HOLY SMOKES! SDCC is in the books and there's a lot to bring you up to speed about — while we can't possibly cover all of it here, these are some critical highlights, preorder info, and more you need to know about headed into this week. Strap in. 

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Intro and other voices by Joe Azzari

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Theme Music is "Game Boy Horror" by the Zombie Dandies

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AIC NEWS SPECIAL: 2026 SDCC RECAP

Regardless of coast and regardless of convention, if Bandai is there, you know it's going to be a good time. Between booth experiences, off-site events, exclusives, reveals, and panels, the folks at Bandai know how to have a good time. This year's #SDCC is no exception — find out what's in store across the Bandai, Tamashii Nations, Godzilla, Gundam, and Tamogotchi booths in this conversation with our friends Dave and Justin from Bandai Namco Toys and Collectibles America!

Get the full rundown of events here:  https://www.bandai.com/News/post/events/bandai-namco-toys-and-collectibles-america-inc-heads-to-san-diego-comic-con-2026

Follow us @aic_podcast on Instagram [https://instagram.com/aic_podcast], Facebook [https://facebook.com/aicpodcast], X [https://twitter.com/aic_podcast], and YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeNtqD5fka34ndNJ4kD0zlw]

Start creating a podcast today with Zencastr! Learn more. [https://zencastr.com/?via=erik]

Intro and other voices by Joe Azzari

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Theme Music is "Game Boy Horror" by the Zombie Dandies

Proudly part of the Non-Productive Network [https://non-productive.com/]

The Bandai Experience at SDCC 2026 with Dave and Justin from Bandai Namco Toys and Collectibles America

Every year we have the pleasure of attending Sweet Suite in New York City, hosted by the Toy Insider. This year we got a chance to sit down with friend of the pod and returning guest, James Zahn AKA  @Therockfather  [https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCusL-9Uivzs7X7RnfMQrQAA] to talk trends, industry updates, and the nearly 20 year history of the show.   

Stay up-to-date with the Toy Industry here: https://thetoyinsider.com/

Follow us @aic_podcast on Instagram [https://instagram.com/aic_podcast], Facebook [https://facebook.com/aicpodcast], X [https://twitter.com/aic_podcast], and YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeNtqD5fka34ndNJ4kD0zlw]

Start creating a podcast today with Zencastr! Learn more. [https://zencastr.com/?via=erik]

Intro and other voices by Joe Azzari

https://www.instagram.com/voicesbyjoe/

Theme Music is "Game Boy Horror" by the Zombie Dandies

Proudly part of the Non-Productive Network [https://non-productive.com/]

The Real Life Pulse of Play: A Toy Industry Update with the Toy Insider’s James Zahn

Another edition of Reel Talk is here — this time we're tackling the latest entry into James Gunn's growing DC Universe, 2026's #supergirl! How does the Milly Alcock-led Kryptonian adventure stack up? Watch and see what Erik thinks!

Follow us @aic_podcast on Instagram [https://instagram.com/aic_podcast], Facebook [https://facebook.com/aicpodcast], X [https://twitter.com/aic_podcast], and YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeNtqD5fka34ndNJ4kD0zlw]

Start creating a podcast today with Zencastr! Learn more. [https://zencastr.com/?via=erik]

Intro and other voices by Joe Azzari

https://www.instagram.com/voicesbyjoe/

Theme Music is "Game Boy Horror" by the Zombie Dandies

Proudly part of the Non-Productive Network [https://non-productive.com/]

Reel Talk: Supergirl (2026) | A Movie Review and Analysis

We're half way through 2026 — we made it! That also means it's time to revisit the year with our friend Preternia and tell you what we think were the best toys of the year up to this point! Did any of your favorites make the list?   

Visit https://preternia.com to keep up with everything from Jon.

Follow us @aic_podcast on Instagram [https://instagram.com/aic_podcast], Facebook [https://facebook.com/aicpodcast], X [https://twitter.com/aic_podcast], and YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeNtqD5fka34ndNJ4kD0zlw]

Start creating a podcast today with Zencastr! Learn more. [https://zencastr.com/?via=erik]

Intro and other voices by Joe Azzari

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Theme Music is "Game Boy Horror" by the Zombie Dandies

Proudly part of the Non-Productive Network [https://non-productive.com/]

The Best Toys of 2026 (So Far) Feat. Preternia

..and now for something completely different! We love movies just about as much as we love toys, and while they don't always influence each other (see Toys on Film for that), we do love talking about them! So we are proud to introduce "Adventures in Collecting: Reel Talk" where Erik and/or Dave will tackle a straight up movie review. SO... since this channel is typically about toys, what better way to launch this new episode type than with the latest Pixar movie, Toy Story 5! What did Erik think about this movie? Watch and find out!

