Tag: Collectibles

If you’re fan of collecting things, this is the place for you. The Thumb Culture Collectibles section covers everything from figures to those shiny pieces of card you love so much.

McDonald’s Squishmallow Avery Happy Meal Toy Review
Features

McDonald’s Squishmallow Avery Happy Meal Toy Review

Regular readers of Thumb Culture will know about the TC Mini Crew, our affectionate name for the kids of the editorial team here! Middle of the TC Crew has been asking to write a review for a while, and the release of new Happy Meal McDonald's Squishmallow toys seemed the perfect opportunity. And so without further ado, enjoy this review written and product photos by Middle of the TC Mini Crew. Bring On The Squishes McDonald's have got new Happy Meal Toys finally, and they are Squishmallows, which I love. There are fifteen to collect and all of them are 3 inches big. You can read more about them on this website. So why not pop down to your local McDonald's and order a happy meal to earn yourself one of these soft, cosy snuggle buddies!!! Open Up Once you open the cute happy meal bo...
Wizards of the Coast Bring Out The Ban Hammer
Features

Wizards of the Coast Bring Out The Ban Hammer

On June 30th, Wizards of the Coast (WotC) announced its updated ban list for all formats of Magic: The Gathering. Interestingly, only the Standard format was struck by the ban hammer. Seven times! Seven cards currently legal in Standard have been banned, effective immediately. While bans in Standard aren't unusual, seven at once is a rather rare occurrence. WotC is sending a clear message that what happened at Pro Tour Las Vegas can't happen again. Furthermore, no updates were made to Modern, Legacy, Pauper, Brawl, Vintage, or Pioneer. Further, giving the impression that Wizards is laser-focused on fixing and balancing Standard. What Went Wrong at Pro Tour Final Fantasy? Izzet Prowress took the Pro Tour by storm, pun intended. In the words of Magic: The Gathering Hall of Famer Reid Du...
Building My First Gunpla: HG 1/144 GN-002 Gundam Dynames
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Building My First Gunpla: HG 1/144 GN-002 Gundam Dynames

I've been a pretty casual fan of the Gundam franchise since childhood. Upon discovering Mobile Suit Gundam Wing one night on Toonami, it's been something I've enjoyed on and off for more than two decades. Recently, I've started watching Gundam 00 and decided it was finally time to get my first Gunpla! As someone who's been building and collecting various LEGO kits over the years (much to my wife's dismay), and finding constructing them gives my mental health a big old boost, it was time to give Gunpla a go. Short for Gundam Plastic models, these require a bit more care and attention than LEGO sets. Unfortunately, I'm pretty clumsy with fiddly things. Which likely meant I would probably end up getting frustrated and scrapping the kit halfway through. So, join me in my very first Gunpla k...
Final Fantasy Is Shaking Up Every Magic: The Gathering Format
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Final Fantasy Is Shaking Up Every Magic: The Gathering Format

Magic: The Gathering - Final Fantasy is the first Extended Universes premium set to be Standard legal. After only one week since its official release, many Final Fantasy cards are finding their way into competitive Standard builds. From enchantment reanimation with 'Yuna, Hope of Spire', and 'Cecil, Dark Knight' mono black midrange, to my personal favourite Gruul Delium with 'Terra, Magical Adept'. Final Fantasy's influence doesn't stop there, though. In only one week, 'Vivi Ornitier' and 'Y'shtola, Night's Blessed' have made their way up to the 200 most popular commander list on CEDHREC.com. From Midgard to Modern: Why (Almost) Every MTG Format is Impacted Are you playing with the new Magic: The Gathering - Final Fantasy cards? How do you feel about them becoming a steadfast in players ...
Magic: The Gathering – Final Fantasy – Most Expensive Standard Set Ever
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Magic: The Gathering – Final Fantasy – Most Expensive Standard Set Ever

Most Magic: The Gathering players are, by now, used to the high prices of cards, booster boxes, or other premium products that Wizards of the Coast has been releasing at overwhelming speed in the last few years. The Final Fantasy set marks a stark difference, simply by the fact that it is Standard legal. Players excited to play their favourite characters from the rich Final Fantasy lore are going to have to dig deep in their pockets to do so. Cloud and Sephiroth are coming to an LGS near you Yes, it's an exciting time to be a Magic: The Gathering player, undoubtedly so. With this set and the SpongeBob Secret Lair that just came out not three months ago, you can now play Commander and sit across 'Squidward, Sarcastic Snob', 'Cloud, Midgar Mercenary', and 'Chun-Li, Countless Kicks'. Th...
LEGO Ideas Minifigure Vending Machine Revealed
LEGO, News & Updates

