Amazon Singapore is transforming the traditional shopping experience in time for Black Friday, as the e-commerce giant is turning the Suntec City Atrium into an interactive gift discovery space on 22 and 23 November 2025.

Promising to combine deal-hunting and entertainment, the Holiday Giftorium will kick off the shopping journey with a personality quiz to determine a shopper’s unique gift shopping persona, placing them into different categories such as a “heart-led Mood Gifter” or a “one-click Convenience Champion” to streamline their experience and make it easier for them to decide on the perfect gift for their loved ones.

Shoppers will then enter the main Giftorium via a giant slide into a ball pit, where they can then embark on an exciting treasure hunt through various themed rooms featuring a curated selection of potential gifts. Each space will also offer ample opportunities for social-media-worthy moments, alongside the ability to go hands-on with the latest gadgets, try on trending beauty products, or pick out the latest toys and gizmos, with shoppers selecting anything they fancy via the Amazon app on their mobile devices.

In addition, every shopper will get a chance to walk away with a goodie bag at the end of their shopping journey, alongside one of four limited-edition Amazon.sg plushie charm designs (dinosaur, headphones, dumbbell, or Amazon package). Goodie bags and plushies will be given out on a first-come, first-served basis, with limited stocks available.

Apart from the weekend festivities, Amazon Singapore has also launched its 12-day Black Friday sale from 20 November to 1 December 2025, offering the perfect opportunity for savings across all categories, from electronics to toys and home appliances, featuring deals of up to 40% off from brands like LEGO, Hasbro, Dyson, SharkNinja, Sennheiser. It might also be a good time to get a Nintendo Switch 2 console at up to S$100 off.

To get started on your Black Friday shopping spree, be sure to harvest the various exclusive vouchers and redeem daily flash vouchers at 12pm and 6pm daily. To top it all off, don’t forget to buy an Amazon.sg Gift Card worth S$220 to receive an extra S$15 credit, from 20 November to 1 December.

Amazon Singapore’s Black Friday Giftorium will run on 22 and 23 November 2025 at the Suntec City Atrium (Convention Centre) at level 1, from 12pm to 9pm.

Kevin Low

Kevin is a reformed PC Master Race gamer with a penchant for franchise “duds” like Darksiders III and Dead Space 3. He has made it his life-long mission to play every single major game release – lest his wallet dies trying.

The post Amazon Singapore Reimagines Shopping Experience With Black Friday Holiday Giftorium At Suntec City appeared first on Geek Culture.

Comic book fans, cosplayers, toy collectors – the list goes on but if you embrace pop culture and smile when referred to as a geek, the biggest international geek convention, Singapore Comic Con (SGCC) is back for the legion of fans in the country, and this year, it’s primed to be the biggest yet! Not only will it encompass over 400 exhibiting companies and brands from around the world, spread out across 250,000 square feet of pop-culture celebration space at the Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre on 6 and 7 December, this year’s run will also mark the debut of an Ultimate Preview Night before the main festivities, offering an exclusive fan experience that’s not to be missed.

Kicking things off on the evening of 5 December, the Ultimate Preview Night offers a one-night-only fan spectacular, featuring a packed line-up of live art showdowns and behind-the-scenes talks with over 50 guest appearances such noted Marvel Comics and DC Comics’s artist Stanley “Artgerm” Lau, tattoo legend turned comic book art sensation Dr Rocke, Malaysian comic book artist Lipwei, illustrator Warrick Wong, and more, making it a once-in-a-lifetime chance for fans to get up close and personal with their favourite artistes!

SGCC’s Ultimate Preview Night is exclusive to invited guests and Platinum ticket holders (limited to 300 pax) who will also get their hands on an exclusive Platinum Pack during the preview event, loaded with limited-edition merchandise and event exclusives to celebrate SGCC 2025, including a themed bomber jacket and Art Prints featuring Power Rangers Time Force actors Jason Faunt and Erin Cahill. Additionally, each Platinum Pack also doubles as a Super Lucky Bag, with rare prizes such as a Sabermach N-Pixel Saber, Epic Dreams signed prints, as well as Infinity Studio statues distributed randomly across all packs.

Fans can get their Platinum tickets, alongside all the other event ticket tiers, on the SGCC 2025 official site, but one thing’s for certain, all event goers are in for an unforgettable weekend of immersive experiences, exclusive merchandise, and most important of all, geeky fun.

For those looking to join SGCC on the weekend, the event will be host to around 60 well-known celebrities, including Power Rangers actors Erin Cahill and Jason Faunt, both from Power Rangers Time Force, and noted comic book artists, including Eisner Award winning artist Joe Rubinstein, Simone Di Meo (Marvel Comics, DC Comics), Mico Suayan (DC Comics, Image Comics, BOOM! Studios), Marco Failla (Hasbro, Asmodee, DC Comics, Image Comics, Marvel Comics), Simone Bianchi (Marvel Comics, DC Comics), Santa Fung (DC Comics, Image Comics, BOOM! Studios) and much more.

Here’s a peek at the top exhibitor highlights that await you at SGCC 2025.

Bandai

The Tamashii Nations booth (L1-B03) once again presents a haven for fans of anime and manga collectibles, and this year’s headliner figures include the S.H. Figuarts Ultimate Shining Ultraman Zero (Ultraman New Generation Stars Ver.), a gold and silver-tinted variant of the iconic hero that was the winner of the S.H.Figuarts New Generation Ultraman Vote, which was held in celebration of the release of over 2,000 S.H.Figuarts models.

Ultraman isn’t the only famous hero receiving the spotlight this year, as S.H.Figuarts is also commemorating the 40th anniversary of Dragon Ball with the S.H.Figuarts Son Goku & Dragon – 40th Anniversary Edition, which reproduces the iconic cover illustration of the 1985 Jump Comics issue, Dragon Ball Vol. 01.

For Gunpla fans, head down to the Bandai Hobby booth (L1-B07) to grab exclusive limited-edition items and merchandise available only at the event, including four Gundam Base Limited Burning model kits: The MG Gundam Dynames (Clear Colour), MG Gundam Kyrios (Clear Colour), MG Destiny (Heine Westenfluss Custom) and the RG Burning Gundam Hyper Mode. Enthusiasts and newcomers alike can also go hands-on at the showfloor itself by taking part in Gunpla Workshop Activities sure to scratch that model-building itch. 

Finally, TCG fans can head over to Basement 2 and take part in the Bandai Card Games Fest 25-26, a must-attend event for fans of popular trading card games like the One Piece Card Game, Digimon Card Game, Dragon Ball Super Card Game, Gundam Card Game, Battle Spirits and Union Arena. Fans will also be able to take part in activities for each title, with special commemorative products available for purchase.

Queen Studios (L1-C05)

Following the global gaming phenomenon that was 2024’s Black Myth: Wukong, Queen Studios is bringing the Destined One to life, literally, with the life-sized 1/1 Black Myth: Wukong – Great Sage Armor Set statue, faithfully reimagining the iconic Journey to the West character’s Phoenix-Winged Crown, Golden Chainmail, and Cloud-Stepping Boots. Capturing his in-game look with stunning accuracy and incredible detail, this magnificent showpiece will be available for pre-order exclusively at SGCC 2025.

InArt (L1-C05)

Owners of InArt’s Batman (TDKR) Deluxe 1/12 Scale Figure will soon be able to take their Dark Knight to the next level with this event-exclusive Accessory Pack, letting them further customise their figures with an additional cowl variant, a high-tech backpack, a poseable wired cape, an interchangeable chest armor piece and two new faceplates, offering increased options for movie-accurate dynamic poses.

Heat Boys (L1-C05)

Specialising in premium stylised action figures, Heat Boys is bringing the heat to SGCC 2025 with three new product displays, including the HB0083 MechaHeat Stellar Expansion Spartacus, a die-cast mecha figure standing at 28cm tall and boasting over 50 points of articulation, allowing for dynamic and combat-ready poses.

With an expertise in crafting action figures based on Nickelodeon’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles series, it’s no surprise that they are bringing not one, but two brand new TMNT figures to the showfloor, the first being the HB0095 MechaHeat Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Raphael 40th Anniversary Ver, which takes the iconic red-bandana-wearing brother and equips him with two intimidating mecha dragon-head cannons on each shoulder and a deadly Cross Spear inspired by his classic twin Sai.

