Step back to the late 1980s and early 1990s, when the TMNT craze swept across the globe like a tidal wave. During this phenomenon, the action figures that captured the hearts of countless kids and collectors emerged as iconic symbols of nostalgia. The turtles became household names faster than you could say “cowabunga.” You’ll be […]
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 Top Ten Most Expensive GI Joe Toys
Step back in time and dive into the captivating world of vintage G.I. Joe toys, where action figures come to life with a rich history that sparks nostalgia in collectors’ and enthusiasts’ hearts. Introduced by Hasbro in 1964, G.I. Joe revolutionized the toy industry by presenting articulated, poseable action figures, each representing a different military […]
The Original Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves Action Figures
The enchanting tale of Robin Hood, a hero born from the green heart of Sherwood Forest, has been told and retold for centuries. The folklore of this daring outlaw who stole from the rich to give to the poor originated in the 12th century and continues to captivate audiences worldwide. It was only a matter […]
When Were the Original Power Rangers Action Figures Made?
For avid collectors and enthusiasts of vintage toys, the Power Rangers franchise holds a special place in their hearts. The action-packed series, which first premiered in 1993, quickly captured the imaginations of children and adults alike. Today, we delve into the roots of this beloved franchise and uncover the fascinating story of when the original […]
10 Unfortunate Vintage Toys that Were Pulled from Store Shelves
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 […]
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 […]
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 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 […]
The First Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure Action Figures
Introduction “Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure” is a beloved film franchise that has entertained audiences worldwide for decades. Its popularity led to the manufacturing of an expansive range of merchandise, including the cherished Bill and Ted action figures. But when did these toy models of our favorite time-traveling duo first appear on the scene? Let’s […]