The Toy Archives

We’re baaaaack! (Finally… I know, sorry!) After an unintentional break, we’re finally back with another episode of The Toy Archives podcast! In this episode we cover the recent Mighty Max prototype auctions, including the unproduced (and incredibly rare) Warmonger! We’ve also managed to squeeze in a public apology to our friend Blake Wright, a quick overview of the Toylanta toy show, and a few run-ins with former employees and how they’ve been treated by collectors. Next up: Star Wars Celebration Preparation!

In this podcast, we talk all things grading – the companies, the pros and cons, the wait times, you name it. If you’ve ever asked yourself “Should I grade this figure?” this is the podcast for you! If you’re near any collecting circle long enough, you’re certain to hear the question “Should I grade my (insert action figure name)? Generally you’ll see a variety of responses, but two tend to be the most common “Yes, it will increase the value!” or “No, why would you pay someone else for their opinion?!” Give this episode a listen and make sure you’re subscribed to the podcast on whatever platform you prefer!

A couple reference points- if you’re interested in knowing the current turnaround times for the three major grading companies:

Action Figure Authority: 2-3 months

Collector Archive Services: 3-4 months

UK Graders: ~3 months

 

In this episode we’ve got a bit of everything- from the Star Wars Collector Archive party to Facebook BattleWaffleRaffle groups. Don’t miss our highlights of biggest collecting regrets- from vintage Kenner Star Wars hardcopies, GI Joe prototypes, and more!

Make sure to leave a comment… do you participate in any of the ‘alternative buying method groups?’ Maybe you’ve had a colossal Waffle Win that makes it all worth it?

Tune in for next week’s episode where we’ll talk through the process of grading an action figure… When should you grade your toys? Which company should grade it? How long does grading a figure take? Don’t worry… we’ll help you!

In this episode we’re joined by our brand new co-host Adam. We’ll test his patience with some awesome new modern releases by Super7 (the Shogun Warriors and Ghosts and Goblins releases), talk about the frustrating plague of flippers in parts of the hobby, and then we start talking about collecting goals for 2019! Make sure to leave your goals in the comments below! Also be sure you’re part of our Facebook Discussion group for the podcast – The Toy Archives Podcast group.

As promised, in this podcast episode we’ll give the full story of the absolutely epic collection that was discovered right here in Iowa in 2018. It’s one for the record books- featuring Kenner’s Mask, Jurassic Park, Battle Beasts, Dino Riders, and much much more! If you’re a vintage toy collector this is a story you don’t want to miss!

Episode #10 – Mark and Adam’s Best Purchases of 2018

This episode is Part 1 of the “Year in Review” where we talk about the great things that have happened this year. In this one we both cover our favorite additions to our respective collections throughout 2018. Everything from Battletoads, Earthworm Jim, Crystar, The Mask, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and much more! It was a significant year for both of our collections with some marquee additions!

Check out some of the photos below for the items we discuss in the podcast!

 

We’re finally here- the Earthworm Jim special! In this episode, we talk about a new Marvel Legends Exclusive figure- Mystique, we talk about the most recent pre-order for Mythic Legions figures (Siege of Bjorngar), and the long awaited discussion with Adam Saker about Earthworm Jim action figures! Talking never-before-shared prototypes, the video game, and all of the glorious figures that were produced (and even the ones that weren’t)!

Make sure you check out the gallery below to see some of the great items discussed in this episode!

In Episdoe #8 of The Toy Archives podcast, we’ve got the long awaited interview with Adam Saker! We talk about his collecting journey, how he went from Foreign Vintage Star Wars to random prototypes and the king of the Iowa Prototype Dumpster South. We even get into appreciating what you have in your collection and not worrying about “keeping up with the Joneses!” Don’t worry- Adam joins us again in the next episode to talk about Playmates Toys, Prototypes, and Earthworm Jim action figures!

In this episode, we talk about the brand new announcement by Super7 for their Holiday He-Man special action figure, we talk through the haul of unproduced Battletoads figure prototypes that were in the works by Tiger Electronics, and then we run down the Top 10 toys of the 1980s. You definitely don’t want to miss this episode of the podcast!

The Toy Archives – Episode 6 – Mego, Scammers, and Top 10 Toys of the 70s

In this episode, we cover the newest waves of Mego’s comeback product and their Wave 2 release, including Star Trek, Universal Monsters (FRANKENSTEIN!!!), Full House, Star Trek, Charlie’s Angels, the Brady Bunch, and much more! After, we talk about two recent scamming/stealing scandals in the toy collecting hobby, one of which happened at the Chicago Toy Show, and the other within the Star Wars Facebook groups. Lastly, we break down our list of top 10 toys of 70s!

Mego Wave 2 2018 Action Figures

The Wave 2 Lineup includes:

* The Gorn (Star Trek)

* Kris Munroe (Charlie’s Angels)

* Cliff Clavin (Cheers)

* Samantha (Bewitched)

* Kelly Bundy (Married with Children)

* Greg Brady (Brady Bunch)

* Frankenstein’s Monster

* Phoebe Halliwell (Charmed)

* Richie Cunningham (Happy Days)

* Jo Jo Polniaczek (Facts of Life)

* Mr. Spock (Star Trek)

* Starchild (KISS)

* Dorothy and the Wicked Witch (2-pack, The Wizard of Oz)

* DJ and Stephanie Tanner (2-pack, Full House)

The 14 inch offering was expanded with four new figures:

* Classic Superman

* Green Lantern

* Batgirl/Barbara Gordon

* Poison Ivy/Pamela Isley

Toy Collecting Scams!

This episode covers two recent hobby scams… One took place in Chicago at the Kane County Toy Show where a dealer was caught trying to lift a Funko Pop from another booth. Second, we talk about the most recent Star Wars scandal involving a $3,000 Engineering Pilot that was used to deceive and steal from a member of the community. Lots of great toy-drama in this section, so make sure you give it a listen!

The Top 10 Toys of the 1970s

Check out the article here, but be sure to listen to the podcast to hear more detail!

* Evel Knievel (Ideal Toys)

* Adventure People (Fisher Price)

* Micronauts (Mego)

* Six Million Dollar Man (Kenner)

* Shogun Warriors (Mattel)

* AHI Monsters (Azrak Hamway International)

* Lincoln International Monsters

* GI Joe Adventure Team (Hasbro)

* Mego’s 8 Inch Lineup (WGSH, Mad Monsters, etc)

* Star Wars (Kenner)