Toy Story 4 "Minis" Blind Bag Collection (by Mattel)—Complete Guide!

At long last! I'm very, very late here (hopefully someone still finds this helpful), but here's my much anticipated guide to all four series in Mattel's Toy Story 4 Minis collection—with blind bag codes! As you probably know if you're an avid reader of my blog, I'm a big fan of Mattel's Toy Story/Pixar "Minis". I have been since they came out back in 2016! I started collecting them right when the original Series 1 debuted way back when and have followed the line closely ever since, getting any "Minis" branded toy I could get my hands on (from blind bag figures, to multipacks, to playsets to vehicles and so on).

Before I move on here to discussing the four Toy Story 4 specifically branded blind bag series from 2019, here are links to every single one of my previous Toy Story Minis posts from over the years:

Original Toy Story Minis (2016-2018):

• Toy Story Minis Series 1 Blind Bags
• Toy Story Minis 10-Pack  
• Toy Story Minis Series 3 Blind Bags
• Toy Story Minis Vehicles  
• Toy Story Minis Playsets  
• Toy Story Minis Series 4 Blind Bags
• Toy Story Minis Series 5 Blind Bags   
• Toy Story Minis Series 6 Blind Bags

Toy Story 4 Minis (2019):

• Toy Story 4 Minis Ultimate New Friends 10-Pack
• Toy Story 4 Minis Vehicles
• Toy Story 4 Minis Terrorantulus Playset 
• Toy Story 4 Minis Buzz Lightyear's Star Adventurer Playset 
• Toy Story 4 Minis Buzz Lightyear Carnival Rescue Trackset (Mashup with Hot Wheels)
• THIS POST! Toy Story 4 Blind Bags—All 4 Series
  

  Toy Story Minis (2020 and Beyond):

• Toy Story "Andy's Toy Box" Series  
• Toy Story Pizza Planet Minis Mania Playset
• Toy Story Sarge & Helicopter Vehicle Set
• Pixar All-Star Rivals Series (includes a few Toy Story characters)
• Toy Story 2 "Al's Toy Barn" Series (haven't found yet)
  

There you go! That should help you get organized if you're trying to just get into collecting these now or if you just wanted to make sure you're not missing any as part of your collection.

Now moving to the Toy Story 4 blind bag codes guide I created for you, since I know that's probably all you're here for. In 2019, there were three officially numbered Toy Story 4 series (labeled "Series 1", "Series 2" and "Series 3") and one offshoot series without a number that was available exclusively at Kroger stores. The codes are printed on the back corner of each blind bag (I've provided examples below of where on the bag you're looking for and what they look like).

Many of the characters in each series below had already been released in past series, so I'm only documenting the NEW minis here that I haven't already documented in previous posts. For example, for Series 1, Forky and that particular version of Buzz were the only ones I didn't already have. I had already gotten Ducky, Bunny, Bo Peep, Duke Caboom, Benson and Gabby Gabby in the "Ultimate New Friends 10-Pack", the same version of Woody was also included in the RV vehicle set which I got, and Jessie, Rex and Bullseye are the same as the original versions I got back in 2016.

So yah, to clarify—if you don't see a photo below of a certain character, that doesn't mean I didn't get it. It just means I already purchased it previously.

SERIES 1

Forky

Buzz Lightyear

*based on original minis Buzz sculpt, but with a new face

SERIES 2

*I already posted on Woody, Slinky, Pricklepants, Barbie and Buttercup as they are repacks from other series.

 

An example of one of the "blind bag codes"—This is code "D"

Forky (version 2—new expression)

Bo Peep (version 2—cape, new pose)

RC

Benson (version 2—open mouth expression)

Buzz Lightyear (winking/laser-firing)

*based on original winking/laser-firing Buzz sculpt, but with a new face

Giggle McDimples

Combat Carl

SERIES 3

 *I already posted on Bo Peep, Alien and Trixie as they are repacks from other series.

