Neca Gremlins Collection

Gremlins was a hit movie back in the 80’s followed by Gremlins 2: The new batch in the later 80’s. They were supposed to be horror movies but the gremlins antics ended up making them more of a “family” movie, toys were even marketed for kids.

Growing up we had the posable versions of Gizmo and Stripe (see image below). They were pretty cool for their time; I have always been about details when it comes to toys and even back in 1984 they were fairly detailed for toys that originally were for kids (even though adults like me today would love to get our hands on them).

There have been a multitude of toys and other collectibles depicting gremlins and the popular Gizmo but none compare to the detail and fun of the Gremlins and Gremlins 2 collections by Neca!

Each figure is very detailed down to expressions on their faces and come with little accessories that are sure to bring back the Gremlins movie nostalgia.

You can read about the neca Gremlins release dates here.

Ultimate Gizmo

We started our Gremlins collection with the Ultimate Gizmo. He comes with familiar accessories from the Christmas scene in the movie; the instrument, candy, toys and also multiple faces to pose him with! He can be happy, sad, content; the choices are great! We will most likely unbox this guy for Christmas time.

Ultimate Stripe

Next up we found The Ultimate Stripe which is the “boss” or “leader” of the evil and mischievous gremlins. He comes with a very detailed chainsaw, a skateboard and another metal saw tool. He looks as ugly and angry as he did in the movie; we love it! You know, you can’t have Gizmo without Stripe; they go together!

Winter Gremlins Two Pack

Neca released a set of two Gremlins from the wintery scenes. They come in their winter attire and come with candy cane and a gingerbread man with its head bit off. The detail is phenomenal, I cannot express it enough. Maybe these two are the ones who messed with Mrs Deigle or Billy’s Mom with her cookies!

Ultimate Gremlin

When the gremlins take over the local downtown area (movie theatre, the bar etc), they have a blast. Neca did not disappoint with this gremlin who comes with all kinds of fun party accessories playing cards, candy, cup of pop, a cigarette and a mug of beer!

Ultimate Greta

She is out and displayed in a shelf with lights around to give her that dramatic look! Hello, Greta!

The only female Gremlin in the movie series is called “Greta”. She is from Gremlins 2: The New Batch. Her backstory comes when the gremlins take over a high rise building and one level happens to be a science lab. They get into different experimental potions, each having a different effect. This one pink potion happened to change this Gremlin from male to female with a really comedic lust for a man she sees. Today, what she does would be considered assault but hey it was the 80’s. She was also the sole living gremlin besides Gizmo who survives to the very end of the movie. This figure comes with a potion and a pink feather boa. Greta has “real” hair but her outfit is sculpted and painted on. It’s a beautiful figure to have in the collection.

Back to School Gremlin

Conclusion:

We didn’t originally set out to get almost the entire set of Neca Gremlins figures but it ended up being a great collection to have. What I like most about these, besides the incredible paint details and accessories, is the box they come in. It’s not a shell capsule so you don’t need to break the box or cut them out (except Greta who came with a plastic elastic around her head/hair but otherwise simple to get out) you can also easily put them back into their original boxes for safe keeping.

Are they worth collecting? For someone like us, absolutely. They aren’t extremely expensive compared to some other figures of similar stature, they come in a nice windowed box with movie pictures, on the back there are images of the figure posed with its accessories. They are superior collectors figures for us Gremlins movie fans.

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!

Hasbro My Little Pony Crossover Collection Morphin Pink Pony Review!

I’ll admit, I know who the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers are but I wasn’t a die hard fan of the show or movies; a younger generation as I was an older teen when this show originally aired. I did babysit a few kids over my teen years who were quite obsessed with MMPR. Even though it’s been revamped and rebooted into movies and new shows, my kids never got into the Rangers either. Needless to say, not being a huge fan didn’t stop us from getting this collectors special edition My Little Pony for The Toybox Collection!

