Oni Press and The Nacelle Company team for the perfect companion to the hit The Toys That Made Us documentary series with the new The Art of the Toys That Made Us book set.
The deluxe, oversized hardcover art books (now available to back on Kickstarter) are filled with artwork, stories, and behind-the-scenes details from the fan-favorite toy lines featured on The Toys That Made Us.
The Kickstarter campaign will also feature a new graphic novel introduction to the NacelleVerse (starring the Biker Mice From Mars, C.O.W.-BOYS of Moo Mesa, Sectaurs, Powerlords, Roboforce, and the Great Garloo), specialty display stands, pins, hats, wallets, and of, course, a new Biker Mice From Mars action figure!
We spoke to The Nacelle Company’s Director of Marketing Bryan Adams to get all the details on the books, the series, and the future of The Toys That Made Us in this exclusive interview.
The Toys That Made Us has been a favorite of toy collectors and nostalgic fans. Why did you decide to capture the art and advertising/promo art from the toys featured on the tv show?
Bryan Adams: Oftentimes the box art and card art for these toys are as memorable as the toy itself, and people have been asking us for a coffee table style book like this for a long time. We’re in the middle of producing new episodes, so we figured that since we were already poking around the vault, it’s the perfect time to source the materials needed for the book. This book also features the vital moments that were originally left on the cutting room floor.
How did you design the book in terms of the contents and focus?
Adams: We want the book to follow the same informative, fun and nostalgic blueprint that uncovers scoop in the way the episodes do, so we’re using that as our north star. Our partners at Oni have been fantastic at guiding us on the contents and focus along the way, and their input has turned this book from good to great.
Of all of the brands featured in the book, is there one that stands out to you based on the artwork and/or advertising?
Adams: I love all the artwork for Transformers and I think that art was really ahead of its time. Transformers box art has this unique ability to still feel futuristic over 40 years later.
Personally, which toy do you have the fondest memories of as a child?
Adams: Once a month we’d go to KayBee Toys after church on Sunday and my mom and dad would let me choose one toy to take home. I always leaned towards TMNT, wrestling figs, Biker Mice from Mars and Power Rangers. I have vivid memories of packing up my wrestling figures in their own mini suitcase and I’d bring it with me on vacations. Sometimes a turtle or power rangers would make an appearance in the ring, but the wrestling figs were usually my #1.
You will be offering a lot of merch in addition to the book. Which items went best with the show and nostalgia for the toy lines?
Adams: We’ll be offering Toys That Made Us action figure display stands that I think make sense for the fans and show theme. We’re also offering a bootleg figure that’s perfect for collectors that love unique, limited edition items. Backers also have the opportunity to get one of three Biker Mice from Mars prototype figures with a Nacelle Toys certificate of authenticity.
You will also be offering a comic in the Kickstarter that features some cult favorite toy lines. Where did this idea originate and what are your thoughts on the finished comic?
Adams: The NacelleVerse: Year Zero hardcover collection includes all of the Year Zero storylines, including Biker Mice from Mars, C.O.W.-Boys of Moo Mesa, Power Lords and more. After we acquired the aforementioned brands, we partnered with Oni Press to tell each franchise’s story, in anticipation of the new animated shows we’re working on for each brand. The finished comics are gorgeous, the writing is fantastic, and they’re must-reads for comic fans who love 80s and 90s nostalgia.
Will we be seeing any new episodes of The Toys That Made Us?
Yes! We’re working on seasons 4 & 5 right now and they’ll consist of 4 episodes each. We’re covering Fast Food Toys, Polly Pocket, Superhero Toys, Pokemon, Hot Wheels, Ghostbusters, NERF, and American Greetings.
The Art of the Toys That Made Us is now available to back on Kickstarter until Friday, August 24.
