Author Posts

What me plugging?

I’m very proud to announce that the latest issue of Mad Magazine features a l’il blurb about my book Rack Toys. I was a pretty loyal Mad reader as a kid (only straying to Cracked for those Monster issues) and I’m pretty sure at one point my parents told me I was rotting my brain […]

Space:1999 The Alien

This is a piece I wanted to add to Rack Toys but it got a little wordy and too insider, so I saved it for here. Most Space:1999 fans are at least slightly aware of the fundimensions “The Alien” model kit, which  has no connection to the show. It is in fact, a revamped Goerge […]

Space Lego Love!

True Confession time: As much as I go on and on about vintage Space Lego sets, I a) never had any as a kid (save for one small set I bought with my own money) and b) don’t have any now.  However, I am luckily married to a Space Lego collector and with the help […]

Release the birthday Kraken!

Christopher Elam of the great blog OWARI submitted this great bit of 1981, this being his ninth birthday he has received the Mattel Kraken. Being of a similiar age, I wax fondly at those blockbusters that diverted our attention from Star Wars, albeit briefly…

Lost Star Trek Merchandise

I was thumbing through the 1979 Southbend catalog the other night (click on it to enlarge) and correct me if I’m wrong, but I don’t think any of this stuff got made. Southbend made some cool toys for the movie, particularly and electronic Enterprise that is still quite popular with collectors but I’ve never seen […]

Last minute Valentines suggestions

Hey, if you woke up this morning and thought it was a normal Thursday, don’t panic, I’ve got you covered. You can thank me later. Here are a few items that are way better than gas station flowers (trust me on this). For Her: Jewelry, the bigger the better, personally I’m going for the unhappy toad. […]

The Ghost who walks (in pharmacy toy aisles)

The Phantom got a lot of cool Rack Toy love in the 70s, which is pretty cool considering he didn’t have a cartoon show to back him up.  I like all of the toys but this set, this one is something I’m actively searching for. Seriously, if you have one of these for sale, I’ve […]