Lee Falk’s The Phantom AKA the Ghost who walks isn’t quite the household name that Batman is, but he has occasionally gotten some merchandise. Most notably in the mid-1980s “Defenders of the Earth” toy range. One series that deserves more attention is the Rack Toys made by Larami. Produced in 1975, these toys are mainly “label slap” items that would be sold under other banners such as “Tarzan” or “Planet of the Apes,” but there are some entertaining gems in here and just terrific packaging art.

I saw that Jungle Playset once on eBay and I missed it; it’s still in my “top five must-have” Rack Toys. I’ve owned a very similar set for Tarzan by Fleetwood.  I also want to point out that the Phantom is riding a pterodactyl on the other card. Is he known for such things? That seems more of Tarzan’s bag.

One thing that sets The Phantom Rack Toys apart from others is he carries a gun and that makes sense to market toy guys with his brand. Squirting cameras however seem more like Peter Parkers thing.

The Super Snake is a gift shop staple to this day but it doesn’t have an amazing card back like this one. The archery set may not fly today.

The look of pure joy on the Phantom’s face on the flying saucers is infectious.

I wish the African Safari included a Phantom figure, although I guess you could pretend that’s Kit Walker…

Toy-Ventures Magazine

Do you miss toy 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 six 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.

The Phantom Rack Toys- PlaidStallions

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OLD BUTTERICK BAT-MAN HALLOWEEN COSTUME SEWING PATTERNS

EBAY LINK Batman Halloween Costume Sewing Patterns– Where was this when i was five? I had to go as the Collegeville “The Bat” that stink doesn’t wash off! Unclean!

EBAY LINK Planet of the Apes Inflatable pool by AHI– I am totally aware that I can’t afford this and that I also have zero use for it as a grown man BUT I WANT IT! I really want this, it’s weird how much I do, it’s actually freaking me out a little.

EBAY LINK ADAM 12 Milk Carton– My friend Dave sent me this (much of this list is Dave this week, I’ve been swamped) and my first thought was “who thought to save this?”. I still want to meet this human. 

EBAY LINK Vintage 1975 Coleco Evel Knievel Bicycle Moto Cross Game Wow, I don’t remember this toy but I certainly remember every kid on Fairview drive trying to be Knievel and skinning their knees. I think I got my first stitches at four imitating Batman but landing in broken glass, I find it funny how the “we never got a trophy” crowd seems to want a medal for that. 

EBAY LINK Defenders of the Earth Say no to drugs poster- I like the Defenders of the Earth Toyline, it was nice to see figures of Flash Gordon and the Phantom on toy shelves. It’s also really naive to think kids won’t smoke pot because Mandrake the Magician said not to. 

Issue 4 of Toy-Ventures magazine is now shipping, it’s full of cool toys from the 60s, 70s and 80s, get it while it’s hot!

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!

Visit the PlaidStallions Action Figure Archive, we catalog unique toylines from the 70s & 80s including rare Japanese toys and knock-offs, updates done daily.

PlaidStallions Action Figure Archive

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Crime Busters come out of the United Kingdom and seem to from the late 70s or early 1980s. They one of many Knock Off series that make use of discarded or left-over suits from Ideal’s Captain Action. This kind of item popped up until the mid-1980s.

The figures themselves appear to be lower quality knock-offs of Tommy Gunn ( Gunn was a UK take on G.I. Joe and many would argue, a knock-off himself) all adorned with a Crime Buster logo and a white version of what appears to be a Batman take. Not a bad way to spend your 99 pence.

PlaidStallions Action Figure Archive

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 other

The post Crime Busters added to Plaid Stallions Action Figure Archive appeared first on PS.

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