Legends of Laughter
2023 / 2024
Nacelle
I don't admittedly know much about these six inch figures, nor would it be honest of me to say I have any interest in them. Rather, I came across these online while farting around on the ineter-web, needed a post, and well, here we are.
Nacelle are more known in the toy world as the company who retooled and brought back classic lines such as Sectaurs, Biker Mice From Mars, Madballs, and Barnyard Commandoes. However, they've also dabbled in a few other series, Legends Of Laughter being among those.
The line is relatively small (for now), featuring three real life comedians in plastic form.
Lenny Bruce’s open, free-style and critical form of comedy catapulted him into legendary status as a comedic pioneer that showcased satire, politics, religion, sex, and vulgarity in his act. Lenny’s 1964 conviction in an obscenity trial was followed by a posthumous pardon, the first in New York State history, by then-Governor George Pataki in 2003. He paved the way for future outspoken counterculture-era comedians, and his trial for obscenity is seen as a landmark for freedom of speech in the United States. On February 3, 1961, in the midst of a severe blizzard, he gave a famous performance at Carnegie Hall in New York. It was recorded and later released as a three-disc set, titled The Carnegie Hall Concert.
(source)
Lenny Bruce could be purchased either as just the figure, or directly from Nacelle's website as a bundle which included a vinyl copy of Lenny Bruce Is Out Again.
Joan Rivers is more than just a comedian, she is a force of nature and an unparalleled legend in the entertainment industry. For over 50 years, Joan pioneered her own brand of irreverent, unconventional comedy, leading her to become an internationally recognized celebrity, Emmy-award-winning talk-show host, Grammy-award-winning performer, Tony-award-nominated actress, bestselling author, playwright, screenwriter, film director, columnist, lecturer, radio host, jewelry designer, entrepreneur, and the renowned creator of the modern-day “red carpet,” Joan is also the first woman to break the glass ceiling of male-hosted late-night television.
What's interesting about the Joan River's figure is that Nacelle doesn't have this one listed on their website. Further, she also appears to be the only character to have a variant offered as an exclusive.
Stand Up! Records teamed up with Nacelle to offer a version which not only came with a pink feather boa, but also an exclusive CD version of The Next To Last Joan Rivers Album.
The packaging of this variant has been redesigned to represent several aspects, from a new box featuring Joan on the red carpet, to having her in front of a late night show curtain backdrop, and a custom repaint to match the colors of her outfit on the cover of her 1969 bundled CD. The edition of this figure was strictly limited to 500 units, but as of this writing, appears to still be available from Stand Up's website.
Bill Hicks is one of the most influential artists of the twentieth century, hands down. He is considered as one of the masters of dark and observational comedy. Much of his comedy acts involved direct attacks on mainstream society, religion, politics and consumerism. He is the sarcastic and satiric voice of society which altered people’s perception of events and made them see things from a different angle. After his death, his body of work gained a significant measure of acclaim in creative circles, and he developed a substantial following. He is brutally honest in terms of describing society. His famous philosophy on life, ‘It’s Just a Ride’, is a perfect reflection of his personality and continues to encourage his fans to live life with conviction, integrity and love.
Bill Hicks could also be purchased either as just the figure, or directly from Nacelle's website as a bundle which included a vinyl copy of Intricate Stories.
Overall, it's a unique line with an extremely niche audience. Personally, I think it's also a mistake. It reminds me of the late 90's / early 2000's, where fly by night toy companies were formed, released incredibly obscure figures, and subsequently went out of business due to the lack of an audience for them. I'm glad Nacelle has a larger pool of brands to pull from, many of which cater to the nostalgic crowd. Otherwise, I fear this line would have ultimately tanked them.
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