Pokémon meets fossils at the Field Museum, Spider-Man fan mail finds a real address, Commodore brings back the TAC-2 joystick, and more
Six intriguing articles related to toys, games, and nostalgia that have hit the news this week.
Yipes! from Ideal (1983)
Released by Ideal Toy Company in 1983, Yipes! used the spooky backdrop of a haunted castle and secret laboratory to transform a simple race game into a monster-themed pursuit.
Shaker Maker from Ideal (1971)
Released in 1971, Ideal’s Shaker Maker allowed children to create their own toy figures using a special powder called “Magic Mix.”
Jason Morgan, Transformers
Jason Morgan collects Transformers. In this Collector Spotlight, he reflects on rediscovering the hobby as an adult and building a community of Transformers fans.
Michael D. Roberto, Hess Toy Truck Historian
Michael D. Roberto is a Hess Toy Truck historian. In this edition of The Friday Five, Michael shares the personal story behind his lifelong connection to the toy trucks and explains how his passion project became a vital resource for collectors, helping document and preserve community knowledge.
Disney Parks
For more than seven decades, Disney has redefined the theme park experience through immersive storytelling, technological innovation, and unforgettable attractions. Explore some of the milestones that helped establish Disney’s parks as leaders in themed entertainment.
The Legend of Zelda Heroes of Hyrule Figures from Hasbro
Hasbro and Nintendo launch the new Heroes of Hyrule action figure collection based on The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.
Bild-a-Brik from Dorack Toy Company (1950s)
A brochure from Dorack Toy Company for Bild-a-Brick, a construction set that used real miniature bricks and mortar.
The Incredible Crash Dummies Crash ‘N Bash Chair from Tyco (1991)
“These guys really take a beating.”
The original Legend of Zelda video game was developed by game designers Shigeru Miyamoto and Takashi Tezuka and published by Nintendo in 1986.
We had gone on this hiking trip and climbed up the mountain, and I was so amazed — it was the first time I had ever experienced hiking up this mountain and seeing this big lake at the top. And I drew on that inspiration when we were working on the Legend of Zelda game..."
— Shigeru Miyamoto
Bild-a-Brik from Dorack Toy Company (1950s)
A brochure from Dorack Toy Company for Bild-a-Brick, a construction set that used real miniature bricks and mortar.
Card Stock Vintage Racer Airplane
Rediscover the simple childhood pleasure of making a paper plane, this time with cover stock for a sturdier, more durable flyer.
Singer Sewing Machines from Gilbert Toys (1963)
A dealer advertisement from 1963 for the “Sewhandy” Singer Sewing Machines toy line from The A. C. Gilbert Company.
