Neurodivergent Voices in Play – A Kajillion Thanks for Kabillion Toys

By: Neurodivergent Voices in Play/Neurodivergent Collectables (Marlene Sharp, Vadim Govorov and Autism in Entertainment)

On a pre-Thanksgiving Tuesday in November 2025, producers and principals Mike and Liz Young of Kabillion animation studio and streaming service in Woodland Hills, California hosted an inquisitive bunch of Autism in Entertainment emerging entertainment industry pros. As you might have guessed, there were toys at the forefront of this occasion. Essentially, the Youngs unloaded a storeroom of unplayed-with playthings on their delighted guests.

Upon leaving the studio, the Autism in Entertainment field trippers Matthew McKinney, Ryan Greenbaum, and Alex Boxall jammed several large, vintage mint-in-box treasures into their respective cars. Kabillion’s impending office move was their boon! They were tickled to receive these retired, nostalgic gems for their collections and at no cost. This educational encounter  had paid dividends! Even better than that, the young men were (and still are) able to watch – free-of-charge on the Kabillion platform itself – the old TV series that corresponded with their acquisitions.

(Note for the uninitiated: Autism in Entertainment is a Southern California non-profit offshoot of the venerable Orange County Asperger’s Support Group. Founder/Work Group Chair Judi Uttal and her collaborators facilitate, educate, and advocate for meaningful employment on behalf of early career neurodivergent individuals. Individual members partake in networking events, site visits, studio tours, webinars, and special projects related to performing and visual arts careers.)

Readers, let’s time-travel back to the origin stories behind each toy franchise and glean a sense of the reason that these three recent Kabillion visitors celebrated their heritage brand haul!

1) BUTT UGLY MARTIANS

Logline: Three Martians, 2-TF, B.B., and Do-Wah, go on a mission to save Earth from various villains and accidentally promote friendship and teamwork in the process.

Production and Broadcast Details: BUTT UGLY MARTIANS was a product of Mike Young Productions (now called Kabillion Sudios) in conjunction with the BKN network. The show originally aired from 2001 to 2003, spanning two seasons with a total of 26 episodes, each running approximately 22 minutes. The series was notable for being one of the earlier animated shows to incorporate CGI animation techniques, thereby blending traditional animation with 3D models for a unique visual flair.

Toys and Play Patterns: The original toy line included main character action figures, playsets, and vehicles that brought the outlandish Martian world to living color. Kids could engage in imaginative play that mirrored the show’s over-the-top adventures. The toys encouraged role-playing through battles and cooperative scenarios, mimicking the show’s central narrative in which the leads often joined forces to tackle challenges.

Voice Cast: The series featured notable voice talent including Charlie Adler as 2-TF. Tom Kenny, famously known as the voice of SpongeBob SquarePants, also contributed to the quirky but dulcet tones.

2) HERO: 108

Logline: With catchy catchphrases in tow,brave Lin Chung and his animal allies rage against the evil High Roller and his nefarious gang.

Production and Broadcast Details: A GeniUS Brands project that first aired on Cartoon Network in 2010, HERO: 108 was conceived as a merch-driven boys’ action series. The show ran for two seasons with a total of 52 22-minute episodes.

Toys and Play Patterns: The corresponding toy line included various action figures that depicted Lin Chung, the Invisible Man, and others. There also were vehicles and playsets, such as the Big Boss Battle Arena. These enabled kids to join the ranks of protagonists and strategize against their foes.

Fun Fact: Based in the Splash Entertainment (now Kabillion Studios) offices, former ANIMATION MAGAZINE editor and Women in Animation founder Rita Street played a significant role in the production of HERO: 108. She was one of the co-creators and also served as a series writer.

Voice Cast: The voice cast included notable talents like Greg Cipes, who played Lin Chung, and Steve Blum, who gave voice to High Roller.

3) WILD GRINDERS

Logline: Young skateboarders, alongside their leader Lil’ Rob (cartoon kid version of famous skateboarder Rob Dyrdek), navigate the ups and downs of adolescence.

Production and Broadcast Details: WILD GRINDERS premiered in 2012 on Nicktoons. The show ran for two seasons, accumulating a total of 26 episodes, each lasting around 22 minutes.

Toys and Play Patterns: The original toy line featured action figures of the main characters, skateboards, and various accessories themed around high energy, stunt crazy skating culture.

Voice Cast: Rob Dyrdek himself played Lil’ Rob. Chris Parnell and Tara Strong also snagged prominent roles.

Tune into free streaming app Kabillion to skip down memory lane with the aforementioned animated titles.

Rubber Ninja Vadim Govorov commemorates this moment in toys with the following panels and brief motion comic.

If you would like your toy to be featured in our Neurodivergent Voice in Play – Toy Review series, please contact Marlene Sharpe. marlene@pinkpoodleproductions.com