 

Another  example of one of the "blind bag codes"—This is code "B"

Forky (version 3—new expression)

Giggle McDimples (version 2—sunglasses)

Duke Caboom (version 2—helmet on)

Combat Carl (version 2—volcano attack)

Ducky (version 2—green variant)

Bunny (version 2—purple variant)

Just a note because I know you're probably wondering why there's a purple Bunny and Green Ducky; it's because the scene in the film at the carnival game booth was originally going to feature lots of different colored versions of Ducky and Bunny toys—like these two. This is according to my contact at Mattel who worked on the line. That concept obviously didn't make the final cut of the film, but the toys were still produced.

Woody (with lasso)

*based on original Woody with lasso sculpt, but with a new face

 

Jessie (version 2—winking)

Buzz Lightyear (blue flame jetpack)

 *based on original blue flame jetpack Buzz sculpt, but with a new face

 

 

KROGER EXCLUSIVE SERIES 

(NO NUMBER)

*This series is mostly made up of repacks and subtle new variants. I've posted the only ones that are unique to this series below. 

 

Forky (version 4—new expression)

Astro Buzz Lightyear (glow in the dark)

*same as the TS4 Series 1 Buzz above, but with glow in the dark paint

Giggle McDimples (version 3—new expression)

Bo Peep's Sheep 

Billy, Goat & Gruff (version 2—with lost toy "stickers")

  

Bo Peep (version 3—new expression)

Though at first glance you might see this Bo Peep and think it's exactly the same as the Series 1 Bo, it's actually a *slightly* different new version with an updated facial expression! It's not quite as different as the packaging suggests, but it is certainly different enough. As you can see in my comparison shot below (Series 1 Bo on the left and this Kroger Series Bo on the right), her eyes are now rounder (and looking off to the side), her eyeliner is now brown and her eyebrows are in a slightly different position. 

This updated version of Bo has also now been released in the Pixar All-Star Rivals Series as well.

Well everyone, that's all of the 2019 Toy Story 4 Minis! I'm so glad they're finally documented here as part of my collection and I hope my guide to all the blind bag codes is still helpful to someone out there all these years later. Please let me know if you have any questions down in the comments below! Do you have a favorite Toy Story 4 mini?

Cars 3: Lightning McQueen with Piston Cup Trophy (2021 Version)

Welcome back to the blog! My Pixar Cars 2021 collection continues with tonight's Mattel 1:55 scale diecast review—Lightning McQueen with Piston Cup! Honestly this will be a quick write-up since there isn't much to say here with this one, other than it's just been released (I found mine at Target a couple weeks back) and is part of the 2021 singles Case E.

Essentially this is just a reissue of the Cars 3 Lightning McQueen with Piston Cup Trophy; it's almost exactly the same release as the one from in 2017 (seen HERE), but now the Piston Cup is a new version that sports a less than movie accurate color. I passed on the 2017 release (since I already have several Piston Cup accessories), but decided later that I should have grabbed him. This is the next best thing, but I'm not super impressed with the change to the orangier color for the Piston Cup (I feel it was much more accurate gold color before). Be sure to let me know if you agree or disagree and what version you like better.

 

Look for this on store pegs right now at either Walmart or Target. If you'd rather just pick it up online, you can check out current eBay listings right HERE. Feel free to share your thoughts and/or any questions you might have down in the comments!

The Incredibles: Mattel 7" Violet Parr & Fire Jack-Jack Figure 2-Pack

Last year when the continuation of Mattel's expanded Pixar 7" action figure collection was revealed at Toy Fair 2020, many fans noticed the absence of Violet Parr from The Incredibles when all the other Parr family members were present on display. The collection—and family—wouldn't be complete without her and the gap was certainly felt. Well, I'm happy to report Mattel didn't let us down and just released Violet on Amazon as a 2-Pack with fire Jack-Jack! The family is now complete (and then some with multiple versions of Jack-Jack) and they look oh so totally wicked all together ready to fight. 

