Cracktastic Plastic

This week on Cracktastic Plastic, Elgn and I fire up the engines and hit the open road as we dive into motorcycle action figures—the toys that proved two wheels were always cooler than four. From leather-clad loners to fully geared-up heroes and villains, we’re pulling bikes and riders straight from our collections and talking about what makes a great motorcycle toy actually ride. We may or may not reveal that we’re part of a very exclusive (and extremely imaginary) motorcycle gang—jackets, attitude, and all—held together by plastic, nostalgia, and questionable sound effects. So grab your helmet, kickstand your worries, and cruise with us through a toy aisle where the engines are loud and the figures are poseable.

We also spotlight High 5 Retro Guys during our Store Tour segment and talk about whether it’s a shop we should visit someday.

Watch here: https://youtube.com/live/Gdt24vRIqvU 

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In this episode of Cracktastic Plastic, Elgn and I suit up for Cape Crusaders, shining a spotlight on one of the most dramatic toy accessories of all time: the cape. From flowing fabric to molded plastic, capes can elevate a figure from good to legendary. We’ll be pulling examples straight from our own collections, showing off favorites, talking about what works (and what doesn’t), and why a great cape can completely change a toy’s presence on the shelf. Whether you’re a soft-goods fan or a plastic purist, this one’s all about heroes, villains, and the power of a well-designed cape.

We also spotlight Retrobutta Toys & Games during our Store Tour segment and talk about whether it’s a shop we should visit someday.

Watch here: https://youtube.com/live/-Gggw2cZ1K8 

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In Unpopular Opinions, the Cracktastic Plastic crew leans into those toy takes that don’t always line up with the majority—whether that means calling out beloved lines that never clicked with us or defending figures and brands we think deserve way more love. From hot-button collecting debates to surprising personal favorites, this episode is all about honest opinions, friendly disagreement, and celebrating the fact that collecting is personal. You may nod along, you may shake your head—but either way, it’s all part of the fun. 

We’re also excited to welcome back Larry Watanabe, returning to the show for the first time since his appearance on episode 32, What Makes a Good Toy Room. Larry brings a thoughtful, collector-focused perspective to every conversation, and his insights pair perfectly with a topic built around differing viewpoints. Whether he’s challenging the room or backing up a stance with years of experience, Larry’s return adds depth, balance, and a familiar voice to an episode all about standing by your opinions.

We also spotlight Miller's Comics, Cards, & Collectibles during our Store Tour segment and talk about whether it’s a shop we should visit someday.

Watch here: https://youtube.com/live/O21If4wxJYc 

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With Presidents Day here, Cracktastic Plastic is spotlighting Leaders in Plastic—the figures who command armies, rule galaxies, run nations, or strike fear into their followers. From heroic commanders to ruthless villains, we’re digging into the action figures and collectibles that represent power, influence, and authority across pop culture. Along the way, we talk about what makes a great “leader” character, why these figures stand out on the shelf, and how leadership—good or bad—translates into plastic form.

We also spotlight Silver Moon Comics & Collectibles during our Store Tour segment and talk about whether it’s a shop we should visit someday.

Watch here: https://youtube.com/live/wDsVgRaC7SY 

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From pixelated heroes to plastic powerhouses, this episode of Cracktastic Plastic dives into toys born from video games. We’re talking action figures, collectibles, and oddball tie-ins inspired by classic and modern games alike—how they captured the look and spirit of their digital worlds, which ones actually nailed the transition from screen to shelf, and why video game toys hold such a unique place in collector culture. Whether you grew up mashing buttons or just admiring the figures afterward, this one’s all about when gaming leapt off the console and into your hands.

Joining us on this episode is our good friend Gary Cooper—also known as Scary Gary—a longtime pal from Kansas City and a true connoisseur of all things retro gaming. Gary is a passionate horror movie fan and supporter of the genre, a newly minted dad, and someone who really knows his way around classic video games and the toys they inspired. We’re thrilled to have him on the show to bring his knowledge, nostalgia, and love of plastic-fueled gaming history to the table. Please welcome Mr. Eyebrows himself, Scary Gary.

We also spotlight Aaron's 80s Toys & Collectibles during our Store Tour segment and talk about whether it’s a shop we should visit someday.

Watch here: https://youtube.com/live/yMEPaKB4RWs 

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For this episode of Cracktastic Plastic, we’re looking beyond the action figures and playsets and diving into the wide world of toy-related merchandise. From bed sheets, board games, and cereal prizes to clothing, school supplies, and in-store promotions, we explore all the ways our favorite toy lines spilled out of the toy aisle and into everyday life. We’ll share personal memories, surprising finds, and the oddball items that somehow still make perfect sense when you think about the era they came from. It’s a fun, nostalgia-fueled conversation about how toy brands became full-on lifestyles long before anyone was using that word.

We also spotlight Mythical Mountain during our Store Tour segment and talk about whether it’s a shop we should visit someday.

Watch here: https://youtube.com/live/HRGK9iMv1xQ 

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This week on Cracktastic Plastic, Elgn and Jason crank up the nostalgia and dive headfirst into the world of cartoon theme songs. We’re each counting down our personal Top 5 favorites—the themes that instantly transport us back to Saturday mornings, after-school TV, and living rooms filled with toys on the floor.

From catchy earworms to full-blown mini anthems, we play each theme on the show and talk about what made them stick, why they still rule, and how these songs became just as iconic as the cartoons themselves. If you’ve ever found yourself humming a theme song decades later, this episode is for you.

We also spotlight The Comic Interlude during our Store Tour segment and talk about whether it’s a shop we should visit someday.

Watch here: https://youtube.com/live/_nvcWDGEaCY  

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This week on Cracktastic Plastic, Jason and Elgn spotlight African American action figures from their personal collections in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. We talk about the figures themselves, how representation in toys has changed over time, and why these pieces matter on the shelf and in the hobby. A collector-driven conversation about history, progress, and the power of seeing yourself in plastic. We also spotlight Retro City during our Store Tour segment and talk about whether it’s a shop we should visit someday.

Watch here: https://youtube.com/live/ukNguljjcP4 

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This week on Cracktastic Plastic, we’re shining the Bat-Signal and diving headfirst into the world of Batman toys. From classic Kenner figures and animated-era favorites to modern takes on the Dark Knight, Batman has been a cornerstone of toy collecting for generations—and for us, he’s always been a must-have on the shelf.

Watch here: https://youtube.com/live/i7xMkvri718 

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This week on Cracktastic Plastic, Jason and Elgn are getting cozy as they dive into the wonderfully soft world of plushies. From classic characters to weird, wild, and nostalgic favorites, we’re pulling plush from our personal collections and sharing what makes each one special. We’ll talk about why plushies hit differently than hard plastic, how they fit into our overall collecting habits, and which ones still spark that same joy years later. Whether you’re a serious plush collector or just love a good cuddle-worthy collectible, this episode proves that sometimes the softest toys leave the biggest impressions. We also spotlight Monsters on Main during our Store Tour segment and talk about whether it’s a shop we should visit someday.

Watch here: https://youtube.com/live/Qc5KvNKsHLk 

Listen & subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or connect with us at http://cracktasticplastic.com

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And lastly, check out all the amazing shows at http://thepfpn.com