Disclaimer: The links are sponsored by eBay, but the opinions are all mine.

Lakeside Monster Writer (sponsored link)

I wonder if there is a collection of novelty monster pens like this somewhere. I’d go for stuff like this but get disappointed in the pen running out like a day later. I was one of those kids that didn’t like blank pages much….

KISS Watercolour Paints (sponsored link)-

This is a bit of vintage KISS merch I’d never seen before. This is probably because it’s an Australian item made by “Rockin’ Roo Products” which really hits home where it’s from. Excuse me now, I’m going to start a company called “Boppin’ Beaver”

GI Joe Adventure Team Halloween Costume (sponsored link) —

As much as I’m a super fanboy of the Adventure Team era, I have never purchased a Halloween Costume. I drool over the Mike Power and Super Joe ones, which are relatively rare, this guy is not as expensive and is pretty darn cool.

Tarzan Birthday Party Supplies (sponsored link) —

“Tarzan Birthday Party” was the name of my ill-fated improv group in college. Also, never start an improv group at a business school. Seeing as how much I was drawn to the Filmation Tarzan series, I’d have really welcomed this for my 6th birthday.

A Skull Full of Snakes by Arco Toys (sponsored link) —

I enjoy the “Ron Swanson-esque” honesty in this toy’s name; it says what it is, plainly and truly, requiring no further explanation. Seriously, the second blurb should be “Contents: Reread the title son.”

Toy-Ventures Weekly- The Source for Mego Museum and Plaid Stallions news. Regular columns, CustoMego and more!

The Toy-Ventures Weekly Newsletter combines all the news from Mego Museum and Plaid Stallions and a lot of other fun stuff across the Interwebs. It’s got customs, new action figures, vintage finds and a lot of pop culture. Sign Up Here!

Issue #13 of Toy-Ventures will feature the never-before-seen plans for the 1983 World’s Greatest Superheroes toy line and a cover featuring artwork specially commissioned for Mego’s catalog, gloriously coloured by Robyn Adams, founder of the Mego Museum.
https://www.toyventuresmag.com

Issue #13 of Toy-Ventures Magazine will feature the never-before-seen plans for the 1983 World’s Greatest Superheroes toy line and a cover featuring artwork specially commissioned for Mego’s catalogue, gloriously coloured by Robyn Adams, founder of the Mego Museum.

The Blood-A-Rama Shock Festival Pack

Toy-Ventures Issue 12- Stretch MonsterClick Here for past installments of 5 Awesome Things on eBay this week

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These links are sponsored and eBay is getting a little crazy about how much they need me to say this. I get 20 bucks a week doing this.

Inflatable Batman Kite (Affiliate Link) 

I’m not sure I’ve ever been aware of this kite by Sky-Way products, my dad sold Ray-Line kits and honestly, when you have a parent in the kite industry, your needs are totally met that way. There could have been a Phantom of the Paradise Kite and I wouldn’t have known…

Japanese Spider-Man Menko Card (Affiliate Link) —

I had a hard choice this week with Menko cards; I chose either Spidey or a series featuring Spectreman’s Dr. Gori. I think Spidey is the crowd pleaser but part of me feels like a sell-out.

Mattel 1976 Catalog (affiliate link) 

I don’t have to explain my love of toy catalogues; this to me is an essential, Big Jim P.A.C.K and Space:1999? Insane year.

Wentoys Frankenstein Figure (Affiliate Link)—

This figure is by SunGold and this series (which includes a Freddy, Mummy and Wolfman) was primarily sold in European and UK discount stores. As you may have sussed out, I have a soft spot for Frankenstein Figures offered through discount shops…..

Collegeville Lord of the Rings Halloween Costume (affiliate link) —

As a kid, I was aware of Middle Earth but not really into any of it signifigantly. What I do find funny, though, is the two kids I knew back then that would have nerded out to this costume? Yeah, I still talk to those dudes 40 years later.

Toy-Ventures is our magazine; we’re an independent publisher trying to bring back print toy magazines; if you would like to support us, please check out the latest issue: https://plaidstallions.com/reboot/shop

Toy-Ventures Issue 12- Stretch Monster

Click Here for past installments of 5 Awesome Things on eBay this week

Join our weekly newsletter.

The Super Collector Newsletter combines all the news from Mego Museum and Plaid Stallions and a lot of other fun stuff across the Interwebs. It’s got customs, new action figures, vintage finds and a lot of pop culture. Sign Up Here!

