Big Announcement Sunday

Big Announcement Sunday

It’s finally time to reveal what I’ve been planning for three years and that is, I’m writing a book! The project is called “Rack Toys” and it’s essentially a love letter to what I feel is a very under served area of toy collecting. More after the jump:

I’m finally far enough into this that I can confidently say it’s going to happen, whether I go with one of the publishing houses I’m currently pitching to or self publish, I will hopefully make this happen in the next 12 months.

Below is a description of the book from my proposal:






Colorful packaging hanging from your drug store or grocer’s shelves, designed to entice you while you sat in the shopping cart.

These often terribly made, strange playthings priced low enough to wear down even the most frugal adult and were often forgotten or broken by the time you left the parking lot

Rack Toys is a love letter to repurposed, illogically licensed toys that were not meant to be remembered. An explosion of color, nostalgia and humor spanning three decades and dozens of genres.

The book will explore all the nagging childhood questions like:




“Why does Superman need a parachute?”

“Who thought Love Boat equated to a shaving kit?”

and “When did Dr. Zaius get a walkie talkie?”


Rack Toys is an explosion of color, nostalgia and humor spanning three decades and dozens of genres.
It goes without saying if you’re a publisher interested in this book, please drop me a line . I am currently shopping the book and have entered the discussion phase but nothing is set in stone yet. Also, if you own an oddball rack toy that you believe deseves some attention, please get in touch, no genre or era is out of range.
toronto toy show booth
Secondary Announcement: For the third year running I’ll be setting up at this year’s Toronto Toy Show on November 20th (link to $2 off admission coupon can be found here) to hopefully pay off some debt and overall feel like less of a hoarder.   I’ll be peddling some vintage stuff and Brick Mantooth dolls, also be showing off some upcoming limited edition Mantooth variants. If you’re in the area please drop by and say hello and pick up some free trading cards and hugs.

About The Author

Mantooth
AKA Brian Heiler author of "Rack Toys: Cheap, Crazed Playthings" and co-editor of "Toy-Ventures Magazine". Co-Host of the "Pod Stallions" podcast. Host of the Brick Mantooth Youtube channel, painter, designer, writer, mental health advocate, toy collector, Mego, and Mego Knock-Off enthusiast. I have large feet, ADHD and I live in Canada. Talk toys, not others.

10 Comments

  • Debs @ Vintage Action Figures on November 6, 2011

    That Planet of the Apes knock-off is awesome…I WANT!!

  • Sabrina on November 6, 2011

    Total coolness! Best of luck with your book. I'm a freelance writer and have been published in a few places, so if you have questions about anything, drop me a line at sabrinasteyling[at]yahoo[dot]com. 🙂

  • Tex on November 6, 2011

    Mark me down for a hardcover copy, please!

    And I'd recommend Lulu.com if no publisher's smart enough to bite.

    Tex
    (then you can say it's from Mantooth Press)

    PS–Word verification "psycho," which is what I am for the 70s!

  • Doug on November 6, 2011

    You might contact the good folks at TwoMorrows — they've done books along these lines, most notably the very excellent Mego book of which I'm certain you're well aware!

    Best of luck — this is a great idea!

    Doug

  • R.A.M.'67 on November 6, 2011

    Quite an undertaking! Good luck on this venture!

  • plasticfetish on November 6, 2011

    Finally! I'd like to pre-pre-pre-reserve a copy now please.

  • Caffeinated Joe on November 7, 2011

    Great idea! I used to get some of these oddities when I had a little allowance to use. Bought many of those parachute guys, no matter how many times they got tangled up!

  • Brenda on November 8, 2011

    Congratulations, you!! That is one book I would definitely read.

  • John III on November 8, 2011

    Way to go Brian! Good to see you finally make something of yourself! LOL

  • JasonMotesBowles on November 12, 2011

    You know I'm preordering this as soon as it's available!

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