Disclaimer: The links are sponsored and also, some guy farted in here.

Welcome Back Kotter Guitar by Fleetwood Toys (sponsored link) 

Did the Sweathogs ever show any musical prowess? I watched the show a lot as a kid and only remember John Travolta’s singing. 

Hal Needham Stuntman Playset by Gabriel Toys (sponsored link)

This is a truly innovative toy concept from the mid-1970s, a doll based on the legendary stuntman Hal Needham. This allowed kids to do real stunt work. Obviously, this set saw some play, as Hal’s head came off, which is probably not something that happened to the real guy.

The Mighty Hercules Book and Record set from Japan (Sponsored Link) 

As a Canadian kid, I thrilled to the Adventures of the Mighty Hercules and his idiot sidekick, Newton, his idiot sidekick, Newton.  (if you get that joke you are cool) I am blown away that this show had any popularity in Japan but now this is all I can think of.

Spider-Man Super Klobbers by AHI (sponsored link)

I’m not surprised that AHI chose to rip off Socker Boppers; they sold a lot of inflatable toys and well, they had the Spider-Man license. What’s surprising is how rare these are, I guess they did not take off.

Big Jim Cipsa Kid Acero Lobomovil (sponsored link) 

This vehicle was known as “The Beast” in the USA and was the first vehicle available for the P.A.C.K toys, mainly because it’s a repainted Camper. In Mexico, they didn’t have the same characters so they drew over the (GLORIOUS!) Jack Kirby’s art and turned them into bad Guy Garfio and Good guy Hombe Bionico. I love this so much but this freaking thing is such a space killer. Ugh, this is going to bug me….

Oh God, I just realized Hombre Invisible was added! Agggghhhh I have no money!

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 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!

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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The Mighty Hercules, Sweathogs, Rack Toys, Fleetwood, Book and Record, Japan, Spider-Man, AHI, Socker Boppers, Inflatables, Big Jim, Kid Acero, Cipsa, Big Jim PACK, Dr Steel, Jack Kirby,  Hal Needham, Gabriel Toys, Stunt man, 1970s toys, action figures, PlaidStallions, 5 Awesome Things on eBay, 5 Awesome eBay,

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Tomy Rascal Robot (sponsored link) 

I loved these little guys and they worked with Star Wars figures. Mind you my love for this toy is bathed in a warm memory of getting this and the latest Micronauts comic on the same day.

Cipsa Nocton From the Kid Acero line (sponsored link) —

If anyone remembers my Mego Meet video from last summer, this is the same figure I drooled over. Noctun is a Mexican Big Jim baddie but that head sculpt was originally the Zython from the Space:1999 toy range. Combining Big Jim and Space:1999 has an incredible intoxicating power over me and this would have tempted me but I did something amazingly irresponsible again. 

Bootleg C3PO Plush (sponsored link) —

This toy has so much character that it looks like it’s from a bootleg movie I want to see. Also, top marks for the robotic Una-Brow.

Key Party Swizzle Sticks (sponsored link) –

Thankfully these are unused, you want them that way. It’s just better for everyone.

Code Red Puffy Stickers (sponsored link) —

My friend Courtney sent me these tonight, and wow, I’m mind-blown. Code Red was an ABC series produced by Irwin Allen. It was about a family of firefighters and starred Lorne Green, Adam Rich, and Sam Jones. I mean, come on, Adama and Flash Gordon? I was so there. It was cancelled pretty quickly, if I recall. The sight of merchandise shocks me.

5 Awesome Things on eBay this week- The Incredible Noctun, Rascal Robots, bootleg c3p0, 70s key party favors and Code Red!

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 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!

Facebook Groups we enjoy

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

. 

5 Awesome eBay, 5 Awesome Things on eBay this week, five awesome ebay, Noctun, Kid Acero, Space:1999, Cipsa, Mattel, Big Jim, Zython, Swizzle sticks, Key parties, Rascal Robots, Tomy, Code Red, Lorne Green, bootlegs, C3PO, Plush

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

Estos enlaces están patrocinados.

GI Joe Dangerous Assignment Game (sponsored link) —

This is easily one of my bigger grails, a board game based on the GI Joe Adventure team when I was five years old. I love absolutely everything about this, but when it does show up, it’s a bad time, like the Holidays during a 3-week mail strike. Yay!

UPDATE: I know it sold but it’s still worth talking about.