Next up is the HB0103 HEATFIG Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Leonardo, which marks a departure from Heat Boys’ usual mecha style design and instead adopts the look of the classic animated series, recreating the leader of the turtles’ iconic appearance from his signature cape to his various ninja gear. The figure also comes with classic accessories such as katana swords, throwing stars, a skateboard, and multiple interchangeable facial expressions and hands, letting collectors display it to their heart’s content.

ThreeZero (L1-B02)

As perhaps the most iconic creators of high-end collectables, especially in the Transformers fandom, ThreeZero will be rolling out two new ultra-detailed Optimus Prime variants, the DLX Nemesis Prime, a celebratory figure marking the company’s 25th anniversary that stands at 11.2 inches tall and features 53 points of articulation, alongside the DLX Optimus Primal (Beast Wars Universe Edition), which is similar in scale with 74 points of articulation. Additionally, ThreeZero will also debut the ROBO-DOU Scopedog Heavy Weathering Version, its latest addition to its mecha line-up based on iconic Japanese anime properties. These three figures are exclusively available at SGCC, so don’t miss your chance to snag these limited-edition masterpieces!

Yolopark (L1-B02)

SGCC 2025 is set to be a treasure trove for Transformers fans, as Yolopark will also be debuting the next Deception in its AMK Pro Series, the SGCC-Exclusive Transformers: Generation 1 – Starscream Model Kit (Transparent Version), decking out Megatron’s treacherous second-in-command in a sleek, clear look complete with die cast joints, three modes of eye lighting effects, interchangable faces, and multiple effects parts, allowing him to truly take flight. The figure will also be part of a global limited release of 1,000 units, making it an even more valuable addition to any collection.

The Loyal Subjects (L1-B02)

Talk about a blast from the past, as The Loyal Subjects is celebrating an iconic toyline from the mid-1980s with two event-exclusive M.A.S.K. figures, the MASK Mobile Defense Unit Limited Edition with Scott & T-Bob, and the MASK Mobile Defense Unit 40th Anniversary Black & Gold Edition. Outfitted with the toyline’s iconic vehicel-weaponsing gimmick, there’s no better way to relive your childhood battles with V.E.N.O.M., or introduce your kids to the legacy of M.A.S.K.

Faceless (L1-C02)

Ever wanted to see what the legendary Three Kingdoms icons might look like in a modern fit? Faceless has got you covered with its latest line-up of art toys, including the SGCC-exclusive Zhuge Liang (limited to 180 pieces), the debut of its Hot Blooded Three Kingdoms Series Blind Box featuring the likes of Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhou Yu, alongside pre-orders for its upcoming Cao Cao 300% figure. The Romance of the Three Kingdoms never looked so stylish!

Kenshop SG (L1-C02)

Event goers can take home a piece of Singapore’s public transport history, as Kenshop SG will be debuting two exciting collectables on the show floor: The ComfortDelGro Toyota Prius Taxi with light feature (Blue and Yellow), and the C851E NEL MRT Train, which comes packed with play features such as sounds, lights, opening doors and a pull-back motor. The recognisable duo will make their first-ever appearance at SGCC and celebrate Singapore’s everyday icons.

KAYOU (L1-C06)

SGCC 2025 will mark the debut appearance of the China trading card company KAYOU, with a spotlight on two powerhouse IPs within Southeast Asia – Free Fire and Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB). KAYOU will bring their trading card collection for both franchises to the show floor, offering fans a unique collectable to celebrate their favourite mobile game.

SGCC X Collexi-Con

Pop culture and trading cards collide in this special collaboration between the two long-running conventions, and fans can look forward to meeting their favourite artists and creators, such as Kouki Saitou and Sunohara, alongside TCG vendors, exclusive merch drops and live activities.

Happening at Basement 2, SGCC X Collexi-Con allows con-goers to trade, collect, cosplay, and connect with fellow fans, sharing their passion for all things comics, anime, trading cards and collectables.

Luo Xiao Hei (L1-B17)

As one of China’s most beloved animation IPs, Luo Xiao Hei is going global and making an appearance at SGCC 2025, unveiling a brand-new range of merchandise available first and exclusively in Southeast Asia at the event in celebration of The Legend of Luo Xiao Hei 2, a hit animated film which premiered in China in July, and will hit Singapore cinemas on 6 November 2026.

SGCC Cosplay Competition

For those looking to unleash their inner heroes, villains or everything in between, SGCC will be hosting a cosplay competition suitable for all levels of experience, be it handmade, bought, or borrowed costumes. Held on 7 December, the competition will not only provide the opportunity to show off your creativity, passion and craftsmanship, but also the chance to walk away with amazing prizes, with the grand prize worth S$4,800 and comprised of an Infinity Studios Digimon: Yagami Taichi & Wargreymon statue, Bandai Namco’s S.H.Figuarts SON GOKU & DRAGON – 40th Anniversary Edition, a one-night stay at Marina Bay Sands Singapore and more. The competition will also be judged by well-known cosplayers Riiyuukii (@riiyuukii_cos), Shirogane Sama (@shirogane_sama) and Kiyo (@kiyocosplay).

This year’s SGCC is poised to be a landmark event for all things pop culture, sure to please comic connoisseurs, seasoned collectors and TCG enthusiasts alike. Sounds like your cup of tea? Get your tickets now and head down to the Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre on 6 and 7 December, and for Platinum Ticket holders, don’t miss out on the Exclusive Preview Night happening on 5 December, 6 to 10pm. We’ll see you there!

Kevin Low

Kevin is a reformed PC Master Race gamer with a penchant for franchise “duds” like Darksiders III and Dead Space 3. He has made it his life-long mission to play every single major game release – lest his wallet dies trying.

The post Singapore Comic Con (SGCC) 2025: Ultimate Preview Night Sneak Peek + Exhibitor Highlights appeared first on Geek Culture.

In what could be the start of a new toy-to-movie craze, Sony Pictures has officially picked up the screen rights to the wildly popular plush toy brand Labubu, setting the stage for a potential franchise that may soon rival the likes of Barbie and Trolls, per THR. The project has no director or producer attached yet, and no confirmation on whether the film will be animated or live-action. Still, the acquisition signals Sony’s intent to ride the momentum of its recent animated success, KPop Demon Hunters, and cash in on a plush phenomenon that’s already taken Asia by storm.

While plot details are still under wraps, the film could draw from a wide cast of existing characters: Labubu, the mischievous fan-favourite; Zimomo, the high-energy leader; Mokoko, Labubu’s quirky companion; and Tycoco, the reliable boyfriend figure.

Labubu and its monster crew first found traction in Southeast Asia around 2019. Originally created by European-based artist Kasing Lung and manufactured by How2Work, the characters gained mass-market appeal after their distribution was picked up by Chinese retailer Pop Mart.

K-pop icon Lisa from BLACKPINK further pushed Labubu into popularity when she began attaching the dolls to her handbags. Not long after, other A-listers including Rihanna and Dua Lipa were seen accessorising with Labubu keychains, blurring the line between streetwear collectible and luxury statement piece. Their popularity translated to serious financial numbers. According to Pop Mart’s 2024 annual report, the toy line known as The Monsters brought in US$430 million, accounting for over 23% of total revenue. That figure skyrocketed in the first half of 2025, with The Monsters generating US$670 million, nearly 35% of the company’s total revenue.

Hollywood’s shift from toys-as-merchandise to toys-as-source-material is nothing new. Following the billion-dollar success of Barbie, toy companies and studios alike are scrambling to replicate the formula. Mattel has already greenlit projects for Hot Wheels, Polly Pocket, and He-Man. Hasbro’s slate includes Monopoly, Action Man, and Beyblade, while other unexpected titles like Uno and Barney are also on the way.

It’s too early to tell whether Labubu will roar its way into the hearts of global moviegoers or remain a niche success story, but one thing’s clear: Fans of the toothy little monster now have more than new toy drops to look forward to – they’ve got a movie to wait for.

