First landing on the scene in 1929, Buck Rogers in the 25th Century was a smash hit! Regarded as highly influential in the growth and proliferation of the sci-fi genre, Buck Rogers first began as a comic strip before spreading to other forms of media. Created by Phillip Francis Nowlan and illustrated by Dick Calkins […]
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.
Most Valuable He-Man and the Masters of the Universe Collectibles
Mattel exited the 1970s defeated, having been blindsided by Kenner’s successful toy line. So, they became determined to create a mega-hit that would place them back at the top. Rather than dealing with a licensed product, Mattel opted to create an original brand that they could fully profit from. Taking advantage of their marketing department, […]
The Most Valuable G.I. Joe Toys
Before 1963, no company seriously considered the thought of creating dolls and action figures for boys. Instead, Mattel had a stranglehold on the hearts of consumers with only Ken representing the male presence. However, Stanley Winston envisioned a new product that allowed boys to dress their favorite characters in military uniforms. With this thought in […]
The Most Valuable Complete TMNT Toys
The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (often abbreviated as “TMNT”) franchise spawned from comics published by Mirage Studios. Two main pillars of the franchise, the cartoons and the toys, were first spawned alongside each other. The original 1988-1997 toy line was produced by Playmates Toys. The TMNT line featured a plethora of different iterations of figures, […]
The Top Ten Most Expensive Star Wars Collectibles.
In the vast galaxy of cinematic history, the Star Wars Movie Series stands as an iconic testament to the boundless imagination of George Lucas. Launched in 1977 with “Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope,” the saga swiftly catapulted audiences into a realm of interstellar battles, mystical forces, and unforgettable characters. With groundbreaking special […]
Top 10 Most Expensive Super Powers Toys
Many toy companies have been tasked with the desirable responsibility of producing action figures for DC’s cast of superheroes and supervillains. One of the companies entrusted with this duty was Kenner. The company was founded in 1946 and later purchased by various companies, ending with its incorporation into Hasbro. Kenner reigned over licensed figures for […]
Top 10 Most Expensive Kenner M.A.S.K. Toys
Throughout the 80s, interest in action figures and transforming toys were at an all-time high. Kenner sought to marry these two concepts together with their M.A.S.K. toy line (often simplified to just “MASK’). The line debuted in 1985 and featured figures that were roughly 2 inches (5.08 centimeters) tall and vehicles with secret weapons. Unlike […]
Top 10 Most Expensive SilverHawks Toys
Kenner’s SilverHawks first landed on the scene in 1987, but was quickly shooed off of shelves in 1988. The line was based on a syndicated television show produced by Rankin/Bass Animated Entertainment. The toy line featured a cast of colorful characters, from the SilverHawks’ Quicksilver and the Copper Kidd to the Mob’s Mon*Star and Buzz-Saw. […]
The History of TigerSharks Toys
In the ever-evolving world of pop culture, few phenomena illustrate the cyclical nature of nostalgia better than the revival of vintage toy lines. Among the many resurrected relics of the 1980s, the TigerSharks toyline stands out. A product of its time yet remarkably timeless. This post delves into the history of TigerSharks toys and it’s […]
The Top Ten Stomper 4×4 Toys
In 1980, Schaper Toys introduced their vision for new motorized cars that featured a unique 4-wheel drive, Stomper 4×4. Even before Schaper officially launched the Stompers line, they created another line of motorized cars, the Hill Hustlers. However, that line pales in comparison to the Stompers. Fans still remember and collect these vehicles. People loved […]