Friday, July 22, 2016

Now on YouTube: Ghostbusters ECTO Museum Tour



I decided to take up some videography and do a virtual tour of the ECTO ...whatever this place is... I guess museum sounds better now as it has a bunch of oddities.

It's not ideal because I shot it at 2 am with a phone and it was a second take. I also learned that the angle from below the chin is not flattering but oh well, it took 25 minutes to record the second take and it's about the items and not me.

Subscribe on our channel to follow for more videos!


Sunday, July 17, 2016

Ghostbusters: Answer the Call Review



(SPOILERS AHEAD)

Before I get too far into the review for the 2016 movie, Ghostbusters: Answer the Call, I wanted to say that I have thoroughly enjoyed the celebration summer for my favorite movie franchise.

There has been ECTO Cooler, merchandise, TV spots, new music related to Ghostbusters, and so much more. This all has made me very happy as the brand has been sitting on a shelf in Sony’s offices for decades collecting dust.

I am not going to get too much into the controversy about Ghostbusters: Answer the Call. All history needs to know is that people were upset because this was going to be a very different movie than they wanted whether you want to say it was female Ghostbusters, not their Ghostbusters, a Paul Feig comedy movie, or whatever you want to use as an excuse.

Monday, July 4, 2016

Diamond Select Stay Puft Burnt Bank

There's only one way to sum up how I felt when this little guy showed up at my house:





Remember that Full House episode? Rigby the Ripoff Rhino!?

This is how he was suppose to look:



Someone skipped paint day....

Saturday, July 2, 2016

LEGO Ghostbusters Fire Hall at Mall of America


While my daughter was at Children's Minneapolis, I frequently visited the Mall of America. They have a LEGO Store. This GEM poked at me each trip.

How amazing is that display?

And yes, I did break down and buy this and am still putting it together after more than 3 months.

Thursday, June 30, 2016

DOMO STAY PUFT!



I am not really sure what DOMO is other than an angry little Japanese mascot of sorts but he crossed over into Ghostbusters and after much drooling at crane machine games last year, I had discovered a family member was a crane machine wizard and plucked this guy specifically for me.

How cool is he?!

Tuesday, June 28, 2016

Nerd Block Exclusive Tobin's Spirit Guide


This nifty little book arrived in my June 2016 Nerd Block! It's arrival is bittersweet as it's AMAZEBALLS but at the same time, I just ordered the original red covered one three days prior as I had no idea this was on its way.

Only difference is the cover.

Review to come.

I am still supporting you, BURRRRRRRNHAAAAAAAAM! *shakes fist*

Erik Burnham and myself at Crypticon Minneapolis 2015


Sunday, June 26, 2016

Say what you will....

Walmart end cap - June 25, 2016

Say what you will about the new movie but without it, these two images would not be possible.

Heavenly isn't it?

ECTO Cooler stockpile at local grocery store.

Friday, June 24, 2016

Ghostbusters Day 2016


Of course, I celebrated Ghostbusters Day on June 8, 2016!

The day's moniker comes from the original 1984 classic movie's opening day in 1984. To celebrate the occasion, Fathom Events held screenings of the 80s movie in theatres worldwide. Being that Duluth had one, I figured it would be a swell time to buddy up with Matt and hit the town!

Tuesday, June 14, 2016

One of the weirdest product tie ins: Marshmallow Shooter


An odd product tie in... Ghostbusters Marshmallow Shooter!

When I did the Minneapolis thing back in March, I made a pilgrimage to Toys R Us since there isn't one close to me. I was on the search for the Diamond Select Toys 7" Ghostbusters figures but struck out on them. While at the checkouts, I spotted this behind a stock pull cart and excused myself from the cashier to grab it. By doing so, a whole rack of shit fell on me and I had to have some help getting pulled out from under it.


Sunday, June 12, 2016

Two Zeddemores and An Accountant


Back when I picked up the TMNT figures from Duluth, I found these guys as well!

The problem that I have found with The Real Ghostbusters toys is that it's kinda rare to find them and when I ask vintage toy collectors about them, they find them.

