The Summer of 2026 is drawing to a close, and while many of us won't miss the insane heat we had on a number of days, I know plenty of schoolkids (and some teachers!) are bummed to return to the classroom. At least we have Fall flavors to look forward to--a number of places already have busted out the pumpkin spice! Plus, this late August brought with it another ToyMan show. Just as you can always count on the heat index in the Midwest to be terrible, you can plan for a ToyMan show to be stellar fun!
I always like to get to the show earlier than later and just marvel at how much cool stuff there is before the crowd picks up and starts cutting deals. I recently told the showrunner, Chris McQuillen, how I tell folks that if they're looking for something and can't find it at ToyMan, they probably aren't looking hard enough! I he laughed and added, "Yeah, or you didn't ask the vendors! The chances are someone has what a person might want; they just might not have it at the show." Such a statement is on display at every ToyMan, with people selling everything from old toys to new, comics, Legos, Funko Pops, movies, CDs, DVDs, trading cards, movie posters, and the list goes on--this show I spied a new vendor with a ton of awesome vintage lunchboxes! Speaking of vendors, upon my arrival to the show with Clarkson in tow (he woke up early and wanted to join me), we said howdy to Spike of Lost in Space Toys and Collectibles, then made our way to the table of my friend, Tim Metzger. He had recently acquired a lot of cool modern books and I was able to buy some, "Absolute Batman," for great prices. Observe:
John Chaffee from Bigfoot Comics had brought a number of fun comics, vintage toys, and coins. Dustin and Tammy were selling comics for two bucks each, and there were some great deals to be had in their longboxes! I also had the chance to catch up with my chum, Jack Thomas, of Fortress Comics. As Clarkson and I walked about the show, we saw the fine folks from Tatertot had brought a bunch of goodies, and I was pleased to chat with Tom Milister and browse the comics he had brought. This was the first time Go Getter Gamez has been a vendor at a ToyMan Show (I've seen them at other events), and they were excited to be there! I also had the chance to meet a nice woman named Mary who sold me some 90s Image action figures for a great price; I thought maybe Clarkson and definitely Gibson would enjoy opening them up and playing with them. Indeed, as soon as Clarkson and I got home that morning, Gibson had just woken up and was eager to play with the toys. Here is a picture of that:
Before we went upstairs to see some of our friends there, we checked out Larry (of Bug's Comics) items and saw Nate Nauert as he was setting up for the show with all of his snazzy wares. Mr. Make Believe's Kiss Kollectibles was present, and 573 Collectibles had brought some comics as well as a number of other fun collectible items! Once we were upstairs, I was pleased to have a chance to talk with my friends, authors Jessica Mathews and Lindsay Hornsby, who were set up next to each other with all their fun books and items. Cayden from Tri Fox Shoppe was selling a bunch of cool apparel, and Heroes for Kids from Perryville was hard at work raising money for good causes! I snapped a picture of their table:
There was a lot of enjoyment to be had at the ToyMan show that occurred today. I asked Clarkson if he had fun going with me as well, and he affirmed with his hand gesture for, "Yes," that he did! I eagerly look forward to the next ToyMan on September 27th and already wonder what treasures I'll find next month there!
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