Introduction In the 1980s, He-Man was the king of the toy industry. Many small toy manufacturers in this era attempted to create toys that resembled this line. True fans would be able to spot a cheap knock-off, but many parents or unaware customers would grab the cheap toys for a gift. Soma kept this in […]
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 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 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 Elastolin Action Figures Made?
Introduction As vintage toy enthusiasts and collectors, one of the most critical pieces of information we can find about a toy line is the year it was made. Knowing when a toy line was made can provide insight into the context of a line’s conception. It helps us better to appreciate the manufacturers and designers […]
When Were the First Earth Force Action Figures Made?
Introduction One of the rarest and least known toy lines from the 1980s is the Earth Force by Pace Toys. Pace Toys was a tiny toy line, and they only made a few of these action figures. These action figures are difficult to find in the market but even harder to find with their accessories. […]
When Were the First Eagle Force Action Figures Made?
Historical Context of the Eagle Force In the 1980s, patriotism increased in America, and the toy industry reflected it. One such toy line that capitalized on this is Mego’s Eagle Force. Understanding the background and history of a toy line can help us understand it better and appreciate it. We need to identify when the […]
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 A-Team Action Figures Made?
The First A-Team Action Figures The A-Team, a renowned television series of the 1980s, created a committed following and left a lasting mark on pop culture. Inspired by the series, the first A-Team action figures were introduced to the market in 1983 by Galoob, a US toy company. This collection of action figures was launched […]
Pricing Your Toy Collection: How to Spot Fraudulent Sold Prices
When you are preparing to sell your toy collection, one of the hardest steps is determining the current value. Even if you sell your toys to a trusted dealer, you should have a good idea of how much your collection is worth. Without this knowledge, you lose the chance to get the correct value out […]
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 […]