Natalie

Natalie is a big fan of anything related to movies, TV shows, and anime — you name it. When she’s not reading or being a dedicated cinephile, she’s probably playing gacha and tabletop games, or daydreaming of Caleb from Love and Deepspace.

The post Labubu Movie In Development As Sony Eyes Franchise Starter appeared first on Geek Culture.

From selling bobble head figurines since its inception in 1998, to selling 1 billion of its well-known pop vinyl figures by September 2025, American toy company Funko is recognised as a modern success story among toy collectors and pop culture fans looking to own a piece of movies, TV shows, anime, manga, comic books and more, so it was a surprise when the company announced at a recent earnings call that the company has seen a steep drop in sales, and might not survive another year.

Much like the multitude of social media trends we see nowadays that explode on the scene and then slowly get forgotten and replaced by the inevitable next batch of brainrot, the world of toys and collectables has had its own fair share of crazes over the years, with companies hitting the jackpot with their latest innovations, only to fail at maintaining their audience’s interest as the times go by.

While today’s main form of entertainment undoubtedly comes from mobile phones, this wasn’t always the case, as back before the days of smart devices, kids and adult collectors alike had to rely on the latest toys and gizmos to keep themselves entertained, and companies knew this, creating all manner of plastic knick-knacks with the hopes that it would kick off a global sensation.

For some, this gamble pays off, as seen with the likes of Hasbro’s Transformers or Mattel’s Barbie or Masters of the Universe, served by additional content including animated series, video games and movies, or LEGO building blocks, which offer licensed sets from popular pop culture intellectual properties including Star Wars, Marvel Comics and DC Comics. Then there are the toys-of-the-moment – the ones that have a quick claim to fame but fail to capitalise on its hot reputation for long, before the toys fizzled out. 

Current toy trends that seem to be on the same trajectory include the Labubu doll from Pop Mart, which has seen prices for its collectables fall in the secondary market, fueled by speculators who snap up the dolls in the hope of reselling them at a higher price.  

Here are 11 toys that initially took the world by storm, only to fade into obscurity as the years went by. While some of these toys are still around, they are a pale shadow of their former selves, but given the cycle of recycle, we expect that some of these lines to get revived eventually.

Sea-Monkeys

Manufacturer: Transcience LLC and Sea-Monkeys USA
First release: 1960

Sea-Monkeys are probably the most novel of all the toys in this list, due to the fact that they could hardly be described as toys at all. Instead, these are actually living organisms known as brine shrimps, sold in packets of eggs alongside often intricately designed mini aquariums. Buyers simply needed to add water to hatch the eggs for an instant, low-maintenance novelty pet.

Interestingly, the product didn’t immediately gain worldwide recognition when it launched, but rather became a cultural icon due to its ads being printed on the back of millions of comic books, famously picturing the critters as mermaid-like humanoid creatures living in grand underwater palaces, sparking kids’ imaginations and soon became a staple in the toy industry between the 1970s to 1990s. Sea-Monkeys also offered the unique selling proposition of not just selling kids an entertaining novelty “toy”, but also teaching them the valuable life lesson of basic animal care.

Today, Sea-Monkeys are still being sold in some major toy chains like Toys ”R” Us, itself a toy icon that died and came back under new management, although with the rise of smart toys and high-tech interactive gadgets, owning a “toy” you actually have to care for no longer holds the same appeal.

Cabbage Patch Kids

Manufacturer: Coleco Industries
First release: 1982

As one of the longest-running doll franchises, Cabbage Patch Kids is a line of cloth dolls with plastic heads inspired by Xavier Roberts’ “The Little People” soft sculptured dolls, and even came with their own fantasy backstory, where creatures known as BunnyBees would pollinate special cabbages using magical crystals, “giving birth” to the dolls. Each doll also came with birth certificates and adoption papers, adding to the fantasy that owners were adopting the characters instead of just buying toys.

The doll brand set every toy industry sales record for three years running, and was one of the most popular lines of children’s licensed products in the 1980s. Their popularity was so immense that it even gave rise to the Cabbage Patch riots in 1983, where customers attacked each other, sometimes with weapons like baseball bats, all to obtain a doll for their children, which were limited in stock.

Today, the Cabbage Patch Kids remain one of the most iconic toy lines, with the toys even being inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame in 2023, although, at least compared to the 1980s craze, their peak popularity has certainly passed.

Beanie Babies

Manufacturer: Ty Inc.
First release: 1993

Often referred to as the world’s first internet sensation, Beanie Babies are a line of stuffed toys most recognised by their heart-shaped tag featuring the logo of manufacturer Ty Inc. These toys were stuffed with plastic pellets (“beans”) rather than conventional soft stuffing and came in many different animal forms. Unlike other soft toys from the time, Beanie Babies were also deliberately under-stuffed, allowing for greater posability and making them seem more realistic.

While nothing special from your everyday stuffed animal, Beanie Babies’ popularity exploded in late 1995 due to the company’s genius strategy of deliberate scarcity, producing each new design in limited quantities and retiring designs regularly, leading to a surge in sales and starting a trend where buyers would collect and resell them at inflated prices. 

Like any fad, this success eventually waned, and despite the brand’s efforts to replicate it with the launch of offshoots like Beanie Boo’s, which are still being sold today, these adorable little critters are nowhere near as sought after or relevant as they used to be.

B-Daman

Manufacturer: Takara-Tomy
First release: 1993

Inspired by the iconic Bomberman series, Takara’s B-Daman took the marble shooting concept to new heights when it launched in 1993 with a simple yet effective addition, customisation. Just like Bomberman, these humanoid figurines featured a round cavity in their abdomen that houses a marble, which can be launched via a spring-loaded trigger on their back, but takes playability to the next level with the ability to outfit figures with attachments and accessories.

What’s more, these attachments served more than just cosmetics, some were able to change the figure’s effectiveness, such as trigger kits featuring a larger or longer spring, making shots more powerful. Coupled with bundles that included multiple B-Daman and even custom arenas with extra targets for multiplayer possibilities, the toys were an immediate hit, spawning not just animated shows like 1998’s Bomberman B-Daman Bakugaiden, but also seven generations of toylines from the 90s to 2013, such as Battle B-Daman and Cross Fight B-Daman.

Despite its best efforts to revitalise the marble shooting figures with each generation, B-Daman’s low-tech concept ultimately couldn’t stand the test of time, with Cross Fight B-Daman (2011-2013) being the toy franchise’s final attempt before it vanished from relevance completely.

Furby

Manufacturer: Tiger Electronics, Hasbro
First release: 1998

Now this is one toy that has thankfully never caught on in the modern age. Launched in 1998, the mechanical monstrosities were marketed as a toy that could combine robotics and personality, with the creepy sugar glider-like creature outfitted with sensors for touch, sound, and motion, even able to “speak” on its own using a language called Furbish.

Despite their massive, dead eyes and overall eerie look, these toys somehow rose to popularity in the late 1990s, selling over 40 million units worldwide within the first three years of launch. Unsurprisingly, due to their ability to react to sounds, Furbies even sparked the Spy Toy Controversy, where the National Security Agency (NSA) banned the toy from its offices, fearing that they could record conversations, with the incident becoming a well-known example of the early tech panic surrounding smart toys.

By the early 2000s, interest in Furbies had declined, although the franchise did inspire a multitude of memes and horror stories online due to their eerie ability to react to their surroundings. In recent years, the brand has seen many reboots, often incorporating increasingly complex technologies like LCD eyes, which thankfully made them less creepy, and the ability to control them via smartphones, but in all, this is one toy brand that should just be left in the past, or a landfill, either is fine.

Heelys

Manufacturer: Heelys Inc.
First release: 2000

What if you could walk… but faster? Those who grew up in the early 2000s would surely recognise these wheeled shoes that, while technically not a toy, became a cultural icon among kids and teens by enabling them to effortlessly slide along the ground, undoubtedly looking really cool while doing so.

It was this very “cool factor” that propelled the shoes to global popularity, as kids no longer needed to buy bulky skateboards to perform tricks and show off to their friends, with Heelys becoming a must-have holiday gift by 2007. This craze didn’t last, however, as safety concerns started to be raised by the late 2000s, with some malls, schools and even airports banning the products due to the risks they came with, and sales started to decline. 

