Toy Talk
Volume XLVII
By Mark Patraw
Posted on 8/25/14
Join me, as I take a look at another quintet of my recent thrift store toy purchases!
Beginning on the left, and moving right, I present to you: Susie Lacome's 1999 Great Stuff: 100 Fun Projects for Kids book (one dollar on 8/8/14); a 2003 Accoutrements Benjamin Franklin action figure (thirty-four cents on 7/14/14); a 2012 MGA Novi Stars Mae Tallick talking doll (one dollar on 8/20/14); a 1995 Kenner Batman Forever The Riddler (Trapping Brain-Drain Helmet version) action figure (twenty-five cents on 6/18/14); and, finally, a 1990 20th Century FOX The Simpsons Marge Simpson plush figure (fifty cents on 8/18/14). I bought Franklin from the Negaunee Vista Theater thrift shop; everything else came from the Ishpeming St. Vincent de Paul Society store. If anyone reading this knows more information about any of these items, that I haven't already discussed below, and would like to share, or just chat about toys, feel free to e-mail me and let me know!
Pictured is Susie Lacome's 1999 Great Stuff: 100 Fun Projects for Kids, published by MQ Publications, Ltd. in London, England (ISBN: 1-84072-069-7). "This is a book, not a toy!", you may be thinking, and you're right, it's not a toy, it's better, because it's a guide for making a bunch of fun stuff, including toys! 100 Fun Projects for Kids is a sturdily-constructed hardcover volume, with quality paper, vibrant, full-color artwork throughout, and an attractive, easy-to-use design. The book is 256 pages long and measures 28.3 cm (11.1") tall, 22.1 cm (8.7") wide, and 1.9 cm (0.8") thick.
The main body of the book is divided into four broad categories, and then further broken down into themed chapters, each containing 4-7 projects: Outdoor (Garden, Wind Wizardry, Waterplay, and Games to Play); Party Time (Birthdays, Easter Holiday, Hallowe'en, and Christmas Fun); Rainy Day (Fun with Paper, Fun with Paint, Fun with Boxes, Fun with Fabric, and Fun with Beads + Sequins); and Make-Believe (Dressing Up, My Second Home, Puppets, and Masks & Headgear). I'm primarily interested in the toy and paper projects (which should surprise no one familiar with my own work), but many of the other items, that incorporate techniques and media that I don't normally employ, also look enticing.
One of the things that I really like is that there is a bonus "Handy Hints" section, in the back of the book, that explains several of the basic techniques frequently used in crafting. These tips include, amongst other things, recipes/directions for making papier mache (both adhesive-saturated paper strips and paper pulp), salt dough clay, yarn pom-pom balls, stencils/patterns, cones, tassels, and several needle and thread stitching techniques. Some authors will just take for granted that people already know how to do all of that stuff, which isn't the best assumption to make when it comes to children (or even adults for that matter), but, thankfully Ms. Lacome isn't that way, and I thank her for it.
The only criticism I have about this book, and it's a minor one, is that the vast majority of the images are either drawings or mixed media illustrations/collages. While they're well done, attractive, and easy to follow, I would have preferred photographs. I find myself wanting to see the actual results of these artistic endeavors, not what they might look like when they're made. I also like to be able to compare my work to a photo of the original artist's finished example when I'm following a tutorial.
I have owned, or read, many "how-to" arts & crafts books over the years, and this one is, by far, the best and most comprehensive one that I've ever run across for children. The sheer volume and diversity of projects presented in this book will keep a family busy for months, even years, and is certain to inspire original artistic creations as well. Even if you don't have any kids, or yours are all grown up, I would still recommend this volume; most of the projects, even the simplest ones, could be elaborated upon to make them more challenging/interesting for an experienced adult crafter (if you don't think a one room doll house is complex enough for you, then try making a multi-floor mansion instead!) While I haven't tried any myself yet (I'm been too busy putting together recent volumes of Toy Talk for starters), I find a great many of them tempting. Action figures, dolls, and other store-bought toys are great, but the play value of something like this is immeasurable and can provide a wealth of fun and memories for all who partake in creating the treasures detailed between its pages. This book, or one like it, should have a place on the shelf in any home, especially if you have children living with, or visiting, you.
