Godzilla took the world by storm in 1954 on the big screen. Ishirō Honda directed the first Godzilla film. Since then, the franchise has only grown, with countless movies, comics, and action figures. So, when were the first Godzilla action figures made? The First Godzilla Action Figure by Marusan Marusan, a Japanese company, first introduced […]
Wheeljack’s Lab – Vintage Toy Blog
Follow this blog for the new, the unusual, the rare and cool Generation 1 G1 Transformers toys. Reviews, news, toy resources, galleries, unboxing, opinions and personal reflections on vintage toys.
The Ten Most Expensive Hot Wheels Toy Cars
Mattel changed the landscape of die-cast toy cars in the 1960s when they introduced trackable vehicles that zipped around on Hot Wheels. Before then, Matchbox had a firm grip on the market, having created 1/64th scale cars for years. To face the competition, Mattel made certain that their new Hot Wheels would be of a […]
When Were the First Evel Knievel Action Figures Made?
Introduction In the world of vintage toys, few figures command as much excitement as Evel Knievel. Born as Robert Craig Knievel, this American daredevil, entertainer, and international icon inspired a generation with his death-defying motorcycle stunts. At the peak of his fame in the 1970s, Knievel’s image was everywhere – from lunch boxes to TV […]
When Were the First Battle of the Planets Action Figures Made?
Introduction The late 1970s saw with it the Battle of the Planets, an American adaptation of the Japanese anime Science Ninja Team Gatchaman. Its compelling storylines and iconic characters struck a chord with millions of viewers. And where there’s a popular show, merchandise is sure to follow. This brings us to a compelling question, when […]
When Were the First Conan the Barbarian Action Figures Made?
Conan the Barbarian in Pop Culture Conan the Barbarian came from the mind of writer Robert E. Howard. Howard published these short stories in pulp magazines in 1932. He published 17 of them before tragically ending his life in 1936. L. Sprague de Camp later published the rest of his short stories, totaling 21. Since […]
When Were the Original Chogokin Action Figures Made?
The Original Chogokin Action Figures One name stands out for its lasting impact on the toy industry and Japanese pop culture: Chogokin. The term “Chogokin” translates to “Super Alloy,” a nod to the fictional, ultra-strong metal found in the anime franchise “Mazinger Z.” The original Chogokin action figures took to the shelves in 1974, revolutionizing […]
When Were the Original CHiPs Action Figures Made?
Introduction Action figures have a fascinating way of marking periods in pop culture history. They can embody popular trends, celebrate iconic heroes, and even allow fans to engage with their favorite characters physically. Many collectors of vintage toy lines seek to find out when their favorite toy lines were released. One iconic set in the […]
When Were the First “The Black Hole” Action Figures Made?
The First “The Black Hole” Action Figures One of the successful ventures of the 70s and 80s was the creation of action figures based on the 1979 Disney science fiction film, “The Black Hole.” The movie’s action figures were first introduced by Mego in 1979 to coincide with the film’s release. Mego Corporation was a […]
When Were the Original Big Jim Action Figures Made?
Big Jim, an action figure that once ruled the toy market, is fondly remembered for his ruggedly heroic persona that captivated a generation. But when were the original Big Jim action figures made? Let’s delve into the history of Big Jim and unravel his iconic past. The Original Big Jim Action Figures Mattel, a renowned […]
When Were the Original Battlestar Galactica Action Figures Made?
The Original Battlestar Galactica Action Figures The saga of Battlestar Galactica action figures began in the late 1970s. It was 1978 when Mattel, a renowned American toy manufacturing company, took up the challenge of bringing beloved characters to life as toys. The original Battlestar Galactica action figures were created to accompany the original Battlestar Galactica television series, which aired […]