Toying around: Unique toys from TV and the movies

Nearly 6,000 concerned parents have signed a petition to remove toys based on the hit Television series Breaking Bad from the shelves of American Toys R Us stores, and the show’s Emmy-winning star Bryan Cranston has something to say about it.

Cranston responded drily to the controversy on Twitter on Monday morning, posting: “Florida mom petitions against Toys ‘R Us over Breaking Bad action figures. I’m so mad, I’m burning my Florida Mom action figure in protest.”

The petition said Toys R Us stocking the toy “is a dangerous deviation from their family-friendly values”.

The petition statement continued: “Parents and grandparents around the world shop at Toys R Us, online and in stores, with their children and should not be forced to explain why a certain toy comes with a bag of highly dangerous and illegal drugs or why someone who sells those drugs deserves to be made into an action figure.”

The toys causing the controversy are of the show’s main characters, Walter White (played by Cranston) and Jesse Pinkman (Aaron Paul). The toy figure of White, the chemistry teacher-turned-meth cook kingpin whose life unravels over five dramatic seasons, comes carrying a gun and the toys have a detachable bag of cash and another of meth.

But history has shown there have been some questionable or suspect memorabilia from TV and the movies. Here are some of the most unique.

STAR WARS

One of the biggest franchises to have graced the universe, it is no surprise to learn that there’s a fair share of memorabilia to own. Some of the most unique include Pez Dispensers, lightsabre chopsticks, character cookbooks (Darth Maul and Chewbacca, bizarrely) and an R2-D2 aquarium. Or what about a Darth Vader toaster (look what it does to the bread!), a Wampa rug, a disturbing C-3P0 Sellotape holder and — if you’re ever in need — a Lando Calrissian disguise kit?

GAME OF THRONES

Direwolf bookends, quote-covered welcome mats (“winter is coming”), a cute Jon Snow teddy; these are just some of the numerous items available to fans of the cultural phenomenon that is HBO’s Game Of Thrones. Still, as much as you love George R R Martin’s world, quite why you’d want to wear the Fire And Blood perfume is beyond us.

TWILIGHT

Unsurprisingly, most Twilight memorabilia passes the line of good taste. If you dare, deck your bathroom out with a rather imposing Robert Pattinson shower curtain, or if you’re feeling particularly creepy, invest in some R-Patz underwear. Whatever you choose — from the voodoo-esque doll to the Love At First Bite Cookbook — these are the kind of purchases you’ll want to keep to yourself.

THE SIMPSONS

With the series recently celebrating its 25th anniversary, fans of The Simpsons have an impressive amount of merchandise to choose from. There’s a cuckoo clock (with added Homer), the game Operation (with added Homer) and a backpack (with added Bart). Simpsons-style sneakers are out there to own, as are handmade decorative planters in the shape of your favourite character’s head. And your morning routine is just waiting to be improved with the Homer shower radio, topped off with a nice bowl of Frosted Krusty-O’s cereal.

THE WALKING DEAD

If you’re a fan of the hit series, chances are you’re in need of a Walking Dead ice tray — nothing cools a drink better than ice in the shape of guts. Take your pick of drinking vessel with a Starbucks-branded mug or one in the shape of Daryl’s crossbow. You could own your personal replica of Michonne’s samurai (be sure to use responsibly), as well as show everybody that you’re a fan by wearing Walking Dead-decorated Converse shoes featuring a zombie illustration straight out of Robert Kirkman’s graphic novel.

MAD MEN

Here are some things you’ll want if you’re a Mad Men fan: Barbie dolls of several characters (including Jon Hamm’s Don Draper and Christina Hendricks’ Joan) do actually exist, as does the obligatory Sterling Cooper hip flask and Mad Men-crested lighters; admittedly pretty classy. A pendant bearing the face of Peggy Olson (Elisabeth Moss) and a colouring book round out the merchandise. THE DAILY TELEGRAPH