We co-produced this amazing action figure with White Elephant Toyz; it’s an 8″ Mego Style Officially Licensed Tura Satana figure with a beautiful box by Joeseph Linsner! Get yours while supplies last.

Knock Offs; Totally Unauthorized Action Figures the book

Knock-Offs Totally Unauthorized Action figures is from the demented mind that brought you “Rack Toys: Cheap, Crazed Playthings” and features hundreds of hilarious, charming, copyright infringing toys. Get a signed copy in our shop! 5 Awesome

Facebook Groups we enjoy

The official FB group for PlaidStallions, come for the conversation, stay for the chill vibe. Remember, you keep the glass

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5 Awesome eBay, 5 Awesome Things on eBay this week, five awesome things on eBay this week, Mattel, 1976, Space:1999, Barbie, Japanese Spider-Man, Menko Cards, Spectreman, Dr. Gori, Batman, Inflatable kites, Sungold, Lord of the Rings, Collegeville, plaidstallions
 

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Darran Hight, AKA Doc Multiverse, created our striking cover.

Toy-Ventures Issue 8 has the most articles we’ve ever included, and we’re adding two of what we hope are many recurring columnists:

Basement of Horror– Monster toy guru and popular YouTube host Ray Castile is launching his first column with us and man; October is the perfect month for this as we talk about “The Incredible Melting Man.”

The Warriors Toybox– We’re elated to have Chance Priest join us for a recurring look at the neat stuff in his toy box. If you don’t know Chance’s work, you’ve been missing out; he’s a trip! The first article is all about some obscure Remco Warrior Beast toys that will have you scouring eBay.

Ghoul Like Motion– Heath Smith guides us through the world of Telco Monster Motionettes; he’s done a fantastic job of creating the ultimate guide to these Halloween classics.

Mid-Way Warriors– Shogun Warriors expert Dave Keymont joins us this issue for a look at the bootleg carnival rip offs of our favourite Machinders, this is just the beginning of our journey with Dave.

The Birth of RoboSkull– Our pal Tony Roberts (Analog Toys), alongside Bob Brechin (former Palitoy designer) takes us on an in-depth tour of developing one of the coolest 80s toys ever made, the Action Force Robo Skull. You will love this.

Hasbro Super Joe Part 2– Steve Stovall returns with his comprehensive on-going series of GI Joe’s least talked about years.

Mego Goes Ape Part 4– Our ongoing series covering the Mego Planet of the Apes line talks about the best-selling playsets of 1974 with input from Mego’s Marty Abrams.

A Wanted Man– Who is Big Bad John, he’s one of the rarest action figures out there, and to collectors of Lincoln International, he’s our rocket-firing Boba Fett!

Single Ladies from Outer Space– The Galaxy Maidens are a bizarre entry in 80s toy history, mainly because they look like they came from a 1950s B-Movie.

Battlestar Inflatica– This article discusses the fantastic Battlestar Galactica toys we didn’t get from GLJ.

Kimba the White Lion Halloween Prototype masks– Toy-Ventures regular Corey LeChat shares obscure items from the Collegeville vaults!

All this, and if you act now, you’ll be guaranteed a set of Knock-Off Puffy stickers featuring Mr. Rock, Space Flyman, Dr. Zorma from the Astro Apes, the Incredible Bulk and Zing from the Star Raiders. Art  by the incredible Chris Franklin. This HUGE pack of stickers is yours free with purchase while supplies last.

Thank you as always for the love and support, the print toy magazine business is growing but it’s still an uphill battle, so please tell your friends and don’t forget to like and share the Toy-Ventures Facebook Page.

Toy-Ventures Issue 8

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Hello All,

I’m happy to share a sneak preview of Toy-Ventures magazine issue 8. Due in October, this issue will showcase the new direction for the magazine but will also retain the flavour you’ve come to expect from TV.

Toy-Ventures Issue 8 will contain the most vintage toy articles we’ve ever attempted, covering genres from the 1960s to the 1980s, like Military toys, Monsters, unproduced prototypes, Anime, Science Fiction, Knock-Offs, and Halloween costumes.

Our Mego Planet of the Apes coverage continues, as does Steve Stovall’s (3DSuperJoes) incredibly well-researched look at Hasbro’s Super Joe. Also returning to issue 8 is toy historian Tony Roberts (Analog Toys) with another fantastic look behind the curtain at the creation of a legendary Palitoy collectible.