By 2012, hype faded significantly, with the shoes only maintaining relevance today due to their nostalgic appeal.

Mighty Beanz

Manufacturer: Moose Toys
First release: 2002

Who knew that tiny little bean-shaped toys could cause such a global phenomenon, but that was exactly what Moose Toys achieved with the Mighty Beanz, which spread like wildfire when they were launched in 2002. Each “Bean” was fitted with a weighted metal ball within, allowing them to wobble, roll and flip in unpredictable ways, with each also designed with a cartoonish and often humorous depiction of anything from animals to iconic Marvel characters or even famous people like Steve Irwin or Elvis Presley.

In addition to releasing five main series of Beanz, Moose Toys also launched a selection of rare, limited-edition Beanz like Albino Bean or Medusa Bean. Since the Beanz were sold in blind packs, it quickly surged in popularity as collectors rushed to snag up precious rare variants, fueling the collecting craze between 2003 to 2005.

Over the years that followed, Moose Toys tried to keep the momentum going by introducing modern revivals of the franchise, with the latest being in 2019, but could never quite reach the heights of its initial success.

Crush Gear

Manufacturer: Bandai
First release: 2001

Who doesn’t love ramming toy cars into one another? Crush Gear, a toy line manufactured by Bandai, leveraged this very concept, comprised of spinning motorised battle vehicles named Gears that could be customised with drills, blades, armour and other weaponry to ram into opponents within an arena.

A staple of early 2000s anime toy culture, particularly in Southeast Asia, Crush Gear rose to fame in the model-building community for its more visceral battle mechanics compared to other similar toys of the time, like Beyblade or Tamiya car racing. The toy even spawned two anime adaptations, Crush Gear Turbo (2001) and Crush Gear Nitro (2003).

By the mid-2000s, the franchise faded as toy sales began to decline, although it has still managed to retain a loyal but niche following in some regions, particularly in Indonesia, where tournaments are still held. 

Bakugan

Manufacturer: Spin Master
First release: 2006

Ask any kid who grew up playing trading card games like Pokémon or Yu-Gi-Oh! what was one thing they wished the game would provide, and chances are, they’ll tell you it’s the ability for the monsters to somehow come to life when they play like the anime, instead of having to use their imaginations. This was exactly what made Spin Master’s Bakugan toyline so intriguing to begin with, as it provided this very prospect.

Based on the Bakugan Battle Brawlers anime series by TMS Entertainment, the toy line featured ball-shaped figurines alongside metal trading cards, and what made them so special where the figures’ ability to transform from a ball into monsters using magnets, with players needing to roll the balls on the cards for the magnet to activate, essentially bringing the beast on the cards to life.

Between 2006 to 2013, these little transforming balls were all the rage, with the franchise even undergoing two relaunches in 2015 and 2023 to shake up its line-up, introducing gimmicks along the way like larger, more complex figures and even some that combined to form a giant beast, but it seems efforts were all in vain, as the series was officially cancelled in 2024.

Tamagotchi

Manufacturer: Bandai
First release: 1996

Less a toy and more of a digital pet that owners cultivate as a simulation, a Tamagotchi is a small egg-shaped handheld video game with three buttons, and the goal is to raise the pet as it goes through different life stages. Owners could clean, feed and play with their Tamagotchi using the buttons, and these actions would determine the growth of the creature that they could name.

The name itself is a portmanteau of the Japanese word (たまご) tamago, which means ‘egg’, and (ウオッチ) uotchi or ‘watch’, as the original product was worn on the wrist, like a watch. Bandai never imagined that the product, originally targeted to females, would catch on, and it even led to the introduction of the Digital Monster, a male counterpart that could do battle and was targeted at boys. This ultimately led to the creation of the Digimon media franchise.

The fad led to many clones, and its popularity waned in 1998. Bandai revived the toy line in 2004, and while it continues to have a fanbase, it never retained the cultural impact it achieved at the beginning.

Fidget Spinners

Manufacturer: Multiple
First release: 2014

This one needs no introduction, as these three-pronged spinning toys rose to viral fame not too long ago in 2017. Tracing its roots back to the 1990s, the toy first began as an invention by Catherine Hettinger for her daughter to cope with ADHD, although her design looked rather different from the fidget spinners we know today, featuring a lightweight disc with looks reminiscent of a UFO that could be spun around a finger.

In late 2016, manufacturers began producing three-pronged fidget spinners made with ball bearings that allowed them to spin smoothly, marketed as a stress-relieving toy or a focus aid for people with ADHD or anxiety. By mid-2017, the spinners were literally everywhere, becoming a social media phenomenon and even giving rise to controversy, as schools started to ban them due to the toys causing distraction instead of aiding focus, with some experts even questioning the claims that they helped with ADHD or anxiety.

The fidget spinner craze would decline as sharply as it peaked by the end of 2017, although it still remains a symbol of 2010s pop culture, and inspired a broader range of fidget toys like fidget cubes or sensory rings, which some still use today as part of stress management.

Bonus: Pet Rock

Manufacturer: Gary Dahl
First release: 1975

As perhaps the most well-known example of fad products, the idea of pet rocks was created in 1975 by Gary Dahl after he realised that a joke he made to his friends about a rock being the perfect low-maintenance pet actually had potential. After sourcing smooth rocks from a supply yard in Mexico, Dahl launched the product that same year, which instantly became a massive hit due to its novelty.

The genius of pet rocks wasn’t the product itself, but rather how they came packaged, each including a cardboard “pet carrier” box with holes, a “nest” made of straw, and even a 32-page “training manual” filled with deadpan humour, like teaching your rock how to sit, stay or play dead. Fueled by media coverage and its understandably cheap price, the fad skyrocketed from late 1975 to early 1976, where Dahl reportedly earned over US$1 million within a matter of months. 

Like any fad, pet rocks would completely disappear by early 1976 as the novelty wore off, but remain one of the world’s most successful joke products and are still used as case studies in marketing classes today, proving that it’s not what you are selling that is important, but how you sell them.

Kevin Low

Kevin is a reformed PC Master Race gamer with a penchant for franchise “duds” like Darksiders III and Dead Space 3. He has made it his life-long mission to play every single major game release – lest his wallet dies trying.

The post 11 Sensational Toy Crazes That Quickly (And Mostly) Faded Into Obscurity appeared first on Geek Culture.

The festive season is all about celebrating with the people who matter, and Suntec City is embracing the spirit of the festive period with an attraction of its own – Pokémon-themed installations, experiences, and activities from now until 28 December at Suntec City Atrium (Tower 1 & 2), to embrace the holiday joy in its own style.

Instead of the usual festive decorations, the vast offerings make it ideal for different visitor types, from longtime franchise fans to those simply looking to soak up the experience, and even visitors in Singapore, to create new memories together with their loved ones. For aspiring Trainers, the Holiday Cabin is a fun, mixed reality interactive experience that invites them to step into the shoes of a true Pokémon Trainer – by pitting them in a thrilling race against time. Groups of 15 players must uncover beloved Pokémon like Pikachu, Snorlax, and Eevee. Suntec+ App members will enjoy the perk of free entry, but non-members don’t need to fret, for registration is quick and comes at no extra cost.

Swinging by the Dance Patio on a weekend opens up the opportunity to catch the trio in the flesh at 5pm, as they rotate through a meet-and-greet lineup that also includes the Generation 9 starters of Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly. On 15 and 22 November, and 13 and 20 December at 3pm, high-energy dance performances by Pikachu and friends are set to light up the space, with inflatable installations of Tepig, Chikorita, and Totodile (the starter trio of Pokémon Legends: Z-A, the newest game in the series) situated here on other days for photo-taking moments.

Pokémon encounters are only part of the training life, however. After all, it’s through exploring uncharted territory that new bonds and experiences are forged, with this spirit of discovery translating to the New Trainer Journey initiative, available to Pokémon Trading Card Game (Pokémon TCG) newcomers. Located at the Trading Card Game Zone, it serves as the first step into the world of the highly popular Pokémon TCG, where beginners are assigned a same-day slot for their training session after registering for and collecting their physical tickets. A fair word of warning – slots will be limited daily from 22 November, so be sure to act fast!