SWAT air assault set (sponsored linkage) —

If I have a rack toy weakness, it’s little soldier-type figures like this. I can use them for my “Dawn of the Dead” diorama!

Mexican Big Jim Zorak by Cipsa (sponsored linkage)-

It’s incredible how much torment vintage cardboard and cellophane can bring upon a person who has incredible luck with Big Jim this year, but it’s haunting me a little.

Check out my video on Zorak:

She-Hulk Paint by Numbers (sponsored link) ––

Hasbro got in on the Marvel lady power by releasing this and Spider-Woman paint sets in 1980. They are hard to find and are also incredible looking. 

PS I liked the Disney show, people need to relax about this stuff…

Inflatable Wolfman (affiliate link) —

I’ve never heard of “Nadel & Sons” nor seen these amazing little things, the seller also has a devil one. I may need these in my life….

The Lincoln Monsters are here!

The Blood-A-Rama Shock Festival Pack

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

. 

5 Awesome Things on eBay, 5 Awesome eBay, five awesome things on ebay, Rack Toys, SWAT, Nadel & Sons, inflatables, Monsters, GI Joe, Bulletman, The Intruder, Mike Power, Adventure Team, She-Hulk, Paint by Numbers, Cipsa, Kid Acero, Big Jim, Zorak, Pack, Mattel,

5 Awesome Things on eBay this week: Bulletman, SWAT, Inflatable Wolfman, Mexican Big Jim and She-Hulk arts and crafts!

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

https://youtu.be/xvFUEGig2jk

Toy-Ventures returns to cover our biggest event of the year, Mego Meet, held at Zolo Con in Warminster, PA. This was a true blast of vintage, modern, and Custom Mego action figures. I hope you’ll check out this incredible feast of vintage toys!

Mike Zolotorow, Krista Schmidt and the entire Zolo-Con Family.
Jason Scheiermeyer of White Elephant Toyz
Paul “Dr. Mego” Clarke of Mego Corporation.
Scott Brown -Cool Retro Pop
Kevin Fiore, Scott Fiore and the entire Fiore clan.
Frank Wojo of Absolutely Retro
Todd @Tiny Plastic Men
Paul Wasson Lasermego.com
John Coe Creations
Mark Huckabone from Heroes Online
Brent Sorensen of Brentzdollz
Vin Carnabuci (and family) from Vin’s Universe.
Seth Buckely from Seth Buckley’s Toyland
Mike “MegoZilla” Jimenez
Amber Zombie and Stitch
Steve Stovall from Super Joe Unlimited

And to all of you who attended Mego Meet and contributed to the spirit intended. You put the “Meet” in “Mego Meet,” and it was a true pleasure to get to know you.

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

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

.

Mego Knock Off Headquarters is a group created to discuss Bootleg toys and customs. Totally chill vibe for fans of Tomland, Lincoln International, Mego and AHI. It’s a super fun group, join Mego-KO-HQ!

zolocon, micronauts, customego, custom mego, knock offs, lincoln monsters, AHI, Mego Corp, Dr Mego, Absolutely retro, Planet of the Apes, NECA, tiny plastic men, Cipsa, Big Jim, Kid Acero, mego museum, Mego collectors, Zolo con, BASA, foreign mego, Lincoln International, Absolutely Retro, Toy-Ventures, Plaidstallions, Denys Fisher, Noctun, Space:1999, Star Trek, Micronauts, Custom Mego, Custom Action Figures, Membros, Zolo World, He-Man, toy shows, toy collector, Toy Ventures Magazine, Dracula, Horror,

The post Toy-Ventures: Mego Meet @ ZoloCon Recap! appeared first on PS.

( legalese: This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated)

Captain Harlock parachuting rack toy figure (eBay Affiliate Link)

Captain Harlock is a Japanese Television series that also gained a following in France and Quebec, Canada as “Albator.” I used to watch this show despite not being able to understand it as a kid because it looked like Star Blazers to me. I’ve never warmed to watching it in English but I still have a weakness for the character, he’s got a cool design and well this is also a parachuting rack toy, something I have a history with.

Planet Surface Patrol vehicle (eBay Affiliate Link) —

It’s amazing the power “Generic Sci-Fi Vehicle” can have on a growing mind. I look at this thing, and I see a cross between Space1999’s Eagle and Damnation Alley’s Landmaster, which makes for a stunning baby. Also, “Planet Surface Patrol” sounds like a 60s Japanese kid’s show that I’d think about a lot.

