Cars 3: Parker Brakeston (N2O Cola)

Tonight I'll be just quickly documenting another Cars 3 Piston Cup racer 1:55 scale diecast from Mattel...this time around it's Parker Brakeston (also known by his sponsor N2O Cola, No. 68)! He was released last May in case B, the second wave of Cars 3 singles. So yah, this one has been around since almost the beginning of the product launch and is still hanging around on pegs to this day. 

This is another one of those kind of generic background racers with a frustratingly short amount of screen time (you can really only spot him zooming past the camera as a blur; he's somewhere in the opening sequence of Piston Cup races). This character supersedes Manny Flywheel (from the original Cars) as the racer for the N2O Cola team—only to be replaced by the next-gen racer H.J. Hollis later on in Cars 3.

Take a closer look of Parker out of the package below!

You might still be able to find this racer in your area at your local Target, Walmart of Toys R Us. He's not too hard to find, even at this point. If it's just easier for you to snag him online though, here's the direct Amazon think for you.

Happy hunting!

Monsters Inc: Mike and Sulley Wooden Collectibles—Limited Edition

Last summer during the 2017 D23 Expo, Disney & Pixar (with creative guidance from John Lasseter, can't you tell?) debuted a new collection inspired by traditional Japanese wooden collectibles known as Kokeshi dolls. The collection began with three Disney Store D23 Expo exclusive sets: Buzz & Woody (which I picked up of course, see my full blog post HERE), Anna & Elsa and Moana & Maui—each set limited to only 300 units produced. 

Now flash forward to late last year, when ShopDisney.com released (to my surprise) two more wooden collectible sets: a Cars 3 one (featuring Lightning McQueen & Cruz Ramirez; see post HERE) and this Monsters Inc. one featuring everyone's favorite scream team— Mike Wazowski and Sulley! This set is a limited edition of only 400 and is sold only on the ShopDisney website HERE (not sold in stores). I LOVE the way these characters are stylized and will go perfect with my Toy Story and Cars 3 ones. Just look at them! So simple, yet so effective.

Note: You may have have seen this already, but even John Lasseter's signature D23 Expo Reyn Spooner Hawaiian shirt last year featured these and other characters (from films he's worked across all studios) in this same Japanese style (which you can view and purchase on eBay HERE). I sure hope the shirt is a preview of wooden collectibles to come! So far that's been the case.

As with the others in this collection, the packaging is clean and minimal—definitely marketing to adult collectors like myself (these are certainly not toys). You can tell right away from looking it it that this is a special item. The box is basically one big clear plastic case with a cardboard scare floor/Boo's door backdrop that can be easily removed (as seen below). The Disney Store logo is featured in the top left corner. This is without a doubt my favorite display insert featured in these sets so far.

Take a look at these guys out of the packaging! I'm obsessed; they're seriously just too cute. I love how Mike is essentially just a wooden ball with horns.

These are maliciously designed, quality crafted and hand painted (made entirely out of solid wood; both are decently heavy for what they are). As far as their size, Sulley is 6" tall and Mike is 3 1/2" tall. The dimensions of the packaging are 7 1/2'' H x 7 1/2'' W x 4 1/2'' D. Retail price for this set, like the others, is $59.95 (which yes, is extremely pricey, but hey, it's Disney and a limited edition—it's what I expect at this point).

Underneath them, you'll find the Disney/Pixar copyright and the limited edition number of 400. And maybe you're thinking this too, but I thought it was kind of funny that these Japanese inspired collectibles were actually made in China ;)

No limited edition item is complete without a certificate of authenticity. My edition number is 005/400—my best EVER! The certificate can be found under and within the cardboard base.

As a gigantic fan of Monsters Inc. (it's probably my second Pixar favorite after the Toy Story films), this is a most welcomed addition to my collection. I highly recommend it to any and all Disney collectors who love these classic characters! If you're interested in this set, I wouldn't hesitate too much. It's still in stock on the ShopDisney site HERE (which I'm really surprised about), but once it's gone, it's gone. Be sure to let me know your thoughts or any questions you might have in the comments below! 

Toy Story: Buzz & Woody "Best Friends" Figurine (Shanghai Disneyland Exclusive)

Ready for an overload of Toy Story cuteness?? Check out this Buzz and Woody "Best Friends" Bobblehead figurine, sold now exclusively at Shanghai Disneyland! And if the adorable look of this trinket feels familiar, that's because it was designed by my friend Jerrod Maruyama in his signature kawaii style! If you're a Disney fan, then you're more than likely familiar with his work. I've talked about it on here a ton, but if you've yet to check out some of Jerrod's other art I've posted posted on, visit this page HERE. It's so cool to have a piece of his art in the form of a 3D sculpt! 

