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From Alien Worlds to Animated Icons: The Sci-Fi Legacy of Michael Ansara

April 21, 2025April 21, 2025 Serpentorslair Staff1960s sci-fi television, classic sci-fi TV actors, Michael Ansara, Michael Ansara Batman voice, Michael Ansara biography, Michael Ansara Buck Rogers, Michael Ansara cartoons, Michael Ansara Outer Limits, Michael Ansara sci-fi roles, Michael Ansara Star Trek, Michael Ansara voice acting, Mr. Freeze Batman, sci-fi actors, voice of Mr. Freeze0 comment

Michael Ansara’s unmistakable voice and commanding screen presence earned him legendary status across decades of film and television. Known to many fans for his work in science fiction and animation, Ansara built a career that effortlessly spanned genres — from Westerns to fantasy to some of the most beloved sci-fi series of all time. Born in Syria in 1922 and raised in the United States, Ansara originally studied to become a doctor, but after taking acting classes to overcome shyness, he discovered a passion that would shape the next five…

Born to Roll: The Fast-Paced Origins of Hot Wheels

April 21, 2025April 21, 2025 Serpentorslair StaffElliot Handler Hot Wheels, first Hot Wheels cars, Hot Wheels 1968, Hot Wheels 60s, Hot Wheels collectors, Hot Wheels design, Hot Wheels die-cast cars, Hot Wheels founders, Hot Wheels history, Hot Wheels Mattel history, Hot Wheels Redline, Hot Wheels toy cars, Mattel Hot Wheels, origin of Hot Wheels, vintage Hot Wheels0 comment

Since roaring onto the toy scene in 1968, Hot Wheels has been synonymous with speed, style, and imagination. Generations of kids — and adults — have raced, collected, and customized these die-cast wonders. But how did these iconic cars get their start? The origin of Hot Wheels is as colorful and cool as the cars themselves, complete with innovation, rivalry, and a drive to push the limits of what a toy car could be. The Spark Behind the Wheels Hot Wheels was born out of Mattel, the toy giant co-founded…

Before the Battle: How G.I. Joe Went Small and Won Big in ’82

April 21, 2025April 21, 2025 Serpentorslair Staff1980s action figures, 1982 G.I. Joe launch, Fisher Price Adventure People, G.I. Joe 3.75 inch, G.I. Joe MMS, G.I. Joe toy line origins, G.I. Joe Vamp vehicle, G.I. Joe vehicle line, Hasbro G.I. Joe history, Mego CHiPs figures, original 13 G.I. Joe figures, prototype G.I. Joe figures, Stinger G.I. Joe vehicle, Toys That Made Us G.I. Joe, vintage G.I. Joe toys0 comment

Story By Mitchell Smith Welcome to the Outpost. Today I’m dialing it back to 1981. As any G.I. Joe fan would know the once successful 12 inch Joe line had fizzled out and Hasbro had few intentions of bringing it back. There were several lines such as Megos 3-3/4 Chips figures and Fisher Price’s Adventure People that kids had, including myself, to create many adventures. If you have watched the series “The Toys That Made Us, you know the prototype Joes were some Chips figures painted green. I so badly…

It’s Time to Meet the Muppets: A Look Back at Jim Henson’s Legacy

April 20, 2025April 20, 2025 Serpentorslair Staff80s Muppets, classic Muppets, Henson puppets, history of the Muppets, Jim Henson biography, Jim Henson legacy, Jim Henson Muppets, Jim Henson productions, Kermit the Frog history, Muppet movies, Muppets 1970s, Muppets creator, original Muppets, The Muppet Show, vintage Muppets0 comment

Before the Muppets were a household name, they were a passion project born from the imagination of a young puppeteer named Jim Henson. With a knack for innovation and an eye for heartfelt humor, Henson would go on to create one of the most beloved puppet ensembles in entertainment history — and it all started long before corporate giants got involved. Humble Beginnings Jim Henson’s journey began in the mid-1950s when he created “Sam and Friends,” a short puppet show for a local Washington, D.C. television station. It was here…

Realm of Eternia - Masters of the Universe

Brace for the Storm! Hurricane Hordak Hits MattelCreations April 23rd!

April 19, 2025April 19, 2025 Serpentorslair StaffClub Grayskull exclusive, Hordak April 23 release, Hordak Mattel 2025, Hordak preorder, Hurricane Hordak, Masters of The Universe Origins, MattelCreations Hordak drop, MOTU collectors news, MOTU MattelCreations drop, MOTU Origins Hordak, MOTU toy release dates, new Masters of the Universe figures, Origins action figures0 comment

MattelCreations has unveiled the next epic release in their Masters of the Universe Origins line — Hurricane Hordak! The evil leader returns in storm-spinning style and is set to drop on April 23rd at Noon Eastern, retailing for $25 USD. As an added bonus for die-hard fans, Club Grayskull members get early access to the figure. If you’re not a member, don’t worry — the public release opens up on April 24th. Make sure you’ve got your thunder ready — Hurricane Hordak is blowing in fast, and collectors won’t want…

The Breaking News Report

Suit Up! ToyKennections Dives Into the Epic History of Exo-Squad!

