Showing posts with label History. Show all posts
Showing posts with label History. Show all posts

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

He-Man Action Figures: Cartoon Series History

When He-Man first hit television screens in 1983, it took the cartoon world by storm. First and foremost, it was the first cartoon series directed at children that had a collection of toys, the He-Man action figures to accompany it. Generally, advertising directed at children was heavily censored so that the makers of the He-Man action figures, Mattel, used the cartoon to promote the brand was considered innovative at the time.

Also it was the first cartoon that had a certain amount of violence. Up until that point, cartoons typically fitted the Tom & Jerry slapstick mould but He-Man had a cast of characters and stayed true to its comic book origins. To get around the strict censorship concerning violence in children's cartoons, most of the episodes ended with a 'moral of the story' or 'life lesson' to justify the story lines.

It was also the first cartoon to be produced for syndication, which meant that for the first series a bulk of 65 episodes were made, which meant the show could be broadcast across thirteen weeks which allowed it to build its fan base and establish the brand. This series was hugely popular and before long every child in the UK and the USA wanted their own collection of He-Man action figures.

It is also thought that the series was one of the cheaper cartoons to produce when in fact it was the most expensive animation production of its time. However, the cast of voices that were used were kept to a minimum, so for example a woman named Linda Gary provided all the voices for all the female characters.

The production company that Mattel used for the first series was Filmation and when they decided to convert the story into a cartoon, they decided to expand the storyline to make way for a new range of He-Man action figures.

The story begins in Eternia where Prince Adam / He-Man lives with his parents, King Randor and Queen Marlena. Prince Adam is considered by all who know him as lazy, clumsy and generally useless. However, the prince has a secret power which the Sorceress of Grayskull who lives in Castle Grayskulls endows upon him.

When he lifts his magic sword, with the words, "By the power of Grayskull! I have the power!" the prince is transformed into He-Man, the most powerful man in the universe. The story line of the fist series is concerned with protecting Eternia from the evil Skeletor who is determined to steal the power of Castle Grayskull.

When Mattel wanted to extend the range of He-Man action figures, they looked to He-Man's sister, Adora who was kidnapped at birth and raised by the evil Hordak. She also has special powers and transforms into She-Ra.

After She-Ra, the creators of He-Man looked to the past for inspiration. So the next series of He-Man is based in Preternia, which is ancient Eternia. This series explains the origins of He-Man, how he got his special powers and was also the inspiration for a whole new range of He-Man action figures.

Sunday, December 19, 2010

The history and purpose of toys

Since the beginning of time mothers have tried to find ways to occupy their children. There is therefore no surprise that the toys were the elapsed time. The natural playfulness and curiosity of children's toys are a natural development. For example, a child's imagination can figure out how to make a game out and play with anything.

A child may agreements through the dirt roads that dig sand castles, or just a little 'Hole in a position of tunnels and other mysterious places. Shells, stones, pine cones or whatever else is still available for a toy at hand. The unique creativity of a child of parents over time, despite attempts to reward and entertain the children with toys.

The ancient Egyptians created balls of dry skin and papyrus reeds. They also created murmur of black and white stones. There have been many Egyptian dolls, too. Some were made of leather andPapyrus, many were made of wood, bone or ivory carved. Some had also attacked his limbs and jaws moving. The less affluent would fashion dolls and clay figures.

They also created the roundabout, and had many different physical games with balls and sticks and rings. They also enjoyed board games like Senet and Mehen. Toys ancient Romans were similar. They played with balls and sticks and tires. wooden swords and shields were also popular for the mock battleGames.

Like the Egyptians, the Romans enjoyed board games and marbles. They also created dolls and figures made of wood, wax and clay. The first inhabitants of Greece enjoyed the wooden horses on wheels, pulled by ropes, dolls made of terracotta, clay animals, rattles for children, and primitive yo-yo.

I have a piece in the New York Times since 1902 this year was the big Christmas toys from there. They were new toy car, metal, some editions, and carriedsome were eating expensive toy cars that adults were buying. The other big hit of the toy, toy submarines and flying machines.

baby dolls were very popular throughout the centuries. But in 1960 the first Barbie doll was introduced. Other great toys since 1960, slinkies, color forms, a master of view, Etch-a-Sketch, Lite Brite, Spirograph, the Fort Apache play set, the Marvel Mustang, and many others. Mention

Many of these toys are very popular today. We also have some new toys. The major in electronics and video games made, we also Bakugan Battle Brawlers. Barbie is still around, but it is by Moxie Girlz Bratz, Dolls and Liv connected. There are tons of new games and action figures. Plus classic games and toys of the past are still around and improved.

Despite the changes in time and technologybasic premise of the game remained unchanged. toys have always been used to stimulate the imagination and keep kids engaged and entertained. No matter how much time goes by parents does not get tired watching their faces light when a child presented with a new toy.

