Archive for the ‘Toy Shows’ Category

2009 Greater York Toy Extravaganza

Sunday, December 6th, 2009

Well, it’s the holiday season. I hope you all had a nice Thanksgiving a week or so ago. Did you celebrate it the way most Americans did? You know – rushing to the shops to find their super-great deals. Well, not me. I decided to spend nearly half a day on the road driving to York, Pennsylvania – home of the Greater York Toy Extravaganza, where I’m not guaranteed to find good prices or good toys at all. Worth the risk? I dunno. I’ll get back to you on that one.

I didn’t go to the York toy show alone. I actually went with my father-in-law. Yep. He’s into toys too. Luckily he’s a fan of old, die-cast cars and stuff (Dinky Toys mostly), so we don’t compete. Anyway, when traveling to York last year, we went by plane which turned out to be a nightmare. We had hellacious layovers and weather delays, so we figured this year we’d try to control our own destiny by driving.

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2009 York Toy Extravaganza

Not only did we drive to York, but we arrived to the toy show a day early. Some folks don’t know it, but they have an “Early Buyers” admission to the show. You can pay to get in the day before the show (or you can pay to get in a couple hours early the day of the public show). The dealers set up Saturday and sell to each other and other suckers like me that night. At last year’s show, we only knew about the Sunday opening. We were kind of rushed with our toy shopping, because we had to catch a flight. But now, we had plenty of time.

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2009 York Toy Extravaganza

And as you can see, maybe we had a bit too much time. Yeesh. Maybe getting there first thing really wasn’t the best use of our time or money. As it turns out, the dealers are getting there the same time as the early buyers. It’s kind of annoying actually. Why make the dealers wait until 5:30pm to set up shop?

Oh well. At least I bought a couple of things… maybe even stuff that would’ve been gone the next day had I not nabbed it first (at least that’s what I’m saying to convince myself it was worth the $20 early admission). Another good thing about getting in early is it gave me a good lay of the land. I figured out who and what I should be checking out the next day.

On Sunday morning, I got in early again, but this time more of the tables actually had toys on ‘em. Good thing, or I would been severely disappointed.

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I know I’ve always mentioned how the photos I take don’t really capture the essence of these large toy shows, so I actually took some video footage of each hall. What you’ll see here are walthrough clips of the two toy halls – The West Hall (which was filled with more antiquey and automotive stuff) and the East Hall (which seemed to be more kitschy and “modern”).

Don’t worry, the videos are really quick, but they’ll make you seasick. (Unfortunately, the East Hall video ends a bit too soon, because I ran out of space on my memory card. In fact, that’s the main reason I have so few photos to show you.) Enjoy.

West Hall

East Hall

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2009 York Toy Extravaganza

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2009 York Toy Extravaganza

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2009 York Toy Extravaganza

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G.I. Joe Headquarters

G.I. Joe Headquarters. Does it get any cooler than that? Nope? Then you should probably stop reading now.

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Tals from the Cryptkeeper Toys

On the first night, I picked up this set of “Tales from the Cryptkeeper” toys. (Why do I have the sneaking suspicion that these are from a lame cartoon series trying to make the old EC Comics and HBO series fun and child-friendly? Sure looks like it.) I got a great deal on them… or at least I thought so. After I bought them I noticed their old price stickers. They were from Kay-Bee and sold 3 for $5.00. Ha!! If only I’d seen ‘em years ago.

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Wind-up toys

Next, I bought a handful of windups. The carded ones are some strange, celebrity caricatures. The only ones I recognize are Arnold Schwarzenegger and Michael Jackson (The rest must be fütbol stars or something ;) ). I also picked up the Q*bert, the little, orange ball guy, and a freaky-looking Fozzie. Really freaky.

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Misc. He-man knockoff figures

The last set is probably what people would expect at these shows. Vintage 80s He-man toys. Well, as you can see, some are Masters of the Universe, but others are knockoffs or monsters from Dungeons and Dragons and Inhumanoids.