Hasbro My Little Pony Mighty Morphin Power Rangers Crossover

With an intergalactic threat hovering over Equestria, a team of friends unite under the Harmony Grid. These are the Mighty Morphin Power… ponies!?
Fandoms collide with My Little Pony Crossover Collection — an expanded universe of My Little Pony mashup characters! Crossover Collection Morphin Pink Pony toy combines the retro My Little Pony form with the design of Power Rangers characters. Character has unique deco, colors, and Cutie Mark inspired by the Mighty Morphin Pink Ranger. This 4.5-inch figure comes in collectors’ packaging that’s great for fans of the My Little Pony or Power Rangers brand to display. Turn the stories you know on their tails with the My Little Pony Crossover Collection.

When you think of these two franchises crossing over into eachothers worlds, you might wonder what could a Power Ranger Pony look like? Well, Hasbro has shown us with this unique crossover figure named “Morphin Pink Pony”. The figure is 4.5” in size and a cross between an original ‘80s My Little Pony and the Pink Power Ranger, aka Kimberly Hart. She wears pink armour like the Pink Ranger. Really cool looking figure! Morphin Pink Pony will look excellent next to her other crossover friends, My Little Prime and Plasmane!

Next up…

Hasbro My Little Pony X Light Bright Crossover! This one is going to be a fun flash from the past!

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Hasbro My Little Pony Crossover Collection – Ghostbusters Plasmane Review

When there’s something strange in the neighbourhood, who ya gonna call? My little pony! This awesome mashup Collab was released in 2020 by Hasbro; a retro pony styled like a ghostbusters character.
I am old enough to remember how popular ghostbusters was back in the ‘80s when the first two original movies hit theatres. Ghostbusters 2 was on of my first theatrical experiences as a child. I clearly remember my younger cousin screaming at Vigo the Carpathian to “put the baby down!” during the scene where the spirit is taking Dana’s baby so that he can become human again.

We were thrilled when Hasbro released My Little Pony Transformers Crossover fig and even so finding out they also have a Ghostbusters crossover! Check it out!

Manhattan meets Equestria – Meet Plasmane!

“When the city of Manehatten is overrun with ghosts, Plasmane ain’t no scaredy-pony. She saddles up in the Ecto-Wagon and gears up for an adventure.
Fandoms collide with My Little Pony Crossover Collection — an expanded universe of My Little Pony mashup characters! Crossover Collection Plasmane toy combines the retro My Little Pony form with the design of Ghostbusters characters. Character has unique deco, colors, and Cutie Mark inspired by the iconic Ghostbusters team. This 4.5-inch figure comes in collectors’ packaging that’s great for fans of the My Little Pony or Ghostbusters brand to display. Turn the stories you know on their tails with the My Little Pony Crossover Collection.” – Hasbro Pulse

Sold out

We were lucky to find this Pony online at NMC Toys, I believe they’re having a sale on them for $9.99 (plus tax and shipping) which is a deal because right now you really can’t find them anywhere but on Amazon or EBay at the rich price of $29.99 (plus tax and shipping); yikes!

I love the look of this pony! Details in its outfit like the belt and straps on the legs. The bright ecto-plasma coloured hair is eye catching and let’s not forget to mention the best part: the ghostbusters logo cutie mark! This is one that tempts you to possibly, maybe think about taking it out of its box to display but Hasbro did a good job of box art and I’m going to be keeping this collection in its fancy boxes while on display side by side.

Next up in the Hasbro MLP crossover collection: Mighty Morphin Pony!

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Transformers Collectible Books collection by JE Alvarez Review

As collectors, we know there are many places to check important and specific details for your collection like a year something came out, where it came out and what price it goes for today. Today, we are talking about some books that are like the holy grail of collectible books specific to Transformers collectors like us. Books like other things, are an investment and these are an investment that could help you maximize your collection investment giving you most of all the information you need if you start to one day sell your beloved and hard earned collection.

