Columns Archives : The Retro Network

Retro Reel Review: Vampire in Brooklyn (1995)

Eddie Murphy’s cool charm and Angela Bassett’s grounded intensity make Vampire in Brooklyn a nostalgic mid‑90s mix of spooky fun, foggy streets, and irresistible charm.

Halloween For Gen X Was Full of Costumes, Candy, & Chaos

Mickey Yarber

Halloween gave us school parades, homemade costumes, wild teen pranks, and now the cozy joy of movies, snacks, and handing out candy to the next generation.

Retro Reel Review: Teen Wolf (1985)

Mickey Yarber

Teen Wolf has always been one of those movies that just makes me feel good. Ever since I first watched it on VHS in 1986, it has stayed a favorite I never get tired of revisiting.

The Most Notorious Tape of the Video Store Era

Mickey Yarber

Faces of Death was the VHS everyone whispered about, a tape so hard to find it felt more like an urban legend than a real movie.

Retro Reel Review: Ernest Scared Stupid (1991)

Mickey Yarber

Ernest Scared Stupid is cozy Halloween fun, the kind of movie that mixes goofy scares, fall atmosphere, and Ernest’s lovable chaos into a lighthearted October tradition.

The Mistress of the Dark Who Lit Up Pop Culture

Mickey Yarber

Elvira was the late night icon every Gen X kid recognized, the one who made spooky movies feel fun, safe, and shared. She turned horror into a party we all got invited to.

Retro Reel Review: Scream (1996)

Mickey Yarber

A smart, stylish, and wickedly fun slasher that breathed new life into horror and still delivers the goods.

Gen X and the Golden Age of Halloween Specials

Mickey Yarber

Halloween once lived on TV schedules, not streaming menus, and every Gen X kid shared the thrill of racing home for those spooky October specials.

Retro Reel Reviews: The Wraith (1986)

Mickey Yarber

A wild 80s revenge ride with a killer car, a fun concept, and the exact kind of charm HBO used to play on repeat.

Retro Reel Reviews: The Fog (1980)

Mickey Yarber

The Fog delivers cozy spooky vibes and slow burn chills, a moody ghost story that’s fun to revisit when you want a lighter dose of retro horror.

The Irrational Fears Of Gen X

Mickey Yarber

Gen X grew up terrified of quicksand, razor blade candy, Satanic cults, killer bees, milk carton kidnappers, and the Bermuda Triangle swallowing everything whole.

The Art of Negotiating A Price

Mickey Yarber

Negotiating is part of the collector experience. These tips help you negotiate fair prices whether you are buying or selling.

Why Pizza Day at School Was the Best

Mickey Yarber

If you grew up in the 80s and 90s, you know exactly what I mean when I say pizza day was the crown jewel of the school lunch calendar. It didn’t matter what else was

Understanding Your Retro Games Value

Mickey Yarber

Retro games can still bring real money, and knowing rarity, condition, and demand helps you spot which titles in your collection are truly valuable.

Holding Yesterday In Our Hands Again

Mickey Yarber

Collecting isn’t just about finding old toys or tapes. It’s about touching the memories we left behind and reconnecting with the kid who once believed the world was endless.

How to Know if Your Vintage Board Game Is Complete

Mickey Yarber

Finding a vintage board game is exciting, but the real treasure is a fully complete set. Here’s how to tell if yours has every piece.