Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Happy New Year!


I'm back and I can think of no greater image to leave 2014 with.

On behalf of myself and the underpants navy, let's have some smooth sailing out there this evening...

Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Merry Christmas!


Hey All, I'm about to embark on my annual Christmas hiatus from all things polyester and plastic for a few days.

I'm not going to lie, 2014 was  rough and at times, it made me want to throw it all away . What really kept me grounded was all the positivity and kindness i received from you folks daily. Thank you for that, it means the world.

Plaid Stallions will return at the end of the month, this year Jason and I will be tackling the retro awards together (which was skipped last year due for unhappy reasons). I'll also be posting some Christmas toy memories on our facebook page all day today.

From my family to yours, I wish you all the very best. May your holidays be filled with joy. See you in 2015, I have a lot of fun things planned.



Brian


Tuesday, December 23, 2014

Battlestar Galacticup


I found this bit of weirdness recently at the flea market, I can safely say Lorne Green did not approve licensed materials....

Monday, December 22, 2014

Paul Lynde's Howling Commandos!


Not just any man can wear our neckerchief, to see if you have what it takes, visit your local recruiting center.

Sunday, December 21, 2014

Colouring BooK Theatre: Spiderman's Christmas

Spider-Man's Christmas: Giant Story Colouring Book by Marvel Books

I found this book at a flea market the other and seeing how it's Christmas, I spent the money and nabbed this gigantic book from 1984.


It's done in '84 by the Marvel Bullpen so it's nicely done rip of the Parkes Run books from the 70s.


Grab your crayons and still suit and join me after the jump


Saturday, December 20, 2014

Shopping with Hordak



My friend Corey sent this picture of his pal Darryl and Hordak at the Wyoming Valley Mall in Wilkes-Barre PA circa 1986.

He goes on to mention "I can safely say it wasn't the reason we went to the mall, it was just kinda there. I did take some more shots of Skeletor's castle which I'll dig out and send over."

As a teen I also had a (mildly unwanted) run in with He-Man, so I can totally relate.


plaid Stallions mall appearance gallery

Friday, December 19, 2014

1975 Christmas Toy Store Flyer




Newspaper circulars for toy stores are a tough thing to find, often thrown out immediately it's a shame when you realzie what a wonderful window into our world they truly are.

Take this one for a store called "Hagensick's Playroom" (great name) in Wisconsin, which features a veritible "who's who" of hot items for the era.



Lots of old friends in here, like the Sunshine Family, Atomic Man, Mego Wizard of Oz, the Adventure People, Barbie and much, much more..

Dig into the 1975 Toy Store Flyer right here!

More Toy Store Flyers:


Thursday, December 18, 2014

Shimmery Terry and the Boogie Bunch!


Join Shimmery Terry and her sidekicks Guido Satin and Johnny Pantsbuldge, as they solve dance floor related murders every Friday this fall on NBC!

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Dukes Mania


Dukes of Hazzard was the first time as a kid where there was a show that I watched and enjoyed but when that avalanche of merchandise arrived, I had no desire to own any of it.

Boy though in 1981, if you could think of it, you could buy it with the General Lee on it...


Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Super Frame!


I found this little oddity in a local flea market, produced in 1978 by a Canadian company called "Friendly Photos" it features a rare appearance by Green Lantern. Even if he is blonde with large red gautlets, it's nice to see ol' Hal.


The biggest mystery about this piece is why I haven't slapped a third grade photo of myself in there....


Rack Toys: Cheap, Crazed Playthings is a limited edition 144 page book from the creator of Plaid Stallions. Order from us and get three free promotional post cards.

Monday, December 15, 2014

Bride of Mantique



Do not gaze too long at Mantique this holiday season for it's strong synthetic blends are both hypnotic and indestructible. Do not fall under it's musky spell! There is no escape!



Saturday, December 13, 2014

Rise, Mall Vader

Another winner from Sean  (follow him on twitter) taken at the same time as this classic. I never bore of home made Vader appearances. I always wonder how these guys got past the whole breathing thing?




plaid Stallions mall appearance gallery

Friday, December 12, 2014

Pod Stallions Episode 25: The Empire Struck

It's been nearly two years since we discussed all things Star Wars and what better time than when we all got teased with the further adventures of Luke Skywalker and crew.

Episode 25 takes us back to that fateful summer when the most highly anticipated film of our lives (at the time, it's been replaced by "Glitter" now) landed. It's a tumultuous time when we first discovered the word "Spoiler" (thank you Marvel comics!) and the heart break of us watching the bad guys win.


Of course along the way we discuss kenner action figures, competitive collecting, modern fandom, battle beyond the stars, Jason's fondness for the Ewoks  and give absolutely no opinion on the current trailer.





Show Links:

Thursday, December 11, 2014

RC Batmobile by AHI



I found this cool little ad for AHI in a toy publication, it's kind of fun to see something like this with original artwork and not a single DC comics style guide image to be found.


More AHI links at PlaidStallions.
1979  AHI Toy Catalog 1981  AHI Toy Catalog
Universal MOnster toys by AHI Batman Toys by AHI Star Trek Toys by AHI
Planet of the Apes Toys by AHI Spider-Man Toys by AHI Space:1999 Toys by AHI

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

The Weekender



For those of you not feeling a pantsuit Christmas, may i suggest this 4 piece wonder? It has everything, even Batman's utility belt!



Tuesday, December 09, 2014

Charlie's Angels Beauty Set


There is nothing like the concerned face of Farrah Fawcett Majors to help you with your morning beauty routine.

I want to add that when working on the book, I couldn't find one of these flipping things, now I'm tripping over them....


Rack Toys: Cheap, Crazed Playthings is a limited edition 144 page book from the creator of Plaid Stallions. Order from us and get three free promotional post cards.

Monday, December 08, 2014

Let's make it a Knit Pantsuit Christmas


Wouldn't it be nice, just one year, to have a wrinkle free yuletide?

Saturday, December 06, 2014

Sx Flags Star Wars

Danny (check out his awesome art heresent in this fun shot of him posing with a pretty ersatz Vader and C3P0 from Six Flags great adventure in 1981.

Danny mentioned he likes to point out to family that Vader is wearing Adama's cape but they don't understand, however we totally do...


plaid Stallions mall appearance gallery

Friday, December 05, 2014

1976 Clipper Toy Catalog from Holland

Sure things in Holland are a little different than here, their liquorice is salty and let's just say their definition of "dutch oven" differs from mine.

However, Christmases were pretty darn similiar to ours thanks to toy companies like Clipper who distributed some of the best selling toys and games the world has to offer.


You may not be able to speak the language but you won't need to.

Click here to visit the 1976 Clipper Toy Catalog.

Thursday, December 04, 2014

Ole!


I don't know why i look, they never have them in size 15....

Wednesday, December 03, 2014

The Old West by Gabriel


In 2013, we got a pretty disappointing Lone Ranger movie, just like we did in 1981.

In 1981, we got a killer action figure line for that Lone Ranger movie that was so good, most kids loved them anyway.

Advantage 1981....


Gabriel Legend of the Lone Ranger Catalog.

Tuesday, December 02, 2014

Banana Splits Flute Set by Larami


Spied this shopping on the weekend, one thing I've noticed about Larami toys is often the connection to the licensed product was instantly lost when you took the toy of it's card.

Not that a sticker makes it more official but you get what I'm saying.


Rack Toys: Cheap, Crazed Playthings is a limited edition 144 page book from the creator of Plaid Stallions. Order from us and get three free promotional post cards.