Unofficial guides to everything Transformers

Do you collect vintage Transfomers? Here’s another gem you may want to get your hands on for reference! The Unofficial Guide To Vintage Transformers 1980’s through 1990’s by JE Alvarez.

“For many years, the Transformers have been a staple of pop culture. As new and old collectors seek to enhance their knowledge of this toy line, this book provides a wide view of the Transformers action figures from their earliest incarnations, their journey through the 1980s, and culminating with the Beast Wars in the 1990s. Extremely well researched, this guide provides information on the development of the figures while explaining their key features, along with showcasing many figure variations. Featuring images of figures both in and out of package, yearly product listings for easy reference, and pricing examples for many key items, this book is a great tool for reintroducing yourself or getting familiar with these toys from the past.”

G1 collectors, pay attention! Transformers Collectibles (unofficial guide) by J.E. Alvarez is book you need when collecting retro memorabilia of your favourite G1 (1st Generation) Transformers figures and other merch, including prices so when you shop or sell, you know it’s approximate true value! Ah-mazing #book you’ll want to keep your own hidden secret collecting weapon!

“If you have collected Transformers*™️ action figures and think you have it all, this book will open your eyes! Over 1,000 stunning color images display the vast armada of Transformers collectibles beyond the action figures. The volume includes PVC figures and cold cast porcelain busts, arts and crafts, battery operated toys, birthday party decorations and favors, clothing, comics, DVDs, puzzles, radios, videos, and walkie-talkies, all with a Transformers theme. The engaging text draws the reader easily and quickly into each chapter and the captions provide current values for the items displayed. This book is a must for every Transformers fan, whether you have been following them since the 1980s or have just discovered their heroic exploits today!”

Did you know there is more to Transformers than meets the eye? The Unofficial Guide to Japanese and International Transformers by J.E.Alvarez will have you second guessing what you think you know about your favourite robots in disguise!

“Welcome to the world of Transformers™! These immensely popular “robots in disguise” originated in Japan, and the United States has only been one destination on their worldwide tour. Learn about fascinating variations between the Transformers of Japan, America, and Europe through hundreds of gorgeous color photographs of Transformers from all over the world. This in-depth guide delves into such Japanese toy lines as the Headmasters, Masterforce, Zone, and the Return of Convoy. There is discussion of many of the European figures including the Turbomasters, Predators, and the Obliterators. Also appearing are early Pre-Transformers like the Diaclones and Kronoforms. Fun to read, and with current market values in each caption, this is the book collectors have been waiting for. Transform and roll out!”

Want to learn everything you can about Beast Wars Transformers? Beast Wars Transformers™

The Unofficial Guide by J. E. Alvarez brings you a full, in depth look at the series from its shows to comics to collectors figures and more! We don’t collect Beast Wars but it’s great to have a book like this in our collection because, you never know when you may need it.

About the book:

“Both American and Japanese Beast Wars Transformer toys, popular from 1995 to the close of the millennium, are discussed and displayed in this all-encompassing guide. Robots from Armordillo and Cheetor to Megatron and Optimus Primal, are shown in over 870 color images. These shape-changing robots, both in their boxes and loose, are often displayed in multiple transformations of the figures. The development and distribution of Beast Wars characters and TV shows is provided, along with current market prices for the figures. This guide is a must for every Transformer and action figure collector, and for pop-culture enthusiasts everywhere.”

Thank you to our friends @thomasallenltd for sending us these great books!

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!

Fanaticcon 3 is coming!

If you don’t already know, the Mrs and I are grownup toy collectors. We are the type of people who get genuinely excited about Star Wars and Transformers, Marvel, DC and more. We love special edition action figures, comics and movies. Don’t forget the rare collectibles. You can follow our blog The Toybox Collection and it’s associated Instagram @TheToyboxCollection!