Follow us @aic_podcast on Instagram [https://instagram.com/aic_podcast], Facebook [https://facebook.com/aicpodcast], X [https://twitter.com/aic_podcast], and YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeNtqD5fka34ndNJ4kD0zlw]

Start creating a podcast today with Zencastr! Learn more. [https://zencastr.com/?via=erik]

Intro and other voices by Joe Azzari

https://www.instagram.com/voicesbyjoe/

Theme Music is "Game Boy Horror" by the Zombie Dandies

Proudly part of the Non-Productive Network [https://non-productive.com/]

Reel Talk: Toy Story 5 (2026) | A Movie Review and Analysis

Do you feel that? Change is in the wind as three creatives known for their work on lines like G.I. Joe Classified and Marvel Legends at Hasbro have made the move over to Boss Fight Studio. Join us for a deep dive chat with friends of the pod Lenny Panzica, Tony Collela, Cory Cantelupe, and Chris McLeod from Boss Fight Studio as we discuss the big move, what's in store, what they'll be working on, and what they're leaving behind in this nearly 2-hour mega episode.   

Stay up-to-date on all things Boss Fight Studio https://bossfightstudio.com

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Start creating a podcast today with Zencastr! Learn more. [https://zencastr.com/?via=erik]

Intro and other voices by Joe Azzari

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Theme Music is "Game Boy Horror" by the Zombie Dandies

Proudly part of the Non-Productive Network [https://non-productive.com/]

Making Toys Like a Boss... Fight Studio: A Chat with Lenny, Cory, Tony, and Chris

Welcome to AICNN (Adventures in Collecting News Network) where toy news matters! On this very special extended edition of your AIC News Brief, we're covering the top toy stories you need to know headed into the week of June 8th, 2026.

Follow us @aic_podcast on Instagram [https://instagram.com/aic_podcast], Facebook [https://facebook.com/aicpodcast], X [https://twitter.com/aic_podcast], and YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeNtqD5fka34ndNJ4kD0zlw]

Start creating a podcast today with Zencastr! Learn more. [https://zencastr.com/?via=erik]

Intro and other voices by Joe Azzari

https://www.instagram.com/voicesbyjoe/

Theme Music is "Game Boy Horror" by the Zombie Dandies

Proudly part of the Non-Productive Network [https://non-productive.com/]

AIC NEWS: Week of June 8, 2026

Ahoy mateys! This week we're joined by Wyoming-based creator Quaid Owen Cundall to talk all about his project — Tide-Realm Corsairs. These 1:12 scale pirate action figures sculpted and prototyped by Four Horsemen Studios need your help on Kickstarter to become a reality. Learn all about them in this episode!  

Back Tide-Realm Corsairs here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/406936874/tiderealm-corsairs-fantasy-pirate-action-figures

Follow us @aic_podcast on Instagram [https://instagram.com/aic_podcast], Facebook [https://facebook.com/aicpodcast], X [https://twitter.com/aic_podcast], and YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeNtqD5fka34ndNJ4kD0zlw]

Start creating a podcast today with Zencastr! Learn more. [https://zencastr.com/?via=erik]

Intro and other voices by Joe Azzari

https://www.instagram.com/voicesbyjoe/

Theme Music is "Game Boy Horror" by the Zombie Dandies

Proudly part of the Non-Productive Network [https://non-productive.com/]

You Are a Pirate: Tide-Realm Corsairs with Creator Quaid Owen Cundall

Welcome to AICNN (Adventures in Collecting News Network) where toy news matters! On this very special extended edition of your AIC News Brief, we're covering the top toy stories you need to know headed into the week of May 25th, 2026.

Follow us @aic_podcast on Instagram [https://instagram.com/aic_podcast], Facebook [https://facebook.com/aicpodcast], X [https://twitter.com/aic_podcast], and YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeNtqD5fka34ndNJ4kD0zlw]

Start creating a podcast today with Zencastr! Learn more. [https://zencastr.com/?via=erik]

Intro and other voices by Joe Azzari

https://www.instagram.com/voicesbyjoe/

Theme Music is "Game Boy Horror" by the Zombie Dandies

Proudly part of the Non-Productive Network [https://non-productive.com/]

AIC NEWS: Week of May 25, 2026

From Funko and WWE to Star Wars, Bandai, Marvel, LEGO, and more, grab the cart and hit the aisles with Dave and Erik as they talk toy news, collecting, culture, and more!

Erik Weinbrecht

Shows