Captain Action:  The Original Super-hero Action figure

Check back with us soon for our comprehensive review! 

Dr Evil Lab Set MIB on Ebay  16 Nov 02
Up for bids on Ebay is a mint in box example of the "Dr Evil With His Disguises and Weapons" gift set.  If it looks familiar, there could be a few reasons for that.  For one, its the same on as featured on our "Gary Schaeffer Collection" page, and secondly its been on Ebay before.  It didn't make the reserve last time.  Will this time be any different?  Take a look and see:

Dr Evil Lab Set Mint in Box

Rare Gemini Second Series Alien Ends Today!  15 Nov 02
The rarest of the rare Colorforms Outer Space men second series aliens!  Gemini, the two headed "Man from the Twin Star Algol" mint on card.  While we are still working on our web pages for this little guy, you can see and possibly even own him by following this link:

Gemini on Ebay

The Classic Plastick Website is back  13 Nov 02
Wes is rebuilding his web presence, so for those of you who have missed him, and for the rest of you who have never seen Captain Action as the classic Adam West batman, take a quick trip to http://hometown.aol.com/classicplastick/index.html.  Its just a few pages for now but he gives us his assurance that there will be more soon.  Speaking of which, we know that things have been pretty quiet here at GAB but there is alot going on behind the scenes.  We are not going to let the cat out of the sack but take our word for it, some cool things are afoot! 

Classic Plastick Lives!  3 Oct 02
With the recent disappearance of their web site, we started getting a slew of email all asking the same question "What has happened to Classic Plastick?"  This prompted an intensive search on our part which consisted primarily of an email to our friend Wes McCue, head toy maker at Classic Plastick and all around good guy.  It turns out that Classic Plastick is alive and well despite the lack of webspace.  But why take our word for it, here is a quote from Wes himself:

     Good news for faithful patrons of the fine art of homespun toymaking, Classic Plastick has not been eaten by a great white shark!  Rather, the whiz-bang success of our TV Batman ensemble coupled with an array of real-life issues over the past few months has combined to bloody our figurative nose just a little. 

     The plan is to once again offer to an unsuspecting publick the complete TV Batsuit set as well as all our other cool custom stuff in the near future. However, rather than try to fill an onslaught of orders from a website as in the past, we'll offer items via eBay as they're completed.  Hopefully, we'll be able to strike a balance that'll keep the work fresh and fun while allowing us to develop new projects and keep the discerning custom toy consumer fat, happy and satisfied.  Watch our eBay seller ID 'clasplas' and Big Red Toy Box' ToyReplicas catalog too. Meantime, a sloppy wet thanks, dudes, to all my fellow pop culture geeks for your well-wishes and glowing comments thus far. Stay tuned for more! The wildest is yet to come! Sincerely, Wes
 

More Captain Action at Toy Adz  12 Sept 02
ToyAdz.com has added a few more items to their Captain Action page.  In addition to the advertisements from Comic Books they have added a very cool fold out from the Dealer Catalogue.  You can see it all by following the link from their home page or taking this direct link:

Captain Action at Toy Adz

Captain Action and Other Vintage Toy Commercials  22 Aug 02
"Like Television" located at tesla.liketelevision.com is a website dedicated to classic TV moments of the past, including a stack of vintage TV commercials in Streaming Real Video format.  Some of the highlights include GiJoe, Rock'em Sock'em Robots, Slinky, and many others, including our very own Captain Action.  Relieve all those fun moments of your childhood right on your computer.  Of course if you want to download the Captain Action commercial you can do that right here on Games and Beyond. 

Captain Action Book is Coming in Nov 2002  6 Aug 02
Tomorrows publishing have posted an update on their site regarding Michael Eury's long awaited book "Captain Action:  The Original Super Hero Action figure"   The release date is Nov 2002 and the price is $20 shipped in the continental US.  You can go directly to their website to see the release announcement (reproduced below) and place a pre order (highly recommend!)  Their Web Site is http://www.twomorrows.com/.  Here is the press release:

CAPTAIN ACTION
The Original Super-Hero Action Figure

Captain Action was introduced in 1966 in the wake of the Batman TV show craze, and quickly received his own DC comic book. Able to assume the identities of 13 famous super-heroes, his initial career was short-lived, but continuing interest in the hero led to a recent return to toy-store shelves.

