Bugmen of Insecta 1984 Catalog (Multiple Toys)

I've blogged about Bugmen of Insecta in the past but recently realized I had the catalog in the archive, while I vividly remember the figures, I certainly don't remember the vehicles!

I believe they're repurposed from another Toyline called "Dragon Riders of Styx" which is interesting because they were made around the same time by a company called "Dimensions For Children".

For no good reason, except that it's insect-related, I am including this page simply titles "Bags of Insects". No need to sell it to children, they know exactly what to do with this kind of thing and hopefully, it includes army men.

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Toy-Ventures: Planet of the Apes Playset by Multiple

This week's Toy-Ventures takes us back to the year 3978, a time ruled by Apes. We look at one of the more memorable Planet of the Apes Playsets, while that's usually synonymous with Mego, this is by Multiple Toymakers.

We discuss some of Multiple's more popular toy offerings as well as why exactly Doctor Zaius is wearing a blue outfit.

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Bags of Fun: Action Figures

As a kid, I figured out that combining these sets with other dimestore novelties could result in some B-Movie goodness, so I had Cowboys vs Giant bugs and Army Men vs Dinosaurs quite often. This is the only skill of merit that I taught my children.

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Toy-Ventures: Kung Fu Stuff!

Note: Warner Brothers doesn't like that i used the show intro in the video and has blocked it on mobile devices. Sorry.

Instead of looking at a single toy, I thought I'd share my collection of merchandise from the 1970s tv classic "Kung Fu". There wasn't a ton of merchandise for the show but there is plenty of neat stuff like lunchboxes, figurines, viewmasters, and even comics! 

Snatch this pebble from my hand and join me on this toy-venture!

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Kung Fu Target Set

I found this piece that I honestly didn't know existed, so it was a pretty big deal for me. As a lover of the TV show "Kung Fu", the merchandise is minimal and this set from Multiple Toys is something special.




The weird thing is, it's actually not licensed. Released just after the show was canceled, it's like Multiple just went ahead and produced the set anyway. It's clearly based on the series, look at the Caine on that artwork. Don't mind his weird arm.

Here is a shot of the Caine figure, it totally looks like the third season look although i'm not sure why he's on a horse.

M*A*S*H Field Hospital Playset

Is it just me or does it look like Trapper John is about to round second base on this package?


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Systems Control Headquarters

I cannot get over the charm of generic playsets like this, lots of computer buttons to press, laboratory work to be done and of course, a lookout. This would have had my imagination going for hours.

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Action Stimulating Sets!

I honestly don't know why I don't collect sets like these, as a kid these would happily eat afternoons.....

Star Base Command Tower

I won't lie to you, I would play with this thing right now were it in front of me. We truly lived in a golden age of generic space toys in the last 1970s.

Also, those astronaut figures were everywhere!

Multiple Toymakers Planet of the Apes Playsets

Next to the wonderful toys by Mego, these Multiple toys Planet of the Apes sets are by far my favourites. I just recently scored one of my grails:

For many ages I've been after this set, the combination of army men with apes totally reminds me of "Battle for the Planet of the Apes" (easily my favourite Apes movie as a kid. Lucky for me, the stars lined up for me this summer.

It would behoove me to rip off the (very tight!) shrink wrap but I honestly want to hit a sandbox people. Have a great weekend!

Want more Multiple Toys? Check out the 1976 Multiple TOys Catalog for Apes, Kung Fu and Batman!

More Planet of the Apes Merchandise

The Looooooooove Boat Plaaaaaayset

As much as I do not regret one minute of those Saturday night "Love Boat/Fantasy Island" fests I had as a kid (especially when they CROSSED OVER, which was like Batman joining the Avengers) I just never really got the need for stuff like the Mego action figures or this little set from Multiple.

Although, I think it would be cool in addition to the crew if you got figurines of regular guest stars like Charo, Gordon Jump, Donna Pescow and Don Adams? My God, what monster would deny the world a Vic Tayback figurine? 

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Blue Thunder Prototypes

While I remember the Multi Toys Blue Thunder Helicopter from the Toys R Us clearance center, I didn't lnow how far they planned to take the series. This page from their 1984 catalog shows (kind of crude) prototypes for Bubba Smith, Dick Butkus, James Farentino and even Dana Carvey.

There was even plans for non helicopter toys! More on Multi Toys later on this Spring.


More Unreleased Action Figures:

The Top Ten Cancelled Toy Lines of the 70s/80s

Nightmare Warriors

Nightmare warriors are toys that I remember but was slightly too old to buy at the time. The idea of Skeleton action figures was done in the 1970s and for some unknown reason the dollar stores aren't full of these guys now. That's a crying shame, Skeleton action figures are an ever green.

Oh and they glow in the dark! Come on, this is a no brainer.

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Galactic Attack Dome

The post Star Wars era was a gold mine for space toys, take this set by Multiple (now going by Miner) in 1980. I kind of want to play with this now....

Remote Controlled Blah!

Miner (who seemed to have bought Multiple Toys) released these remote controlled inflatable figures in 1980 and what a super team up! Mickey Mouse, Dracula, The Incredible Hulk and a Shogun Warrior looking robot. It's a child's version of the league of extraordinary gentlemen!

I remember not being particularly swayed by these as a nine year old but now? I think they're awesome! Funny how that works....

Cool Collections: Kip of the Apes

Been really under pressure to put the final touch on Rack Toys this month so i was coming up short with a Friday feature.

 Enter Kip and his amazing, newly displayed Ape collection to the rescue! I've seen plenty of Planet of the Apes and King Kong collections in my time but Kip seems to be a big fan of Apes in general.

Apes are such a part of the 1970s, it makes perfect sense to feature it here. See how many famous Simians you can see after the jump: