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The week is over, July is halfway done, and wouldn’t you know it—it’s time for another round of our Staff Favourites! Each week, we try to show off some things that have brought us some joy in the hopes it’ll help you find your own, and this week we’re showcasing some delicious Tasmanian whiskey, a pint-sized collectable car, an ape wearing a tie, and some custom Adidas.
Hot Wheels 1990 Acura NSX Brick Set
John Guanzon – Head of Creative & Production
When we posted about the news of Mattel dropping collector-focused brick sets on Man of Many’s Instagram, the response was huge, so I took it as my sign to grab a set for myself. I told myself it was for the kids over the school holidays, but let’s be real: I’ll be the one building it while they watch (and honestly, I’m not mad about it).
The build quality is surprisingly impressive. This one features 876 pieces and pays tribute to the iconic ‘90s ride with incredible attention to detail, from its scissor doors to the classic wedge profile. It’s part of Mattel’s new Brick Shop range, which also includes the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL and 1963 Corvette Grand Sport. All three are loaded with authentic touches and feel way more premium than you’d expect from a brick set.
It’s definitely got that collector energy, and now I’m tempted to grab the others and complete the set (or quietly drop hints between now and Father’s Day wink).
Favourite Article this Week: Our First Look at Link and Zelda in 2027’s ‘Legend of Zelda’ Movie
Donkey Kong Goes Bananza
Dean Blake – Entertainment & Tech Writer
Donkey Kong has finally been let out of his cage, and he’s literally tearing the scenery apart. In DK’s big return to a starring role, he’s diving deep into the bowels of the planet in Bananza, the first major single-player system-seller for Nintendo’s new Switch 2 console.
I got a chance to play a few hours of the game recently, and it was fantastic. DK feels great in the hands (which is no surprise if you’ve played this studio’s prior game, Super Mario Odyssey), and has a number of new abilities in store: he can break the world apart around him, for one, but also climb most surfaces and, when the mood strikes just right, turn into an ostrich.
No, I’m not kidding. He can also turn into a zebra and an even bigger ape with bananas in his hair, which is strange but you know, who cares? Doing so gives the big man access to some new abilities, like gliding, sprinting, and bashing things even harder. Oh, and he does it all with a human child on his shoulder.
Confused yet? Well, that’s just the beginning of where things get whacky with this one, but I don’t think I want to spoil much else. Really, if you’ve already picked up a Switch 2 for Mario Kart you’d be doing yourself a disservice not to check out Bananza—and if you’ve been on the fence, this is a pretty damn good reason to make the jump to Nintendo’s new system.
Favourite Article this Week: Does the Nothing Phone (3) Justify its AUD$1,509 Price?
Kicking It with the Three Stripes: Our Night with the adidas Superstar
Scott Purcell – Co-Founder
This week, Harry and I had the opportunity to head out to the adidas flagship store on Pitt St in Sydney to celebrate the return of a true icon: the adidas Superstar. The new “Superstar: The Original” campaign is bringing back the legendary sneaker in two classic colourways, alongside the equally iconic Firebird Tracksuit. The global campaign features a star-studded cast including the likes of Missy Elliott, Jennie from BLACKPINK, and is narrated by the one and only Samuel L. Jackson.
The event was a super fun getting to customise our own sneakers, and they even offered to embroider the back of our new jackets ahead of the night. In a moment of questionable genius, I opted for “Man of Many” on mine, which made for some interesting conversations. Others were more clever, with one person getting “It wasn’t me” stitched on the back.
While I’m not sure my attempt with a metallic scourer was a complete success as you can see in the photo, I can confirm these shoes are ridiculously comfortable. I’ve been wearing them all week since and this was my first proper foray into the world of adidas Superstars footwear. I think it’s safe to say I’m a convert.
Favourite Video this Week: DITL with the Dyson OnTrac
Rosevears Tasmanian Three Grain Whiskey
Alex Martinez – Media Sales & Brand Partnerships
Tasmania’s first crack at a bourbon-style whiskey is an ambitious and largely successful effort. Rosevears Batch 1 delivers a bold, grain-forward profile that proudly wears its local ingredients on its sleeve. The nose is rich with sweet corn and toasted cereal, backed by a punch of rye spice and oak. On the palate, it leans into classic bourbon notes – vanilla, caramel, and a touch of char.
While it doesn’t quite rival the depth of some seasoned Kentucky counterparts, Rosevears impresses with its authenticity and craftsmanship. As a debut, it sets a promising foundation for what’s to come from this Tasmanian distillery.
One for the curious bourbon enthusiast looking to explore Australian innovation – and why wouldn’t you be?
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