"Old boys have their playthings as well as young ones; the difference is only in the price." -- Benjamin Franklin
This is a 2003 Accoutrements Benjamin Franklin action figure. Benjamin Franklin (January 17, 1706 - April 17, 1790) is one of the United States of America's most well known historical figures and Founding Fathers. Amongst his many talents, he was an accomplished diplomat, politician, writer, inventor, philosopher, and businessman.
When compared to paintings of the legendary Bostonian, this toy's likeness isn't half bad. I feel that Franklin's legs are disproportionately small/short, but there's certainly no mistaking who this figure represents. I also like that the sculptor acknowledged that, like many, Franklin struggled with obesity--too often, toys exhibit the ideal muscular male or sexualized female instead of something more realistic (although I have to admit, seeing Ben's head transplanted onto a WWE wrestler's body would be hilarious). The paint work is decent. There are some stray marks (particularly on his white leggings) and uneven edges, but, as a whole, he looks okay.
"Lose no time; be always employ'd in something useful; cut off all unnecessary actions." -- Benjamin Franklin
Mr. Franklin is poseable, but you won't be getting him to do anything too dynamic. The neck rotates (it's extremely loose on my sample), and, surprisingly, his long hair can actually clear his shoulders, so, you can spin his noggin completely around. Benny's shoulders have rotating cut joints and the arms pivot at the elbows via pin joints. I like that one of his hands is sculpted in a pointing pose so that you can make him look like he's giving a lecture or explaining something. Lastly, he has T-joint swivelling hips, but, both his large gut and the length of his overcoat restrict the range of motion; as such, the legs can't quite pivot 90o forwards and they have no backwards movement at all. Franklin can almost sit, but, again, due to the coat's length, which ends up acting like the third leg of a tripod, his posterior floats up in the air instead of resting flat like it should. Benjamin's mobility isn't terrible, especially for a portly old man, but I would have liked to have seen at least the addition of knee and waist joints. Our first Postmaster General stands 13.4 cm (5.3") high and measures 7.5 cm (3.0") wide.
"Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself; avoid trifling conversation." -- Benjamin Franklin
As he's a loose, secondhand sample, my Benjamin didn't come with them, but a complete figure should include two accessories: a kite and a key, so that you can re-enact his famous experiment with lightning-produced electricity.
As an adult, I can appreciate the value of a Benjamin Franklin toy and find him appealing, but, when I was a child, I never would have purchased something like him with my own money nor would I have been pleased to have received him as a gift. A dumpy-looking old guy in colonial clothing just isn't something that your average kid would be into--although they'd certainly appreciate the hundred dollar bill that has his portrait on it, but then, who wouldn't?
I think I finally found C-3PO a date . . .
Here's one of MGA's 2012 Novi Stars dolls, Mae Tallick. They're a bunch of alien girls that have come to our planet to experience human culture, with the line's catch phrase being, "What on Earth is going on?" I love Mae Tallick's name, which, if you haven't already figured it out, is a play on the word "metallic". In addition to this fembot, the basic assortment of launch dolls also included Alie Lectric (lights up), Una Verse (water/glitter filled body), and Ari Roma (bubble gum scented). There was also a deluxe glow-in-the-dark doll, Nita Light, that came with an Energy Pod playset.
Mae Tallick is 13.7 billion years old, loves mixing music, and aspires to become a pop star (having been active for eons, you'd think she would have had some success by now). Mae also has a younger sister, Meti Tallick, whose voice modulator allows her to sing perfectly, which is a situation that irritates the less-vocally-talented elder Tallick to no end. The profile on her package also describes Mae as a chatterbox and somewhat clumsy (her rollerskate feet are doubtlessly a contributing factor in that). Mae's favorite food is anything wrapped in foil and she doesn't like visiting the beach, probably because she's prone to rusting.