New voices to Toy-Ventures this month include Heath Smith, Raymond Castile, Chance Priest, Dave Keymount and George Spigot, sharing their vast knowledge on unique subjects that I can’t wait to reveal.

As for the pre-order/subscriber prize for this issue, Chris Franklin has cooked up something magical and insane.

Stay Tuned to Toy-Ventures magazine by visiting our Facebook page, and please share this post; every little bit helps us our toy collector magazine grow. Thank You!

Do you miss toy collector magazines?

That’s why we created Toy-Ventures magazine, an old-school print publication dedicated to vintage toys from the 1960s to the 1990s. Each issue is packed with unseen images and information written by some of the top collectors. We’ve got 7 issues and climbing; please check our page here or visit our store.

Our newest book “Knock-Offs: Totally, Unauthorized Action Figures,” is now available. It’s 130 pages of bootleg goodness.
You can get this new book via the PlaidStallions Shop , On Amazon (Affiliate Link) or on eBay (eBay Link)

Our book Rack Toys, Cheap, Crazed Playthings is now available again! Order through our Affiliate Link

Order Rack Toys 2.0 Here through our Affiliate Link►https://amzn.to/3Bkm9z1

FACEBOOK GROUPS FROM PLAIDSTALLIONS

Pod Stallions is based on our podcast and is one of the most fun groups on Facebook. Toys, Comics, Movies, TV, it’s all up for grabs and remember, you keep the glass! If you like our show, then you have found your tribe.

Mego Knock Off Headquarters– The leading group discussing 70s Dime store knock-offs and bootleg action figures, we talk vintage toys and not others. We know the difference between Astro Apes and Action Apeman.  It’s a fun group where we talk about Lincoln International, AHI, Mighty Gary, Tomland, Bogi, Demo Man, Mortoys, and other generic greats.

Toy-Ventures Issue 8 Sneak Peek

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Hey folks, I’m happy to say that Issue 6 is finally on the press, finding paper in 2022 isn’t fun but we got there! 

It’s a really great issue and one I’m proud of so let me walk you through it. First off, the striking cover is by my friend Dave Waugh, he was my first choice for this and well, he was the right choice. In our first conversation, he came up with the idea of doing a parody of the “Star Crash” poster.

Our cover story and main feature is  S.T.A.R Wars by David Lockwood (special thanks to John Kent).
The Knock-Offs that defeated The Empire, the Ideal Toys Star Team. It’s hard to defeat the Knight of Darkness.

 Ultra Mask by Corey LeChat Unmasking the 70s Ultraman College Halloween costume series. As usual Corey’s design sense and wonderful writing style make this a stand-out piece on this iconic bit of history.

 S’up Riches – Jonathan Sternfield
Exploring the short-lived toy company Dimensions for Children and their line of Richie Rich Toys by the leading expert on Harvey comics merchandise.

Mego Planet of the Apes Part 2 –
Variations of the Apes! We continue our ongoing coverage of the Mego Planet of the Apes line with this look at the wave one figure variations. Special thanks to Mike Armes, Mike Jimenez, Steve Moore and William Wilson on this piece.

Lost Land of the Lost – Brian Heiler
Aw man, we could have had Sleestaks! A showcase of the 1976 LJN toy line that never was.

SPECIAL LIMITED TIME OFFER- If you order Toy-Ventures magazine issue 6 through our store, your issue will come with a limited-edition fold-out Star Team movie poster based on the classic Star Wars rip-off “Star Crash”.This limited edition Dave Waugh poster will sell out fast.

The Future is Bright!

Look for it in the Diamond Catalog this March. Please tell your LCS to consider stocking it.

You can get this new book via the PlaidStallions Shop , On Amazon (Affiliate Link) or on eBay (eBay Link)

RACK TOYS IS BACK IN STOCK! GET THE BUNDLE OF BOTH BOOKS SIGNED!

Knock Off Book Bundle

Our book Rack Toys, Cheap, Crazed Playthings is now available again! Order through our Affiliate Link

Order Rack Toys 2.0 Here through our Affiliate Link►https://amzn.to/3Bkm9z1

Toy-Ventures Magazine is our newest creation, an old-school print magazine about vintage toys! Professionally laid out and written, each issue is brimming with obscure and rare toys from companies such as Mego, Kenner, Remco, AHI, and much more. Monsters, Superheroes, Adventurers, Knock Offs, Apes, and so much more, it’s in Toy-Ventures.

