>>10248280point is that we were already getting getting high quality EXPENSIVE (for the time) collector toys in WALMARTS 20 yeas ago, which is as mainstream as it can get.
They weren't even put in the card aisle, like NECA Planet of hte Ape and Pacific Rim figures. They were right next to the other diecast cars like Hot Wheels and Matchboxes.
They also had these mostly cut jointed figures, but were far better detailed than many modern lines (not just 1:18).
There were actually TWO competing high quality collector lines back then, one by 21st Century and the other by bbi (who maybe the same company doing the cheapshit generic target line that was there like 5 years ago).
But yeah, SSDD. Even during the GI Joe vs Cobra era of 2004 (2002?)-2006, you had to search and search and search for popular packs, like the Viper and Alley Viper two pack.