Toy-Ventures 16: Metal Man by Zee Toys

The subject of this weeks Toy-Ventures is one of the coolest and most underrated action figure lines of the 1970s, the "Metal Man" series by Zee Toys (AKA Zylmex). 

The Metal Man line had no TV advertising, no print campaign but thanks to its excellent design and timing (arriving at the same time as the Micronauts and Star Wars) it ran well into the 1980s and never added a single figure. We discuss the line's charms and it's ongoing popularity with collectors and look at my meager collection. 

If you're so inclined, we've included an eBay link so you can window shop: https://tinyurl.com/y6b8wc2a 

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Metal Man and UFO Adventure Sets

The Metal Man figures actually predate Star Wars but they couldn't have found a better time to exist. I remember being really fascinated with these characters and even buying the DC "Metal Men" comic as a kid thinking they were somehow related. I was disappointed...

New Six Million Dollar Man Shirt in our Redbubble store!

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Get the expanded digital edition of Rack Toys here.

Dolls: Big Figures from Fantasy!

I recently came across this wonderful article about action figures circa 1977, it mentions Micronauts, Pulsar, Metal Man, Electroman, Stretch Monster, Shogun Warriors and their impact on the toy market place. It features interviews with not only toy buyers but toy makers from Hasbro, Mego, Zee Toys and Mattel.

Seeing as these are things that haunt my dreams 40 years later, I thought it might be of interest to all of you, read on after the jump!

Top Ten Coolest 3 3/4" Action Figure Lines of the 1970s

I gave up writing a weekly list for Topless Robot, in order to finish writing Rack Toys. I will admit to missing it from time to time, so I’m going to keep fresh by churning out the odd one for PlaidStallions. 

 One of the things children of the 1970s were witness to was the birth of the 3 ¾” action figure, this was something that was entirely ours as a generation. The 3 ¾” action figure was to us, what the Slinky or Mr Potato-head were to  baby boomers. 

 The explosion happened so quickly and so many companies followed suit that it’s easy to over look who did some of the best jobs.

Disclaimer: Your favorites might not be here, sorry about that but this list is merely meant as a fun distraction and doesn't serve in any sort of "official capacity". I don't really consider myself any bigger an expert than you, trust me. I'll probably do an 80s one in the coming months. .

#10- Butch and Sundance Kenner

Kenner’s Butch and Sundance line wasn’t based on the Paul Newman/Robert Redford classic from the early 1970s but on the prequel William Katt/Tom Berenger film “Butch and Sundance The Early Years” yeah that happened.

Kenner went all out on this line making figures of other characters played by Peter Weller and Brian Dennehy. The figures had better articulation than Star Wars figures, their legs moved they could ride horses and pull their guns with quick draw action.

All the bells and whistles couldn’t save the line from the fact that cowboys had fallen out of vogue and the movie it was based on wasn’t a big hit. Frugal Kenner recycled some of this line for their “Adventures of Indiana Jones” line in 1982, which filled it with additional win.

Click here to read the Top Ten 3 3/4" Action Figure Lines of the 1970s.

More Top Ten Fun

More Metal Men

Just in case you're trying to get me something for Christmas this year, these would do...

The 1979 Metal Men Catalog

The Metal Men by Zee Toys were by far one of the neatest non-TV advertised toy lines around. Made entirely of die cast metal, these sleek futuristic series of robotic action figures left the back story completely to your imagination.

Check out the 1979 Metal Men Catalog

As an added bonus, we have the amazing Metal men collection of Bret showcased as well.

See Also:

The Metal Men

The Metal Men were a cool series of 3 3/4" diecast action figures with no back story. Heavily influenced by the Japanese, many of the characters had THX 1138 look to them.

I used to get them at the local hobby shop and like Matchbox MAC used to have make up everything as I played with them. I often wondered who they were, turns out they were anything I wanted them to be.

Check out the 1978 Zee Toys Metal Man Catalog.

Metal Men Deal

Wow, six Metal Men figures for $10? Where do I sign up?

For those not in the know, Metal Men were a series of funky Diecast Metal Robot figures that had no back story (you had to use your imagination). They have a bit of a following now and don't come cheap mint on card sadly.

For more on the Metal Men check out this cool site.

Previous Metal Men Posts on PS

The Metal Men Rock