Buuuuuut.....

Friday, June 10, 2016

Mission Success!


I was lucky enough to become a dad in February to a daughter named Harper. She has already gone through a lot of stuff including an open heart surgery at a week old. She's thriving and doing well which is amazing.

Wednesday, June 8, 2016

My Main Squeeze - Slimer Gelatin Toy


Of all the Ghostbusters 2016...errr, "Answer The Call" toys released, two really caught my eye; the squeezable Slimer and the Slimer whose tongue you could pull.

The spud is classic.


Monday, June 6, 2016

They are aDORBz-able!



This fun little line of figures comes from Funko! in a series called "Dorbz." (I am not going to cross that threshold of why.)

I had a hell of a time tracking these down in the wild. I found Stay Puft via GameStop at the Mall of America while I tracked down treasures in Minneapolis. As for the guys, I begged and pleaded every GameStop employee to look them up in their systems but they oddly aren't listed. They carry every other fucking Dorbz character and even TWO Stay Pufts AND the ECTO-1.

What the holy hell, GameStop?

Friday, June 3, 2016

Pop Funko: He's Escaped Edition


FUNKO! Toys owns a large part of my soul.

These cute vinyl figures have been something that has found their way into my heart and onto my shelves. The stylized characters are translated from so many sources that I had to promise my wife that I'd stop buying all the ones I liked.

But Ghostbusters. There's my loophole.

Thursday, June 2, 2016

TMNT Eve: Finding Figures Friday


When I go on adventures to find toys and nostalgic items, it's getting really hard to find Turtles. I thought it was the resurgence of the new TMNT wave but I am starting to think that it is just the pure love for these old Playmate Toys.

Today I got lucky.

Wednesday, June 1, 2016

Challenge: Ghostbusters 2016 Scavenger Hunt


To help celebrate the upcoming Summer of Ghostbusters, I wanted to ask the Ghosthead Community to come up with some fun and creative challenges for photo or video opportunities to post on social media.

I'll be honest; there is no prize at the time of this writing. It's more so a challenge for all the fans and franchises of the Ghostbusters brand to go forth and create something awesome.

Prizes have been added and will be awarded to the beset three photos. We are looking for creativity and amazing rises to the challenge here. The more challenges you complete in an epic way, the better your odds of winning.

We are keeping the prizes a mystery so far but they are some of the more rare current Ghostbusters merchandise that has escaped the clutches of collectors. Perhaps some ECTO Cooler or Hot Wheels 2 pack action? Maybe a rare version of the Destroyer who isn't such a bad guy?

It's easy to play along; take up a challenge from the list of 84 below, take a photo or video proving your completion of the challenge and lastly post it to your favorite social media platform with the hashtag: #GBHunt with the challenge's title.

For the next few days, if you have an idea for a challenge that you'd like to see on the list, please Tweet it at @heroic35 or message it via the WhoYaGonnaCollect Facebook page. Any unsafe or illegal activities will not be considered. 

If you create the challenge, you can name it! This is actually great seeing as this list could be pulled for future events and cons which means there is your name alongside it!

The most creative, funny, or entertaining entries will be featured here in a future date.

Let's get going!

Tuesday, May 31, 2016

The Holy Search For ECTO Cooler



Well, if you haven't heard yet, you're under a rock. Blink twice for help. 

No...? Just a grimace of pain?

I'll take that grimace and grunt as a sign that you are still on the search for the nostalgic item of the summer; Hi-C's ECTO COOLER.

Yes, it's all true that ECTO COOLER returned to this dimension on May 30th. (Memorial Day in the US) It has been a long and chronicled search for the orange tangerine citrus drink that used to haunt our lunch bags in the 1990s. 

From Coca Cola's Press Release earlier this year: 

“Hi-C Ecto Cooler will be sold in 10-packs of 6-ounce juice boxes and in 6- and 12-packs of 11.5-ounce aluminum cans. The cans are specially printed using thermal ink that turns an eerie shade of slime green when the product inside is cold.”