This little souvenir measures about 3" tall and 3.5" wide and is mostly made of a fragile resin material. Retail price at the park is ¥79, which converts to $12.50 in American dollars (not bad at all). I love everything about this, from the overall stylized design to the way their heads bobble to the Pixar ball detail on the back. It's all just too good! No word on if this will become available at US Disney Parks, but we can hope.

A HUGE thanks to MY best friends (appropriate right? ;) Drew and Liz for picking this up for me during their visit to Shanghai Disneyland a few weeks back. I had seen pictures of this floating around the net since last year, but I never thought I'd actually be able to get it!

Drew and Liz have a pretty remarkable story as last summer they sold their home (+ almost all their possessions) and moved to China with their two kids to help teach English as a second language. They have been documenting all their adventures on their blog The Misfitfam and what it's been like adapting to a new culture. It's all super fascinating! If lifestyle blogs are up your alley, please check them out and give them a follow (Instagram HERE). Feel free to reach out to them with any questions you might have about their journey!

And of course if you enjoy Jerrod's work, don't forget to check out his blog HERE and give him a follow on Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr, Flickr, Dribbble and Twitter. He's the man!

Until next time, let me know your thoughts on this in the comment section below. 

Cars 3: Lightning McQueen as Chester Whipplefilter, Luigi & Guido with Cloth (3-Pack)

I'm back for another Mattel Cars 3 1:55 scale diecast review and tonight I'll be taking a brief look at this "movie moments" 3-Pack featuring Lightning McQueen as Chester Whipplefilter, Luigi and Guido with cloth! This set was released clear back on May 1st of last year as part of the initial launch of Mattel Cars 3 toys. So yah...this post has been a long time coming!

I really like this muddy McQueen (the name Chester Wipplefilter still cracks me up) and it's fun to have a new variation on Guido (first time he's ever come with a cloth). Luigi on the other hand is the same as he's always been. Maybe, for Luigi and Guido, Mattel could have added some subtle mud splats near their tires to make them a little more special/exclusive? That's my only gripe. That would have been a nice detail.

Let's take these guys out of the package for a closer look!

This same Chester Whipplefilter McQueen has also been released on a single card AND in the "Thunder Hollow 5-Pack" (Walmart exclusive). There is also a synthetic rubber tires version that comes with two burning barrels (part of the Walmart "Demo Derby" sub-line), which is only subtly different from this one. I'll be posting on that release soon. 

McQUEEN as CHESTER WHIPPLEFILTER

As of right now, this 3-pack is the only way to get Guido with cloth.

LUIGI & GUIDO with CLOTH

This set is still so easy to find that it's scary. After almost a year, every Target, Walmart, Toy R Us and Kmart in my area has several of these still on the pegs. That's just crazy talk! I don't know how they could have overestimated so much with those first couple Cars 3 cases. It's virtually all my stores carry to this day. So in short, if you're still looking to add this 3-Pack to your collection, you shouldn't have any trouble finding it (I've also included a direct link to Amazon below).

Let me know your thoughts in the comments section! Is this one still everywhere in your area too?

Toy Story: Pizza Planet Logo Iron On Patch

It's the end of a long day and a late night over here, but I definitely wanted to get a quick post up for you guys before I hit the sack. It doesn't get much simpler than this, but hey—it's pretty neat! Check out this cool Toy Story Pizza Planet logo iron on patch that I purchased during my visit to Pixar this past fall. This item is exclusive to the Studio Store and retails for just a couple bucks. For those reasons alone, I couldn't resist picking it up! There were other iron on options there too (they're in a little bin near the registers), but this was the one that stood out to me. You know I love anything Pizza Planet.

As far as size, this little guy is just over 3.5" long. It's perfect for ironing on something like a backpack, duffel bag, messenger bag or purse...or a clothing item like a jacket, button up shirt, pocket tee or jacket. I haven't decided what to do with it yet (I've never really used or purchased an iron on patch before), but those are my main options. What do you think? Where would you stick this?

Let me know your thoughts/suggestions in the comments below! 