Upon completing the 30-minute playthrough, each participant will receive a starter kit comprising a deck case, a deck shield, a demo deck of 30 cards, a playmat flyer, and a voucher. As for seasoned players, get ready to face the heat as the space transforms into a gathering ground for casual battles, so remember to bring along your strongest deck, or put the other ones to the test.

Marking a departure from turn-based tradition, Pokémon Legends: Z-A features full real-time combat that fans can get a taste of in a trial experience on the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2. These tryouts, open to all visitors, follow the same dates as the Trading Card Game Zone, serving as a two-in-one invitation to participate in some hands-on fun and embark on a new journey this season.

The thrills don’t stop there, as Pokémon Go players get their blood pumping further by taking on the Gym with their strongest team, or join forces to participate in Raid Battles to gain experience points (XP). Rewards aren’t just reserved for the battle-hungry, though – those who stop by Event PokéStops scattered around Suntec City or complete Timed Research tasks will walk away with rewards ranging from more XP to higher chance encounters with the starter trio of Pokémon Legends: Z-A.

Back at the Atrium, daily fun puzzles based on “Who’s That Pokémon?” will also be unveiled on the three-metre Advent Christmas Tree from now to 25 December, inviting visitors to put their knowledge to the test and stand a chance to win a Pokémon Trading Card Game Fun Pack and S$30 Suntec City e-Voucher. Longtime fans, it’s time for you to shine!

Don’t forget to visit the retail pop-up to grab some Pokémon keepsakes and take home a part of the experience, with the selection ranging from trading cards to collectibles and more.

Before heading off, snap a photo or two at the other themed installations around Suntec City, including a six-metre Pikachu inflatable at the entrance of Esplanade MRT, a 12-metre Christmas tree and snowfall show at Suntec Plaza, and Pokémon-themed photo zones featuring festive AR filters on the first and second floors of the mall.

And just like how the holiday joy is spread throughout the mall, there will be no shortage of festive shopping excitement. Whether it’s for yourself or others, spending is its own reward, with different tiers offering delightful redemptions that include a Holiday Edition Pokémon Gift Bag Set and Holiday Edition Pokémon Rug, Suntec City e-Vouchers, and more, as detailed below (limited to one single same-day receipt):

• Minimum spending of S$60
  • Holiday Edition Pokémon Gift Bag Set (2-pc)
  • S$3 Carpark Dollars
  • Retailer’s e-Voucher
• Minimum spending of S$120
  • Additional S$5 Suntec City e-Voucher
  • Additional HSBC Cards Exclusive: S$10 Suntec City e-Voucher
• Minimum spending of S$180
  • Additional Holiday Edition Pokémon Rug (available from 1 December)
• Accumulated S$1,000 spend from now to 30 November
  • Additional S$80 Suntec City e-Voucher+

With a variety of digital-led and physical experiences, installations, and charming merchandise in store, Suntec City looks set to make this a special November and December to remember. The Pokémon cheer will make franchise veterans and casual enthusiasts feel right at home, but everyone else can take comfort in a sense of warmth and joy, as new memories are forged with their loved ones. Be sure to check out Suntec City’s Catch the Holiday Magic website for the full lowdown on all the fun-filled activities and special rewards from now till 28 December!

Si Jia

Si Jia is a casual geek at heart – or as casual as someone with Sephiroth’s theme on her Spotify playlist can get. A fan of movies, games, and Japanese culture, Si Jia’s greatest weakness is the Steam Summer Sale. Or any Steam sale, really.

The post Catch The Holiday Magic & Spread Pokémon Joy At Suntec City Singapore This November appeared first on Geek Culture.

Blokees have fully boarded the Studio Khara train, as following the release of its debut Neon Genesis Evangelion model kit, the EVA-01, the Chinese hobby company has brought two more of the 1995 anime’s mechs into the fold with the release of the EVA-00 and EVA-02 Action Edition.

Set in a similar scale to the EVA-01, the two new model kits come with a host of character-specific accessories, with the EVA-00 even featuring a much larger box due to its massive shield (more on that below). Both units promise the same impressive levels of articulation Blokees fans have come to expect, and mark a promising continuation of what hopefully would become a full line-up of all the Evangelion mechs, and most importantly, their pilots too.

In terms of runner count, the EVA-00 clocks a total of 33 runners and six bags of additional loose parts, plus an additional massive effect piece to complement the mechs’ equally impressive Enchanted Shield of Virtue (ESV Shield), which is even taller than the unit itself. The EVA-02, on the other hand, comes in 32 runners and five bags of loose parts, with its headliner accessory being the GB-012 Thunder Spear rifle, which even includes a neat gimmick where it can be transformed to seamlessly stow its attached bayonet. Check out how all the pieces come together in the video above, which covers the unboxing, building process, and impressions for both kits.

The Blokees EVA-00 Action Edition is now available via online retailers at prices starting from US$49.99, while the EVA-02 Action Edition costs US$39.99.

Kevin Low

Kevin is a reformed PC Master Race gamer with a penchant for franchise “duds” like Darksiders III and Dead Space 3. He has made it his life-long mission to play every single major game release – lest his wallet dies trying.

The post Blokees Neon Genesis Evangelion EVA-00 & 02 Action Edition – Unboxing & Building appeared first on Geek Culture.

Funko, the collectables giant behind the iconic Pop vinyl figurines, has found itself in dire straits amid a sharp decline in sales, with the company warning that it might not last another year.

As reported by Dexerto, Funko’s latest financial filing indicated net sales of US$250.9 million for the third quarter of 2025, which is down 14 per cent from the same period last year, with a recorded net loss of around US$1 million. Additionally, according to industry tracker ICv2, the company’s US sales plummeted by 20 per cent, accounting to most of its overall revenue drop.

In addition, the company reported that it has suffered a net loss of US68.1 million over the last nine months “due to the decrease in net sales outpacing the decrease in operating expenses”, which further adds to its already piling US$215 million debt.

Amid what Funko describes as a “difficult retail environment”, the company cited a drop in demand alongside rising tariffs and tighter retailer inventories that led to its current predicament. The company also admitted that its future is currently uncertain, adding that there is “substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern for the next 12 months.”

To address this decline, Funko reports that it will focus on its other product lines, such as Bitty Pops, its Pop Yourself kioks, or its various blind-box collectable ranges, adding that it is also “exploring strategic alternatives” such as a potential sale of the company.

Despite this, CEO Josh Simon remains optimistic about Funko’s future, stating that its “already clear how powerful the Funko brand is and how much growth opportunity lies ahead”, although the numbers don’t lie, and things aren’t looking good for the company, so it remains to be seen how long it can last before its iconic vacant-eyed vinyls are pulled from shelves for good.

Kevin Low

Kevin is a reformed PC Master Race gamer with a penchant for franchise “duds” like Darksiders III and Dead Space 3. He has made it his life-long mission to play every single major game release – lest his wallet dies trying.

The post Funko Warns Of Imminent Collapse As Sales Plummet appeared first on Geek Culture.

This November, LEGO will boldly go where no man has gone before… with a 3,600-piece set that comes with 9 minifigures. The LEGO 10356 Star Trek U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-D will measure in at 60 cm long and 27 cm tall when mounted on the display stand. The highly detailed replica of Starfleet’s legendary flagship comes with a detachable command saucer, secondary hull, warp nacelles with distinctive red and blue detailing, an opening shuttlebay, 2 mini shuttlepods and an angled display stand with a schematic and ship statistics.

There are 9 minifigures that come with the set, complete with themed accessories and a minifigure-display tile with Star Trek: The Next Generation branding. Characters include Captain Jean-Luc Picard, Commander William Riker, Lieutenant Worf, Lieutenant Commander Data, Dr. Beverly Crusher, Lieutenant Commander La Forge, Counselor Deanna Troi, Bartender Guinan and Wesley Crusher. Accessories include a teacup, trombone with a stand, a phaser, tricorder, engineering case, PADD, bottle, portable tractor beam generator and a cat figure.

