Cracktastic Plastic

In space, no one can hear you… collect? In this episode of Cracktastic Plastic, we're diving headfirst into the ooze-dripping, face-hugging, chest-bursting world of the Kenner Aliens toy line! Released in the early '90s, these wild and wildly inaccurate figures were based on the hard-R horror franchise Aliens—yet somehow aimed squarely at kids. From the unforgettable Xenomorph variants like the Bu...

It was just Shark Week, and we couldn’t resist diving headfirst into the deep end of our collections to talk about all things shark toys! From chompy action figures and fearsome rubber beasts to fin-tastic vehicles and mutant shark warriors, we’re showing off the toothy terrors that have surfaced in toy aisles over the years. Whether they’re cartoony, creepy, or just plain cool, these shark toys a...

The 4th of July just blasted by, and we’re still feeling those freedom vibes! So this week, the gang is diving into the toy shelves to spotlight some of the best red, white, and blue toys around. From heroic action figures to star-spangled robots, we're talking toys that proudly wear the colors of the good ol’ U.S. of A. Whether it's patriotism or just awesome color palettes, these toys bring the...

Is your toy room a curated collection… or just controlled chaos? In this episode of Cracktastic Plastic, we’re diving deep into the cluttered conundrum of Hoarding vs Collecting! When does the joy of the hunt turn into a mountain of mayhem? Are we preserving plastic perfection or just stacking sealed sins? Join the crew as we debate, disclose, and dissect our own collecting habits—and maybe even e...

Every collector has to start somewhere, and in this episode, we’re blasting off into a galaxy far, far away to talk about starting a Star Wars vintage figure collection! With decades of figures, variants, and vehicles out there, it can be a little overwhelming—but fear not, young Padawan. We’ll help guide you to a solid launch point with a special focus on the original 12 Kenner figures that began...

In this episode, the gang transforms and rolls out to talk all about Bumblebee (2018)! Jason’s already a fan of this heartfelt and action-packed reboot of the Transformers franchise, but it’s Elgn’s very first time watching it—so we’re diving into all the feels, the G1 goodness, and that killer ‘80s soundtrack. Does this solo outing for our favorite yellow Autobot win over the whole crew? Or will...

Some toys are just too wild for store shelves! In this episode, the gang dives into the world of banned, recalled, and flat-out dangerous toys. From choking hazards and fire risks to weapons disguised as childhood fun, we’re counting down the craziest toys that got the boot. Which ones did we own before they disappeared? Which ones totally deserved it? And which banned toys still hold a special (a...

In this episode of Cracktastic Plastic, we’re diving deep into the world of concept art—those early sketches, renderings, and designs that bring our favorite toys to life before they ever hit the shelves. We’ll talk about how concept art shapes a toy’s final look, the unsung artists behind the designs, and some incredible examples of figures that changed drastically from concept to production. Plu...

Even the most passionate toy collectors can hit a wall. In this episode of Cracktastic Plastic, we’re asking the big question: Can you burn out on toy collecting? And we’re not asking it alone. We’re joined by my longtime Transformers friend and fellow collector, Chris “Turnip” Simmons—the very person who first brought this topic to our attention. When Turnip shared that he was feeling burnt out o...

In this episode, we're diving into the sticky, satisfying, sometimes stressful world of applying stickers to toys. Whether you're transforming a plain plastic robot into a battle-hardened ‘Bot with blazing insignias, or painstakingly lining up tiny tampos on a vintage vehicle, stickers can make or break the aesthetic of your action figures. We’ll explore the pros of pristine placement — that facto...

Prepare for a plastic-packed party of pop culture collisions! In this episode, the team tackles crossover toy lines—those wild, wonderful worlds where franchises fuse, mashups multiply, and toy shelves become battlegrounds of brands! From turtles teaming with Transformers to Power Rangers partnering with Street Fighters, we’re showing off the crossover collectibles we have and digging into why the...

From bubble-blister blunders to boxy behemoths, this episode is all about packaging faux pas! The Cracktastic Plastic crew tears into the toy world's most impractical, ugly, and downright disastrous designs. Whether it’s packaging that’s impossible to open without a power tool, or graphics that look like they were barfed out by a broken dot matrix printer, we’re calling out the clunky, the confusi...

