The Mego company just about had the 8 inch action figure market cornered in the 1970s. These were some of my favorite childhood toys. I recall saving my money for the next trip to TG&Y or K-Mart to get another of my favorites--and it was usually a difficult choice.
Mego began with the Action Jackson figures (Mine is still good, but not pictured). He was the quintessential man of action who could be a cowboy, fisherman, motor bike dude, baseball player--you name it---depending upon which clothing and accessory packages you preferred. But Mego branched out, eventually landing the licensing rights to both DC and Marvel heroes. Additional heroes were added to the line each year and Action Jackson was eventually phased out. Pictured are some of my personal childhood collection.
Mego also produced a classic monsters series, but the license for the Universal Pictures versions belonged a company called Azrak Hamway Inc. So the Frankenstein pictured is not actually a Mego.
Mego had other categories as well:
In addition to Starsky and Hutch other TV heroes came in 8 inch versions, but not from Mego. LJN produced the cops from the Rookies (I have Webster and Gillis), the team from S.W.A.T. (I have Deke and the S.W.A.T. van), and the paramedics from Emergency (I have Roy). These well-made figures have withstood the test of time. I had many hours of fun with these 8 inch people who were such a significant part of my childhood. Of course I had Batman (the original with removable cowl), Robin, and Superman. But these guys are too worn to still be photogenic. You can learn more about Mego by visiting the website dedicated to these 8 inch figures. it's called Mego Museum.
Hours upon hours of play! The imagination and possibilities were endless. Ahhh, the memories!
Posted by: Vicki | May 15, 2009 at 11:54 AM
Vicki,
So you remember these guys?
Posted by: Dr. Retro | May 15, 2009 at 10:25 PM
Remember them? Until the fire I still had some of them. Only my swat guy was missing a boot and Action Jackson was missing his pants.(Seems like he had "built on" underware.) Some of my fondest memories playing countless hours under the trees. Funny what can bring you closer to your siblings. You know, I don't even remember who Action Jackson was. Maybe you can refresh my memory?
Posted by: Vicki | May 16, 2009 at 07:24 AM
I had all those one in the picture except Frankenstein's monster and Aquaman. I also had the Six Million Dollar Man,Captain America and Captain Marvel
Posted by: anonymous superstar | May 17, 2009 at 11:57 AM
I would have loved to have Captain America! I love that character.I had the six million dollar man and Bionic Woman. Mr.T and Evil Kenieval...Does Donnie Osmond count as an "action" figure? :)
Posted by: Vicki | May 18, 2009 at 12:04 AM
Anonymous Superstar,
Sounds like you were a Marvel person--with the exception of "Captain "Marvel." I never had Captain America, but only his partner, the Falcon. I still have the Six Million Dollar Man
Posted by: Dr. Retro | May 18, 2009 at 12:09 AM
Vicki,
I also would love to have had Captain America. My Evel Knievel stunt cycle still works. Donnie Osmond--an action figure? How funny! I did see his Broadway show in which he played the biblical Joseph in the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. He did a lot of action. So I guess he counts.
Posted by: Dr. Retro | May 18, 2009 at 12:17 AM
Guess what? I was going through stuff preparing for a yard sale and found my six million dollar man and a swat guy! Emma carried them everywhere all day. Good for another generation. :)
Posted by: Vicki | June 08, 2009 at 12:12 AM