The surprise release of a character from the Ultra Series lands in the S.H. Figuarts line, filling a gap left by older collections.
The toy industry had a relatively quiet period recently, with limited revelations or high-profile launches. However, a notable standout is Bandai Tamashii Nations’ announcement of the S.H. Figuarts Ultraman Zearth figure. This reveals the meticulous expansion of the Figuarts line with characters previously omitted from the older Ultra-Act series. Ultraman collectors have long desired figures that represent both popular and obscure characters from the extensive Ultra Series, and Bandai’s decision to produce Ultraman Zearth, a character known for his comedic portrayal in parody films during the late 1990s, fills such a void. The figure, released in July 2026, is priced at 8800 yen, reflecting both its collectible nature and targeted audience—the adult collectors. See more at My Shiny Toy Robots.
The McDonald’s Legacy: A Soft Spot for Fast Food Toys
Discussing fast food promotions, there seems to be a nostalgic allure surrounding McDonald’s giveaways of the past, as seen in two different blog posts. Toys from the Past revisited the Mix ‘Em Up Monsters—Gropple, Thugger, and Blibble—a classic Happy Meal promotion from the 1980s, albeit with some ambiguity about the exact year of release. Such items, despite their origin as common promotional toys, seem to captivate collectors who appreciate the cultural memory they invoke.
Similarly, the blog Super Duper Toy Box touched on the charm factor that fast food premiums bring to superhero collections, pointing out items like a 1996 McDonald’s Spider-Man Web Car. While these toys might have been a dime-a-dozen during their initial release, they have garnered a niche of dedicated fans among collectors, especially those focusing on superhero memorabilia.
Why Nostalgia Sells
The ongoing appreciation for fast food toy premiums underscores a broader trend in collectibles: nostalgia drives sales. Adult collectors are often inclined to purchase these items to reconnect with the carefree times of their childhood. The interest in such toys is not merely about the plastic figures themselves but also about the pop culture they reference and the memories they evoke. This pattern ensures that lines like McDonald’s giveaways continue to hold a dear place in the hearts of collectors, long after the promotions end.
