Best of the Bin - 2010
Another year, come and gone, and it's time for our annual tradition of looking back. I'm going to try and keep this one short and to the point: truth be told, it's just after midnight on January 1st, and I'm about ready to hit the sack.
Before I begin, I do want to look forward. If you've been to the main page, you've probably noticed that updates are shifting from weekly to irregular (and just a month ago, they were twice a week). So. What's going on here?
The thing is, our apartment's just about out of space. Scratch that: we've been out of space for six months, but now the situation's getting critical. As a result, I need to cut back on picking up toys. When I get something that speaks to me, I'll put a review together. In addition, I'm going to try doing more articles, photo essays, and the like.
So the site's surviving, but it's going to start shifting away from a constant stream of new reviews. I figure that's not going to leave too many of you disappointed - after all, I'm guessing you're as sick of reading my thoughts on DCUC articulation as I am of typing them.
Now that all that's out of the way, let's get to the awards. Keep in mind that these aren't the year's best toys; just the best toys we reviewed this year at the Clearance Bin. Some of these are several years old, and there are plenty of fantastic toys I don't buy.
Before I begin, I do want to look forward. If you've been to the main page, you've probably noticed that updates are shifting from weekly to irregular (and just a month ago, they were twice a week). So. What's going on here?
The thing is, our apartment's just about out of space. Scratch that: we've been out of space for six months, but now the situation's getting critical. As a result, I need to cut back on picking up toys. When I get something that speaks to me, I'll put a review together. In addition, I'm going to try doing more articles, photo essays, and the like.
So the site's surviving, but it's going to start shifting away from a constant stream of new reviews. I figure that's not going to leave too many of you disappointed - after all, I'm guessing you're as sick of reading my thoughts on DCUC articulation as I am of typing them.
Now that all that's out of the way, let's get to the awards. Keep in mind that these aren't the year's best toys; just the best toys we reviewed this year at the Clearance Bin. Some of these are several years old, and there are plenty of fantastic toys I don't buy.
Best Building Set: Skeleflex Warriors: Mynotorg
I wish I had the space to display this toy more prominently. Mynotorg is an awesome toy in all regards. Centoro's up there, as well, but this Mynotorg claims the prize.
Best Vehicle: 1966 TV Series Batcycle
This 1:12 scale Batcycle fits in so well with Mattel's DC Universe Classics line, I have to wonder if it was intentional. Regardless, this functions extremely well as an accessory, whether or not you decide to customize it.
Best Toy - 2": GI Joe Combat Heroes - Storm Shadow
Technically, this should be Storm Shadow and Barbeque, but the latter is only hitching a ride. Storm Shadow is one of the best figures I've seen in this scale. The entire line of GI Joe Combat Heroes based on the 80's show is great (though I haven't been anywhere near as impressed with the ones based on the movie). These still go cheap in some places - look around online for a deal.
Best Toy - 12"+: Gonzo Photo Puppet
Gonzo certainly wasn't cheap - even at less than a third his original price - but he's a fantastic toy. Okay, the word "toy" is a bit of a stretch. But, whatever you want to call him, he's quickly become the centerpiece of our collection.
Best Toy - 6": DCUC Blue Beetle (Modern)
Call me crazy, but somehow I don't think I'll be the only one awarding Beetle this honor. While there are better looking action figures in this scale from companies like NECA and DC Direct, there's nothing that better encapsulates the spirit of a toy. Between the articulation, accessories, and design, Mattel really raised the bar on what was already the reigning line of action figures.
Thanks for taking the time to read The Clearance Bin. And, of course, have a happy New Year.