Toy-Ventures Issue 5 is available now:
Ebay: https://ebay.us/XSS1X7
Plaid Stallions Store: https://plaidstallions.com/reboot/shop/
Amazon Affilitate Link:https://amzn.to/3d9Q0AS

FACEBOOK GROUPS FROM PLAIDSTALLIONS

Pod Stallions is one of the most fun groups on Facebook. Toys, Comics, Movies, TV, it’s all up for grabs and remember, you keep the glass!

Mego Knock Off Headquarters– The leading group discussing 70s Dime store knock-offs of Mego action figures, we talk vintage toys and not others. We know the difference between Astro Apes and Action Apeman! It’s a really fun group where we talk about Lincoln International, AHI, Tomland, Bogi, Demo Man, Mortoy, and other generic greats.

toy-ventures magazine

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King Kong Socks (eBay Link)-  I think the 70s Kong remake isn’t as memorable as a film as it is a poster. That thing is iconic!

5 Awesome eBay- Jaws Halloween Costume

JAWS Collegeville Halloween Costume (eBay Link) I think Collegeville sold a bajillion of these, I vividly remember seeing a slew of those while trick or treating.

Destination Inner Space Super 8 Movie (eBay Link)– Destination Inner Space seemed to play on Buffalo 29 every other weekend, alternating with “Castle of Evil”, when I was a kid. It’s got a cool, memorable monster, some terrible model effects and well that’s about it.

Mummy MPC Model- 5 Spooky Things on eBay

MPC Mummy Machine I’m not big on car models or cars in general but this thing is killer. I wish it were a real vehicle.

Wind up Creature from the Black Lagoon I remember when these came out, I never understood why they weren’t more popular. I’d fill a house with tin robot toys if I didn’t have 50 other obsessions. At 75 this thing is a freaking bargain, seller has a Mummy too.

Our book Rack Toys, Cheap, Crazed Playthings is now available again! Order through our Affiliate Link

Order Rack Toys 2.0 Here through out Affiliate Link►https://amzn.to/3Bkm9z1

Toy-Ventures Magazine is our newest creation, an old-school print magazine about vintage toys! Professionally laid out and written, each issue is brimming with obscure and rare toys from companies such as Mego, Kenner, Remco, AHI, and much more. Monsters, Superheroes, Adventurers, Knock Offs, Apes, and so much more, it’s in Toy-Ventures.

Toy-Ventures Issue 5 is available now:
Ebay: https://ebay.us/XSS1X7
Plaid Stallions Store: https://plaidstallions.com/reboot/shop/
Amazon Affilitate Link:https://amzn.to/3d9Q0AS

FACEBOOK GROUPS FROM PLAIDSTALLIONS

Pod Stallions is one of the most fun groups on Facebook. Toys, Comics, Movies, TV, it’s all up for grabs and remember, you keep the glass!

Mego Knock Off Headquarters– The leading group discussing 70s Dime store knock-offs of Mego action figures, we talk vintage toys and not others. We know the difference between Astro Apes and Action Apeman! It’s a really fun group where we talk about Lincoln International, AHI, Tomland, Bogi, Demo Man, Mortoy, and other generic greats.

The post 5 Spooky Things on eBay This Week appeared first on PS.

Collegeville was one of the leading Halloween costume manufacturers of the late twentieth century. 


 This extensive 1968 catalog really demonstrates the powerhouse licenses they were rocking in the 60s, including Labyrinth, The Transformers and the Go-Bots, WWF Wrasslers, Wuzzles, Rainbow Bright and the Peanuts, it’s a good group and some solid 1980s nostalgia.

1986 Collegeville Halloween Costume Catalog

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The post Scratch and Sniff Costumes appeared first on PS.

Here’s  Mikey rocking a homemade Devil costume!

Karl and his bro in 1970ish.

Liz’s first Halloween! Digging that carpet!

Deann as Batgirl, I’m so happy to see a Batgirl in this mix.

Here’s Dusty as Batman in 1989, when he went from blue and grey to black.

Speaking of Star Wars, he’s Kevin as Vader. Imagine if David Prowse wore this ensemble in the movie…..

Dan as Frankenstein writes “This has the Hippy Frankenstein jointed Die Cut I have spent my whole life unsuccessfully looking for!”

Thanks everybody for embracing the spirit of this and sharing your happy memories with the world. It brought me no end of joy to see my inbox crammed with these treasures.

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