Home News
Reviews The List
NYTS Links
Ramblin' Man Gallery
Ah, it's that time of the year when a toy-fans fancy turns to 'Hey, THAT'S coming out this year? Coooooool.' Unfortunately, the Toy Fair isn't what it used to be. With so many announcements being made at the SDCC and Wizard World, the significance of the Toy Fair has dropped. Still, you cannot beat having oodles and oodles of toy companies crammed in one convention center in the City that Never Sleeps. Ok, ok, so McFarlane is dissing the show. Hey, there are still so many fun things to check out.
Needless to say, there are the booths from the big guys, like Mattel and Hasbro, and if you're reeeeeal lucky, you know someone that can sneak you into the restricted booths, like new stuff for the next Star Wars movie. And to actually see the product in front of your eyes, not just schematics or prototypes is quite a treat.
And then there is the joy of New York City. I've visited about six times, and enjoyed the experience each and every time. I was also reminded I am a spoiled mid-westerner when it comes to PRICES as well. Doh! Just the same, walking the cavernous streets of Manhattan and being able to try so many things, it's quite an adventure.
The only thing that still bugs me is it's not open to the public. The huge Tokyo Toy Fair is open to the public on the last few days of the convention. Imagine having all of those eager kids and nutty collectors drooling at your stuff and going 'I gotta get me one of those!' Oh well, one day.