Disclaimer: Links are sponsored, the thoughts and comments, all mine.

Big Jim Boris the Devious Chauffer (sponsored Link)

Another European James Bond Masterpiece, Boris was also marketed under the James Bond 007 Banner. I found this guy in the 80s via toyshop and immediately fell in love with him. Not only is he made up of some of my favourite Big Jim PACK Characters (namely Dr. Steel and Torpedo Fist) but he totally looks like he came out of a Matt Helm film! There is no downside.

3 Henshin Cyborgs with vintage Outfits (sponsored link) —

A couple of really neat deals happened this week with Henshin Cyborg, one of those toy lines I dabble in but mainly window shop. I thought this lot of three Shonin Cyborgs were tempting. I’m passing this temptation along in case it’s of benefit.

A Man called Sloane Promotional Poster from NBC (sponsored link)

For some reason, I am obsessed with the short-lived 1979 NBC Spy Television series that was definitely channelling the Roger Moore James Bond era. It was pretty silly with androids, weather machines and oh so many death rays. I have never seen this poster before. Conrad replaced the actor in the pilot, and I find it interesting that Sloane almost had a mustache. This will haunt me.

1979 Blake’s 7 British Annual (sponsored link) –

I am fond of both the Annual format and this groundbreaking sci-fi series; you’d think I’d own one, but nope. I also haven’t finished the first season Blu-rays I got last Christmas, I think I’ll fix that.

Bruce Action (sponsored link)-

I don’t know what “Bruce Action” is but I think I could use some. This toy is a masterpiece of both sloppiness and inadvertent hilarity.
The Lincoln Monsters Backer Kit Store is now open to the public. After the successful Kickstarter campaign (Thank You Again!), BackerKit is the next chance to get in on the Lincoln Horror Show.

The Lincoln Monsters Backer Kit Store is now open to the public.

Issue #13 of Toy-Ventures features 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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Links are sponsored, content and opinions entirely my own.

Carvel Fudgy the Whale Plush (sponsored link)

 I posted this here in the hopes of everyone reading it in Tom Carvel’s unforgettable voice. Also, we didn’t get Carvel in Canada, but we were flooded with the commercials, which must be considered some form of torture.  Even when my family visited the States and went to a Carvel, we couldn’t  get an Ice Cream cake, which doesn’t travel well. They were also out of Captain Carvel comics.

Dick Smith Horror Make-Up Makeup Kit (sponsored link)

I’m working on the next issue of Toy-Ventures magazine, and it’s all about influential Monster Kid toys that were gateways to real careers in filmmaking. This set, while not the focus, cannot be ignored.

Mask-a-Tron KO “Robot Man with 4 Faces” (sponsored link)–

This is a Knock-Off action figure that I have spotlighted at least once a year on this column but it bears repeating. An amazing combination of the Bionic Man, Planet of the Apes and a GI Joe Knock-Off? It’s that incredible chef’s kiss of sarcasm to it. Mind you I’ve got something of an obsession with bootleg Bionic Man toys, as you can see from the video below:

Kusan Sonic Battle Blaster– (Sponsored Link)

I want everyone to try yelling “Kusan Sonic Battle Blaster!” and mean it, because there’s catharsis in it. I really like Captain Haircut on the box as well, this toyu was released in 1983 and is a grandchild of the Sonic Fazer.

Redbox James Bond KO Agent 707 set (sponsored link)–

This is a toy I vividly remember from the showroom at my father’s office. It was a factory sample (which meant it had a tag in Chinese attached to it), and it really captured my imagination. I certainly wanted it but I’m inclined to think I never got it. Something about me shooting missiles all over the house from my cigarette packet probably didn’t go over big with my folks.

THE LINCOLN MONSTERS KICK STARTER IS LIVE

Pod Stallions Facebook Group It’s a treehouse filled with grown-ups.⁠

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

The post 5 Awesome Things on eBay this week appeared first on PS.

Listen to our entire catalogue of Podcasts here:
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Our long running Pod Cast, Pod Stallions is now available on Spotify.

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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 never before seen 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 latest book is “Knock-Offs: Totally Unauthorized Action Figures” a love letter to cheeky copyright-infringing toys. You can get this new book via the PlaidStallions Shop, On Amazon (Affiliate Link) or eBay (eBay Link)

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 folks, 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.

#podcast #podstallions #godzilla #jamesbond #super7

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Lite-Up Monster Heads (eBay Link) –

Glow sticks were such a cool thing that somehow never found their footing into toys. Lords of Light tried but unfortunately failed. Had I seen this as a kid, it would have been a total must-have.

Set of Blood Island Tiki Mugs (eBay link) –

If any of you are keeping score, you’ll know that I adore the Blood Island movies, and there is precious little merchandise. I missed out on these Tiki mugs made a couple of years back, and now they’re kinda pricey.  I regret not buying one now, but I broke up with liquor in my late twenties, and I don’t really have a bar in my house, so it’s a whole thing.

Monster Party Favours (eBay Link)

Ah, the cheap goodness you’d occasionally get for attending a birthday party as a kid. It didn’t always happen, but when it did, you remembered. I love everything about this, including the various shots of young men on picture day. That kid in the tie is trouble; just look at his smugness; he’s just like his father, that one.

Monster Target Rack Toy (eBay Link) –

This is not the first monster target rack toy I’ve seen, and I think it’s the third I’ve featured here. I don’t know how “Frankenstein” equates to “Shoot in the face” but in this case, I’m happy it does. Love the art on this very much.

“Keep on Tricking” pin (eBay Link) –

One thing you can be sure about here is that Robert Crumb didn’t see a dime from this.

BONUS NON SPOOKY ITEMS

The following things are neat, end before the next installment of this series, and well, I wanted to share.

