The life of the modern GeekDad is fraught with danger and catastrophe. Thus he must take solace not only in major achievements and massive successes, but in the little things as well. For me, one of those little pick-me-ups is checking the mail.
"But, Z," you’re no doubt saying, "why would you get so excited about checking the mail? Isn’t it just choked with pricey bills and useless flyers?"
Too true, but the mailbox can also contain wondrous surprises.
When I was eight, I mailed in five proofs of purchase from my beloved Star Wars action figures to Kenner, and then, seemingly eons later, I received in return my very own Emperor. Admittedly, the sculp was bland and his articulation laughable, even by 1980s standards, but it was my first mail-in toy.
To this very day, I relish the chance to stroll down to the edge of the driveway and peak in to see what veritable treasures the mail carrier has left. (Sure, it’s rarely as cool as a new fig, but sometimes I do snag a nice review CD or some other cool swag.)
The mail-in figure may have lost much of its luster in the age of High School Musical and Bakugan, but its proud spirit remains strong within those of us who still clutch our Mummy Mumm-Ras and call forth the Ancient Spirits of Evil to transform his decayed form.
Both of these aforementioned otherworldly despots, in all their ultra-exclusive glory, get their due in a recent post from Poe Ghostal’s Points of Articulation blog entitled "The Top Ten Mail-Away Action Figures of All Time". Give it a read, and then chime in with your misty watercolor memories of toys gone by.
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