Monsters University: Disney Parks "OK" Baseball Cap

Happy St. Patrick's Day everyone! You know me, I had to be festive today and post on a green item. I don't want to get pinched! Hope you're all having a fun and safe holiday.

Inspired by Mike Wazowski's Oozma Kappa ("OK") hat seen in Monsters University, check out this new baseball cap available right now at Disney Parks and ShopDisney.com! This was released back in mid January along with a Python Nu Kappa hat (PNK) for women (which I'll also be reviewing here soon, so stay tuned).

I love Monsters U and the products inspired by the film. I literally wear my MU cap (the one released in 2013, see my post HERE) at one point or another almost every day. It's so cool to finally have a new hat to mix it up now and then! And you know I love when certain animated props from Pixar's films become a reality. I was thrilled when my parents picked it up for me during their most recent trip to WDW! A big thanks to them.

I like my hats with some distress and a nicely curved brim, so I really dig that this one has both. It fits and feels great (and I'm picky when it comes to hats)! The front OK letters are felt and "Oozma Kappa" is embroidered on the back. The hat is fully adjustable to fit most, if not all, adults.

If you're a Disney nerd with heart and want to show off your Oozma Kappa pride, be sure to pick this up next time your at Disneyland/World or snag it online HERE while it's still in stock. It has my high recommendation.

Let me know what you think in the comment section below!

Cars 3: Phil Tankson (Nitroade)

Hello everyone and welcome to another Mattel Cars 3 1:55 diecast review!  

Tonight I'm taking a quick look at Phil Tankson (or better known by his sponsor Nitroade, No. 28), one of the many stock car racers seen at the beginning of the film! This diecast was released in the fourth quarter of 2017 in several cases (unlike the one I have here, some versions even come with a bonus mini poster and/or a collector's card); but even though he was represented in plenty of cases last year, I only just found him at my local Walmart last month. I didn't care which release it was (though I would have liked the one with the collector card), I was just thrilled to finally add this character to my collection.

Phil supersedes Aiken Axler (from the original Cars) and then is replaced by the next-gen racer Tim Treadless—all of who share the same racing number (28). He can barely be spotted in the film, but he is there during the opening Motor Speedway of the South race (as shown in the screenshot above). Don't blink or you'll miss him!

Honestly this design is a little dull (for me personally) and feels too similar to Aiken Axler's look (though that's no fault of Mattel, the diecast itself is great for what it is). It's not different enough to be very exciting, but is still a must have for me as a Cars completist collector!

If you're still looking to add Mr. Tankson here to your Disney·Pixar Cars collection, hope isn't lost! If I can still find him in my area, there's a possibility you can too. Definitely check your local Walmart, Toys R Us and Target stores for availability or you can order her online using the direct Amazon link below.

Happy hunting! Please message me with any questions or comments you might have.

Toy Story: Army Man Funko "POP!"

Hey everyone! Sorry for the delay getting posts up this week so far—I know this one was suppose to be yesterday's. This has turned out to be an unexpectedly busy week for me. Here I am though, back regardless! Really excited about this post.

Back in January, it was revealed that a green army man would be joining the Toy Story Funko POP! family. It was something I hadn't even considered happening, but I was absolutely thrilled with the announcement. Any new Toy Story Funko POP! is a must have for me. This figure ended up being released on March 1st as an exclusive to the Emerald City Comic Con (or "ECCC", which was held at the Washington State Convention Center March 1st- 4th) AND BoxLunch Gifts (in-store and online). And yes, once again, I have a story on how I was able to get this...

Late at night on March 1st, I had sat down at my computer after a long day of work. On social media, I saw people were talking about this release and I realized that I had totally forgotten about it! I rushed onto the BoxLunch website (since I don't have any of those stores in my state) and was relieved to see it was still "in stock". As I was concluding my order, the site kicked me out and told me the item was no longer available. This killed me! I frantically went back to the product page, which did indeed now say "sold out" (such a bummer). I then took to Twitter for research, only to see people complaining about how it had sold out online early in the morning (so yah, in reality I had missed it by like ten hours). Man, wasn't even close. Nonetheless, I went back to the product page to refresh it out of curiosity and, to my surprise, it said "in stock" again! I refreshed again and, what do you know—"sold out." I did this several times, totally confused about what was really going on. With every "refresh", the stock would change from being available to not.

