Images

Evel Knievel Escape from Skull Canyon

If you were a kid in the 70s, Evel Knievel was a real life super hero dare devil. I’m from Idaho and his jump spot near Twin Falls where he tried to jump the Snake River Canyon is a place I’ve visited more than once. Given the connection, it should be no surprise I love the Evel Knievel toy line from Ideal. Skull Canyon is no Snake River, but it’s as close as a kid can get. 

Bionic Woman Wrist Radio

Here’s one for the fans of female action heroes, myself included, a fully functional Bionic Woman wrist radio that can tune in your favorite AM radio stations. Back when it was released, you might have been able to find more than political talk radio to entertain the kids. Think about the fact it’s powered by an AA battery. This thing must be HUGE! But for Dick Tracy fans, it was as close as we were going to get to his awesome wrist wear prior to the release of the Apple Watch. 

Buck Rogers and Twiki Communicators

Sticking with the playset theme, I present a Buck Rogers and Twiki communicator. I really loved this show as a kid, but upon watching it as an adult, I was horrified to discover it was a misogynistic, poorly written, but of trash. I still feel quite a bit of nastalgia for it though. I loved the Star Fighters, the post-apocalyptic Earth, and all the planets they would visit. I no don’t would have enjoyed this set as a child. 

Space 1999 Utility Belt

Continuing with the 70’s era LARPing theme, I bring you the Space 1999 Utility Belt, complete with communicator, chronometer, and stunner disc gun. Space 1999 was really a terrible show, but the design of everything was stellar and Mattel, Dinky and Remco, in this case, did an incredible job of turning the visuals into toys. 

Shogun Warriors Utility Belt

Who doesn’t love Shogun Warriors? I was desperate for one as a kid. I read the comics. Loved them. Never saw this playset, but if I had, I could easily see myself playing Rodan to my brother’s Gaiking.