Mr. Incredible was released in the very first wave of Pixar 7" figures early last year (and also in THIS "Nemesis Pack" with Syndrome) and Dash with Monster Jack-Jack & Water Jack-Jack and Elastigirl with Jack-Jack were released in the second wave last fall. This brand new Violet & Fire Jack Jack figure 2-Pack seems to be a one-off and not a part of any specific wave (Syndrome is also now available individually on Amazon, just fyi; blue/retro suit Mr. Incredible is also slated to be released this year).

I do wish Violet ended up being released on the in-store open blister packaging (and not this closed box Amazon style packaging), but that's a nitpick. I'm just happy we got these characters! The figures themselves look absolutely fantastic. In my opinion, this is definitely the best action figure version of Violet to date going all the way back to 2004. Her likeness/sculpt is spot on, the paint application is great, she stands up good on her own without much finagling and she's an excellent size for both play and display. Fire Jack-Jack is an really fun bonus figure! He looks awesome is and is a really cool translucent plastic. You can never have enough versions of Jack-Jack showing all his different powers. UPDATE BELOW

And here they are out of the box ready for action!

This set was recently available on Amazon for $12.99, but is currently out of stock. It should be back soon though! Keep checking the direct link below for availability and be sure to let me know your thoughts down in the comments. Highly recommended! 

UPDATE 4/26/21: Just a heads up, I did end up finding Violet (and Syndrome) on the standard open-blister style packaging at Target this week! Wanted to be sure to let you all know :)

Cars 3: Jimmy Cables

Ready or not, I have another Mattel Cars 3 1:55 scale diecast to share with you tonight—Jimmy Cables, the Piston Cup stock car racer sponsored by team Intersection (No. 00)! Jimmy was originally available way back in 2017 as an exclusive in THIS Motor Speedway of the South 11-Pack. There was no way I was forking out $45 for just this and one other "first look" character in that set though, so I'm happy my patience has finally paid off. This diecast started hitting Target shelves just this past month (2021 singles Case E) and is the very first time Jimmy has ever been released as a single. 

As shown in the screen shot above, Jimmy Cables can be briefly spotted at the beginning of Cars 3 during the opening "Run That Race" montage. Blink and you miss him! Later on in the film, he is replaced by next-gen racer Flip Dover.

 

I will note, Jimmy's colors appear much more pinkish/purple in the film compared to this diecast's red/pink look (not sure why Mattel's colors are off with this one)—so keep that in mind when looking out for him while watching the movie. Maybe Mattel will correct his colors one day; they tend to go back and do stuff like that.

Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for Jimmy at your nearest Target (or on eBay HERE) and stay tuned for more from my Disney·Pixar Cars collection right here soon. Let me know your thoughts in the comment section below!

Cars 3: Sputter Stop Racing Tractor

Welcome back Cars fans! Tonight I'm taking a quick look at yet another Cars 3 1:55 scale diecast from Mattel...the Sputter Stop Racing Tractor! This one started hitting shelves just a few weeks back (as part of 2021 Case E) and is a brand new, never-before-released character. This is the fifth racing tractor release following Shiny Wax Tractor, Rev-N-Go Tractor, Bumper Save Tractor and Easy Idle Tractor.

As shown in the screen shot above, the Sputter Stop racer (Sheldon Shifter) appears in tractor form when Cruz Ramirez imagines all of the Next-Generation Piston Cup racers as tractors during the climatic Florida 500 race. This is right after Lightning tells Cruz to "sneak through the window", which hearkens back to their training with Smokey in the field of tractors earlier in the film. Such a fun and clever "pay off" moment!

There are definitely more "tractor racers" coming soon (I know View Zeen has been confirmed so far), so stay tuned to my upcoming reviews. I found this one at Target around three weeks ago and you can still find it pretty easily in stores, so be sure to check your nearest Walmart or Target. If you'd rather just pick it up online, you can check eBay HERE or Amazon (not yet available).

