All posts by Rick "The BEM"

Edison Giocattoli ZX-271 Super Pistola

I don’t collect or buy a lot of toys any more – I mostly have what I want – but I have developed a fondness for the sci-fi guns from Edison Giocattoli of Italy, and Sanchis of Spain. Which is unfortunate because they tend to be pricey. But I juat bought this ZX-271 off eBay for a very reasonable price and am super thrilled with it. Like some of the otherguns in the TH3 line, it fires soft bullets propelled by air. Surprising range too, considering it’s just spring activated. This particular model has a (manual) rotating barrel in front that holds four shots. But what I really love is all the detail work that goes into the guns. Easily as good, or better, than prop guns from films and TV.

Masters of the Universe Knock Offs

I found these Masters of the Universe knock off toys at a recent toy show. The seller didn’t really know anything about them either, but they are super fun, and easily as cool as any of the genuine MotU toys from back in the day. I particularly loved the battle elephant and the, um, attention to detail in the dude’s anatomy.

Do you know what this toy line was called and who made it?

The A, B, Zeees on Kickstarter


As some of you know, in addition to having a toy site, I’m a writer. While I usually do comics and novels, I tried something different recently with “The A, B, Zeees,” a zombie alphabet book in the spirit of Edward Gorey’s Gashlycrumb Tinies. It’s up on Kickstarter now.

If you like zombies and enjoy a good laugh, I’d appreciate it if you would take a look and consider sharing or, dare I ask, backing the project. Thanks!

Sky Rail


I’ve always loved how visions of the future from the past envisioned technological progress that was essentially an improved version of what they had, particularly transportation. This Sky Rail set is no Mego Microrail City, but it does have an awesome vibe. 

Charlie’s Angels

Okay, these toys are probably intended for girls, but I had a huge crush on Kate Jackson and probably would have enjoyed a Charlie’s Angels <> Six Million Dollar Man nonetheless.