Star Trek fans will definitely want to score the 261-piece Gift-With-Purchase Type-15 Shuttlepod (40768) as well. The exterior details include the vehicle name, Onizuka, and the interior features a depiction of an LCARS system display with the Stardate 45076.3 and a schematic of a Romulan spacecraft. This set also includes an Ensign Ro Laren minifigure.

The LEGO 10356 Star Trek U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-D starts shipping on 28 November 2025 and retails for US$399.99 (S$559.90).

Yonk

Yonk is a geek who is fortunate enough to have an equally geeky Star Wars fan for a wife, who owns a LEGO Millennium Falcon encased in a glass coffee table as their home’s centre-piece.

The post LEGO 10356 Star Trek U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-D Warps In This Nov appeared first on Geek Culture.

One can never have enough DeLorean time machines. A LEGO Speed Champions Time Machine from Back to the Future (77256) model car kit is coming on 1st January 2026. The 357-piece playset features the iconic DeLorean measuring over 10 cm high, 17 cm long and 7 cm wide.

It will be the third BTTF DeLorean since the first release way back in 2013, when the 401-piece LEGO Cuusoo 21103 set was released, and this was followed by the 1,872-piece LEGO Icons 10300 set released in 2022.

This time, the iconic car comes with a lightning rod and California license plate from the first movie. It can be rebuilt it into its flying version from the second movie with Mr. Fusion, an orange barcode license plate and sideways wheels. Both versions have rear air vents, a cockpit, the flux capacitor and time calculator. The set comes with two minifigures: Doc Brown and Marty McFly.

The LEGO Speed Champions Time Machine from Back to the Future will ship on 1 January 2025 and pre-orders are already up on Amazon now at US$27.99.

Yonk

Yonk is a geek who is fortunate enough to have an equally geeky Star Wars fan for a wife, who owns a LEGO Millennium Falcon encased in a glass coffee table as their home’s centre-piece.

The post Great Scott! LEGO Speed Champions Back to the Future DeLorean 77256 Is Coming Jan 2026 appeared first on Geek Culture.

In a marvelous team-up crossing genres and game formats, Hasbro’s Marvel Legends has taken a huge swing with Magic: The Gathering (MTG), to introduce one of the world’s biggest collectible tabletop card game to an army of toy collectors and fans, by packing limited edition MTG cards from the upcoming Magic: The Gathering | Marvel’s Spider-Man with four Marvel Legends Marvel’s Spider-Man Figures.

The first wave of figures that embrace storytelling and play with a series of exclusive promo cards comprises Battle-Damaged Spider-Man, Mary Jane Watson (Iron Spider), Anti-Venom, and Man-Wolf. Packed with each of these Marvel Legends Figures is a traditional foil borderless Magic: The Gathering promo card that has artwork that matches the design of the Marvel Legends Figure.

In what comes as a surprise though, the cards and the figures show an intimate look at the legacy of Spider-Man, as each has its own unique history and legacy in the Web Crawler’s vast history, meaning collectors would want this series in their collection, and MTG players will want these cards to power their decks.

Marvel Legends Series Magic: The Gathering Battle-Damaged Spider-Man

Peter Parker has weathered many tough encounters, but he has always come back up, and while there have been numerous figures that show the battle-weary wall -rawler, this Spider-Man figure offers a new take, with a 1960s-styled face mask to match the character’s battle-damaged appearance in the comics.

The figure comes with over 20 points of articulation and seven accessories – an unmasked head sculpt, two ‘thwip’ web-shooting hands, two wall-crawling hands, web line, and web shield.

The exclusive foil Magic: The Gathering | Marvel’s Spider-Man card, “Spectacular Spider-Man”, can web-swing past your enemies or sacrifice himself for the greater good of the team.

Marvel Legends Series Magic: The Gathering Mary Jane Watson (Iron Spider)

Just as how Tony Stark was the reason Peter Parker donned the Iron Spider costume, it’s also the reason why Spidey’s one time-wife, Mary Jane Watson, wore the costume. After the Superhuman Registration Act was abolished, Stark recruited MJ to be his assistant.

When a villain overpowered both Spider-Man and Iron Man, MJ swung… wait, more like jumped, since she doesn’t have super agility, into action with the Iron Spider suit in THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN (2017) #15. It’s a one-time adventure, with an amazing cover art by the legendary Alex Rosee, and this variant is, in our opinion, the main draw of this set.

The figure comes with over 20 points of articulation and seven accessories – an alternate masked head sculpt, two ‘thwip’ web-shooting hands, and four articulated Iron Spider legs.

The exclusive foil Magic: The Gathering | Marvel’s Spider-Man card, “Iron Spider, Stark Upgrade”, improves your artifact army with +1/+1 counters and then converts those counters into resources to draw a card.

Marvel Legends Series Magic: The Gathering Agent Anti-Venom

A one-time bully turned ally, Peter Parker’s friend, Flash Thompson, continues his war against the alien symbiote with this Agent Anti-Venom figure inspired by the character’s appearance in Marvel’s Spider-Man comics. After losing his legs in a car accident, he bonded with the black Venom symbiote to become Agent Venom, before losing it and then bonding with a new symbiote to become a color-inverted version of his Agent Venom form, now as white Agent Anti-Venom.

The figure comes with over 20 points of articulation and 14 accessories – 4 alternate hands, 2 blast effects, 2 smoke effects, anti-venom tendrils, and an arsenal of weapon accessories.

The exclusive foil Magic: The Gathering | Marvel’s Spider-Man card “Anti-Venom, Horrifying Healer” can bring one of your creatures back to the battlefield. Anti-Venom gets stronger the more you damage him.

Marvel Legends Series Magic: The Gathering Man-Wolf

In the Spider-Man mythos, Spider-Man’s greatest critic is none other than The Daily Bugle’s gruff publisher J. Jonah Jameson, but few know that his son, astronaut John Jonah Jameson III, is Peter Parker’s friend.

His discovery of the mystical Godstone, an other-dimensional ruby on the moon turned him into the Man-Wolf and the figure comes with over 20 points of articulation and six accessories – two alternate hands, the sacred sword of Stargod, a bow, a loose arrow, and a quiver of arrows. 

The exclusive foil Magic: The Gathering | Marvel’s Spider-Man double-sided card, “Colonel John Jameson (Hunter of the Fells)“ and “Man-Wolf (Ravager of the Fells)”, lets you enter the battlefield bringing a 2/2 wolf friend with you. Complete the transformation to Man-Wolf, grow stronger, and deal damage.

The Marvel Legends Magic: The Gathering Figures are available now in Singapore at The Falcon’s Hangar, Robo Robo and Toys “R” Us, and in Malaysia at MYTOY and 1TOY.

Learn to Play Magic: The Gathering on 11 & 12 Oct!

If you’re in Singapore, Toys “R” Us VivoCity and The Falcon’s Hangar will be having “Learn to Play Magic: The Gathering” sessions from 1 to 5 pm (hourly slots) on 11 October (Sat) and 12 October (Sun) respectively. It is free for all to attend, but online registration is required. Registration closes on 6 October 2025.

• Toys “R” Us VivoCity – 1 HarbourFront Walk, #02 -182, Singapore 098585
• The Falcon’s Hangar – 261 Waterloo St, #01-27, Singapore 180261

ENTER NOW TO WIN

Thanks to Hasbro Singapore, we are giving away one of each Marvel Legends Magic: The Gathering figure (worth S$79.90 each) as seen above, to 4 lucky fans! For a chance to win yourself the figure of your choice, simply complete these steps: 

1. SHARE THIS POST and TAG a friend or more** you would like to share your love of Marvel and Magic: The Gathering with.
2. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM and/or TELEGRAM**.
3. Fill in the form below.

Give us a LIKE below if you haven’t done so yet, so you won’t miss out on future similar giveaways!

The giveaway is open to all residents of Singapore. The giveaway closes on 12 October 2025 @23:59hrs (GMT+8). 4 lucky winners will be picked at random and contacted via email by 14 October 2025. Good luck!

**These steps are entirely optional, but we greatly appreciate it if you choose to show some support to Geek Culture by sharing and tagging the post so that we may be able to bring more giveaways to you all in the future!