Tonka Steel Monsters Punk Prototype Sculpt (eBay Affiliate Link) –

I spent a lot of 2023 researching the Tonka Steel Monsters for Toy-Ventures magazine. So,  I was gobsmacked to see these original sculpts for second series figures Punk and Viking appear.

They’re really cool but meant for a fan much bigger than me, although it is very tempting.

Here’s my video on the Tonka Steel Monsters:

Cipsa Kid Acero Lobo Laser (eBay Affiliate Link) —

This is the Mexican version of the Laservetter from Big Jim’s Wolf P.A.C.K and while it’s pretty much the same box with different logos, I really want it. Mexican Big Jim or Kid Acero is, to me, the greatest toy line I never had as a kid. Normally ,the toy company Cipsa would redraw the characters on the boxes but, for some reason, kept the two US figures that they didn’t offer. I assume that confused Mexican kids…

Dr. Zauis Bubble Bottle  (eBay Affiliate Link) —

Silly throw-away esoterica that I wouldn’t have missed as a kid, but I would love it on my shelf now. It’s funny how that works.

Mego Meet 2024 will be hosted this August 17-18 at Zolo-Con. We’ll have our own dealer area, panels, customs contests for the kids and late night swap meets in the Mego Suite.

Mego Meet 2024 is at ZoloCon

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

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

.

Mego Knock Off Headquarters is a group created to discuss bootleg toys and customs. Totally chill vibe for fans of Tomland, Lincoln International, Mego and AHI. It’s a super fun group, join Mego-KO-HQ!

Check out the PlaidStallions store for Toy-Ventures magazine, Tura Satana and much more: www.plaidstallions.com/reboot/shop Join the fun at Mego Knock Off Headquarters, 1800 members and climbing: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Megoknockoff New to the channel? Subscribe! ►https://bit.ly/3D3zxJK Follow Plaid Stallions on Social Media: Twitter ► https://bit.ly/2UzxQ5q Facebook ► https://bit.ly/3mfY73R Instagram ►https://bit.ly/3yZ3kAV Website ► https://bit.ly/3yZ3kAV

Lincoln Monsters posts

5 Awesome Things on eBay this week-Parachuting Captain Harlock, Kid Acero, generic space vehicles, Steel Monsters and Dr. Zaius Bubbles.

The post 5 Awesome Things on eBay this week 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:
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.

Remco Energized Spider-Man

The post Mattel 1979 Big Jim Catalog from Italy appeared first on PS.

EBAY LINK Black Hole Signal Flashers from Shreddies Cereal- These are a Canadian cereal premium from Shreddies or as I called it as a kid, wall paper paste. Shreddies did a Mego action figure promo that year and folks, I ate a ton of it, thank God for sugar.

EBAY LINK REMCO POWERIZED MICKEY MOUSE RANCH This is an interesting toy from the late 70s and a weird one for Mickey Mouse, apparently the figure has a wind up motor you can use to power all the stuff on Mickey’s Ranch? I’ve never actually seen one of these before and I can’t believe this thing is only $20.

EBAY LINK Aurora Mod Squad Model Kit- The fact that I’ve lived my whole life without owning a tiny replica of Clarence Williams III is crushing me right now.

EBAY LINK Mexican Big Jim Invisible Man figure– Oh I love Mexican Big Jim figures and Hombre Invisible is one of the best, a clear body, removable heads and an outfit, hours of fun! How the heck did we not get this as kids?

EBAY LINK

Planet of the Apes Colorforms- You know what? I’m gonna try and buy this or one like it this week, I love Planet of the Apes and Colorforms

Issue 4 of Toy-Ventures magazine ships this June

FACEBOOK GROUPS FROM PLAIDSTALLIONS

Pod Stallions is one of the most fun groups on Facebook.

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

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

Toy-Ventures this week talks about the incredible Hombre Bionico from the Mexican series “Kid Acero” which is based on Mattel’s Big Jim. 


 We get into why I think this is the greatest incarnation of Big Jim and showcase some of the cool figures that were done fromn1976 to 1980. 


Trust me, these are the figures you wished you had as a kid! 


 See more Cipsa Big Jim at our gallery page:
http://www.plaidstallions.com/bigjimmexico.html 


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The post Toy-Ventures 14: Hombre Bionico from Kid Acero (Cipsa Toys) appeared first on PS.