Star Wars: The Best of 2008

You'll excuse us for going off-Star Wars topic here, but given the overlap between Indy and Star Wars fans, we had to acknowledge 2008. Before this year, Indy collectors were basically archaeologists, mining the most obscure corners for any items of note. Unlike Star Wars, Indy has been under-exploited in the world of collectibles, and Indy fans have felt left out. Their trilogy is just as classic. Why can't they get the lavish high-end collectible treatment as well as the under-$20 tschokes?

For 2008, many familiar companies as well as several new ones teamed up with Lucasfilm to celebrate all things Indiana Jones. Finally, there was a 3 3/4-inch toyline (enjoy it while you can), LEGOs, high-end Sideshow and Gentle Giant sculpts and figures, comics, novels, hardcovers (our favorite? The Lost Journal of Indiana Jones) and a fantastic behind-the-scenes book detailing the making of all four films. There were Indiana Jones M&Ms, Burger King premiums and a tasty Snickers bar too. Rather than scouring for that one single rarity, Indy collectors were finally in a position to pick and choose from a host of collectibles, and choose wisely.

Oh yeah. And a movie came out.

Our Favorite Quirky Indy Items
While Indiana Jones and family (spoiler!) scampered over dangerous mountain sides chasing after the crystal skull, in 2008, fans everywhere were in search of the coolest toys, action figures, busts and other Indy collectibles. Here's a list of the most unusual and downright fun items that made us smile.

• Giant RC Ant with Crystal Skull Remote Control: One of the coolest collectibles from the film has to be this giant ant that you can maneuver with a wireless crystal skull remote control. It even comes with a Field Notebook with ant facts in case you want to wow your friends with scientific knowledge. The ant is great for marching over action figures you think deserve a Roger Corman-inspired death. We can't wait to take these on our next company picnic. Muhahahaha! Get more info here.

• Indiana Jones Sound FX Whip: Who needs a real whip when the Indiana Jones Sound FX Whip makes satisfying cracks without any danger of ripping up your face by accident? Plus it plays the classic Raiders of the Lost Ark theme music when you really need a stirring soundtrack to go along with your best Indy impressions. Get more info here.

• Indiana Jones Pet Costume: Those of us with dogs understand all too well how easy it is for them to have their own adventures on walks, in the backyard, and in our bedroom closets. So you might as well go all the way and dress your own Mutt (get it?) like Indy himself. The mini Fedora really sells the look, don't you think? You get extra points if you already have a dog who looks slightly cranky. Get more info here.

• Deluxe Adult Mutt Williams Costume: In the movie, Mutt was college-aged, but that doesn't mean you have to be young to look like him. Either way, the model sporting the adult Mutt costume is worth clicking alone. Get more info here.

• Indiana Jones Temple of the Crystal Skull LEGO playset: The Akator temple set features moving staircases, hidden rooms, flying objects and lots of cool details, but it's the LEGO Crystal Skull, armored skeleton and 3 Akator Skeleton minifigures that make this a keeper. Get more info here.

• Mr. Potato Head: Taters of the Lost Ark: In the same vein as Darth Tater comes Taters of the Lost Ark complete with Fedora, whip and golden idol. Get more info here.

• Indiana Jones Ark of the Covenant Business Card Holder: We know it has zero to do with Indy 4, but you have to admit that's a bold way to display business cards on your desk. Don't lift the lid or you'll be sorry. Get more info here.