Oh, and if you're wondering what it is, that white tag on Mae's right ankle is the manufacturer's FCC compliance statement, noting that the doll's electronic talking feature won't interfere with other devices and that the toy must accept interference, even if it negatively affects the doll's performance. I'll probably take it off eventually, as it looks unsightly and gets in the way when it comes to dressing and undressing her, but, as it was still attached when I bought her, I figured I'd leave it on for these photos.
Scale comparison with a standard Bratz Chloe doll--Novi Stars are short!
I was taken aback by just how small Mae Tallick is. Now, I had seen brand new Novi Stars dolls on store shelves in person before, and looked at size comparison photos, with play dolls from other manufacturers, online, but it didn't really sink in until I was actually holding Mae in my hands. However, as she's a robot, which can theoretically be built to whatever dimensions you want, Mae could arguably be displayed with toys of any scale and still be believable. Aliens are often referred to as "little green men", so, I don't see why she can't be a "little purple robot". Without her wig, Mae is 17.5 cm (6.9") tall and 6.4 cm (2.5") wide.
Normally, dolls' bodies are pretty smooth, but, as Mae is mechanical, her chassis sports a fair amount of molded detail. She's got lines, rivets, and ridges all over, and, perhaps best of all, high-heeled rollerskates for feet (which aren't removable accessories, if you were wondering). The wheels don't actually spin (if they did, it'd really be an exercise in frustration trying to get her to stand), but it's a fun design element nonetheless. Her legs/feet are also sculpted pointed inwards, probably to convey her clumsiness, which is cute. She's painted in an iridescent metallic purple that loves to reflect my camera's flash. It's a nice look, and the color contrasts well with her wig.
Ms. Tallick has beautiful, sparkling inset eyes. If you look closely, you'll see skulls & crossbones inside her pupils--maybe she's really a killer robot masquerading as a wannabe pop star? Her long, thick eyelashes, coated with silver glitter, also look great. Dots for eyebrows are a bit unusual, but, for a mechanical entity, it works.
Mae Tallick's special feature is that she can talk. Simply press her right, heart-shaped "ear" inwards and she'll randomly speak one of these seven phrases:
"I'm a st-t-t-t-ar!"
"Cosmic!" (echoes)
"Spaced-d-d-d out!"
"I don't c-c-c-compute!"
"Yikes! Circ-c-c-c-uit overload!"
"That's so cosmic fly!"
"(giggles) Don't get your circuits in a b-b-b-bunch!"
Mae's voice is appropriately robotic sounding and her frequent stutters (she must need a tune-up) are cute and add to the effect. The samples are clear (the speaker is on the back of her head) and, once you become accustomed to her unique verbal style, easy to understand. I was pleasantly surprised that Mae had so many different things to say too, as talking toys often have a more limited vocabulary. It was also good design work on MGA's part integrating the activation switch so seamlessly into her sculpt--when I was examining this doll in the store, prior to buying it, I just could not figure out what you had to press to make her talk, as there was no obvious button!
Mae's wig is impressive as well, even though it's a bit of a mess with loose/wild strands everywhere. The aquamarine color is wonderful, and, as I don't have any other blue doll wigs, it really adds some much needed variety to my collection of hair pieces. On the downside, the tresses are somewhat frizzy and tangle prone, and the rooting is sparse in spots, particularly on the top of the head, which allows bits of the transparent wig cap to show through here-and-there, most notably by the antennae. Those two chromed projections, which terminate in bow ties, can be popped out of the wig cap, if you so desire, but, as the antennae compliment the alien motif, I'm leaving them where they are. The wig stays anchored on Mae's head pretty well, via friction, as it grips the two projections above her "ears".
Just for fun, here's Mae Tallick's hair on some of my other wig-wearing dolls:
Mattel Monster High Create-A-Monster Werewolf/Dragon
MGA Moxie Teenz Arizona
Spin Master Liv Daniela--this wig really goes well with that dress!
I only have one other doll wig that doesn't have a peg, a Liv one, which isn't really large enough to fit Mae's humongous head, but I faked it as best as I could so that you could see what she'd look like as a brunette:
She seems more mature/serious to me with these brown tresses.
