Welcome

Welcome to Toy Remix, sort of a spin-off of The Clearance Bin, a toy and action figure website I've been running for a few years now.

So. Why the new format? If you've been following me at The Clearance Bin, you've probably noticed that the posts are becoming less and less frequent. There are a couple of reasons for this: first, the Bin has always been a review site first and foremost. And, frankly, I feel like my reviews have gotten a bit redundant. For example, I recently picked up a handful of Mattel's new Green Lantern Classics figures. About 90% of what I have to say about them is identical to what I've already said about the DC Universe Classics figures that have been coming out for years. I'm getting tired of typing out the same junk about the same articulation, and I can't imagine anyone's getting a lot from reading it.

Second, my interests are changing. I'm collecting a lot less than I used to, mainly due to an ever dwindling supply of display space. At the same time, my wife's introduced me to the world of toy customizing; transforming store-bought figures into something new.

The Green-Lantern Corps Batman pictured above was my first full customization (though I've been customizing accessories a bit longer). I find the hobby extremely fulfilling; these days, I'm far more excited about my customs than the next wave of action figures hitting the shelves.

So, rather than continue devoting a few hours a week to writing reviews, I'm putting the Clearance Bin on hiatus and starting Toy Remix.

What can you expect? Toy Remix is going to be more discussion than review. I'm going to post pictures of customs I'm working on, as well as links to other (better) customizers out there - first and foremost, my own wife, Lindsay Stares, who makes things like this. Also, I'll offer my two cents on upcoming releases and news affecting the hobby.

I'll still let you know what I think of new releases I pick up, but don't expect anything formal. I'm certainly not saying I'll never review a figure again, but it's definitely time for a break.