Toys of Times Lost to History

Doug: Today I am waxing nostalgic for all those great toys I had when I was a child. There's no timestamp on today's memories. Instead, I've just thrown together a ton of Internet image grabs of stuff I had when but a wee lad. Enjoy! And please -- share some of your own reminiscences.

Buried Treasures: Mattel's Secret Wars Bad Guys!

Doug: Hey, friends. We're finishing a 2-part look at the back panels from Mattel's Marvel Super-Heroes Secret Wars action figure line, on sale way back in 1984 and 1985. There were two series sold in the United States, and a third wave sold in Europe that featured Electro, the Constrictor, and Iceman. While I never had those, I did have the 13 figures that were available domestically. I say it past tense, as I sold them last week!

Last week we looked at some Handbook entries and 4-panel comic strips from the heroes' packaging. Today, it's Bring on the Bad Guys! And be sure to check the bottom line on Magneto's card. Say what?

Buried Treasures: Mattel's Secret Wars Box Art

Doug: Yep, I'm still selling! And because of that, I'm still finding things I'd forgotten that I had. Of course I did not forget the 13 action figures in Series 1 and 2 of Mattel's Marvel Super-Heroes Secret Wars line -- they've been on one shelf or another for the better part of 30 years. I decided to list the entire set on eBay this week (search dlw66 under Sellers), which included all of the accessories. The auction was not live for 15 minutes when they sold on a "Buy It Now" for $150. How's that?

But what I'd lost track of were the short comics that adorned the back of each package. Today we're going to "hero up" and look at the good guys; next week we'll Bring on the Bad Guys.

Anyone with information on the creators associated with the little 4-panel comic strips, please don't keep it a secret (see what I did there?). The material on the left side of each of these was for the most part lifted from the Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe, albeit with some editing to focus the context toward the toy line. I got a kick out of these after not laying eyes on them since the mid-80s; I hope you enjoy them, too!

True or False: I Am a Completist

Doug: You may consider just about anything that afflicts you in your obsession... or maybe you're not smitten that way.

True or False: I Am a Completist

http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/NDcyWDgwMA==/z/A44AAOSw7ThUg93W/$_75.JPG

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/c5/d6/7d/c5d67daffafeff3743b4e716b40f1c82.jpg

http://www.thewildstars.com/TarzanBallantinePBset.gif

Comics-Related Goodness in the Home or Office -- Revisited!

Doug: Today we get to revisit a post we ran back on April 24th entitled "True or False: I Have Comics Related Goodness on Display in My Home or Office." I started the conversation with a measly photo of a Captain America and a Spider-Man action figure adorning my desk. I knew, though, that once David B. came along he would dwarf us all with his description of his own office space. About a week ago David emailed Karen and I some photos of his space, and he wrote:

David B: HB summed it up best..:

 

“I have to say, DaveB, that yours sounds like just about the most comfortable, friendly, retro-pop-cultural womb that anyone could ever hope to visit-! The creeping plants are a perfect touch. In spite of the Little Shop [of Horrors, what I used to describe the creeping nature of my plants..] connection, they very much bridge the gap from being potentially geekily-off-putting to having an eccentric but welcoming vibe.”

 

He certainly nailed it.

Doug: So without any more hot air from me, here are the pix David wanted to show today. As he's generally one of our early commenters, I'm sure he'll be along with a little blow-by-blow narration of all of his goodies. Enjoy!

True or False: I Have Comics-Related Goodness on Display in My Home or Office

Doug's desk in his office at school, with Spidey and Cap guarding the family photos and other memorabilia.

Posters referenced by HB in his first comment today.

Could This Be Enough to Get Me Back Into Marvel Legends?

Doug:  I just saw photos of a new Marvel Legends box set (Toys 'R' Us exclusive) featuring the original five X-Men in their "Xavier School" uniforms.  They are looking pretty good!  I have the box set that was released by Toy Biz around 15 years ago, but these look much better!  You can see all of the characters here.

Holy Revival! What's Up with Batman?

Karen: The first wave of figures from the Batman TV show are out and available from fine retailers everywhere. They look pretty great -detailed and with solid likenesses to the actors. Who's purchased these figures?  Not only are we getting a ton of products, but DC is putting out the Batman '66 series too. What's up with this sudden outpouring of love for the Adam West-era Batman? Sure, there's always been some nostalgia for the show, but why has it become so popular right now? Are people burned out from years of an unrelentingly dark caped crusader? Let's hear what you think about this -and the products themselves.