ToyShop Magazine 1988-2008 RIP

[cjefferys]

I remember first finding a copy back in 1990 or 91. I was floored. That was where I first saw Megos selling for hundreds of dollars each, I couldn't believe it. I was a faithful reader up until the mid 90's, I couldn't wait until the new issue came out. Even if I didn't buy (or sell) anything, it was fun just browsing. The internet really ended that era of collecting.

[MegoSteve]

I remember getting the first issues at the newsstand where I worked... I'd stand there behind the counter looking for bargains. I still have a gorgeous Captain America I bought from the classified ads for $15.

I wish I would have bought one of those $30 MOC Super Powers Cyborgs back then, too, but $30 for an action figure was crazy back then.

[megoat]

I used to take out ads in Toy Shop back in the mid 90's. For around 20 bucks you could get a business card sized ad. I would squeeze as many listings in it that I could. Then the calls would start pouring in, and inevitably dudes that make the Comic Book Guy from the Simpsons seem normal would be scaring my girlfriend when she answered the phone. Thank God for eBay......

[cjefferys]

I used to take out ads in Toy Shop back in the mid 90's. For around 20 bucks you could get a business card sized ad. I would squeeze as many listings in it that I could. Then the calls would start pouring in, and inevitably dudes that make the Comic Book Guy from the Simpsons seem normal would be scaring my girlfriend when she answered the phone. Thank God for eBay......

Yeah, I placed some of those ads too, they were a good deal. I remember someone who didn't know me from Adam sending me a $600 money order for a Captain Action Green Hornet outfit. (it seems like the toy collectors' community was much more trusting back then, though probably out of necessity). In some ways I'm nostalgic for those times, but lets face it, buying and selling is so much easier now.

[LadyZod]

This is a shame. I'm a long time subscriber, so I wonder how they'll deal with subscriptions. (My current subscription ends in Aug 08, long after they cease.)

[draconianguard]

I was looking at the current issue a week ago saying to myself "I can't believe this is still around." It was worth buying for a $15 yearly subscription, but not the high cover price. I remember buying Comic Buyers Guide to buy toys from the classifieds. Once Toy Shop came out, I left CBG. It used to be a great read.

[nvmbrsdoom5]

Toy Shop was the main reason I started to collect as a young adult. I'd purchased a carded Spidey from a local comic shop, which gave me the initial bug. I went back to the comic shop shortly thereafter and inquired about possibly finding more Megos, and the guy there showed me an issue of Toy Shop. I must've read every inch of that thing over the next few days. I had no idea there were so many people trading and selling vintage (and new) toys. I scored many a great deal through there, and sadly passed up on far too many good deals as well! (I still remember eyeing a carded Supergirl for around $50 listed for a couple of months in a row and stupidly passing on it each time, d'oh!)

[zorro]

Toy Shop was a major influence on my life as well. In 2000, I spoke to an Editor there to pitch my collectors book. She asked me to be a consultant for their 2000 price guide. I ended up writing a large portion of the Toy Shop's 2000 Action Figure Price Guide. Their influence helped me to continue the journey into collecting. I wish them the best.