Space:1999 Letraset (eBay Link) –
For the uninitiated, Letraset is a UK version of Presto Magix but much more deluxe and they’re GORGEOUS. I really want to collect these, they have Doctor Who and Superheroes as well but I am not “Scrooge McDuck” wealthy.

Special Agent: Secret Weapon Rack Toy (eBay Link) –

I am so smitten with dime-store Roger Moore on this header card, it’s like he’s quipping “Don’t have time for you old chum”.

5 Spooky Things on eBay this week

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James Bond Rack Toys by Imperial

In 1986, just after 59-year-old Roger Moore had left the role, Imperial Toy Corporation decided to launch an aggressive line of Rack Toys featuring the movie super spy. These were not the first time Bond had been featured on Rack Toys, AHI had done it in the 1970s but Bond merchandise was not common for the time, save for the odd model kit or evergreen Corgi car.

It was a way to yet again label slap the 007 logos on existing toolings like guns and that epic parachute man, which also weaved its way into  Imperials’ Delta Force line. However, the most memorable piece of Imperial James Bond merchandise has to be the sunglasses, whose card back provided some unintentional hilarity.

James Bond Rack Toys

The names Bond, Elton Bond. I really hope Roger Moore saw these at least once in his life. It’s probably unlikely as they don’t have Ben Franklin stores in Monte Carlo but a guy can dream.

One year later James Bond would regenerate into Timothy Dalton and all these toys would look like yesterday’s news.

This limited edition set includes both books, all six magazines (with available premiums) and a Captain Canuck action figure. It’s a $150 value for a great price. I only can make six of these, so don’t wait.

Toy-Ventures Magazine Issue 6- PlaidStallions

Issue 6 of Toy-Ventures ships next week, order now from our shop and get a free Star Team Poster by legendary artist Dave Waugh!

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 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 James Bond Rack Toys by Imperial appeared first on PS.

Big Jim was an international sensation in 1979, he just wasn’t available in the country of his birth. By 1979, Big Jim was still enjoying popularity in Europe where he had gone through several changes and permutations to become a strong competitor to the Hasbro lines based on GI Joe which was also no longer available in the United States.

This 1979 Italian catalogue shows just how versatile the Big Jim brand was, he was not just the action sportsman adventurer but a James Bond-like super spy, a cowboy, a soldier of fortune, an astronaut and a world explorer. Something I wish they would have done more of in North America.

Big Jim’s spy persona sold really well in the European market.

This 004 doll with the interchangeable masks was also sold as James Bond in some countries.

1979 Big Jim

The Big Jim figures had slightly evolved over the years, the new hands were especially good.

1979 Big Jim

Like I`ve said many times on the site, I think these Big Jim pirate figures are nifty especially considering they`re made up of recycled parts.

1979 Big Jim

The Big Jim western items were also clever bits of recycling, it amazes me as to how popular this theme still was in Europe. I’m also amazed to see a female character in the line!

1979 Big Jim

I recognize a lot of these Big Jim outfits from the original sportsman days, a little P.A.C.K is also mixed in there.

Mattel really knew how to stretch Big Jim tooling.

The Big Jim camper really had long legs seeing as it’s still available 7 years after its debut.

The Big Jim Helicopter was a European exclusive toy.

We have a new book out called “Knock-Offs: Totally Unauthorized Action Figures” it’s a 132-page tribute to bootleg toys.

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

I wish some of these sets would have been available in North America, especially that scuba set.

That Tiger would later become Battle Cat from the Masters of the Universe line. Unfortunately, the Huskies from the dog sled never made it to Eternia.

The Big Jim Pirate theme was so popular it got a boat!

Both of these European Big Jim sets are amazing. I want to know what’s up with the mask that comes with the Scuba set and the space set is actually recycled Major Mason parts. Mattel you are so thrifty!

Above is the second version of the Big Jim Lazervette vehicle it’s been heavily modified from the original US release, the speedboat was another European exclusive.

Check out the 1979 Italian Shogun Warriors Catalog here.

We have a new book out called “Knock-Offs: Totally Unauthorized Action Figures” it’s a 132-page tribute to bootleg toys.

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

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:
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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.

Remco Energized Spider-Man

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Unfortunately, all crazes end and so did Gilbert, this would be their final year as a toy company.

This one is a little before my time but it’s such a gorgeous catalog and cool subject matter that I wanted to showcase it here.

The company got it’s start making Magic sets, so it’s not a surprise that they tried to integrate them with popular licenses, no matter how weird they may seem.

These hand-painted Bond figures must have been put out by the millions as carded examples were everywhere when I started collecting in the early 1980s.

The little Sean Connery Puppet is adorable, I want one.

The 12″ Bond figure gave some serious competition to GI Joe in 1965.

The Honey West figure was nowhere near as beautiful as Anne Francis.

The Man from U.N.C.L.E range were solid sellers for Gilbert, oddly the Girl from U.N.C.L.E would be scooped up and produced by rival toymaker Marx.

Moon McDare was a homegrown Astronaut concept, he even had an astro dog!

Gilbert utilized some long-haired kids from Liverpool to sell their toys. 

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FACEBOOK GROUPS FROM PLAIDSTALLIONS

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Mego Knock Off Headquarters– The leading group discussing 70s dimestore goodness, we talk vintage toys, not others.

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The undisputed king of the “Rack Toy” in the 1970s was Azrak-Hamway International or “AHI” for short.


They were riding high with past hits like Batman, Spider-Man, Star Trek, Space 1999 but 1978 saw them add James Bond 007, Farrah Fawcette, Donnie and Marie, the Walt Disney characters and their answer to Star Wars, Star Fleet!

It’s a real blast down the pharmacy toy aisle, check it out here:
1978 Azrak Hamway Toy Catalog on PlaidStallions.

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