Lavishly illustrated with over 200 toy photos, this new trade paperback by author Michael Eury chronicles the history of this quick-changing champion, including photos of virtually every Captain Action product ever released, spotlights on his allies Action Boy and the Super Queens and his arch enemy Dr. Evil, an examination of his comic-book appearances, and "Action facts" that even the most-diehard Captain Action fan won't know! It features a foreword, new cover, and unseen package illos by Murphy Anderson, plus historical anecdotes by the late Gil Kane, Jim Shooter, Stan Weston (co-creator of GI Joe, Captain Action, and Mego's World's Greatest Super-Heroes), and Larry Reiner and Larry O'Daly, formerly of Ideal Toys, plus never-before-published Captain Action artwork by Gil Kane, Joe Staton, Carmine Infantino, Jerry Ordway, and Murphy Anderson. Makes an excellent Christmas gift!

Ships in November 2002! 160-page Trade Paperback, $20 Postpaid in the US. (Canada: $22, Elsewhere: $23 Surface, $27 Airmail)
 

Cool stuff from Factory X - Iron Man and Dr Doom Masks  31 July 02
OK, so this is slightly off topic, but cool none the less.  Did you ever wonder how the Captain feels changing from one super hero to the next?  Perhaps you have picked up one of those cool 2GFX Dr Doom masks for your Dr Evil and was wondering what it would be like to get one full sized for yourself?  Well the people who brought you the life size metal Captain America Shield have announced two very cool products, a life sized iron man helmet in steel and brass and a Dr Doom mask.  A large picture of the Iron Man mask can be found here and it is amazing:  Iron Man Mask, part of a cool write up at Toy Mania.  Check out all their cool stuff on this link:

Factory X

The Lost History of Vari-Vue  30 Jun 02
The history of Vari-Vue, inventors of the lenticular technology that was used in making buttons, posters, toys, advertisements and most notably "flicker" rings, is preserved in a website which is dedicated to the company and their history.  Check it out at Vari-Vue and see how the company that brought you the Captain Action video matic rings created an industry from this elegant yet deceptively sophisticated technology.

The History of Vari-Vue

CAPTAIN ACTION: THE ORIGINAL SUPER-HERO ACTION FIGURE  25 May 02
Excellent news from Michael Eury, his book "CAPTAIN ACTION: THE ORIGINAL SUPER-HERO ACTION FIGURE" is going to be published in November of this year.  For those of you who are not aware of this book, it was originally going to be released last year when the published backed out (Archives Feb 2001).  However, it turns out that TwoMorrows Publishing knows a good thing when they see it and the project is back on track.  Here is an announcement from the author, which was released to the Yahoo groups Captain Action list:

Good news, Captain Action fans:

I am pleased to announce that my previously aborted, long-suffering book, CAPTAIN ACTION: THE ORIGINAL SUPER-HERO ACTION FIGURE, will be published -- at last! -- in November of 2002.

I have just signed a contract with TwoMorrows Publishing (best known for its periodicals THE JACK KIRBY COLLECTOR and COMIC BOOK ARTIST, as well as several trade paperbacks devoted to Golden and Silver Age comics) to publish the CA book as a 160-page, black-and-white volume, probably priced at $19.99. (Anticipating your question, "Why can't it be in color?", there just aren't enough Captain Action fans to warrant the production costs and higher print run needed to make a color volume profitable. If orders are higher than anticipated, however, then there may be a color insert in the book.)

The book chronicles the history of the toy's creation, with anecdotes and remembrances from professionals connected with the project at the time; extensive looks at the figures, costumes, and accessories; a chapter on the Super Queens; never-before-seen design art from comics great Murphy Anderson, who worked closely with Ideal Toys on the line; an examination of Captain Action in the comics; and a closing chapter on the Playing Mantis revival. Why, there's even an afterword penned by the insidious Dr. Evil himself!

Virtually every Captain Action item will be depicted. TwoMorrows and I have acquired (or are acquiring) new photographs of these toys, as the photos submitted in 1998 for the book in its previous incarnation are no longer available.

I will update you soon with ordering information. To those of you who have waited for years for this book to be published, especially to those who contributed to it in some fashion, thanks for your patience.

