Ideal King Kong Board Game

I have a fondness for "Kong Mania 1977" but own little to none of it's merchandise. Being a board game nut, I think this is one I'd like to add to our repertoire. 

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The Zython from Mattel's Space:1999 line.

The Zython was offered in the 1977 Mattel Catalog as an alien character to go alongside with Mattel's Space:1999 action figure line. It never appeared in the series but was a rather welcome addition to the line which desperately needed more flair.

However, sales on Space:1999 merch weren't strong enough to warrant a wide release and the Zython seems to have only been offered via this contest for a German comic book above (Thanks Eddy for the scan). It's speculated that less than 300 of these were made, we'll probably never know for sure but a few have trickled out of Deutschland over the years.

But of course, this is Mattel we're talking about here, they'd never let a good toy mold go unused, so Zython would later appear in the amazing Mexican version of Big Jim (known as Kid Acero), which was produced under license by a company called CIPSA, who would dub him Nocton an alien enemy of Kid Acero.

So, while I'll probably never own a Zython (the last one went for just under a grand), I was able to buy a Nocton in the 1990s and still have him to this day. One day I hope to track down his scepter. 

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Toy-Ventures 3- The Sonic Man and Sonic Woman by Tomland

 This week's episode examines the Tomland toys Sonic Man and Sonic, who look suspiciously like a certain Bionic Couple we all know and love. We also delve into Tomland's history of ripping off some of the 1970s most popular tv and movie properties. 

 You can see more Tomland toy merchandise at this site: www.tomlandmonsters.com

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It's Charlie's Angels!

Only in the 1970s were "crimefighting" and "Skateboarding" put together logically.

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Your 1977 Robot Selection

Tomy's Mighty Max is a really neat toy that often gets mistaken for a Micronaut or a Shogun Warrior.




I wish more records were included with playsets, I think it adds a neat quality. 

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Jeering Joker and Glaring Gorilla

"Feel like Batman triumphing over his arch-enemy" yup, the ol' caped crusader just loves to kill in cold blood, with a gun. 

I'm beginning to think Frank Miller got his start in the toy industry.

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Bee Gees Rhythm Machine

Even at nine, I'm not sure my voice could go that high..

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Sweathogs Vs Fonzie

Even as a kid, I knew the Sweathogs bike really belonged to Big Jim, they clearly stole it.

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The Lone Ranger Rides Again

As much as the gorgeous Gabriel Lone Ranger action figure line was popular here, it was a massive success in Europe, where cowboy lore held a special fascination.

Never had a single figure as a kid and still don't own any but man, do i love looking at these.

(Thanks to Eddy for this scan!)

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Big Jim Vs Zorak

As much as I love this Big Jim, you knew the line was in some serious trouble when numerous wish books scaled their offering down to two characters. 

I remember being kinda heartbroken in 1977 when I entered the Sears toy department and asked the clerk where the Big Jim stuff was, he turned to me and said "Oh, they don't make those anymore" in a "Vincent Price" kinda way. 

My brilliant grandmother found a Jim on the clearance table and the day was saved.

However, that clerk was a dick, I was six and he was totally trying to make me cry.

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Bar ware:1977

Bar Kitsch is the one collection that I can't believe I don't have.

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El Squadron Lobo Big Jim Gallery Updated

It's been ten years since I updated my little tribute page to the Kid Acero line of toys and it was long overdue.

 Known to us as Big Jim, Mexican toy maker Cipsa infused the line with a heavy dose of creativity. The result is a Big Jim's wolfpack with a rich science fiction flavour.

Also, because these toys are also incredibly rare, i had to get some help. My pal Jesus was happy enough to share his amazing collection with the world. Just look at that Jack Kirby packaging.

 So check out the all new Kid Acero Gallery at PlaidStallions!

AND THEN IF YOU'RE STILL IN THE MOOD FOR MORE JIM

 

Palitoy Talking Dalek Speaks

I was rather excited to reunite with a working Palitoy talking Dalek this past month.

This toy was my first "Big boy collector mail order purchase" at the yonge age of 13, I innocently sent $25 (US!) to a classifed ad in the back of Starlog.

The next three months of waiting were nerve wracking as I largely assumed it would never come but three months later, it did arrive and was glorious.

While I did sell that one for food money in college, it sparked a life long love of collecting and getting packages.

Below is a video I've thrown together to hear him speak and as a bonus, I threw in the original commercial.

Welcome home old friend.