This week there’s no review, so if that’s all your interested in me for, you can hit my own site. If you’re here for my witty writing and snazzy dialog, you’ve clearly clicked on the wrong link. But if you’d like a few suggestions – toy related – of things to do when you’re not doing much else, then read on.

I get a lot of links from folks to check out, so many in fact that I’m quite a bit behind in the checkin’. But there’s some online and print (yes, it’s not dead) goodies out there that I thought I’d share. Let’s start with the obvious…

Toy Related News Sites:

Looking for the latest info on a wide range of action figures, statues or collectibles? Then do yourself a favor and give these guys a gander.

Figures.com – one of the oldest general news sites out there, and one that covers a huge range of collectibles through the Action-Online network of sites. They’re coverage of large events – like Toy Fair or SDCC – tends to be solid as well.

Raving Toy Maniac – THE grandaddy of news websites, which set the bar for all others back in the hey day. They’re focus isn’t as much on news these days, but they have a very active message board community.

Toy News International – I’ll be honest, I don’t use TNI on a daily basis. But they tend to get scoops and early photos in advance of other sites, and do a great job reporting the news.

Those are the three I used most often for general news, but there’s lots of sites that cater to the more specific fetis…uh, tastes of the collector:

RebelScum – if you’re looking for a Star Wars site, then look no further. Rebelscum has it all, and it’s the only Star Wars specific site I regularly check. They also have a very dedicated and active community over on the message boards, and they have THE visual guide to action figures and other collectibles based on the Star Wars license.

Sideshow Freaks – If you love anything from Sideshow – sixth scale figures, mini-busts, Premium Format, statues, etc. – then this is the website for you. It’s predominately a series of message boards, but the info and news is excellent. You’ll also get to mingle with folks from the company that stop by, and you’ll get to take part in some excellent discussions within this active community.

One Sixth Scale Warriors – another group that’s merely a series of message boards, but what an excellent group of boards if you’re a sixth scale collector. While most of the conversation does tend to be about military figures, there’s plenty of talk on other lines as well. Another part of the Action Online group, they’re also a tremendously valuable resource for the sixth scale customizer.

Simpsons Collector Sector – founded back in the days of the Playmates World of Springfield line, this website and message boards are still the place for all the latest info on Simpsons merchandise of all kinds. Be sure to check out the boards to mingle with a terrific group of collectors!

Fwoosh – okay, it’s an odd name, but if you’re into superhero collectibles, it’s definitely one you should know. Covering DC and Marvel largely, the boards are extremely popular and very active, often getting photos and scoops on all your favorite caped crusader toys very early.

Action Figure Insider – a relatively new site, but one with tremendous pedigree. Founded by Julius Marx and Jason Geyer, both having been involed with the toy website world for years, AFI has some great columns, an excellent community in their forums, and terrific inside contacts with folks at Mattel, DC Direct and Toybiz. While they focus on superhero toys, you’ll also find conversations on other lines as well.

Azog’s Collection – if higher end items are more your cup of tea, whether they are Sideshow, Bowen, Gentle Giant or another manufacturer, then check out Azog’s. Azog keeps the news regularly updated, and you can commiserate with your fellow collectors over on the boards.

BTVSFigs – if you’re thing is Buffy (or Angel, or Spike), then check out the BTVSFigs message boards. Here you’ll find a very active group of folks who love collecting all things Buffyverse.

Voldemort’s Vault – VV is a very young, very new set of message boards, relatively speaking, but they have a great start on covering all the Harry Potter collectibles, including those from Gentle Giant.

Gentle Giant Collector’s – and speaking of Gentle Giant, here’s another new website and set of forums dedicated to collecting all things GG, from the mini-busts to the statues to the bust ups. They have some terrific visual guides to the releases so far.

Amusing Diversions:

Okay, so much for the websites. What about other amusing diversions, you ask? Well, here’s a few suggestions to make that rainy Saturday afternoon pass a little faster.

I recently received a copy of a couple self published books that I think are well worth recommending. The first is My Artwork and Designs at Hasbro, 1983 – 1989. This book is written by Robert Marcej, who worked at Hasbro as a graphic artist during the 80’s. He did package and control art for many of your favorite nostalgic lines, like G.I. Joe, Transformers and Inhumanoids. He was also the man completely responsible for Army Ants, remember those cute little buggers? You will once you see his art. This book is pretty short at just 48 pages long, but it contains some great artwork for the fans of old Hasbro toy lines.

Robert has also started a comic book loosely based on his life as an artist at both Hasbro and Hallmark call “Action Figure – from the journals of Richard Marzelak”. I’ve read the first issue, and while the artwork isn’t my comic book preference (it reminds me a lot of the old Cracked or Mad style for ‘real’ people), I did find myself really getting into the life of the main character. I’m betting there’s a lot of potential to be mined out of a life inside the industry, in the hands of a solid writer, and I’m looking forward to issue number 2.

You can find both these books, along with some of his other self published work, at Baboon Books.

If you’re a toy collector, action figure fan, or just anybody with a nostalgia for the last 30 years, then you must be reading Shortpacked. This tremendously funny cartoon strip, written and drawn by David Willis, is an often sharply satirical look at the world of comic books, action figures and the movies and television shows they’re tied to. Every geek who ever bought a comic book has tried his or her hand at writing a comic strip, but none have ever managed to do it with as much style and ability as David Willis. Start out by checking some of my favorites – fave 1, fave 2, fave 3, fave 4…damn, there’s a whole lot more!

Finally, this last recommendation has absolutely nothing to do with toys, but if you’re not reading it, you definitely should be. Scott Adams, creator of Dilbert, is one of the brightest and funniest guys around, and he does a regular blog at The Dilbert Blog. All other blogs should bow down at the majesty of humor that is this blog. Don’t believe me? Give it a read. I guarantee you’ll laugh regularly, and on more than one occasion be offended. But challenging your mind is a good thing, right?

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