ECTO COOLER's Twitter advocate has warned us that this will not be an "everywhere" launch on May 30th but rather a slow rollout of the beverage to retailers. But the search has begun which has led many to great adventures to find the orange tangy slime

Myself included. 

Friday, May 27, 2016

Today's Challenge: Baskett Logo


I am going to take a step outside of toys and nostalgia today to talk about my personal life a bit so please excuse our interruption. I was up late last night with my daughter last night so my wife could get some sleep so I passed out at 11 am CST this morning. I woke up a few hours later from what I should consider a nap but it sufficed for my nightly sleep. (Maybe Kevin Smith was right on that 3 hours of sleep a night thing that Batman taught him.)

When I woke up, my wife was watching some reality Marriage Boot Camp show. Usually I am not into these shows as she watches a bunch of oddities like "My 600 lb Life" and whatever LOGO seems to be showing. The saving grace for this was Hank Baskett and Kendra Wilkinson Baskett who are two of my favorite celebs to be honest. Kendra was the coolest of the three "Girls Next Door" stars and Hank is a down to Earth former NFL player who had a cup of coffee with my Vikings.

It got me to thinking about Hank and what he is up to nowadays so I looked him up. I found out that he's doing some Twitch video game streaming with some really cool people like Football Hall of Famer Ahman Green.

Sunday, May 22, 2016

ECTO COOLER IS COMING!



Matt over at Dinosaur Dracula has an early review of ECTO Cooler's return:

This ghost trap-themed promo box — which even came with a barrel of slime — is all kinds of awesome. I’ve already called some contractors to get quotes on the airtight, temperature-controlled vault that is so clearly necessary to house a box of this magnitude. I wish I could tell you that the same box will be available in stores, but no, it was apparently made as an exclusive for people who wear Tuesday’s clothes on Thursday afternoon.

Go check out the full review!

Who else is excited for ECTO Cooler's return?

Saturday, May 21, 2016

New Look for a New Season.... of EVIL! (Oh Viggie...)



I decided to update this little blog of mine in hopes that someone reads it so if this is you, thank you. Leave a comment to let me know you were here... Thanks!

Throughout my life, I have been a graphic designer and the look that the blog had previously was slapped together quickly and always irritated me. I am feeling better on this look and hope that it will make for some great reading as we enter the new season of the 2016 Summer Blockbuster SMASH, "Ghostbusters."

I have also toyed with the idea of doing a 1 on 1 interview type podcast show that would be myself talking to guests about "Ghostbusters." Think, Larry King talking into a microphone and interviewing the who's who of the Ghosthead community.

Speaking of podcasts, I have to give credit to these guys as I have been hooked on their shows lately:

The Ghostbusters Interdimensional Crossrip

Chris and Troy do a wonderful job on breaking down all the news, stories, and highlights of the Ghostbusters community. They do such a wonderful job that this is why I thought the Larry King-esque interview type show would differ enough from theirs to warrant a show.

and also:

The Yes Have Some Podcast

I have been online friends with Craig and Abigail for sometime now. (In fact, a dancing Slimer that sits in my man cave came from Craig.) They gathered up another friend named Jake and now talk about all things neat and nostalgic. Topics range from Jurassic Park to you guessed it... Jaws.


I hope that these shows help to give you some things to entertain you as I gather up some time and projects to publish on here as well as work on this new podcast idea.

ALSO DO NOT FORGET THAT ECTO COOLER COMES OUT ON MAY 30TH EVERYWHERE THAT HI-C IS SOLD! 

I cannot wait for that stuff... I just sit here and sniff these Ecto Cooler candles I bought with the hopes of holding out for a few more days.

Saturday, May 14, 2016

New Ghostbusters Toys!!

It has been almost 20 years since Ghostbusters toys hit the mainstream toy aisle at local stores like Target, Walmart and even Toys R Us. The last time this happened was in the 90s with Extreme Ghostbusters which was met with a lot of criticism DESPITE having a female and a dude in a wheelchair. (Hulu has the series on it now and it's dark. Check it out.)

