The 1970s brought a golden era of imagination and creativity to the toy industry, including one line that stood out for its uniqueness: Pulsar, the Ultimate Man of Adventure. Even though this small toy line did not reach a well-known status, its uniqueness and ingenuity remain inspiring today. When did the original Pulsar action figures hit the market?
The Original Pulsar Action Figures
Mattel launched the Pulsar toy line. It was patented in 1976 and hit the market in 1977. Pulsar quickly captured the imagination of countless children.
Pulsar’s Unique Design
The initial Pulsar action figure was indeed something to behold. Standing at an impressive 14 inches tall, the figure was much larger than most action figures at the time. It featured short white hair and a distinct red and white sweatsuit. But what set Pulsar apart was the detailed internal anatomy visible through the transparent plastic torso. The heart, lungs, and other internal organs were realistically represented, and a button on the figure’s back would animate these organs, providing an eerie sense of life. This glimpse into the human anatomy was not just novel—it was an adventurous departure from the standard action figure design.
Children could also lift Pulsar’s head to insert a “mission disc,” adding another layer of imaginative play. But despite these innovative features, Pulsar didn’t achieve the commercial success that Mattel had hoped for. The lack of a comprehensive storyline around Pulsar may have contributed to (or been caused by) its short-lived popularity.
Other Series Toys
Adding to the Pulsar lineup, Mattel released only two other toys. One was Hypnos, Pulsar’s nemesis, who added a villainous flair to children’s adventures. The other was Pulsar’s Life Systems Center, an accessory meant to serve as a repair and diagnostics center, giving further purpose to the Pulsar narrative.
Conclusion
Despite its lack of commercial success, Pulsar remains a fascinating chapter in the history of action figures. It was a product of its time, embodying the spirit of innovation and the sense of adventure inherent in the 1970s. For those lucky enough to have played with a Pulsar action figure, the memories remain vibrant—and for the collectors and enthusiasts of vintage toys, Pulsar serves as a cherished piece of toy history. The toy line may not have lasted long, but Pulsar’s legacy as “The Ultimate Man of Adventure” endures.
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About the Author
Author: Chris Ingledue
Contact: email
Bio: I am the founder and owner of Wheeljack’s Lab pop Culture and Toy Shop. My vision has always been to reunite customers with their favorite childhood toys and pop culture, triggering fond memories, and reigniting their imaginations. Every day, I work in the “lab” where it’s Christmas 365 days a year. I scour the internet, like when we had the Sears Catalog of yesteryear, for the next great treasure. Then, I await the arrival of the postman as if he were Santa Claus himself and helping collectors worldwide with their versions of Christmas. Every day as a vintage toy buyer is an absolute joy!