film / tv / substack / social media / lists / web / celeb / pajiba love / misc / about / cbr
film / tv / substack / web / celeb

wbgkwgbkwgbkgkgw.jpg

Subscription Addiction: Loot Crate Delivers Geek Goodies

By Kristy Puchko | Miscellaneous | July 29, 2016 |

By Kristy Puchko | Miscellaneous | July 29, 2016 |


This review has been a long time coming. For years now, “Loot Crate” has been the answer I’d receive when asking friends, “Where’d you get that rad shirt!?” And with July’s box promising a tee and a tchotchke from two of my favorite shows, the time finally seemed right.

How It Works

Each month Loot Crate teases a bit of information, like the general theme and what properties will tie into it. It’s a blind box, mostly. But you know you’re guaranteed a t-shirt, and 3-5 other items, which could be collectible figures, stickers, comics, or accessories like socks and knit caps.

You might remember I almost pulled the trigger on Loot Crate a few months back, but opted instead for their clothing-specific subscription Level Up. Since then, I’ve been making regular visits to Loot Crate’s site to determine if the monthly theme demanded my moneys. Well, July’s “Futuristic” box boasted goodies inspired by Rick and Morty, Futurama, Mega Man and Star Trek. So, cue the gif:

I selected the size for my t-shirt, and started a subscription, picking the $19.95 plan so I can cancel if the next crate doesn’t suit my particular venn diagram of nerd interests. And I was swiftly sent an email telling me to expect delivery between the 20th-28th of the month.

How It Went
IMG_0495.jpg

The box came stuffed to the brim with nifty bits and bobbles, including the first issue of the Valiant comic 4001 AD, and a handy little “magazine” with a rundown of the crate, mini-articles about the worlds of Ricky and Morty and the most heart-wrenching moments of Futurama (RIP Seymour), as well as activity pages like a maze and coloring book section. You know, for kids! (Or 30-somethings who enjoy a nice coloring time out.)

Exclusive: Futurama “Planet Express” Ship Model
IMG_0487.jpg

I live in an apartment, so space is limited. But the allure of a Futurama doodad to add to my selective collection of figures was too great! And I was rewarded for my risk with this fun 3 1/2” replica of the Planet Express ship. It comes with its own stand, and has a magnet in the base. So, if you’re the kind of person who enjoys running around your home pretending you’re adventuring with Fry, Leela and Bender, it’s surprisingly easy. I imagine.

Exclusive: 3” Mega Man Red Variant Figure from Kid Robot
IMG_0488.jpg

I played Mega Man but was kind of meh on a figure of the little guy. But my Mister was pleased. He promptly unboxed it, and placed it on our bookshelf, where he can defend the Planet Express ship or my Funko Pop squad.

Exclusive: Star Trek Dedication Plaque Replica Decal (BD&A) and “Live Long and Prosper” Metal Pin
IMG_0491.jpg

This pin is pretty damn swag. And will find its way onto a jean jacket soon.

The 4.5x3-inches decal is lovingly detailed, allowing one to add a little bit of panache to any vehicle. It’s also reflective, so sorry about the poor photographing. While I dig Star Trek, I don’t have a car, so this is a bit wasted on me. But I’ll add it to my “Christmas regifting” box, to be redistributed to the proper loved one.

Exclusive: Rick and Morty Tee from Loot Crate Labs
IMG_0537.jpg

This was the clincher for my July buy. I can’t get enough of the dimension-skipping and dark animated comedy series. So, I was giddy to get a sweet Loot Crate-styled tee inspired by this insane show. I’ll admit, I was initially disappointed that neither Rick nor Morty makes an appearance on this Portal Gun tee. But I got over that when I tried it on. Its fabric is super soft. And the light blue color sets off my eyes, while also being a surprisingly great complement to the dark blue and neon green details. I paired it with a tutu pink skirt, and collected compliments all day. Though I will say, the sizing is a wee bit on the snug size.

Bonus Level Up Buy
IMG_0479.jpg

As I was checking out, Loot Crate threw some impulse buy items my way from their clothing subscriptions. And I caved when I saw “Futurama wearable”. Days later, taunting Facebook ads told me it would be a “short-sleeved hoodie,” which dampened my excitement. Hoodies are worn for warmth. Short-sleeves are intended to keep cool. Why would such a paradoxical item of clothing ever exist?

I do love the print, which boasts a bunch of Futurama characters, including Zoidberg, Seymour, and Hypnotoad. (Weirdly, Professor Farnsworth is MIA.) But the design of the shirt itself is dumb. I wore it on a warm day, sweated outside, then shivered inside where there was AC. So, this will take some strategy. On the plus side, the unisex small I ordered fits both me and my Mister, who didn’t mind the item’s bizarre failure to be either a proper t-shirt or a decent hoodie.

Verdict: Loot Crate met my expectations! I wanted a cool Rick and Morty tee and a fun Futurama doodad, and I got both. The other stuff was neat, even if not my speed. But beware the lure of impulse check-out items!

I’d say if Loot Crate’s gear appeals, swing by the site month to month to see if the latest theme suits you. Sure, committing for longer stretches saves you a bit of dough. But if you’re like me, you don’t want a growing pile of random tchotchkes piling up, no matter how devotedly designed.

To that end, August’s theme is Anti-Hero, and will include items inspired by Kill Bill, Harley Quinn, Hellboy, Archer and World of Warcraft. The countdown has begun. Subscribe by August 19th, or you’ll be missing out. But I will say this: the longer you wait, the more details Loot Crate leaks on what to expect. So, subscribe wisely.

Screen Shot 2016-07-29 at 8.41.00 AM.png

Previously in this subscription service series, I’ve reviewed: Level Up, Stitch Fix, Try The World, Darby Smart, Treatsie, and Chococurb.

Kristy Puchko Wubba lubba dub-dub!