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1977 Donny and Marie Osmond Rack Toy Catalog (Gordy International)

The popularity of the Sid and Marty Krofft-produced “Donny and Marie” television show spawned a plethora of merchandise, most famously the fashion doll line from Mattel. However, the show was so popular, it was “Rack Toy” popular and Gordy International, a prolific 1970s impulse toy maker, issued a special catalog of merchandise to follow suit. […]

Kenner The Car Game

Kenner The Car Game The folks at Kenner did some incredibly smart moves like the Six Million Dollar Man and Star Wars, we can’t forget they also thought up things Milky the Milking Cow and actually tried to market a game based on the 1977 Horror film “The Car“. For those not in the know, this was […]

Empire Batman Cycle

The free mask is problematic, people are just going to call you “Robin” and you’ll spend your crime-fighting time correcting them.   Limited Edition Gift Sets Available Now! Rather than crowd fund the next issue of the magazine, I thought I’d whip up these gift sets full of merch we’ve created in the past. Just […]

1977 Mattel Welcome Back Kotter Catalog

The popularity of the sitcom “Welcome Back Kotter” inspired all kinds of merchandising including these 9″ figures from Mattel, the line was a bit of a flop, and carded figures can still be affordably priced today (especially the Horshak!)     The Sweathogs classroom playset included a record of catchphrases from the show, which I […]

The Zython from Mattel’s Space:1999 line.

The Zython was offered in the 1977 Mattel Catalog as an alien character to go alongside with Mattel’s Space:1999 action figure line. It never appeared in the series but was a rather welcome addition to the line which desperately needed more flair. However, sales on Space:1999 merch weren’t strong enough to warrant a wide release and […]

Toy-Ventures 3- The Sonic Man and Sonic Woman by Tomland

 This week’s episode examines the Tomland toys Sonic Man and Sonic, who look suspiciously like a certain Bionic Couple we all know and love. We also delve into Tomland’s history of ripping off some of the 1970s most popular tv and movie properties.   You can see more Tomland toy merchandise at this site: www.tomlandmonsters.com  Visit […]

It’s Charlie’s Angels!

Only in the 1970s were “crimefighting” and “Skateboarding” put together logically. New Six Million Dollar Man Shirt in our Redbubble store! Don’t forget to join our new facebook group. Get the expanded digital edition of Rack Toys here.

Your 1977 Robot Selection

Tomy’s Mighty Max is a really neat toy that often gets mistaken for a Micronaut or a Shogun Warrior. I wish more records were included with playsets, I think it adds a neat quality.  New Six Million Dollar Man Shirt in our Redbubble store! Don’t forget to join our new facebook group. Get the expanded […]

Jeering Joker and Glaring Gorilla

“Feel like Batman triumphing over his arch-enemy” yup, the ol’ caped crusader just loves to kill in cold blood, with a gun.  I’m beginning to think Frank Miller got his start in the toy industry. New Six Million Dollar Man Shirt in our Redbubble store! Don’t forget to join our new facebook group. Get the […]