April 19, 2025April 19, 2025 Serpentorslair Staff90s action figures, 90s cartoon toys, Exo-Squad cartoon, Exo-Squad history, Exo-Squad mechs, Exo-Squad review, Exo-Squad toyline, Exo-Squad toys, Exo-Squad YouTube video, Ken ToyKennections, Playmates Exo-Squad, retro toy history, ToyKennections channel, ToyKennections Exo-Squad, Vintage toy review0 comment

Today Ken from ToyKennections gives us a look at the History of Exo-Squad! Check out the video below and share your thoughts with us in the comments. As always be sure to subscribe to ToyKennections channel on YouTube for all of Ken’s latest videos!

The Voice That Drove Country: The Life and Legacy of George Jones

April 18, 2025April 18, 2025 Serpentorslair Staffclassic country music, country music history, country music icons, country music legends, famous country singers, George Jones, George Jones 1950s country, George Jones biography, George Jones chart singles, George Jones early life, George Jones impact, George Jones influence, George Jones legacy, George Jones music career, George Jones Nashville, George Jones Texas roots, George Jones The Rolls-Royce of Country Music, Grand Ole Opry, honky tonk music, Why Baby Why George Jones0 comment

Story by Mitchell Smith George Glenn Jones was born on September 12, 1931, in Saratoga, Texas. Raised in poverty and surrounded by music, Jones grew up listening to gospel and country records, learning guitar by age nine. By the time he was a teenager, he was singing on the streets of Beaumont, Texas, and performing on local radio shows. His big break came in the mid-1950s when his single “Why Baby Why” became a hit. Jones quickly became known for his emotionally charged vocals and honky-tonk style. He joined the…

The Breaking News Report

Toon In, Bliss Out: How ‘Toon In With Me’ Became the Cartoon Revival We All Needed

April 17, 2025April 17, 2025 Serpentorslair Staffbest morning shows 2025, Bill Leff Toon In, cartoon hosts, classic cartoon TV shows, family-friendly TV shows, Kevin Fleming puppeteer, Looney Tunes MeTV, MeTV cartoon show, MeTV Toons channel, Mr Quizzer Toon In, nostalgic morning shows, puppet comedy shows, retro cartoons on TV, sketch comedy and cartoons, Toon In With Me, Toon In With Me cast, Toony the Tuna, weekday cartoon shows, why Toon In With Me is popular0 comment

In an age dominated by streaming giants, gritty reboots, and rapid-fire content, one humble morning show has captured the hearts of kids, parents, and cartoon-loving grown-ups alike: Toon In With Me. Airing weekdays on MeTV, this joyful burst of animated nostalgia has become a fan favorite, blending classic cartoons with smart, family-friendly comedy and a whole lot of heart. The show premiered in January 2021, serving up a mix of timeless cartoons like Looney Tunes, Tom and Jerry, Popeye, Betty Boop, and Tex Avery shorts. But it wasn’t just the…

The Breaking News Report

“Plastic Panic: When Action Figure Collecting Starts Collecting You”

April 16, 2025April 16, 2025 Serpentorslair Staffaction figure collecting mental health, action figure hoarding, affordable collecting tips, collecting anger issues, collecting vs hoarding, collector burnout, collector resentment, compulsive buying toys, compulsive collecting behavior, dr erin temple psychologist, emotional burnout toy collectors, financial strain from collecting, gi joe collecting addiction, gi joe community toxic, healthy collecting habits, hobby obsession warning signs, lowballing collectors, mental health and collecting, nostalgia collecting problems, overpaying for action figures, plastic addiction, taking a break from collecting, toy addiction symptoms, toy collecting stress, unhealthy collecting habits0 comment

Action figure collecting is a thrilling and nostalgic hobby for many, especially in passionate communities like G.I. Joe collectors. The hunt for rare figures, the joy of a complete shelf display, and the excitement of scoring a grail piece can provide a strong sense of satisfaction. But for some, the hobby can take a darker turn—where collecting becomes an obsession, financial strain builds up, and bitterness toward fellow collectors festers. When collecting crosses the line from fun to unhealthy, the signs are often subtle at first. You might find yourself…

Back to the Tube: Why Gen X is Bingeing the Past, Not the Present

April 16, 2025April 16, 2025 Serpentorslair Staff1950s to 1980s TV, 80s TV reruns, classic American television, classic cartoons MeTV Toons, classic sitcoms popularity, comfort watching TV, Gen X and MeTV, Gen X movie preferences, Gen X nostalgia, Gen X TV habits, MeTV programming, MeTV Toons shows, MeTV viewer trends, old TV shows vs new, retro TV revival, vintage television appeal, watching old shows in 2020s, why boomers and Gen X watch old shows, why Gen X ignores modern shows, why Gen X loves classic TV0 comment

