What is it that makes grown men and women indulge in buying toys, such as action figures? It’s really easy to say that there is some unfulfilled desire from childhood that toys resolve for us or that, to put it more bluntly, we’re just being childish. I’ve been called a “man-child” for my own collection of Bleach action figures in my cubicle at work. Sure, toys are for kids, but to call me a “man-child”? That’s just harsh.
As an honorary, junior pseudo-student of Jungian thought, I like to think that action figures act as symbols of the different aspects of my own subconscious or symbols of personal traits I wish I possessed. For instance, Byakuya Kuchiki would represent confidence and quiet determination in all situations, and Abarai Renji would represent the ability to live in the moment without concern for the next. … Neither are traits I possess. Perhaps in a society of dwindling respect for the basic archetypes and symbols that make up our collective unconscious, these figures are our way of counterbalancing being too fully immersed in day-to-day reality.
Whether you’re looking for a place to indulge in some toy therapy for your over-worked mind or your just looking for a place to let out that inner child, you may just find what you need at Wonko’s Toys & Games in North Austin.
You can find just about any action figure, from your basic Star Wars figures to more expensive collectibles, you can think of and a few you would’ve never thought of at Wonko’s. The store’s collections include characters for The Watchmen, DC Universe, Teen Titans, Star Trek, Spawn, and many more.
Additionally, and most relevant to this blog, they carry anime figures and plamos (plastic models, usually mechas from anime). I’ve personally purchased two plamos from Neon Genesis Evangelion and all of my Bleach action figures from Wonko’s. In fact, I bought a limited-edition Hollow Ichigo (only 1 of 1000 made) while I was there on Friday.
Wonko’s also specializes in role-playing games, card games, and board games. They regularly hold Magic: The Gathering tournaments, and I’ve often seen people in the back playing strategy games. … It truly is a store where you can get your geek on.
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I had a chance to speak with Eric, the new owner of Wonko’s, and he said that if there is an action figure that they don’t carry in stock, he can probably get it for you from his distributors. Special or rare toys may be harder to come by, but he will try to find them.
If you happen to be north of the city (and I do mean far north of Austin), drop by and see if Wonko’s has something to entertain that inner child of yours … or to appeal to your subconscious need for archetypal symbols. 😉
Wonko's at 183 and Lake Creek Pkwy
Wonko’s is located in the Lake Creek Festival Shopping Center a few doors down from Alamo Drafthouse.
Address:
13729 Highway 183, Suite 630
Austin, Texas 78750
(512) 335-1000
Store Hours:
12PM – 7PM Tuesday through Saturday
[Rating:4.5]