Mae Tallick's limited articulation isn't going to win any awards, but at least she's more poseable than Alie or Una, who, due to their action features, lack leg joints altogether. Mae has a ball-jointed neck, pin-and-post ball-jointed shoulders, and elastic-strung hips. In other reviews, I've read that the arms of the Novi Stars dolls pop out easily, but that isn't the case with mine. It's possible to get her to stand independently, with some patience, but she's not terribly stable, especially with the added weight of the wig.
Mae can sit, but not like a lady!
I was fortunate enough to get Mae's black & white plaid mini skirt, with its large pink polkadot bow accent, but I'm missing her pet alien bear, 8-Bit, glow-in-the-dark stand, and the squiggly, human-sized hairband that came attached to the top of her package. I wouldn't wear that hair accessory even if I had it (aside from being a guy, my hair is way too short for such things), so, I could care less about that, but the pet would have been nice and the stand useful. The skirt opens-and-closes in the back, to the left, with velcro, and has a panty strip sewn into the crotch, to protect Mae's modesty. However, if MGA was so worried about concealing her nonexistent genitalia, then that begs the question: Why did they also choose to make Mae topless? Honestly, Mae looks better without clothing anyway--she is a robot after all, and you can't appreciate all that sculpted detail on her body if you cover it up.
For the heck of it, here's Mae in a couple of different outfits. Her torso is pretty small, so you'd probably have the best luck swapping clothes from dolls that are around 5-6" in height.
(Left) Bratz shirt and skirt, which are way too big; and (right) Yummi-Land dress that fits just about right.
Brand new, basic Novi Stars dolls, like Mae Tallick, went for about $20, which was simply too much for their small size (you can get much larger, and better articulated, Barbie and Monster High dolls for less than that). Had I paid retail, I'd probably have buyer's remorse, but, for a buck, she's a quirky and fun addition to my doll collection that I enjoy. When I first saw photos and reviews of the Novi Stars dolls online, they didn't look like something that I'd want, but Mae Tallick has won me over.
Oh, one last thing, check out MGA's Novi Stars music video on YouTube (the dolls are portrayed by real women). That song is pretty catchy and, naturally, Mae Tallick's human actress does "The Robot"!
Riddle me this: When is a toy not a toy? (When it brings no joy!)
Here we have Kenner's 1995 Batman Forever The Riddler (the Trapping Brain-Drain Helmet version) action figure, based on Jim Carrey's portrayal of the villain from said movie. In his guise as The Riddler, Edward Nigma (E. Nigma, enigma, get it?) is one of the most recognizable members of Batman's rogues gallery, so, it was no surprise that, having already used, and killed off, the Joker and Penguin in the two preceding Tim Burton films, that the next movie focused on The Riddler (and Two-Face). I haven't watched it in some time, but Batman Forever was one of the weaker Batman films in my opinion.
This incarnation of the Riddler has a pretty distinctive appearance. The super villain usually wears a green outfit with a question mark pattern, so that's no surprise, but all of the monitors, straps, and cables wrapped around it are atypical. His head sculpt is a reasonable likeness to a cackling Jim Carrey, and they also got his orange hair right. The toy's posture is somewhat pre-posed, particularly the left hand, which has a control stick permanently molded in its grasp. Some of the black paint has rubbed off here-and-there on my sample, but Mr. Nigma still looks pretty sharp. Unfortunately, the decal that's supposed to be on the monitor strapped to his chest had been removed at some point, but, funnily enough, the sticker residue still resembles a static-filled television screen, so, even in that damaged condition, it actually doesn't look half bad.
The Riddler only moves at the "big five", in other words, rotating cut joints at the neck, shoulders, and hips. You can make him raise or lower his arms, turn his head, stand or sit, and that's about it. While that was more-or-less the norm for action figure articulation during the 90s, it's also not terribly impressive. Nigma stands 11.6 cm (4.6") tall and measures 6.3 cm (2.5") wide.