Well, to wrap this story up, when it landed on "in stock" again, I attempted once again to put in my order for one. This time it worked and I was able to make it all the way through to the order confirmation page! That was exciting, but I was sure I was going to get an email saying the order was cancelled (since a lot of people were saying that was happening to them). A couple days later I did get an email, but it was good news telling me my order had shipped! I was THRILLED. Not sure how that happened, but hey—I'll take it.

Retail price was $15. On the front of the box, there's a sticker stating that this is a "Funko Spring 2018 Convention Exclusive" and on the back it shows the latest standard wave of Toy Story POPs. This one is number 377 of the Disney/Pixar series.

This guy looks awesome. I love the attention to detail (which was originally Pixar's attention to detail) of the extra "plastic" rings and seams where it would have been cheaply molded together if it were a real army man toy. And of course the classic base to which their feet are attached to is another main green army man component, which Funko totally got right.

Ultimately, this is an iconic design that was translated really well to Funko's signature style. It's a simple POP! (like the toy it's based on), but a good one and a great addition to the Toy Story line. I'm sure many Funko collectors will want an army of these things! For me, I'm good with one.

Lastly, if you're into collection variants (which I don't go usually go for), there is a metallic version of this guys as well (buy HERE, also on BoxLunch).

On eBay currently, these are selling between $25 and $35 (which isn't too bad for an aftermarket Funko exclusive). I imagine they're completely sold out at all BoxLunch stores, but it wouldn't hurt to call the one closest to you to confirm. I'm also not sure if they'll get restocked (though I doubt it). If you missed this one and would like to add it to your collection (which I totally recommend), you can check out THIS DIRECT LINK to current eBay listings.

Let me know your thoughts in the comments below! And remember—a good soldier never leaves a man behind.

 

Cars 3: Junior Moon

Hello everyone and welcome to another Mattel Cars 3 1:55 diecast review!  

Here we we have Junior "Midnight" Moon, one of the Thomasville "legends" seen in the film! Junior was released in the fourth quarter of 2017 in several cases (unlike the one I have here, some versions even come with a bonus mini poster and/or a collector's card); but even though he was represented in plenty of cases last year, I only just found him at my local Walmart this past week. I didn't care which release it was (though I would have liked the one with the collector card), I was just thrilled to finally add this character to my collection (despite his packaging being a tad messed up). It's about time! I feel like my area always gets the new stuff three or four months late. 

As far as the diecast itself goes, everything about it looks great! Nice details, good looking sculpt, perfect paint app and no complaints from me. 

His official bio reads, "Long before official stock car tracks existed, souped-up jalopies raced for fun on wooded back roads with only the moon to light their way. That's where Junior Moon got his start and his name. Junior raced by his own rules. Hud and all the other early Piston Cup Competitors truly loved to race with him."

FUN FACT: Junior's character is inspired and voiced by real life old time NASCAR driver Junior Johnson (who was active during the 50's and 60's). In Cars 3, Junior mentions running moonshine—another fun fact in itself since the real life Johnson family use to run moonshine and is famous for their moonshine recipe, distributed now as "Midnight Moon" (which was also obviously the inspiration for his Cars 3 name). Junior Johnson is also credited for being the first to use the technique called drafting, which is another aspect of racing touched on in the film.

If you're still looking to add Mr. Moon here to your Disney·Pixar Cars collection, hope isn't lost! If I can still find him in my area, there's a possibility you can too. Definitely check your local Walmart, Toys R Us and Target stores for availability or you can order her online using the direct Amazon link below.

Happy hunting! Please message me with any questions or comments you might have.

Monsters University: Disney Store "PNK" Mini Bean Bag Plush

A year ago right around this time, I reviewed each of the 2013 Disney Store Monsters University fraternity/sorority mini bean bag plush—that is except the "PNK" (Python Nu Kappa) sorority since they were the only ones I had a real issue tracking down. I was finally able to snag this full set of them on eBay recently (for a great price I might add) and couldn't be happier that my collection is now complete! It's very difficult to find a set of all six of these girls together these days.

Since it's been a while, you may want to refresh your memory and check out the other reviews I posted from this collection last year: "ROR" fraternity, "HSS" sorority, "JOX" fraternity, "EEK" sorority and the "OK" fraternity. You can also visit my posts on the mini bean bags of Archie the scare pig and Claire & Brock, which are essentially one offs from this same collection.