Pounce into the purr-fect episode as the Cracktastic crew claws through the curious and collectible world of cat-themed toys and action figures! From ferocious felines to cuddly kitties, we're spotlighting the coolest, quirkiest, and most collectible cats in toy history. Whether it’s Thundercats, Scratch from TMNT, or those fuzzy 80s plush pals, this episode is a real paw-some parade of plastic pu...

In this hairy situation, the Cracktastic Plastic crew combs through their collections to spotlight the most glorious beards, mustaches, chops, and scruff in toy form! From rugged action heroes to fuzzy-faced villains, it’s all about the power of the plastic ’stache. So grab your trimmers and join us for a follicle-filled adventure through the world of Facial Fuzz Figures! Then we talk about The Tu...

Snap into this wild episode as the gang chomps down on one of the most underrated toy themes out there — alligators! From swamp-dwelling sidekicks to mutant crime-fighting reptiles, we're talking all things gator in the world of toy collecting. Whether it’s action figures with jaws that bite, rubbery bath buddies, or obscure oddities you’ve forgotten about, we’re wrangling them all. Plus, we'll sh...

Sometimes love fades, even when it comes to collecting! In this episode of the Cracktastic Plastic Podcast, the gang gets real about the toy lines they've left behind. Whether it’s because of skyrocketing prices, dwindling interest, or just running out of space, we've all had to say goodbye to some once-beloved collections. Join us as we dive into our personal stories of collector heartbreak and s...

From athletes to actors, toy lines have brought real-life figures to the action figure aisle for decades. In this episode of Cracktastic Plastic, we’re diving into the fascinating world of toys based on real people! Whether it's wrestling superstars, presidential figurines, or unexpected celebrities turned into plastic, we’ll explore the best, the worst, and the downright weird. Tune in as we shar...

In this episode, the crew dives into the world of late bloomers — those who discovered the joy of toy collecting later in life. Whether sparked by nostalgia, newfound interests, or just the thrill of the hunt, these collectors prove it's never too late to embrace your inner child. We'll share stories of what drew them in, the challenges they faced, and the surprising benefits of starting their col...

Green with envy? Not today! In this episode, the Cracktastic Plastic crew dives into their favorite green toys — from slime-covered creatures to emerald-armored heroes. Whether it's mutant reptiles, galactic bounty hunters, or just that perfect shade of green plastic, we're celebrating the toys that stand out in the best way possible. Tune in for a fun-filled chat about the vibrant world of green...

It’s been a while since Transformers One hit theaters, but now that the dust has settled (or should we say, the Energon has cooled?), we’re finally giving it the full Cracktastic Plastic review! Jason caught it on the big screen when it first dropped, while Elgn is just now experiencing it for the first time. Does the movie hold up after multiple viewings? Does a fresh perspective change the way w...

Lights, camera —playtime! In this episode of Cracktastic Plastic, we’re talking about the toys that make surprise appearances in our favorite movies and TV shows. Whether it’s that legendary action figure on a kid’s shelf, a doll that steals a scene, or a playset that adds a touch of nostalgia to the background, we’re hunting down the coolest (and sometimes weirdest) toy cameos on screen. From big...

Bigger isn’t always better! In this episode of Cracktastic Plastic, we’re going small—really small—as we dive into The Art of the Mini Figure! From the rubbery charm of M.U.S.C.L.E. to the fierce detail of Battle Beasts and the tiny speed demons of Micro Machines, we’re celebrating the little figures that packed a big punch in our toy collections. Whether they came in buckets, blind bags, or blist...

Toy collecting is all about the thrill of the hunt, and what better place to dig for hidden gems than your local Goodwill? In this episode, the Cracktastic Plastic crew shares their experiences scouring thrift store shelves for vintage action figures, forgotten toy lines, and unexpected scores. But is Goodwill still a goldmine for collectors, or has the rise of resellers changed the game? Join us...

Not every action figure needs 30 points of articulation to be amazing! In this episode, the Cracktastic Plastic crew dives into the world of figures that keep it simple but still steal our hearts. Whether it’s classic 5POA (five points of articulation) toys, vinyl collectibles, or chunky figures with loads of personality, we’re celebrating the charm of minimal movement with maximum appeal. From no...

In this episode of Cracktastic Plastic, we dive into the world of cosplay—the art of bringing beloved characters to life! Whether it’s superheroes, horror icons, or classic toy lines, cosplay is a unique way for fans to embody the figures they love to collect. We’ll discuss the craftsmanship, creativity, and passion that go into costume-making, as well as how toy collecting and cosplay often go ha...