Who remembers tearing ferociously through every page of a SEARS Wishbook or JC Penny Christmas catalog?
All those pictures of toys and action figures that if you were just lucky enough… you just might get your hands on.
Amazing scenes, dioramas, product shots… However it was laid out, it had you salivating, bothering your parents and lost in action figure daydreams.
And what about the little catalogs that were included in boxed toys, or pictures on the back of the action figure cards displaying what else was available… or what else was on the way.
In that magical time before the internet, those pictures of what could be available were a rare and special thing.
Sometimes within those pictures were teases of toys that would never be. Toys that were planned and got scrapped, toys from companies that shut down, toys or action figures that the licensing was never approved.
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| Via Action Figure Insider |
As an adult we can see how that happens…
We understand the complexities of business and the cruel reality of industry.
But as a kid, all you see are dreams that didn’t come true. Here are a few of the toys that never were, that broke my heart.
This was the one that really got me. I was too young to really enjoy the Star Trek The Motion Picture Toys so for me, the TNG figures by Galoob was an amazing thing.
Toys for MY Trek.
I bought the diecast metal Enterprise D as soon as I could find it. I bought all the figures as soon as I could find them… even though the quality wasn’t great. (The Phasers being molded into their hands… so lame)
I loved these figures. Quickly, and for no explanation the toys ended up at KayBee toys on clearance. I bought what I could. And I noticed on the back of the Q figure I believe a photo of Bridge Playset soon to be released!
I couldn’t believe how awesome it was!! Having missed the MEGO Bridge years and years before I was finally going to get my hands on a Bridge to put an Enterprise crew on… well, alas, it was never released.
But how amazing, yes? I just discovered this fantastic article on the background of its creation. Worth the read! More on the Bridge Playset HERE.
GI JOE TRAIN
I was already an “adult” when I found out about this unreleased gem.
I saw it featured in some GI JOE trading cards, as an unreleased toy card. My father collected model railroad trains when I was a kid so I already have a nostalgia about trains. Ad in military green classic ARAH GI JOE and you’ve got me all the way!!
Such a great toy! I’m still obsessed with this thing. One day, when I have time I’ll make a custom version. My GI Joe team really needs a train for some reason. A space shuttle and Killer WHALE just aren’t enough.
More on classic GI JOE HERE!
Masters of the Universe PRETERNIA GIGANTISAUR
Wow… this guy is BIG. The Preternia direction the Masters toys were about to go is just awesome! A few pieces made it out. But not this gigantic masterpiece of toy awesomeness. This is another toy I discovered more recently.
But how amazing. My inner 12 year old is freaking out.
DARK CRYSTAL FIGURES
Okay… okay. It is an ABSOLUTE CRIME we never got these figures!!!
Such an amazing film, these toys would have been loved by so many. The Landstrider and the Garthim are my absolute favorites.
They fit so well into that era of Star Wars figures. It may be me waxing nostalgic but I think kids would have bought these things… I’d buy them now!
Hey… Super 7 and Funko, find these molds and get on it!!! Us big kids will buy them now!! Please!
And an honorable mention, in doing my research for this little piece I came across this amazing Toxic Crusaders Polluto Monster I never knew about. A dinosaur made out of toxic waste and trash!! I would totally buy this monster! (and yes I have the complete set of crazy neon colored, glow in the dark Toxic Crusader figures.)
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