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

New Transformers Movies Bring New Toys

In 2009, the popular Transformers series was revived with a sequel to the hot movie of several years ago. Revenge of the Fallen brought Shia Labeouf and Megan Fox back together as Sam and Mikaela, who were seeking refuge from the angry, evil Decepticons. The Decepticons are a race of evil alien robots from planet Cybertron, who do battle with the Autobots, a race of good guy robots from the same planet. These robots are powerful and deceptive, as they disguise themselves as vehicles or everyday objects, then transform into their robot warrior selves, ready to do battle!

Along with most popular action, adventure and science fiction movies comes the line of toys, action figures and other merchandise. Transformers was no exception, and the toys were updated from the previous versions that many children enjoyed decades ago. The most popular of these transforming robots include Optimus Prime, the red and silver tractor trailer leader of the Autobots, and Bumblebee, the yellow Camaro sports car that is prevalent in the new movies. Bumblebee is the best friend of the human Sam, and helps to protect him from evil Decepticons. He also lends him some assistance in scoring with lady friend, Mikaela, played by Megan Fox.

Of course we can't forget the bad guy robot toys available, including their leader, Megatron. Megatron used to be a powerful laser gun robot, but has since been converted into a battle tank. Along with other transformers such as Starscream and Soundwave, he unleashes a vicious war upon the Autobots and Planet Earth. These new toys are just as exciting for the old, as newer children are introduced to the popular, fun and imaginative series. Expect them to continue to be hot sellers and collectibles for many generations into the future!

Monday, October 4, 2010

Gifting Guide to Iron Man Movie Action Figures

One of the biggest movies in 2008, is the mega blockbuster Iron Man with Robert Downey Jr. Now, if you grew up as a fan of comics, there's a good chance you are not familiar with this guy. Well, it's a comic book superhero from Marvel Comics and he's been since the '60s. Perhaps you have heard from his colleagues and most popular: Spiderman, Hulk, Wolverine e. And perhaps Captain America.

Also, maybe you are with the song Black Sabbath, Iron Man is verycatchy tune, but the song is not on the comic book superhero.

So now, this year, perhaps his grandson, nephew or son has fallen in love and wants to film an action movie Iron Man figure Maybe he went shopping online or in stores and found that there are several versions of this toy. It is probably not a good idea to buy them all. So here's the skinny on the differences in armor of Iron Man

MISCELLANEOUS IRON armorMAN

Red and gold armor Mark 03. This is the standard armor of Iron Man It 'also its most popular version. In the movie, the Mark III armor that Tony Stark was when he fought with the main villain Iron Monger. If you're buying a gift that is the safest and most likely all you need to know. Later versions are more demanding. Maybe for collectors or if you think your niece, nephew or son should be a top. There are a number of Iron Man Mark 03 ActionFigure Repulsor labeled POWER. This is because the radius Repulsor that shoots from the palm of the gloves of Iron Man

Mark Silver 02 armor. In the film, is the Mark II armor that Tony Stark built the first prison after his return from captivity. That 's what has frozen in flight when it flew into the stratosphere. There is nothing special. In fact, it's a bit 'like a toy fashion. However, in order not to be confused with the Iron Man Mark 2 Armor Metal Warmachine armor silversupported by a friend of Tony Jim Rhodes.

Metallic Grey Mark 01 armor. After the red and gold, this is perhaps the next popular armor The Iron Man Mark I armor is the armor before Tony as Iron Man did. It 'the only one built in captivity.

Hulk Buster armor. This armor is NOT in the movie. E 'from a comic book, Iron Man # 305th, but for many is the most interesting and exciting. In the comics, Iron Man often crosses path with the Incredible Hulk. Inone of the epic series was Tony Stark's armor Hulkbuster The Hulk combat. Hulk vs Iron Man is something fans eager to see the big screen.

Friday, September 3, 2010

Prehistoric Playstation - A history of children's toys

toys and traditional games have long been a part of society and culture around the world for thousands, perhaps the beginning of time. Back to 6000 BC, we know the existence of games similar to modern chess. Babylonians in 4000 BC also played a board game, traditional games like checkers and chess.

The first games of backgammon have been dated back to old Samaria in 3000 BC in Egypt, the marbles were the toys fashionedstone. In 2000 BC the Egyptians were doing and the game with a series of children's toys and games. Dolls are easy to find playing rope, paper and other materials and board games like our traditional game of checkers. At the same time, the first shoes were made of iron, used in Scandinavia.

Traditional toys like kites and yo-yos were introduced in 1000 BC Even kites were probably existed long before their firstperformance was recorded in China during this period. Greek children begin to play with yo-yos made of stone. Immediately after the first cards were dealt in Asia.

Over the next thousand years, many of the guys that we know today Toys materials were developed in their early forms of crude oil. Most of the inventions of traditional toys have not been registered and the story of the nineteenth century until the eighteenth century. The first roller skates were invented in 1759 by a man namedJoseph Merlino, and many traditional toys are still refined and changed society today, in modern form.