Remember in Monsters University, there are six fraternities/sororities that compete in the Scare Games: Roar Omega Roar (ROR), Jaws Theta Chi (JOX), Oozma Kappa (OK), Python Nu Kappa (PNK), Slugma Slugma Kappa (EEK) and Eta Hiss Hiss (HSS). There are six members in each "house", meaning of course there are 36 Scare Games competitors total. In 2013, the Disney Store released every single one of them (yes, all 36) as a mini bean bag plush (one set of six every week for six weeks straight during that summer—each character was sold separately). I didn't collect them at the time (which I regretted), so I've spent the last year and a half finding them through online sellers.

This Python Nu Kappa sorority set includes members Naomi Jackson, Crystal Du Bois, Britney Davis, Taylor Holbrook, Carrie Williams (leader) and Heather Olson. They all measure about 11" tall and originally retailed for $9.95 each.

Check 'em all out below! 

Like usual, these Disney Store plushies are quality stitched, have embroidered features (not the best likenesses, but decent) and are made from a variety of soft materials. When I first got these a week or two ago, the hair on each one was a GIANT MESS (they were "used" after all; you know how doll hair gets if it's neglected). So one afternoon, my wife and I took the time to wash/ condition them, brush them and even trim them. Lastly I picked up some plastic hair ties to tie their hair back and... voila! We got them looking more than half way decent. You really should have seen them before we fixed them up (I should have taken some "before and after" shots)—they were not looking so hot.

If you're a Monsters University fan, I definitely recommend trying to track these down (little girls especially might love these). This whole collection of fraternity/sorority bean bags is a lot of fun! I really love how unique most of these characters are (I mean, have you ever seen any other products of Taylor, Heather or Britney?). Very cool.

Be sure to check out current eBay listings using this direct link if you're interested! Let me know your favorite(s) and any questions you might have in the comment section below.

Cars 3: Ed Truncan (Mood Springs)

For tonight's post, I'm taking a quick break from my Coco book reviews and getting back into my Cars 3 Mattel 1:55 scale diecast collection to document Ed Truncan here! Ed, better known by his sponsor Mood Springs, supersedes Chuck Armstrong (who was the racer for this sponsor in the original Cars) and Dud Throttleman (stock car racer seen at the beginning of Cars 3 )—all bearing the racing number of 33. This diecast was released in the fourth quarter of last year in multiple cases (some versions even come with a bonus mini poster and/or a collector's card).

Though his appearance is brief, this racer can be seen most prominently during the film's climactic Florida 500 sequence as seen in the screen shot above!

I've run out of things to say about these next-gen racer cars, ha! They're all awesome and this one is no different. Sweet design, sweet colors, sweet diecast overall! Super slick.

Keep checking your local stores (Walmart, Target and Toys R Us are always good options) if you're still looking to add this car to your collection! It's possible he's still around. If you'd rather just spend a few more bucks and pick him up online, I included an Amazon link here as well.

Happy hunting! If you have any success stories finding this one lately, be sure sure to let me know in the comment section below.

Coco: Miguel and the Amazing Alebrijes Book

Miguel and the Amazing Alebrijes, released October 10th this past year, is an extremely cute storybook inspired by the colorful world of Disney·Pixar's Coco. Recommended for younger kids (ages 3-8), this simple story follows Miguel as he learns of and creates his own alibrijes with the help of his school teacher, family, townsfolk and his trusty sidekick Dante. It's actually quite entertaining to read! And not only is the story fun and well written, but it also gives kids of all cultures a basic intro as to what traditional Mexican alebrijes sculptures are, teaches some simple words in Spanish and even deepens the lore of Coco in a way (I don't want to spoil it here, but I think you'll know it when you read it).

Another fantastic aspect to this book (which takes the fun level up another notch) is that there are over 30 stickers (featuring all your favorite characters from the film) and four punch-out cardboard  alebrijes included in the back!

The book is written by Roni Capin Rivera-Ashford & Aaron Rivera-Ashford and features beautiful illustrations by artist Ricardo De Los Angeles.

To give you a flavor of what to expect, as usual, here's your peek inside! 23 pages are dedicated to the story and four pages for the stickers and punch-outs.

For kids who enjoyed Pixar's Coco, I can't recommend this book enough. I think anyone can enjoy this little side story with Miguel and learning more about his culture—not to mention they'll have fun putting together their own alebrijes!

You can pick up this softcover book in stores at Barnes & Noble (or online HERE), on Amazon (direct link below) or wherever Coco books are sold (retail price is $5.99). NOOK and Kindle digital versions can also be downloaded for $1.99.

Enjoy! Be sure to let me know your thoughts in the comment section below.