LEGO Ideas Minifigure Vending Machine Revealed

The latest LEGO Ideas set has been revealed, and it's none other then the LEGO Ideas Minifigure Vending Machine set. With a classic retro-inspired vintage style this buildable vending machine is a conversation-starting display piece. The set was submitted by Belgium-based Fan Designer, Rob Vangansewinkel, as part of the LEGO Ideas programme. Talking about his design, Rob said, “As a kid, I had a real vending machine at home and loved it - so the idea of creating a working LEGO brick version that dispenses minifigures just clicked. I started with a digital version of the model and posted it on LEGO Ideas. But I wasn’t sure if the dispensing mechanism would really work, so I spent about two months testing and refining the design with actual LEGO bricks. I even took apart my old vending mach...
LEGO Beauty and The Beast Castle Full Build Review
Features, LEGO

LEGO Beauty and The Beast Castle Full Build Review

Once upon a time in a land far away, I wrote a preview of the newly released LEGO Beauty and The Beast Castle set. The time has come for me to share the full build with you all. Let's not wait for the last petal to fall, let's get into this review. Tale As Old As Time This is not a small set, but being a Disney castle would you expect anything less? The 2916 bricks are divided across 21 bags. Whilst the instructions span 2 thick booklets. For those interested in scale, or indeed shelf space requirements, this is smaller then the now retired LEGO Disney Castle 71040 set. In fact you'll spot a nice side by side just below! However, this is still a beast of a build. Fully built the LEGO Beauty and The Beast Castle is 53cm in height, 33cm wide and has a depth of 15cm. So plan shelf spac...
Minecraft Cable Guys Review
Hardware & Tech

Minecraft Cable Guys Review

It was not so long ago we were sharing the news of the EXG Pro officially licensed Minecraft Cable Guys and Cable Guys Holdems! Now I'm back, as promised, with a little review of two of the available products! And what an iconic duo I got sent too. Does it get anymore Minecraft then Creepers and Piglins? First we mine, then we craft. Whilst each design is unmistakably Minecraft themed, there is more to these collectibles then just looking good. Designed to securely cradle controllers, smartphones, earbuds etc. they’re ideal for keeping your tech organised. Let's take a closer look at the two we were sent. Minecraft Creeper REST I've had my fair share of Cable Guy REST stands. From Pac-Man to Jack Skellington there's a Cable Guy for every fandom! This Creeper is the perfect addition to ...
New LEGO Fortnite Sets: Chapter Two Begins
LEGO, News & Updates

New LEGO Fortnite Sets: Chapter Two Begins

Lego and Fortnite. Two of my favourite things. Which is why I love everything about the LEGO Fortnite collab from the game to the sets released last October. I've been keeping my hopes up that we'll have some new additions to this line soon. And I finally have the good news to share with you all. We're getting not 1 but 4 new sets! “Whether it be physical building or the diverse digital experiences on offer, LEGO Fortnite has something for everyone”, said Remi Marcelli, Senior Vice President, GAME at the LEGO Group. “These latest sets allow us to continue offering amazing LEGO Fortnite play experiences that surprise and delight builders around the world.” So what are these new sets for what I am now calling LEGO Fortnite Chapter 2? Let's take a look! LEGO Fortnite Peely & Sparkplu...
LEGO Beauty and The Beast Castle Preview
Features, LEGO

LEGO Beauty and The Beast Castle Preview

It's no secret we love Lego here at Thumb Culture. We have a whole section of the website dedicated to it after all. Recently we got sent the biggest set we have to review yet. But what could it be? Be Our Guess I know the article title gives it away, but indulge me here. Followers over on our TikTok got a sneak peek into this mysterious new review set. We even gave viewers a chance to guess which set it was. Would you have been able to guess it? https://www.tiktok.com/@thumb_culture/video/7492015115676437782   Sacré Bleu Of course we have very smart followers and people guessed it rather quickly. What else could it be but the LEGO Disney Beauty and the Beast Castle?! This is one of my favourite Disney movies and even just looking through the instruction booklets got me emot...