The 19th century saw the introduction of many traditional toys in America and Europe. Dolls have been in several European countries, but in 1840 an American doll maker began the first mass production of this popular tradition still toy. Only three years later he became the first American board game product, called "The Mansionof happiness. "

Board games are still popular toy for children over the years. The Indian game, Parcheesi, he is the oldest clay toys are produced today, and was introduced to Ludo Britain in 1867. As in the 19 Century ended, more innovative and more traditional toy production. Traditional toys, like blocks alphabet, stuffed animals and wagons and carriages were all commercially produced.

The late 1800swas the introduction of guns and toy guns, like the BB gun. The concept of talking toy dolls was perfected and high quality wooden toys [http://www.monkeyshine.co.uk/traditional- -21/wooden- Toys -22] were train produces a range of styles Traditional toys, including appliances. Radio Flyer developed the traditional toy sled for outdoor winter fun toys and soft toys and music were in mass production.

The early years20th Century marked the invention of many traditional games for children or during the season of worship today. Battery powered train in September and the famous Lionel trains were invented in the period around 1900 and was the beloved teddy bear increasingly popular in the United States. Other traditional toys, like rag dolls, stacking rings, and all kinds of varieties of Block century were also introduced in the first half of the 20th.

Today, video games and electronic toystoys have won a fair share of the toy market, but classic, traditional world continues to warm the hearts of children all over the. traditional toys such as dolls, games and board games have, for thousands of years or so and probably will continue to being as an important part of childhood for thousands of people.

Friday, July 2, 2010

History of robotic toys

The first toy robots were little more than what we now call the action figures. They were usually roughly shaped like people, except that their heads were square. The arms and legs were so divided that oscillate back and forth. It would be a winding back button. Twisting it would take a spring, which in turn lead to swing your arms or legs to move forward or maybe both would. Sometimes there would be a small bulb and battery behind hiseyes so that lights or flash. Sometimes it would be capable of any type of repetitive sounds. Devices were very simple. The children loved them, though. It is still possible, auctions are some of the vintage robot toys. They are popular collectibles.

Latest technology toy robots are very different from earlier models. While continuing as a square is run by humans, there are many others to chooseout. Some are small cars that can be driven by remote control. Others are the dinosaurs that walk move. A popular type of toy robots that are similar to modern animals taken. I'm really a cross between a robot and a classic soft toy. Many of them were formed to examine how child lion or kitten or puppy. These toy robot so much more than going around with their eyes flashing. Many of a series of tips on how to "come" or "Play Dead". Many of them, The expression of real animals, imitating the best thing for a real pet for a child.

Thursday, April 22, 2010

14 Tips For Finding Action Figures

Ever wondered why you can't find the action figures you want in your local store? Why it is you can never find the ones you are looking for?

How can you ensure, or improve your chances of finding the figures you are looking for?

One of the biggest secrets is information, information, information so make sure you are subscribed to one of the many hobby magazines available.

Hopefully these tips will help you in your search and finding the action figures you are looking for.

1. Get to know your local store, how & when they get new stock.
2. When do they re-stock their shelves, i.e. morning, afternoon or overnight?
3. Sometimes new stock lies out the back in the store room until the current stock has been sold so if you don't see it ask.
4. Get to know the staff, be friendly and talk to them, get to know their names. Most people look straight past them so a little acknowledgment goes a long way.
5. Let them know you are a serious collector and NOT a reseller, staff will tend to be more helpful then.
6. Customer Service- They are there to HELP you and usually will be able to look up what stock is due in and when it is due, you may even be able to ask for a call when it arrives!
7. Your local Supermarket or Grocery stores, is often a good place to look as these are often neglected by collectors but many will stock popular lines and closeout deals.
8. Your local $1 store, close out stores or second hand stores are the ideal hunting ground for closeout deals and end of the line stock and older items.
9. Try inner city stores where customers haven't got the disposable income to spend on action figures.
10. Don't forget stores on the outskirts of town or in less frequented areas. These stores will often have older stock but generally will not carry a huge amount of stock and generally won't replace stock as it sells out.
11. If you're on an overseas trip to check out their local stores. Many manufacturers these deals have country specific exclusives or releases.
12. Toy and Collector fairs, excellent for closeout bargains, trading and older action figures you are looking for.
13. Because of the increased popularity of the hobby and the continuing increase in their values the staff of many stores have become "savvy" to the hobby and either collect themselves or know someone who does.
14. (Sorry but I'm superstitious, so...) Remember always be polite, friendly and courteous, it costs little and can gain you huge rewards!

This has led to an increase in the number of people saving or hiding items in the store to purchase later.

Although most stores don't allow staff to "keep back" items an easy work around to this is that they will get a friend to come in and purchase the item that has been "saved" for them.

SO, here's some tips for finding the "hidden gold".

Checkout behind current stock.

Check underneath the bottom shelve of the display units. These bottom panels are often easily lifted to reveal a hidden space underneath.

Look on top of high shelves, i.e. above head height. Ask to use the stores ladder if need be. This is an ideal place for staff to "hide" stock.

Check ALL the aisles, not just the toy aisles.

If you can't see it, ASK!

Happy Hunting!