These are the toys right now to get and are leaving a lot of toy fans struggling to find them. I have been vigilant on finding them as often as I can and so far Target is winning the battle for stocking.


Beautiful isn't it? 

WTF ThinkGeek?

ThinkGeek has unveiled a new Ghostbusters shirt but there's an issue:



Adios Winston, hello double Ray!

Ernie Hudson should make money as a Rodney Dangerfield tribute.

Saturday, February 13, 2016

POP Funko! Willy Wonka



I find Funko Toys' "POP"series to be pretty awesome. I enjoy finding the characters and collecting them. In my years of collecting them, I have also been able to make some extra money for other collections because some of these little buggers go for serious coin. 

Willy Wonka will be sticking around in my collection as I absolutely adore Gene Wilder. His rendition of the magical man in the purple coat is borderline psychotic but still loveable. I found Depp's Wonka to be zany but with no love which is something that made the original so attractive to kids. 

He does have an Oompa Loompa friend but I am undecided if I want to seek him out. The new Alice in Wonderland Chesire Cat however....

Thursday, February 11, 2016

Goodwill Finds: Book Editions


I really enjoy Goodwill and finding treasures in it. I have a ritual of searching the store in a pattern: Kids' books, toys and grab bags, furniture, VHS, DVDs, adult books, and the showcase window.

During my time searching, I have set a few goals for myself for "milestones."

Friday, January 29, 2016

Treasure Rescue!


I've spent a hiatus from entries but that hasn't stopped my adventures of "treasure rescuing." These adventure have been a great way to relieve daily stress as you never know what you'll find. Once you remove the packaging, toys seem foreign and almost artifact like.

Marvel is cool right now and easy to find. I remember the old ToyBiz days where Iron Man didn't have the hipness of Robert Downey Jr. I have amassed a big collection of Marvel characters which focuses on Guardians of the Galaxy, Iron Man, Captain America, and Spider-Man by pure accident. It's has become kind of a niche habit to save these oddities.

I'm a sucker for Kenner toys and during an antique shop seatch, I found some Superman figures. These were once part of a 2 pack hero and villain setup. I know this as my grandma bought these sets as Christmas gifts to all her grand kids one year. I never got these two heroes of Kryptonite Kal-El or Super Boy so I was glad to find them on the cheap. And as for grandma, these toys kicked ass when you hot a box of wool socks, Hershey Kisses, and Superman. It made it better when all the kids banded together with the figure collection to fight the good fight.

As pictured, Quail man has joined them as well.


Mighty Morphin Power Rangers was a BIG thing as I was growing up so when Lord Zedd came into grasp, I needed him. He was amazingly epic with his muscle texture and level of danger JUST above Rita Repulsa. Truly, an amazing character design!

Saban tried to cash in on various MMPR like things like VR Trooper, which is where the second guy hails from; JB Reese!

I had Ryan Steele, the team leader, as a kid. I always loved that generic name. I miss that figure as he's been lost to my childhood once my parents donated my own toys. 




I'm a huge hockey fan and I love the Anaheim Ducks. Prior to that, the team was known as the Mighty Ducks. Disney CASHED in on them ad movies and a Saturday Morning Cartoon on ABC. This guy is Nosedive Flashblade of the syndicated series and an amazing piece of several ounces of plastic. I'd love to stumble upon more of these short lived toy series. 

Seriously look at this shoulder pad!











Monday, January 25, 2016

2016 is here!



So 2015 has come and gone and it's been a crazy 2016 already!I havent had much time to blog since October due to a variety of reasons. Nonetheless, I wanted to share some things with all five of you who read this blog!

I am going to try to keep up the blogging but I will let you all know that I am on the cusp of being a father for the first time. THE CUSP!

Lucky to be expecting a little girl named Harper in my life soon, I am doing my best to gather all my pop culture knowledge and techniques to pass along to her. I cannot wait!

Harper is due to hit the world on February 29 (Leap Year!) but I am personally hoping for Valentine's Day 2016. Why? Because I am THAT dad....

Thank you all for following along and here's to posts in 2016!