Top 10 of 2010 as chosen by CDX
2010 Was an interesting year for toys. We reviewed 149 toys that were released in 2010, and many were great, but a few rose above the rest. The toys that really spoke to us were decidedly high-end, and mostly nostalgic in nature. We can’t help who we are, and what makes us quiver with desire.
Without further ado, the Editor's (well, JoshB's anyway) Picks for the top toys of 2010
10. Neo Machinder Mazinger Z - Bandai
This is Bandai’s recent attempt to do a modern Jumbo Machinder. I was so prepared to not love this thing. I wasn’t digging the modern proportions, or the non-Jumbo materials, but then I got it in hand and fell in love. This thing screams for attention and fun to play with. I love it. Shooting Fists + Removable Pilder = Love.
9. Max Gokin Dragonar-1 - Max Factory
Alright, I’ll concede that there is not much gokin in this brave gokin. But what is there is phenomenal engineering and design. No matter how you pose it, it looks awesome, and it feels great to play with. It’s loaded with accessories and a great display stand.
8. Chogokin Drossel - Bandai
I was really surprised at how cool this came out. Drossel is a great character, and it translated into metal very well. Super articulated, loaded with metal, light up gimmicks and great accessories. What’s not to love?
7. Project BM! Kaneda's Bike - Bandai / Medicom
It’s the ultimate representation of the iconic bike from AKIRA. Spring loaded shocks, rubber tires, removable body, light up features, sound effects, and it’s even in 1/6 scale. When Bandai and Medicom team up, great things happen.
6. Super Shogun Stormtrooper - Super7
A dream realized. The spirit of 70s Jumbos combined with nostalgia from when Star Wars was cool – this is the toy I should have had in 1978. It FEELS like it came from 1978. Most all of the Jumbo tropes are here – Wheels on the feet, firing fists, shampoo-bottle construction – no detail was spared. An amazing piece that still seems surreal that it exists.
5. AT-AT Imperial Walker - Hasbro
How do you take a legendary toy and make it better? Make it bigger, and load it with gimmicks. The new AT-AT destroys all those childhood memories of the original AT-AT. This is the one you want now. Insanely huge, packed with gimmicks and play value and even a vintage style box. Proof that nostalgic ideas can be relevant to the modern mass market. My kids LOVE it, but maybe not as much as their Dad does.
4. Voltron 1 - Toynami
The mere fact that this exists makes it one of my favorite toys of the year. It’s a new toy of Dairugger XV, the first in years. It could have been made out of cheese and I still would have included it on this list. Thankfully, not only is it a cool character, it’s a great little vinyl. Kudos to Toynami for having the balls to make this happen.
3. Retro Sofubi Mazinger Z - PLEX
Out of Left field, this simple vinyl won my heart. It successfully captures the spirit of vintage vinyl. It’s got the innocence and the funk of the classic Japanese toys of the 70s. Each rivet is an homage to Popy and Bullmark in the 70s.
2. Super Robot Chogokin Great Mazinger - Bandai
While the Super Robot Chogokin Great Mazinger is a great toy, this is really a vote for the whole SRC Line. Each one so far has been excellent and super fun – a great balance between chogokin heft and action figure articulation. If we had a “Toy Line of the Year” vote, this would win it.
1. SDF-1 Macross (Do You Remember Love type) - Yamato
Fans waited 30 years for this, and Yamato did not disappoint. This is the crown Jewel in their Macross line. Superb construction and materials, with an excruciating attention to detail. The DYRL version Macross is toy nirvana.
