Author Posts

Nerd Therapy Session: Starch of Maize

This one goes back  to 1977, a spendy new toy, the burning curiousity to know what’s inside and the misery that’s always certain to follow. More after the jump….. Kenner’s Stretch Armstrong took the world by storm in 1977. Well, that’s how I remember it anyway, seeing as I was six at the time, that […]

Kenner Stretch Armstrong Archive Debuts

Stretch Armstrong is one of the most recognizable and succesful toy concepts of the 1970s. Launched by Kenner toys in 1977, Stretch Armstrong would become a household name for generation X kids everywhere. The unique concept of making an action figure out of latex and corn syrup would create a buzz and see many a […]

Seadevils for ’70

I’ll probably never get into a position where I’ll have the money or the space (I‘m reaching “hoarding levels” at the compound) to collect Mattel’s wonder Sea Devils line of toys. Hopefully, I’ve inspired some of you to however. Anybody collect these and want to share shots of your collection?  More Sea Devils:

1975 Mattel Heroes in Action Catalog

 During a time when many toy companies were shying aware from realistic military toys thanks mostly to the Vietnam conflict, Mattel toys launched Heroes in Action.  Heroes in Action was a very early attempt at the 3 3/4″ figure market made popular by the Fisher Price Adventure people and later Star Wars, it’s crew comprised […]

I’ve got a tough assignment for you

Growing up,  my neighbour Dave had a talking Joe, all it ever said was “I have a tough assignment for you” to the point where Dave came up with his own “tough assignment” and smashed Joe with a hammer.  It made me giggle when I read the ad copy on this page. Last I saw […]