Understanding the AFA/CGA Temporary Suspension of Loose Toy Grading
Many toy collectors love to see their favorite toys receive a high grade from services like the Action Figure Authority (AFA).
Wheeljack’s Lab Vintage Toy Blog
Follow this blog for the new, the unusual, the rare and cool Generation 1 G1 Transformers toys. Reviews, news, toy resources, galleries, unboxing, opinions and personal reflections on vintage toys.
Showing 169 – 192 of 262 posts
The Ten Most Expensive ALIEN toys
Ridley Scott awed and shocked audiences as he introduced them to the perfect predator in the science fiction horror film ALIEN.
Improving the Value of Your Collectibles: Grading and Authenticating Services
For as long as human civilization has existed, there have been those that love to gather collections. The contents of these collections have ranged from valuable trinkets to sentimental belongings.
The Ten Most Expensive Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Toys
Beginning as a cult hit in the comics scene, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles was primed to take the world by storm in the 1980s.
The Ten Most Expensive Shogun Warriors Toys
Mattel introduced the Shogun Warriors to America in 1977. Unlike most of Mattel’s catalog, the American toy maker did not develop this toy line.
Moments in Toy History: Converting Japanese Toys into the Transformers
In 1984, Hasbro created history when they introduced the Transformers action figures to the market. With a powerful story and exciting gameplay, these toys captured the hearts of children across the planet.
Moments in Toy History: Revisioning A Real American Hero, G.I. Joe
The story of G.I. Joe began in 1963 when Stanley Winston from Manhattan created his prototype for a military-themed action figure.
Moments in Toy History: How Mattel Gained the Power through He-Man
Since its founding in 1945, Mattel has been one of the most influential toy manufacturers in both the United States and the world.
What toys should not get graded by the AFA/CGA, CAS, etc?
For decades, services like the AFA (Action Figure Authority), which is a part of the CGA (Collectible Grading Authority), and the CAS (Collector’s Archives Services) have helped to preserve toys from the past.
Moments in Toy History: The Story Behind Kenner Star Wars
For most who grew up in the 1970s, there was one major event that defined the decade: the release of Star Wars and the launch of Kenner’s toy line.
Guide to Grading Toys in 2023
Have you been considering grading your toys in 2023? For many collectors, services like the CGA, the parent company of the AFA, and the CAS have provided an essential service.
Meet Up and Sell Your Toys to Wheeljack’s Lab in December 2022
Do not miss out on your chance to meet up in person and sell your toys to Wheeljack’s Lab in December 2022.
Purchase AFA/CAG/CAS Graded Toys at Wheeljack’s Lab
Are you looking to purchase AFA (Action Figure Authority), CAG (Collectible Grading Authority), or CAS (Collector’s Archive Services) graded toys and add them to your collection?
The Influence of Dune on the Star Wars Franchise
After the release of David Lynch’s Dune in 1984, audiences left the theaters confused and downtrodden. One of the best chances to see the epic of Dune on the big screen had ended in a panned flop.
The Top Ten Dune Action Figures, Vehicles, and Other Toys from LJN
When Frank Herbert published Dune in 1965, he introduced the world into his expansive science-fiction epic filled with political intrigue and mysteries.
A Brief History of the Dune Franchise: From the Books to the Movies
When it comes to science fiction universes, few creatures define their property as much as the sandworms of Arrakis.
The He-Man and Conan Connection: Exploring the Myths and Reality
Even though Conan first appeared in the 1930s, his popularity honestly blossomed during the 1960s and 1970s, when two publication houses took over the character.
The Top Ten Conan the Barbarian Collectibles and Toys
Decades after Robert E. Howard’s character Conan appeared in pulp magazines, the barbarian began to gain mass appeal.
A Look Back on Conan the Barbarian from the Comics to the Movies
When it comes to sword and sorcery tales, none have the legacy to match up to Conan the Barbarian. To many, the first taste of this ferocious fighter came from the film in the 1980s.
The Top Ten Monsters from Dungeons & Dragons
When Tactical Studies Rules (TSR) introduced Dungeons & Dragons to the public in 1974, they brought two things to the table.
The Top Ten Advanced Dungeons & Dragons Toys from LJN
When Earnest Gary Gygax and David Arneson combined forces to create the groundbreaking Dungeons & Dragons tabletop RPG game, they changed the landscape of gaming.
The Most Valuable G.I. Joe Toys
Before 1963, no company seriously considered the thought of creating dolls and action figures for boys. Instead, Mattel had a stranglehold on the hearts of consumers with only Ken representing the male presence.
Dungeons & Dragons: From the Tabletop Game to the Movies
Before the 1970s, tabletop games focused on one of three genres: family board games, traditional games like chess, and wargames.
The Monsters from the Heisei Gamera Films
Back in the 1960s, two titans duked it out in the Japanese cinema, Godzilla and Gamera. Where Godzilla began as a symbol of the frightening power of the atomic bomb, Gamera quickly appealed himself to the hearts of children.