It’s 2025, and while streaming services are pouring billions into high-budget original content, many Gen Xers—those currently in their 40s and 50s—are more likely to be found watching Petticoat Junction, The A-Team, or Columbo than the latest prestige drama or superhero spectacle. Why are so many people turning off new shows in favor of the classics from the 1950s through the 1980s? The answer lies in a mix of nostalgia, storytelling style, and the rise of retro-friendly platforms like MeTV and MeTV Toons. For Gen X, these shows are more…

Exit, Stage Iconic! The Curious Charm of Snagglepuss

April 15, 2025 Serpentorslair Staff1960s Hanna Barbera, Bert Lahr influence Snagglepuss, classic Hanna Barbera characters, Daws Butler voice actor, funny cartoon catchphrases, Hanna Barbera Snagglepuss, Heavens to Murgatroyd meaning, iconic cartoon voices, origin of Heavens to Murgatroyd, Quick Draw McGraw spin-offs, Saturday morning cartoons, Snagglepuss cartoon, Snagglepuss catchphrase, Snagglepuss Exit Stage Left, Snagglepuss history, Snagglepuss personality, Snagglepuss quotes, Snagglepuss theatrical character, Snagglepuss voice inspiration, vintage cartoon characters0 comment

Among the colorful lineup of Hanna-Barbera characters that defined the golden era of Saturday morning cartoons, few are as memorable and delightfully theatrical as Snagglepuss. With his pink fur, arched eyebrows, and a flair for the dramatic, Snagglepuss wasn’t just another talking animal—he was a scene-stealer with a voice and style all his own. Snagglepuss first roared onto screens in 1959 as part of The Quick Draw McGraw Show before earning his own short segments. What made him stand out wasn’t just his look—it was his one-of-a-kind speech pattern and…

G.I.Joe Half The Battle

Ranking All G.I. Joe Figures From 1984 on Half The Battle!

April 15, 2025April 15, 2025 Serpentorslair StaffG.I. Joe Half The Battle, G.I. Joe YouTube channel, G.I. Joe YouTuber, Half The Battle episode, subscribe G.I. Joe channel, toy convention vlog0 comment

On this week’s episode of G.I.Joe Half The Battle, I rank G.I. Joe 1984! Check out this week’s video below and join in the conversation. And as always be sure and subscribe to my YouTube channel for all my latest videos!

Revving Up Nostalgia: The 1986 Dreadnok Thunder Machine Breakdown!

April 14, 2025April 14, 2025 Serpentorslair Staffaction figures, G.I.Joe, Hasbro0 comment

Story by Mitchell Smith Welcome to the Outpost. Today I’m taking a look at the 1986 Dreadnok Thunder Machine. The Thunder Machine made its first appearance in the series “Arise Serpentor Arise”. While Zartan and the Noks held a competition for the next member to join them Monkeywrench and Thrasher made quite an impression. Of course they both made it and Thrasher brought his Thunder Machine on board. The custom hot rod assumingely built by Thrasher is an interesting vehicle. I always got a Mad Max vibe on this vehicle.…

Family Matters: The Sitcom That Brought Us Together, One “Did I Do That?” at a Time

April 14, 2025April 14, 2025 Serpentorslair Staff90s Black sitcoms, 90s TV shows, best 90s sitcom characters, Carl Winslow actor, Family Matters 90s sitcom, Family Matters cast, Family Matters diversity, Family Matters legacy, Family Matters TV history, Harriette Winslow actress, impact of Steve Urkel, Jaleel White Urkel, multicultural sitcoms 90s, Steve Urkel pop culture, TGIF lineup shows0 comment

In the golden age of ’90s television, a handful of sitcoms rose above entertainment to become true cultural touchstones. One of those was Family Matters, a show that blended humor, heart, and history-making characters in a way that brought families of all backgrounds together. Premiering in 1989 and running through 1998, Family Matters was more than just a part of ABC’s iconic TGIF lineup—it was a show that helped bridge cultural divides during a time when America needed it most. Meet the Winslows The show followed the life of a…

The Breaking News Report

Real American Tariffs: Higher Prices Are There!

April 12, 2025April 12, 2025 Serpentorslair Staffaction figure price increase 2025, adult action figure collectors, Chinese toy sellers Amazon eBay, G.I. Joe Classified prices, Hasbro price changes, import toy market 2025, Marvel Legends cost 2025, Masters of the Universe figures, Mattel figure costs, tariffs on Chinese toys, toy collecting community news, toy collector news 2025, toy industry price hikes, toy tariffs explained, Transformers Action Figures0 comment

If you’re an adult collector in 2025—whether you’re hunting down that elusive G.I. Joe Classified figure, building a wall of Marvel Legends, or completing your Masters of the Universe shelf—brace yourself. The prices are going up. And not just a little. Thanks to the newest round of U.S. tariffs on imports from China, the cost of your favorite hobby is taking a real hit. Tariffs on Chinese goods have now skyrocketed to as high as 145%, which is pushing up prices on nearly everything, including our beloved action figures (AP…

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