Good luck on the hunt! Let me know your thoughts down in the comments.

Toy Story "To Infinity & Beyond" Fantasy Pin and MORE from Skaro Crafts

What a surprise! Just a couple days ago, I came home to such a fun and unexpected package from the U.K. —I hadn't ordered anything, so I literally had no idea what it could be. Lo and behold it ended up being this amazing and very generous box of goodies from Shannon McCarthy who runs the Etsy shop called Skaro Crafts (Instagram HERE)! Shannon creates some stellar pop culture designs (mostly Disney and Pixar inspired) and sells them through her shop on bookmarks, pins, stickers, art prints, badges, patches and more. I wasn't familiar with the shop previously, but now you can bet that it's saved under my favorites.

Here's what I received: five shiny/rainbow holographic stickers (Zurg, Remy, Baby Dory, Little Mikey and Bing Bong), two bookmarks (one pattern featuring the iconic Pixar ball and the other featuring Ernesto de la Cruz's guitar from Coco) and a glitter/enamel Toy Story Buzz Lightear jet pack "To Infinity and Beyond" fantasy pin & corresponding sticker! I could not be happier with these. Everything about each item here is quality made and very professionally done! Count me impressed. 

Here's a closer look at the Buzz Lightyear wings pin! Beautiful—I especially love the glitter aspect. Once again, this is as good as any officially produced Disney pin and has already earned a spot on my ever expanding Pixar pin board.

 

If you like what you see here, be sure to check out the Skaro Crafts Etsy shop for more and place an order! I'm sure Shannon would really appreciate the support and you'll be super happy adding any of her products to your collection. 

 

So what do you think? Which item is your favorite? Let me know down in the comments below and be sure to stay tuned right here weekly for more from my Pixar collection.

Pixar Soul McDonald's Happy Meal Toys

 

In mid-December just this past year, McDonald's released six Pixar Soul inspired Happy Meal toys to promote the film! I don't believe this set got very much attention when it was available, so I'm excited to share more details on it today in case you missed it. This is essentially a continuation of McDonald's "25 years of Pixar" assortment that was released last summer, as they're the same plush/bag clip style toy—in fact, Joe Gardner is the same exact toy (a straight up repack) as the one that came out last summer. Since I already had Joe, I didn't re-buy him here.

This collection includes: Newb (#1), Mr. Mittens (#2), 22 (#3), Joe Gardner (#4), Terry (#5) and Moonwind (#6). If you didn't know, just a general FYI, you can actually buy the toys on their own without a Happy Meal for $1.60 each. I didn't go on the hunt this time though and ended up just buying them on eBay for a really good price (I think I ended up paying only around $10 for the five I needed; it was worth it so I didn't have to drive around to countless McDonalds every week).

Just like last year, some of the characters have plastic bag clips (Newb, 22 and Terry) and some have a double sided feature without a clip (Joe, Moonwind and Mr. Mittens—one side is their living form and the other is their soul form; reverse sides below). I love the shiny and sparkly iridescent fabric on all the soul characters! They have both printed and embroidered features and measure about 4"-5.5" tall.

And here's the back sides of the bag clip characters. Again, love the colors.

While I don't think these would appeal much to very young kids (not much play value), elementary school kids and older (including adult fans) will enjoy displaying them and/or clipping them to their school and vacation backpacks (or really anything; handbags, luggage, car's rear view mirror, etc...). Overall I think they're really cute and really dig the designs! If you're a Soul fan, these might be right up your alley since there isn't too much merch out there.

What are your thoughts? Did you collect the whole set as well? Or maybe just a few of your favorites? I'd love to know about your experience with these! Shout it out in the comment section below and be sure to stay tuned for more from my Pixar collection right here soon.

REMINDER—Soul is also now on Blu-Ray/DVD/4K and Digital! I won't be doing a full review this time, but I definitely wanted to let you know it's available to purchase (as of this past Tuesday, the 23rd) and document it here as part of my collection.