Yonk

Yonk is a geek who is fortunate enough to have an equally geeky Star Wars fan for a wife, who owns a LEGO Millennium Falcon encased in a glass coffee table as their home’s centre-piece.

The post These Hasbro’s Marvel Legends Figures Come Bundled With Exclusive Magic: The Gathering Foil Cards + Giveaway! appeared first on Geek Culture.

In the epic world of Transformers, the icons of the massive toy, movie and tv franchise continue to hold a place among the hearts of fans and when it comes to the iconic Combiners, and there is so much more than meets the eye as the first two gestalts to make their debut continue to stand out among collectors.

In its 41 year history, there have been a special select handful of Cybertonians with a special constitution, where two robots can form up and turn into another, more powerful robot (Remember Dreadwing?), or have a form that can be split into smaller individuals (Reflector anyone?), but the Combiners are in a league of their own, as each series of combiners, from Devastator, Superion, Computron, Menasor, Predaking, and more, follow a theme unique to their separated or combined form. 

A group of high-speed vehicles and a trailer truck, known as the Stunticons, unite to form Menasor; five emergency, rescue and law enforcement robots, the Protectobots, merge to form Defensor; and the Combaticons, a group of five military themed assault vehicles, form Bruticus.

But for all a combiner’s superiority and massive popularity, the top two on that list are the Constructions and Aerialbots, aka Devastator and Superion. They were the first Decepticon and Autobots combiners to make their debut in the original Transformers G1 cartoon, and have been bestowed a title of royalty among fans, and in 2025, Hasbro has opted to release both collection of toys in the most screen-accurate versions possible, with the Transformers Studio Series Devastator, and Transformers Age of the Primes Superion.

Why the different brand types? The Studio Series is a toyline based on the films and video games, which includes the franchise’s first animated film, 1986’s The Transformers: The Movie. While Superion is also part of the original animated series that the film follows, the Aerialbots did not appear in the film. Meanwhile, Devastator was part of the Decepticons force that attacked Autobot City at the start of the film.

Regardless of brand labels, Hasbro is delivering on two screen-accurate Combiners at the same time. As fans know, it was only in recent years that toy designers could accurately match the toys to what audiences saw on screens. Add in the need for articulation of the figures, which is already challenging in itself, and both these versions also offer a greater articulation of the combined super robots. With screen accuracy thrown into the mix, both these combiners are getting fans extremely excited.

6 Constructicons to Form Devastator

When it comes to the Constructicons, the first Combiner is the gold standard for those to come, not only because it set up expectations but also because Devastator comprises six Cybertronians, instead of the usual five that most combiners have. This also makes the Studio Series Devastator one of the best and most highly articulated and accurate combiners ever designed.

Devastator is made up for two Deluxe Class figures – Bonecrusher and Scavenger, released in April and August 2025 respectively, and four remaining Voyager class figures – Scrapper (April 2025), Long Haul and Hook together in one box, alongside the spare components required to form Devastator, was released in July 2025, and Mixmaster (August 2025). Hook and Long Haul actually combine together to form Devastator’s torso and the upper portions of its legs.

When fully merged, it’s clear that Hasbro has gone in for the kill with this highly posable and well-designed combiner. For collectors, Devastator has greater mobility and posability, with 360-degree shoulder swivel, waist swivel, and even elbow and thigh swivel.

His arms and legs also have greater mobility, with simple effective additions, including articulated fingers, as well as legs that can spread, allowing for greater stability, to the point where even his ankles can also tilt inwards, for Devastator to rock any pose possible in your display cabinet.

5 Aerialbots to Form Superion

For the heroic Superion, Commander Class Silverbolt (released in May 2025) is surrounded by Deluxe Class Air Raid and Slingshot, which were released in April 2025, and by the upcoming Deluxe Class Firefight and Skydive, releasing in October 2025.

What’s slightly different is that screen accuracy takes precedence here, so Superion looks more like his TV counterpart compared to his previous toy versions, where the planes making up and arm and legs appear more on the back than the front. Superion does have 360-degree shoulder swivel, as well as a head that can look up and down, as well as swivel. He also has some movement for the wait, as well as thigh swivel and a really generous ankle pivot, for maximum posability.

Collect 3 More Metal Character Magnets

Hasbro Singapore and Malaysia are also in the middle of a limited-quantity Gift-With-Purchase (GWP) program as part of the Age of the Primes rollout, available exclusively through select retailers. Every spend of S$120 (Singapore) / RM400 (Malaysia) or more on Transformers: Age of the Primes products in a single receipt will entitle you to receive a random Metal Character Magnet. Five have been released, with three new characters released this month, comprising of Alpha Trion, Micronus Prime and Onyx Prime.

This leaves five more exclusive pins for fans to collect through 2026, to fill up the special Magnetic Showcase Frame. Simply spend S$300 / RM800 or more on Transformers: Age of the Primes products in a single receipt to redeem this exclusive magnetic frame.

More Of the Latest Age of the Pimes Releases

Apart from collecting the Constructicons and Aerialbots, don’t forget to check out some of the other latest Age of the Primes lineup from Hasbro, including:

• Age of the Primes Alchemist Prime – This 5.5-inch Deluxe Class figure converts from Robot to Cybertronian Armored Car mode in 17 steps.
• Age of the Primes Micronus Prime – This 5.5-inch Deluxe Class figure converts from Robot to Motorcycle mode in 29 steps.
• Age of the Primes Heatwave – This 7-inch Deluxe Class figure converts from Robot to Fire Truck mode in 29 steps.
• Age of the Primes Sky-Byte – This 7-inch Voyager Class figure converts from Robot to Shark mode in 28 steps.
• Age of the Primes Crasher – This 5.5-inch Deluxe Class figure converts from Robot to Sports Car mode in 18 steps.
• Age of the Primes Venin – This 5.5-inch Deluxe Class figure converts from Robot to Winged Cicada mode in 17 steps.
• Age of the Primes Combaticon Vortex (Yes, the first of 5 figures to combine and form Bruticus!) – This 5.5-inch Deluxe Class figure converts from Robot to Helicopter mode in 19 steps.

That’s right – Bruticus is coming, and will be a perfect fit alongside Devastator and Superion.

More Of The Latest Studio Series Releases

To round up the rest of the latest Studio Series releases in recent months, we have Thundercracker from the video game Transformers: War for Cybertron, Megatron and Grimlock + Wheelie from Transformers: The Movie, and KSI Widow, which was a concept art for Michael Bay’s Transformers: Age of Extinction.

Here’s more on the lineup of Studio Series figures:

• Studio Series The Transformers: The Movie Megatron – This 8.5-inch Leader Class figure converts between Robot and Tank mode in 54 steps.
• Studio Series The Transformers: The Movie Dinobot Grimlock and Autobot Wheelie – This 8.5-inch Leader Class figure converts between Robot and Dino mode in 24 steps.
• Studio Series Voyager Class Transformers: War for Cybertron Thundercracker – This 6.5-inch Voyager Class figure converts between Robot and Cybertronian Tetra Jet Mode in 29 steps.
• Studio Series Transformers: Age of Extinction Deluxe Class Concept Art KSI Widow – This 4.5-inch Deluxe Class figure converts between Robot and McLaren MP4-12C Car Mode in 17 steps.

All the above Transformers figures are available now in Singapore (The Falcon’s Hangar and Robo Robo) and Malaysia (MYTOY and 1TOY), except for Aerialbots Firefight and Skydive, which will only be in stores from 1 October onwards

Destro

When it comes to providing the right hardware at the right price, Destro is the man of the hour. Just don’t count of him keeping his deals exclusive to just one party. If you have coin, Destro has the wares.

The post Collect, Combine & Merge To Form Hasbro’s Transformers Age of the Primes Superion & Studio Series Devastator! appeared first on Geek Culture.

Seeing how LEGO has been pushing out quite a number of nostalgia-fueled retro gaming consoles in recent years, such as the Nintendo Entertainment System and Atar 2600, and with the LEGO 72046 Nintendo Game Boy Set coming on 1 October, it was only a matter of time before SEGA joined the party. But instead of a Sega Genesis (Mega Drive) console set, it looks like we’ll be getting a LEGO 40769 SEGA Genesis / Mega Drive Controller first.

