Exclusive first look: ‘The Art of the Toys That Made Us’ Kickstarter reveals retro merchandise

May 7, 2026

Oni Press and The Nacelle Company are expanding The Toys That Made Us beyond the screen, and AIPT has an exclusive first look at the merchandise that will be part of the upcoming Kickstarter campaign.

Alongside the newly announced The Art of the Toys That Made Us deluxe hardcover collection, the campaign will feature a wave of retro-inspired collectibles that tap directly into the nostalgia that made the series a hit. Fans can expect a lineup that includes classic-style lunch boxes, VHS tapes, toy display stands, collectible pin sets, and more, all designed to evoke the feeling of digging through toy aisles during the golden age of Saturday morning cartoons.

The merchandise complements a larger push built around the two-volume art book set, which dives deep into the designs, advertising, and behind-the-scenes materials from some of the most iconic toy brands ever created. From Hasbro staples like G.I. Joe, Transformers, and My Little Pony to Mattel favorites like Barbie, Hot Wheels, and Masters of the Universe, the collection aims to celebrate the full scope of toy history spotlighted in the hit series.

Also included in the campaign is Nacelleverse: Year Zero, a deluxe hardcover collecting the first year of the interconnected comic universe built around brands like RoboForce, Sectaurs, and Biker Mice From Mars. Featuring work from creators such as Melissa Flores, Francis Portela, and Juan Gedeon, the book adds another layer to the campaign’s focus on both nostalgia and new storytelling.

For Nacelle founder and CEO Brian Volk-Weiss, the campaign represents a long-awaited extension of the series. “It took seven years to sell The Toy That Made Us to Netflix and get the show on the air, and every day since has been a dream, including this book series that allows us to take many of the ‘relics’, as we call them, from the cutting room floor and bring them front and center into all of our lives!” he said. “We are trying to put on your shelf a meaningful compliment to what we put on your screens, and selfishly speaking it’s already been a ton of fun getting to this point!”

Oni Press is similarly positioning the campaign as a must for collectors. “I think this campaign is going to give fans of The Toys That Made Us everything they could want…and more!” said Oni’s Director of Business Development Sam Kusek. “We’re working meticulously with Nacelle every day to make sure that no stone is left unturned here! These books will be the ultimate toy guide!”

With exclusive merchandise, oversized art books, and a deep dive into decades of toy history, The Art of the Toys That Made Us campaign is shaping up to be a major draw for collectors and fans alike.

Get notified when the Kickstarter is live.

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