--Michael Eury

Captain Action Spider-Man Tops Poll  14 May 02
Looks like Spider-Mania is not limited to the big screen, a recent (and ongoing) mini poll shows that Cap fans prefer the Spidey set 2-1 over all the others.  Is it just the recent wave of Spider fever, or is Spidey really the fans favorite?  There is still time to cast your vote:

Captain Action Poll

Dr Evil is Back in Brass  13 May 02
If you are looking for unusual Captain Action items, then you should check out Rauty's Toy Shop.  While most customizers work in resin and latex, Rauty has chosen to bring his unique creations to life using brass and silver.  He makes a very cool repro Dr Evil medallion in brass and even has created custom jewelry with the Captain Action logo in sterling silver.  His latest creation is a one of a kind brass Dr Evil that has to be seen to be appreciated.  We have put together our own web page to pay tribute to this singular creation:

Dr Evil:  The Brass Invader Of Earth

Spider-Man Collector Series: 12" Spider-Man Figure  15 Apr 02
The upcoming Spider-Man Movie is spawning a ton of new Spidey merchandise, but the most promising of the lot is a 12" figure that appears to have been influenced by a certain 60's action figure.  Due out on the first of Jun, the thing that sets this figure apart from its contemporaries is the removable mask and cloth costume.  If you can forgive the printed on boots and colored hands (a la Mego), its a pretty fair approximation of a Spider-Man uniform that might have adorned the Captain if our friends at Playing Mantis had the opportunity.  With any luck this just might fit a PM or Ideal Captain Action figure, but beware if you start seeing new Captain Action Spider-Man "customs" appearing on Ebay in June.  The price is $19.99 each, and Amazon/Toys R Us are accepting pre-orders:

12" Spider-Man Collector Series: Spider-Man

Classic Plastick's Classic TV Style Batman  31 Mar 02
Over the last few months Classic Plastick has been adding to their Adam West style Batman offerings.  The Adam West Style batmask has been available for a while, but they have recently added a costume, gloves, cape and boots all in that classic TV style.   Now they have begun to make other accessories available, the newest of which is the Batshield.  This is a must see for all fans of the 60's Batman TV series. 

Captain Action Tonto Completes the Ideal Uniform Page  14 Mar 02
The long wait is over, the Captain Action Uniforms and Equipment page is now complete!  We have added the last entry, a mint example of the Tonto outfit, along with each of the accessories.  Finally a chance to see a vintage Taka with his talons intact.  As always our insightful comments are there to help you tell the real deal from the fluff.  Now its time to move onto the Accessory sets, and then beyond!  Take a look at the Tonto page by clicking on the Captain Action icon or taking the handy link below:

Captain Action as Tonto by Ideal

The Ultra Rare Black Knight Returns!  Sir Cedric by Marx  12 Feb 02
The rarest of all the Marx Nobel Knights is Sir Cedric, the Black Knight.  As far as our research can tell us, this figure was only available in the UK, and only for a limited time.  Boxed examples of Sir Cedric have gone for hundreds of dollars on Ebay, if you could find one.  But now, Marx Toys has reissued this ultra rare, ultra cool collectable piece.  Plus it makes a great toy too!  With over 50 pieces of Black armor and accessories, Sir Cedric is the latest and coolest entry by Marx. 

It is available at KB Kids by clicking on the link below.  Don't forget, for you first time buyers, KB offers $5 off a $40 purchase by entering the first-time buyer coupon KIDSLINKS.  This is a %100 authorized code for all first time buyers so take advantage of it!  See Sir Cedric and all the Marx Nobel Knights by clicking this link:

Sir Cedric the Black Knight at KBtoys.com. 
 

Captain Action Wallpaper - Superman  9 Feb 02
Its a bird, its a plane, its...  Captain Action as Superman in the latest of the live action wallpapers.  Outfitted in his vintage Ideal Superman uniform and accessory set, soaring high over metropolis.  I think you'll agree that Yves is a real magician when you see his latest creation!  A must for all Captain Action and Superman fans:  Captain Action Wallpaper

All New Captain Action Wallpaper - The Lone Ranger!  25 Jan 02
Brand new for 2002, artiste extrordinaire Yves Rodier has created two all new Captain Action wall papers for your computer.  We are presenting the first of them, the Lone Ranger and Tonto, set against a superb western backdrop.  Yves past work has been outstanding and this one really raises the bar.  Check it out on the wallpaper page under the Captain Action icon, or take the quick link below.  Don't forget to check back soon for more.

Captain Action Wallpaper

Long Overdue: Captain Action Green Hornet 20 Jan 02
Speaking of things long overdue, we want to wish a belated Happy New Years to our readers and to say thanks for supporting our website for the last year.  Here is one that has been in the works for a while, an update to our Captain Action Uniforms and Equipment page.  Pictures and information on the Ideal Green Hornet set.  Good pictures of some of these pieces were hard to find, especially the Sting Ray and Signal Watch, but we have managed to get our hands on some and have completed the info page.  This is definitely the hardest set to complete, and this information will help you on your way. 

The Green Hornet for Captain Action
 
 
 
 

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