The coolest piece is the Conan figure. It’s pretty rare, and I got a pretty good deal on it. Unfortunately, it’s not even for me. In fact, most of those fantasy figures were for a buddy of mine (it pays to be buddies with Weirdo Toys I tell ya). Don’t worry. I didn’t do it out of the kindness of my heart. I did it for a trade ;)

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2009 York Toy Extravaganza

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2009 York Toy Extravaganza

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2009 York Toy Extravaganza

I’m thinking this guy didn’t sell a single one of these Beanie Babies. Not sure what he was thinking.

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2009 York Toy Extravaganza

Looking back on it, I’m not sure if the show is really worth it. Well, lemme take that back. If you’re within an hour or two drive, it’d be great, but I drove from South Carolina. That’s a long-ass way (I type this knowing I’ll probably go next year. It wouldn’t be as bad if I could get a small group to share in the expenses).

It cost me more in food, shelter and gas than I spent on toys. And not only that, but most of the cool toys I wanted were way overpriced (I sure sound like a cheapskate huh?). I’m serious. This isn’t like the Allentown Antique Toy Show were the toys are inherently expensive. This is a case of selling a dirty, broken-armored, incomplete He-Man figure for $25 (the one I got was nicer and cheaper by the way). Gimme a break. I even had a guy laugh in my face when trying to negotiate a price on a toy (Oh well. Just another guy I’ll never buy from if I ever see him again). It’s almost as if some of the sellers are there just to show you what cool stuff they have, having no real intention of selling anything (you know… like I do on this blog :D ).

In the end, it wasn’t too bad. There were plenty of nice folks with great deals – all there to share in the joy of toys. I’m happy I had the opportunity to be in York to do a little toy shopping, and I’m glad I have this opportunity to share it with you all.

Maybe I will go again next year. Who’s with me?

Buy antique toys on eBay!

Man Surrounded by Toys He Can’t Afford at Antique Toy Show

Sunday, November 22nd, 2009

As you may or may not know, the Allentown Antique Toy Show was a couple weeks ago (November, 7 2009 to be exact). If you follow me on Twitter, you probably read all about my experiences there, but now it’s time for a quick recap of what actually went down that weekend.

Well, one thing I did differently this year, is I paid for the “early bird,” which allowed me access to the show a day early to shop with the toy dealers. It also allowed me to get in early the next morning for the public show. I’d like to say it was worth it, but I only bought three things.

These robots.

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Ding-A-Lings

They’re called Ding-a-Lings, but let’s save the details for another blog entry ;)

Okay. I didn’t buy much at the show, but another good benefit of going, was my discovery of various toys that I may be able to pick up cheaper on eBay or something. In fact, I’ve already picked up a Halloween skeleton push puppet I wanted for $3 which was going for $48 at the show. Ridiculous huh?

(Oh, and I also got to catch up with a Weirdo Toys reader and fellow toy enthusiast, Ben, so that was really cool.)

I took a bunch of photos of the show. Instead of posting them all here, I’ve actually uploaded them to my Flickr Account. You can check ‘em out in this slideshow.

As I did the last time I went to Allentown, I think I’ll just break it all down into “lessons learned.”

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Allentown Antique Toy Show Allentown Antique Toy Show

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Allentown Antique Toy Show

1. It is truly awe-inspiring to be surrounded by so much toy history.
I said it two years ago, and I’ll say it again – the toy show is awesome. There is just so much toy history everywhere. I wasn’t able to adequately take it all in. It’d be great to document every piece and hear its story… but that’s impossible. So, I’ve tried to do the quicky, day trip version. Ha! As you you’ll see in the slideshow, the toys ranged from old, handmade mammy dolls to more modern batman hairbrushes. The show was a weird mish-mash of stuff, but that’s what made it so interesting.

