Thunderbirds (Matchbox)

Thunderbirds
Matchbox
1994

Thunderbirds is a cult classic television series which was aired between September 1965 to December 1966. The series utilized a form of electronic marionette puppetry combined with scale model special effects sequences - Dubbed Supermarionation. Created by Gerry and Sylvia Anderson, the series would become their most popular and commercially successful project throughout their careers.

Though there has been numerous merchandise produced based on the Thunderbirds, many fans seek out the 1994 Matchbox line. This is mainly due to the readily available pieces on secondary markets, and for now, the relatively "low" costs.

The line featured numerous action figures, a couple of playsets, a handful of die-cast items and dolls. All and all, it's a fairly rounded out series, providing something for everyone in terms of collector preference.

We'll start with the figures; Ten in all were produced, each featuring your basic five points of articulation. Packed in with each figure was a small accessory pertinent to the character.

 Alan Tracy*Gordon Tracy*Jeff Tracy

 John Tracy*Scott Tracy*Virgil Tracy

 Brains*Lady Penelope

 Parker*The Hood

Matchbox produced two playsets for the series. However, don't be fooled. The scale is in line to incorporate the die-cast vehicles with them, and not the figures. There were sadly no vehicles or playsets produced that accommodate the scale of the figures.

 Tracy Island*Thunderbird 2

Out of everything, the die-cast items feel like the heart and soul of the series. Die-cast vehicles are Matchbox's specialty after all, so it would make sense that these would turn out far superior to the figures - Not that the figures are bad by any means.

 Lady Penelope's Fab 1*Thunderbird 3*Thunderbird 1

Thunderbird 2 and Thunderbird 4

 Thunderbirds Rescue Pack

The last items produced were dolls in the fashion of Mego. These particular items are actually reproductions of a prior set of Thunderbirds dolls produced by Bandai.

Alan Tracy*Scott Tracy*Virgil Tracy

Like we said above, Matchbox really provided a style of collectible for pretty much every type of collector out there. If you're a fan of the Thunderbirds, check this line out.

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A Nightmare On Elm Street and MAXx FX Now Showing (Matchbox)

A Nightmare On Elm Street
Matchbox
1989

Ah, the classic hack and slash horror icons of the 80's. Michal Myers, Jason Vorhees, Chucky - The list goes on and on - And of course includes the infamous Freddy Krueger.

Today we're going to take a look at two separate A Nightmare on Elm Street series from Matchbox. The first is their classic Talking Freddy Krueger doll.

On today's markets, a Freddy Krueger doll would do (and has done) fantastic in terms of sales. However, in 1989 nutty groups were everywhere ready to protest the slightest thing. Matchbox found themselves in such a predicament, and after numerous complaints from the American Family Association the doll was yanked from shelve.

Unfortunately when it's the 1980's, and you create a doll based on a character that was born of a raped nun, and burned by a community for molesting children, people oddly enough have a problem with this for some reason. Despite this, many folks must have gotten their hands on them some way or another as there have been numerous dolls available both open and sealed on numerous secondary markets.

The doll measured eighteen inches high, and featured Freddy in his iconic red and green sweater - And of course the hat. On his right hand was his razor glove. In short, there was no mistaking this doll for who he was supposed to be.

On the back of the doll was a pull string, which activated it's talking feature. Freddy would say one of six phrases - Albeit some were very out of character;

"Hi, I'm Freddy."
"Let's be friends."
"Wa-Ha ha ha ha!"
"Pleasant dreams!"
"Welcome to Elm Street."
"Watch out, Freddy's back!"

Pretty hit or miss in terms of what you would expect to hear from Freddy's mouth.

MAXx FX Now Showing
Matchbox
1989

Freddy was incorporated into the MAXx FX line in 1989, and actually released prior to the talking Freddy doll. It consequently suffered the same complaints as the aforementioned one.

An entire series was planned under the banner which would have included Dracula, Frankenstein, and the awesome looking Alien from the movie of the same name. Sadly only Freddy made it to store shelves - Briefly of course.

While we'd love to say more on these particular dolls, truth be told, we really can't say it better than it comes straight from the horses mouth, Mel Brinkrant. For a fuller history on these dolls, we highly recommend that you visit his site.

Join us next time when we take a look at Edward Scissorhands!

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Pee-Wee's Playhouse (Matchbox)

Pee-Wee Herman was a character created by Paul Reubens in the early 80's for a comedy act with the group The Groundlings. He later formed the character into a more kid friendly persona, which lead to the movie Pee-Wee's Big Adventure, directed by none other than Tim Burton. With the popularity of the film, Reubens was offered the opportunity of a life time from CBS to create the ground breaking show Pee-Wee's Playhouse.


The series launched in 1986, and was an overnight success. Reubens was careful to promote only positive messages for children in ways of never having candy sponsors, or any other sugary treats. In fact, he even tried to release his own sugar free cereal, Ralston Purina Pee-wee Chow, which after a blind taste testing was dropped immediately. As a huge smoker, Reubens was also incredibly careful to not be seen or photographed with a cigarette in his mouth in an attempt to keep young kids away from smoking.

As was the case with most Saturday morning cartoons/shows, it was inevitable that a toy line would soon be pushed on the market. Of all companies, it was Matchbox that found mild success with an "action figure" line based on the series, producing seven figures, a variety of "creatures", one deluxe figure, and one playset.

The toys were kind of a let down to kids. They offered no articulated joints, and were poorly sculpted, resembling the characters only in terms of clothing. It really was no surprise that while the TV show itself went on for five years, the toys died out way before the series end.

Many don't know this, but the show helped to launch the career of then unknown Lawrence Fishburn who portrayed Cowboy Curtis throughout the series. Sadly, nobody else in the series really went on to do anything. Reubens included.

Depending on the collector you ask, this series ranges in size drastically. Some consider the figures and Playhouse set to be everything, while others include the various "creatures" which mostly consisted of smaller toys with wind-up action to be a part of it. Due to the similarity in packaging, I have always considered everything combined to be the complete series. After all, what is the Playhouse without Chairry, Jambi, Conky, and all the other various beings that made it what it was?

The only known variant in existence is Chairry on both a purple and pink card.

In 1991 Reubens was arrested for exposing himself in a pornographic movie theater. His career tanked overnight, and he disappeared from the spotlight using this opportunity to separate himself from the character. He has since been featured in a handful of big budget films such as Batman Returns and Mystery Men, and as of 2007 announced that he would be developing a new Pee-Wee movie, and has even appeared in public dressed as the character. The film was slated/rumored for a 2011 release, but as of today, nothing has transpired yet.

But, for what it's worth, Pee-Wee's Playhouse remains a staple of 80's Saturday morning shows. With a positive message, a friendly smile, and his trade marked, "Ha, ha, he he he he," laugh, Pee-Wee Herman will be a cherished memory for many a child turned adult.

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