A complete sample of this figure should include a large silver "Trapping Brain-Drain Helmet" backpack device with an attached mechanical arm. Said appendage could swivel up, and over, The Riddler's right shoulder, and the ring, at the end of the arm, would then come down around the neck/head of another action figure (positioned in front of The Riddler), allowing the villain to "drain their brain", adding their intellect to his own and increasing his criminal genius with each new victim. While said item does do a good job of giving children a way to play out his intelligence gathering scheme from the film, it's also a large, gimmicky contraption that looks out-of-place on the character. It would have been nice if Kenner had also given him a cane, with a question mark shaped head, as that's his trademark weapon, and his right hand is already molded to accommodate such items.
Group photo of the three Riddler toys I currently own.
For whatever reason, this was one of those toys that the thrift store staff decided was "vintage" (1995 wasn't that long ago!) and he got placed on the corresponding shelf with a price of, if memory serves, $1.50. The Riddler sat there for weeks, with no one willing to pay that amount, so, he eventually got taken down and thrown into the general toy bin instead, and that's when I picked him up for the much more reasonable cost of twenty-five cents. Had he been complete, with his original Brain-Drain backpack accessory, and had his television monitor decal not been ripped off his chest, then, sure, I'd say he would have been worth the original buck-and-a-half asking price, but, not in this condition.
All-in-all, this is an okay figure of the Emerald Puzzler, but his pre-posed nature and the audio-visual equipment strapped all over his body, while cool-looking, limits his versatility a bit, in terms of display potential, compared to a more "generic" Riddler. The manic Jim Carrey portrayal of the character wasn't to my liking, but this is a decent representation of the Caped Crusader's craftiest adversary.
ĦAy, caramba! That hair needs its own area code!
Here we have a 1990 plush figure of 20th Century FOX's Marge Simpson, the long-suffering matriarch of the animated Simpsons clan. I don't watch it religiously, but I enjoy the television program, and have followed the family's exploits, off-and-on, ever since their humble 1987 beginnings on the Tracey Ullman Show.
Marge's soft body is made out of polyester, with clean, uniform stitching and quality fabric, but her head and neck are constructed from rigid plastic. I imagine that Marge's features, and that trademark beehive hairstyle, would be fairly complicated to sew, as such, I can understand why the manufacturer opted to go with the mixed media approach (that said, I do believe I have seen Marge plush figures that had noggins done completely in fabric). The paintwork on the head is a bit sloppy, with some poorly defined edges (particularly on the whites of the eyes) and overspray here-and-there, but the overall effect is reasonable. If you gave this toy to a child, I'd caution them not to hit other people, or pets, with Marge, because her hard head could do some damage (just slapping her hair into the palm of my hand stings).
The manufacturer wisely chose to hide Marge's copyright tag underneath her dress, where it's completely out of sight (how I wish other companies that make plush dolls would do the same). Marge isn't wearing any panties underneath said garment, which could lead to some embarrassing situations, although I don't doubt that her husband, Homer, would appreciate this "feature". The spring green dress is permanently stitched to her body, at the bust line, so, unless you're willing to snip some threads, it isn't removable.
Marge doesn't have any articulation (some plush dolls have internal wire armatures, so that they can be posed, but that isn't the case here). Her feet do have rigid flat bottoms sewn inside (probably cardboard), so, with some futzing, you can get her to stand independently, but I wouldn't trust Mrs. Simpson to stay that way for very long without either the support of a doll stand or leaning her up against a wall. Marge measures 13.0 cm (5.1") wide and 30.0 cm (11.8") tall, with her towering blue coif contributing significantly to the latter value.
Here's Marge pictured with my smaller talking Burger King Simpsons figurines.
I've also got a couple of Playmates' World of Springfield Simpsons playsets and action figures, but, I can't
remember where I put them, and I wasn't in the mood to tear the room apart just to find them for this photo.
Overall, this is a very nice rendition of Bart, Lisa, and Maggie's mother with an excellent likeness to the cartoon source material. The plastic head might bother plush purists, but I think it looks swell. I'll have to keep my eyes open for a similarly-scaled Homer to go with her . . .
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