The 260-piece retro gaming controller set features a microscale “Green Hill Zone” scene from Sonic the Hedgehog on the inside, offering two ways to display the set, on a display stand. The set also includes regional stickers for fans to customise the controller as “SEGA Genesis” (for US) or “SEGA Mega Drive” (for rest of the world). We’re betting on a SEGA Genesis / Mega Drive console set release to follow shortly, mark our words.

The LEGO 40769 SEGA Genesis / Mega Drive Controller will be available from 8 to 27 September as a Gift-With-Purchase with a minimum spend of S$190 on LEGO sets purchased at LEGO Certified Stores in Singapore.

Yonk

Yonk is a geek who is fortunate enough to have an equally geeky Star Wars fan for a wife, who owns a LEGO Millennium Falcon encased in a glass coffee table as their home’s centre-piece.

The post LEGO 40769 SEGA Genesis / Mega Drive Controller With ‘Sonic the Hedgehog’ Easter Egg Is Coming This Sep appeared first on Geek Culture.

The toy reissue from the classic 80s cartoon, M.A.S.K., from The Loyal Subjects earlier this year has proven to be elusive, as the speciality toy maker has not made the first wave of collectables available for general availability, but that’s about to change as the entire collection is now available for pre-order at US online retailer, Amazon.

Revealed in March, the new M.A.S.K. toy line is inspired by the iconic 1985 cartoon and toy series, and released to mark the franchise’s 40th anniversary. Working with Hasbro, the wave of four toys by toy speciality company The Loyal Subjects was released on 1 July, and it is now expanding internationally on 2 September.

Known as the Mobile Armor Strike Kommand, the first release in the line is the M.A.S.K. Mobile Defense Unit aka Rhino. The iconic big rig truck is equipped with a mobile command center that includes a missile launcher, and comes with action figures of Matt Trakker and Bruce Sato.

Next is the M.A.S.K. Thunderhawk, driven by M.A.S.K. leader, Matt Tracker, followed by M.A.S.K. Condor, the motorcycle turned mini-copter piloted by Brad Turner, and finally,  M.A.S.K. High Tech Helicopter aka Switchblade, piloted by the leader of Venom, Miles “Wolf” Mayhem.

Retail prices for the four models on Amazon matches those in other stores, at US$129.99 for Mobile Defense Unit aka Rhino, US$64.99 for Thunderhawk, US$39.99 for Condor, and US$99.99 for High Tech Helicopter aka Switchblade.

Alas, only these four SKUs are currently listed, and not the limited edition 40th Anniversary editions that come in black and gold colours, or the special edition M.A.S.K. Mobile Defense Unit that comes with Matt Tracker, Bruce Sato, Scott Tracker, & T-Bob action figures.

While the toys, including the packaging, look identical to the original toys from four decades ago, the new wave offer upgraded sculpting and greater functionality, while the action figures have more joints, wider posability and articulation. To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the franchise, additional play and display elements have also been added, including foot pegs on the vehicles and the inclusion of blast effects.

For those of us who missed the original release, these new versions from The Loyal Subjects are a great way to revisit nostalgia, and in case you’re feeling old, we went through the records to determine how much these four would cost when they were originally released back in 1985.

The Thunderhawk toy retailed at US$13.99 (US$42 adjusted for inflation), while Condor retailed at US$5.99 (US$18 adjusted), and Switchblade at US$19.99 (US$60 adjusted). Meanwhile, the largest of the lot, Rhino, retailed at US$32.99 (US$99 adjusted). That means you’re paying more than twice as much for Condor, and 50 per cent more Thunderhawk and Switchblade, and 30 per cent more for Rhino.

But the chances that those toys are still pristine in this day and age is slim. Plus the new reissues have greater play value, so that higher price you might be paying is just an illusion.

And that is the ultimate weapon.

HSALS

Hsals needs more space in his house, and more money in his bank account to pay for all the toys, collectibles and other geek related items that companies are churning out. Free-time? Girlfriend? Who’s got time for those?

The post M.A.S.K. Toys From The Loyal Subjects Now Available On Amazon appeared first on Geek Culture.

Chinese model kit and action figure company Blokees has been on a roll lately, expanding its long-running Transformers and Marvel figure lines with kits of famous icons like the EVA-01 from Neon Genesis Evangelion and, most recently, Vocaloid sensation Hatsune Miku in its newest Fantastics Series lineup, the latter of which has also received its latest addition, the Sakura Miku variant.

Built in the same scale as the Hatsune Miku Official Outfit Fantastics Series kit, Sakura Miku comes decked out in her pink module, with sakura flowers adorning her tie, her bangs and twin ponytails. In terms of accessories, the kit comes with 12 interchangeable hands, three printed face plates, three blank face plates for water slides, a picnic basket, plates and food, including Onigiri, Dango and a sandwich, smartphones, a camera, and the kit’s main showpiece, a cherry blossom branch that Miku can sit on.

Compared to its predecessor, Sakura Miku does feature way more accessories to go along with the base model, although, except for the branches, they are much smaller than those seen in the Original Outfit variant, like the keyboard, guitar and mic stand. Overall, the figure is a fantastic (no pun intended) addition to the lineup, and it will be interesting to see what Blokees comes up with next. Check out our detailed unboxing and review of the Sakura Miku in the video above.

The Blokees Fantastics Series Sakura Miku is now available via the Blokees website or other online retailers with prices starting at US$39.99.

Kevin Low

Kevin is a reformed PC Master Race gamer with a penchant for franchise “duds” like Darksiders III and Dead Space 3. He has made it his life-long mission to play every single major game release – lest his wallet dies trying.

The post Blokees Hatsune Miku Fantastics Series Sakura Miku Variant – Unboxing & Review appeared first on Geek Culture.

Potterheads, get your galleons ready! LEGO has just announced a spectacular new Harry Potter set: a sprawling 3,228-piece build of Hogsmeade Village.

Priced at US$399.99, the LEGO 76457 Hogsmeade Village Collector’s Edition Set includes seven buildings from the Wizarding World’s snow-covered village and 12 minifigures. It launches on 1 September for LEGO Insiders and on 4 September for the general public.

The set captures Hogsmeade in full winter charm, complete with snowy streets, white-topped roofs, and crooked chimneys. Seven buildings form a bustling street scene, some slim in design but rich in detail. According to the official description, you get “Honeydukes sweet shop, the Owl Post, The Three Broomsticks pub, Dervish and Banges, and Scrivenshaft’s Quill Shop, plus the first-ever LEGO builds of Zonko’s Joke Shop and the Hog’s Head pub.”

The 12 minifigures include fan-favourites Harry, Hermione, and Ron, alongside Aberforth Dumbledore, Mrs. Flume, Madam Rosmerta, Draco Malfoy, Professor McGonagall, Cornelius Fudge, and Horace Slughorn. There’s even a horse and carriage to complete the scene.

A full-colour instruction manual is included, but builders can also turn to the LEGO Builder app, which offers a fully interactive 3D guide. You can zoom, rotate, and inspect models during assembly, a welcome upgrade for tricky sections where the 2D instructions can be unclear.

The Harry Potter LEGO line remains one of the brand’s most extensive, with new sets releasing almost monthly. Highlights include the massive modular Hogwarts Castle, assembled from multiple sets over several years and counting. September will also bring the 2025 LEGO Advent Calendars, with the Harry Potter edition already available for preorder.

LEGO is rolling out the Hogsmeade Village set in two phases. On 1 September, LEGO Insiders will have exclusive early access. Membership is free, with perks including early purchasing windows, special promotions, and a reward points system for discounts and freebies. On 4 September, the set will be available to everyone.

From the snowy streets of Honeydukes to the mischief of Zonko’s, this is one Harry Potter LEGO set that promises to be pure magic and a showstopper for any display shelf.

Ting Wei

Conversation with Ting Wei is like chatting with a weird AI bot programmed only with One Piece lore and theories, sitcom quotes and other miscellaneous pop culture references. When he’s not sleeping, he’s highly likely reading manga. In fact, the only thing he reads more than manga is the Bible, and it’s honestly pretty close.

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