The Phantom Rack Toys

The Phantom Rack Toys

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…

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