New Hot Wheels Pop Culture Set Is Pure Magic for '90s Kids

Most people dream about returning to relive a certain time in their lives. But we'd best enjoy the present, as everything goes by quickly. I could write a small book about the best moments of the '90s. Nostalgia is a powerful feeling, and Mattel is well aware of that. That's why, for years, the company ran a series called Nostalgic Brands.

That turned to Pop Culture in 2013. This year, Retro Entertainment merged into it as well. We saw two mixes coming out this year, but neither featured any new castings. Many collectors were ecstatic about the Custom '71 Datsun 240Z ("Rotsun") in Mix 1, but the '78 Ford Escort RS 1800 MK2 was pretty good, too. The latest five-car set is on a new level, so let's see what it has in store.

Nissan GT-R NISMO GT3

Several years ago, I remember reading about the "war" between consoles and PCs. This kind of division is nonsensical and shouldn't exist. There's no such thing as "the master race". I grew up using a PC because my dad felt I could explore many more options: learning (Encarta CDs back in the day), writing projects for school, and so on.

I never felt like I needed to explore the world of consoles until I was older. Sure, I missed out on the amazing world of Gran Turismo for years, but I had the "Need for Speed" series to keep me warm and happy inside. I have to be honest: I haven't seen the Gran Turismo movie yet, and I'm hesitant to do so for a few reasons.

But I've seen the trailers and know how the story unfolds. I love GT3 cars (not as much as the GT1 models, though), so I think the Nissan GT-R NISMO GT3 is awesome for Hot Wheels. GT-R fans will be all over it once it arrives in stores, and I'll probably buy one for my collection, too. Hell, I might even watch the movie soon.

Mutt Cutts Van

If you have read my previous stories, you know I'm a big cinema fan. Gary Oldman is one of my favorite actors of all time, but I'd choose Jim Carrey over him on any given day of the week. Gary is inspiring to watch, as he can play many roles with tremendous passion.

But Jim taught me about comedy, made me laugh incessantly, and I realized how much I enjoy imitating him and other characters, too. I won't argue that Dumb and Dumber is one of the best comedy flicks ever, but it was funny. So the moment I noticed Mattel introduced the Mutt Cutts Van in the Pop Culture line-up was the moment I decided I'd buy it.

It's imperfect, but you could improve the design with some minor adjustments. It needs that fluffy outside texture (just glue the hair your dog shed around the house to it) and the perfect soundtrack: "Hey, wanna hear the most annoying sound in the world" by Lloyd Christmas, and you're all set.

Dairy Delivery

After the two brand-new castings, I don't mind seeing the Dairy Delivery again. This Phil Riehlman-designed casting has been around since 1998, so it fits today's theme well.

It even reached Treasure Hunt status in 2006, and you'll find plenty of Premium variations for your collection. Some will cost $400 or more, so you'll need a decent-sized budget for the 90+ variations on the open market. The latest iteration pays tribute to the good old days when we didn't need YouTube to enjoy the latest hits.

We could listen to them on MTV and didn't care about "unskippable ads" at the time. Just like the 2023 Mooneyes Racing Team Dairy Delivery, this one also has Moon Disc wheels to show for. The livery is just what you'd expect from a '90s tribute item, and I can already see myself buying the entire set once it arrives in stores.

'77 Packin' Pacer

I have faint memories of Beavis and Butt-head, and I don't recall ever taking an interest in the show. That may sound strange coming from someone who has seen all the South Park and Family Guy episodes. I can only remember the two knuckleheads laughing in almost every sequence, but that's about it.

Still, that won't stand in the way when admiring the '77 Packin' Pacer. It's yet another example of a Hot Wheels casting older than me, as it debuted in 1978. It ran for several years before Mattel applied the brakes on it. Luckily, the designers brought it back with a new look for 2011.

We saw four releases until 2013, and then it seemed to have vanished from the market. The latest iteration is intentionally designed to look like a piece of junk and suits the theme. It's the least exciting collectible in this Pop Culture mix for me, but I'm sure some of you feel differently.

Nissan Skyline GT-R (BNR34)

The Nissan Skyline GT-R (BNR34) is Mattel's way of ensuring the deal goes through. Most collectors wouldn't consider ignoring it, even if it comes out as a repeat model. Some of you may remember the Gran Turismo version from 2018, but that wasn't a Premium model. The 2024 Pop Culture model is considerably better, with more detailed graphics and Real Riders 6-Spoke Mag wheels to brag about.

It doesn't stand a chance of becoming as expensive as last year's Indonesia Diecast Expo version (I saw one listed for $2,500). But that's not its purpose anyway. By the way, it's the third Gran Turismo vehicle for the 2024 Pop Culture line-up.

Meanwhile, we've only seen one Forza vehicle so far. If you're curious about what's coming up in Mix 4, expect to see two Bond-related collectibles! Oh, and the Volkswagen Drag Bus is returning, too!