In the last century, the toy aisle exploded to become one of the most profitable industries. While not every toy or company successfully becomes a long-lasting success, there are millions of toys produced each year. Most of these toys are played for hours on end with no negative effects. However, there have been multiple times […]
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.
When Were the First Jurassic Park Action Figures Made?
Jurassic Park, the epic 1993 film directed by Steven Spielberg, captivated audiences worldwide with its realistic, thrilling depictions of dinosaurs. The awe-inspiring movie was a cultural phenomenon that forever changed our perception of these majestic prehistoric creatures. But did you know that the film’s cultural impact extended beyond the silver screen and into the world […]
When Were the First Hercules Action Figures Made?
Many 90s kids will recognize the name “Hercules.” Not only was this demigod a famous Greek mythology figure, but he was also the protagonist in a popular 90s television show – Hercules: The Legendary Journeys. The series was accompanied by memorabilia such as video games, movies, comics, and action figures. Our interest here at Wheeljack’s […]
When Were the First Gargoyles Action Figures Made?
In the 1990s, Disney Afternoon programming was the primary after-school entertainment source. After the Gargoyles show gained popularity with Disney Channel, action figures became available. Understanding the chronology of a toy line’s history can help us better appreciate them. So, without further ado, let’s explore the history of the first Gargoyles action figures. Gargoyles: Disney’s […]
The Ten Most Expensive Jurassic Park Collectibles
Steven Spielberg and Michael Crichton joined forces to bring dinosaurs back to life in a way that was never seen before with the film, Jurassic Park. From the earliest stages of its development, Crichton’s story was destined for the silver screen since it had begun as a script. Spielberg also knew that audiences would fall […]
When Were the First Dick Tracy Action Figures Made?
Dick Tracy, the iconic detective created by Chester Gould, has held a prominent place in American pop culture since his comic strip debut in 1931. Known for his hard-nosed detective style and an eye-catching yellow trench coat, Tracy quickly became a popular character. His fame eventually expanded into various merchandising products, including action figures. When […]
When Were the First Extreme Dinosaurs Action Figures Made?
Introduction In the 1990s, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles had inspirational success. Many other toy lines tried to replicate this blend of animals and humans. The 90s also brought Steven Spielberg’s Jurassic Park. Combining these two elements, Mattel produced the Extreme Dinosaurs, with DIC Entertainment producing the animated series. But when exactly were these first […]
When Were the First Exo Squad Action Figures Made?
Television to Toy Universal Cartoon Studios released Exo Squad, the animated series, in 1993. The show ran until 1994. It had 52 episodes. The sci-fi, action-packed show featured a futuristic civilization that relied on robotic suits to battle and get work done. Eventually, Playmates created a toy line to help advertise the series. When did […]
When Were the First Crash Dummies Action Figures Made?
The Crash Dummies TV Series Before delving into the inception of the Crash Dummies action figures, it’s essential to take a step back and recognize the dummies’ origin. Our story starts in the early 1990s with a unique animated TV series – “The Incredible Crash Dummies.” What began as a series of public service announcements […]
When Were the Original Bucky O’Hare Action Figures Made?
A Stroll Down Memory Lane When discussing the rich history of collectible action figures, one cannot overlook Hasbro’s Bucky O’Hare line. This classic franchise is an essential cornerstone in the universe of vintage toys. The verdant green rabbit and his interstellar crew continue to captivate collectors’ imaginations, but do we know when these original Bucky […]