[TheBlueMarvel]

@Greg

The idea of an isle was not mine. I was just piggybacking on the suggestions of others, but I do think it could work. The isle would have to be set away from other kid-centric lines to avoid wandering into the section. There was an earlier suggestion of an enclosed glass casing for figures similar to what TRU does for video games and peripherals. I wouldn’t go that far because collectors like to pick these items up and inspect them closely for QC issues. However, a “mature isle” along the back wall with the video game section separating it from the rest of the store might be a solution.

I agree with your assessment that some of the appeal for Breaking Bad is its presentation of moral conundrums. We can appreciate the narrative as adults. Children cannot do the same because they lack experience, understanding, perspective, and maturity. There might be some children with life experiences that allow them to understand the rudimentary themes surrounding the drug trade (making, taking, and selling drugs) and the violence involved, but few would appreciate the humanistic or moral plays that require adult sensibilities. I think that Breaking Bad could be used as a great cautionary tale for teens; teaching young adults that you are never really in control of things when it regards the drug trade due to the moving parts and variables. However, there are no anecdotal lessons for children to be found in Breaking Bad and collecting toys of the show would just serve to glorify the lifestyle.

@Snowflakian

I accept your opinion of Identity Crisis as tasteless given the subject matter and that continued debate of its merits changes this conversation. However, I’d like to extend a thought to you in defense of the story. History has taught its observers that both villains and heroes are capable of monstrous acts. With that in mind, why not portray superheroes and super-villains as being just as capable of monstrosities? This is just a rhetorical question with no right or wrong answer.

@ snake5289

I seem to remember protests of Rambo and the FCC (in conjunction with FTC regulations) determining that cartoons could not be used as commercials for toys. My memory is fuzzy, but I think there is some kind of stipulation that a cartoon must exist first before merchandising is sold (with the opposite measure being prohibited). I could be wrong. I was a pre-teen at the time and the ol’ memory she fades as you become old! A cursory google search turned up this documented protest from the 80”s: CONTROVERSY ABOUT TOYS, TV VIOLENCE - NYTimes.com

If the scuttlebutt made it to the times, there had to be some national presence to the issue and story…Not to sound too regionally fixated, but the “NY Times” (like the LA Times, Washington Post, etc.) had a nationwide profile back then before the inter-tubes…print is all but dead now.