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Allentown Antique Toy Show Allentown Antique Toy Show

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Allentown Antique Toy Show

2. Antique toys cost way too much.
Of course it’s pricey. Who the hell goes to an antique show looking for cheap, garage-sale-priced toys (me)? That’s not my complaint. My complaint is the apparent markup of so much stuff. A quick Google or eBay search of the same items on location resulted in my finding the pieces for twice or 10 times less than the dealers were asking. That’s the main reason I didn’t buy much. I know a lot of it is antique, so it’s bound to be pricey, but I’m talking about pieces that I know the value of – stuff from 70s/80s that have a triple or quadruple mark up.  Maybe it’s because I’m a young, poor whipper-snapper, they don’t wanna haggle with me. They know they can get “Grampa Joe” to pay the hefty prices ‘cuz he has the money.

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Allentown Antique Toy Show Allentown Antique Toy Show

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Allentown Antique Toy Show

3. Antique toys aren’t collected by anyone under 40.
I’m 32 (going on 33). I’m not super-young, but in this place, I felt like Baby New Year. I’m not even trying to be cruel. It was really great seeing such passion and interest in the toy hobby at an older age. I hope to be just as passionate about weirdo toys when I’m in my 70s. And hopefully I’ll have a bigger budget as well.

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Allentown Antique Toy Show

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Allentown Antique Toy Show

4. Toy vendors don’t like their toys photographed.
I took several photos at the show, and toy vendors were pissed. I first tried to be cordial, and ask permission from every vendor whose table I shot. There was so much apprehension and awkwardness. The majority of them truly were bothered and upset with the mere thought of my photographing their collections. Eventually, instead of dealing with the grief of those interactions, I decided to just snap a shot and keep on moving.

I didn’t use a flash. I’m not posting these photos on eBay to act like I’m selling them. Sheesh. Let a man invade your privacy for just a millisecond :D

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Allentown Antique Toy Show

Well, that’s about it. See ya around Allentown. Can’t say it was a nice visit, but the toy show was kinda cool. Not sure when I’ll see you again. Maybe in five years time or something.

Buy antique toys on eBay!

Weirdo Toys at Heroes Con 2009

Wednesday, June 17th, 2009

So for those who don’t know, the Heroes Convention is a comic con that takes place every year in Charlotte, NC. It usually happens around Father’s Day weekend. It’s actually this weekend – June 19-21.

Heroes Con

Anyway, I try to make it there every year. I shop around some for random comics, toys and stuff, but I’m usually hanging around with my buddies from Wide Awake Press, Top Shelf or Dollar Bin. I’ll be doing the same this year, but this time Weirdo Toys is representing a little bit. It’s not much, but I’ve managed to design the very first Weirdo Toys t-shirt. Maybe you’ll recognize the guy featured on the shirt?

Apple Devil Shirt

Apple Devil Shirt

The shirt is American Apparel brand, Asphalt-colored, 100% cotton, unisex tee. I’ll have S, M, L and XL for sale. The shirt will be $20. If you guys like it, I can even put them up for sale here on blog.

Anyway, if any of you are in Charlotte this weekend, be sure to drop by and say hello, and while your at it, be sure to stop by and support the Wide Awake, Top Shelf and Dollar Bin crews:

J Chris Campbell
Duane Ballenger

Josh Latta
Brad McGinty
Andy Runton
Robert Venditti
Rob Ullman
Ben Towle

Not only are these all cool guys, but they even have cool comics and stuff for you to buy which include:

WAP books

WAP books

WAP stuff

WAP stuffWAP stuff

WAP stuff WAP stuff

WAP stuff

The Ancient Age (very few copies)
Avatards – Josh Latta
Traffic & Weather – Robert Ullman
Broken Rekkid – Duane Ballenger
Blast It – J Chris Campbell
Neatobot Trading Card – J Chris Campbell

Also:
Decision Decider Coin
FLUKE (variant cover very few copies)
Tobey Maguire Comics & Stories – Brad McGinty
Redskin Rashy – Josh Latta

Plus:
Mandar DVD by Brad McGinty
Apple Devil T-shirt by Justin Gammon
Music Bot T-shirt by J. Chris Campbell
Heroes Convention Attack Poster
New Duane T-shirt (not pictured)

And:
Back in print Rob Venditti’s Dads
New Dollar Bin Book with WAPPIES Brad, Josh, J Chris and Pat Lewis in
J Chris Campbell has a story in the AWESOMER anthology with cover by Heroes Con guest Jeff Smith.
Joey Weiser will have some of the FLUKE poster

Hope to see you there!

