dollar store!

When it comes to collecting, serious fans can spend some serious dough adding their favourite characters, accessories, vehicles and add-ons to their collection. Spending money you don’t have takes the fun out of collecting and it can become a dangerous addiction kind of like gambling if you’re not careful.

We began collecting a few years ago. Most of what we collect we get at a fraction of the price. No, we aren’t special. We are just smart shoppers!
Watch for local and online sales! You may still pay a bit but you’re getting the latest. Also, look for the sales both online and off. We got a few collectable Christmas gifts through these kinds of sales.

It’s a win or lose situation with eBay. You can get great deals but like anywhere else you have to shop around. You have to do your research on what your buying and the seller from which you are buying it. Beware if you notice the images look like stock images off the net (like those you’d find on store websites), the description is brief or nonexistent, the price is too good to be true and check if the buyer has a lot of negative feedback. Those signs are red flags to back the page up and keep shopping around.

Buy and sell marketplaces are great resources as well. You can often find mint (never opened) or slightly used collectables and often the price can be negotiated with a local seller; after all, we all know what it costs to collect the best of the best!

Buy and sell groups are popping up all over Facebook from transformers to Star Wars, Retro toys and dolls, I’m pretty sure there’s a group for everyone. People post what they’re looking for and what they’re selling privately to sell among like minded collectors.

Dollar stores often sell overstock, old stock or slightly “defective” brand name toys. By “defective”, I mean it could be as simple as the plastic capsule ungluing from the back card, the figure still in tact. It might not be the newest releases but you could find figures you didn’t even know you needed for a fraction of the price.

Used shops (like Salvation Army or Value Village) might have something someone got rid of. You never know unless you go in and browse around. I’ve seen posts from people who got some sweet deals, even if they are a little used.

Princess Leia Organa from Star Wars Rebels $4 at a dollarama!

During the summer months, garage sales can be a steal when it comes to finding used collectables. Most people don’t know or don’t care about the value be it monetary or sentimental behind collector toys and probably just want to get rid of what they think is just old junk.

You never know unless you go! 😛

Good luck on your hunt for your next collectable gem!