We are going to be geeking out once again at the Fanaticcon 3 Ottawahappening SUNDAY August 14th, 2022 at the Convention Center on Coventry Road in our home city of OTTAWA, ONTARIO!

Get your tickets and get ready to geek out with us!

Here is the official statement from FANATICCON 3 organizers:

“We have the best exhibitors concentrated over 71 spaces with premium comic dealers, amazing retro toy collectors, magnificent video game enthusiasts, cosplayers, talented artists like Kurt Lehner, Special Guests like AEW Evil Uno, Abby Hagyard, Robert Bockstael, John Stocker. Honorable mentions go out to The Capital Ghostbusters who do very good community work and our family LWT and IKV Phoenix STAR TREK groups who are always an amazing help with our spectacular events.”

Exhibitors List and tickets:
https://www.fanaticcon.ca/exhibitors-ottawahttps://www.fanaticcon.ca/exhibitors-ottawa

FANATICCON OTTAWA
“All Killer No Filler”
Sunday August 14
Ottawa Conference and Event Centre

11am-5pm general admission $12

10am-5pm VIP $20 early access to the dealer room at 10am. 5 raffle tickets for prizes and giveaways.

We met a lot of cool people just walking around and checking out the exhibitors. There will be many different themes, you can check out the Fanaticcon social pages for more on that. Also, you’ll find a lot of unique, crafted items from some very talented people! Theres so much, you have to be there to see it for yourself!

Come support a local event and have some fun! Make sure to mark the special date so you can plan a day of all things comics, games, toys and more at the Ottawa Convention Center on Coventry road!

For more information follow @FanaticconOttawa on social media and visit the Official Website to get your tickets!

Star Wars: The Mandalorian Collection

One of our favourite shows produced by Disney is the new Star Wars: The Mandalorian starring Pedro Pascal as the main character.

{Spoilers ahead!}

If you haven’t seen or heard about this show, you must come out from under the rock you’ve been hiding and join us when Season 3 hits Disney+ sometime soon we hope.

So far, through the first two seasons we’ve watched our hero Din DJarin battle his way through a quest to protect a special cargo and bring him back where he belongs. This little cargo being the ever popular “Baby Yoda” or as we now know him, Grogu.

Of course we jumped onto the Mandalorian bandwagon and got our hands on some of the best collectible toys that were available at the time. Oh I remember the frenzy when the show first aired and everybody who’s anybody wanted a Grogu for the upcoming holiday season only to find out they’d be delayed due to popularity and the toy makers basically not being prepared for it.

Thankfully waiting paid off and our two biggest brands “Hasbro” and “Mattel” released some really great Mandalorian stuff!

Plush Grogu: one of my first Grogu collectibles. I have always been a Yoda fan so for me, having a new character of the same unknown species 40 years later is really cool!

Talking Grogu Plush: This Grogu is a smaller plush version with a little voice box inside. Press his belly and he makes cute Grogu sounds from the show! He comes with a little soup bowl and frog, if you’re a fan of the show you’ll know what those are for!

Animatronic Grogu: My favourite (and most expensive) Grogu in my collection.

He is just like the Furreal Friends Star Wars Co-Pilot Chewie except: Grogu! He makes sounds and even moves. His eyes blink/close, he raises his hands (using the force), he tilts his head and wiggles his ears, if you lay him down he falls asleep; it does a whole bunch of cute things from the TV show. There were only three left on the shelf when I got it last Christmas! He now lives in our special glass Star Wars display case!

3.75” Mandalorian and Grogu action figure set. We haven’t taken it out of its packaging because its that nice. lots of detail on both Mando and Grogu. Comes with accessories like a little seat for Grogu, for those who like to play with their toys.

We would love it if we could get our hands on the 6” Mando figure but as of late we haven’t been able to. There is so much stuff out there for the Mandalorian from stuffies to action figures and even stuff for kids although I wouldn’t consider this show one for younger kids. It would be fun to collect them all but lack of space, you know.

until next time!