Weirdo Google Searches pt. 3 (and more)

Sunday, May 3rd, 2009

You know what’s lame? You’ve only really had one good toy entry since the last “Weirdo Searches” entry. It’s pretty embarrassing actually. Sorry.

I’ll do my best to get a quality entry to you this week. I’m busy with some personal crap, but that’s no excuse.

To help alleviate the pain, here’s a quick glance at the stuff I bought last weekend at the Charlotte toy show.

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Random toys

Here’re some random Joes and Joe knock-offs.

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universal monsters

Some old Universal Monsters toys.

I know those may be semi-interesting, but check these guys out.They’re not from the Charlotte show, but they’re great nonetheless.

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he-man bootlegs

It’s an awesome bootleg He-Man and Skeletor set I got from Mexico.

Don’t worry. You can definitely expect to see a detailed entry about these guys.

And now, onto the goofy Weirdo Google Searches that lead to my blog.

Weirdo Searches

The Top 20 weird search terms from April 1-30, 2009: (I just couldn’t keep it at 10 this time ;) )

20. “what is the name of the elf who wanted to be a dentist on rudolf the red nosed reindeer”
19. “the batman shoes the ones that have robin”
18. “those who wait… leave your”
17. “sweet&lovey boobs”
16. “drool coming out ass videos”
15. “‘what do you get’ ‘you cross a dragon’”
14. “amtoy + i love you sooo much”
13. “animal with weird balls”
12. “got some big ass titties”
11. “banana up your snatch”
10. “boob enhancer machines”
9. “comic devil who likes apples”
8. “cool jesus toys”
7. “i think frankenstein”
6. “squeeze a dinosaur and it vomits on you-toy”
5. “how to be a weirdo”
4. “toy rub my way”
3. “funny thing about boobs that i saw recently”
2. “how much is archie bunker’s grandson doll worth”
1. “ass lisp”

“Ass Lisp?” Can that be heard during flatulence? If so, what does that sound like?

Toy Show this Weekend at the Metrolina Tradeshow Expo!

Wednesday, April 22nd, 2009

Hey everybody!

I know I usually report on toy shows after the fact, but I thought I’d try something new this time. I’m actually letting you know about a show early, so we can compete for the hidden treasures.

This weekend, there’s a toy show at the Metrolina Tradeshow Expo in Charlotte. I’m gonna go on Sunday I think. Hopefully there will be good stuff leftover for me.

7100 Statesville Road
Charlotte, NC 28269
704.596.4650

Saturday: 9 AM – 4 PM
Sunday: 10 AM – 4 PM

Adults: $5.00
Children under 15:  FREE
Weekend Pass: $7.00

If there are any local Weirdo Toys readers in the area, I’d love to meet you (It may be awkward or it may be fun. I dunno).

By the way, I’m not gonna start doing a national toy show report or anything (at least not yet). I’ll just occasionally list some shows I’m going to, and I’ll hopefully show you the results of my regular toy treks. If there are toy shows you all are interested in, I can blog about those too.

The Charlotte show is hit and miss. Sometimes, I don’t find anything worthwhile, and other times, I come across gems like these:

Inspector Gadget

Little Red Riding Wolf

Green monkey

Nightmare Warriors

I hope to see you there.

Oh yeah. I need to warn you. It seems like half the show is usually  NASCAR and other sports memorabilia. Good luck :D