Mego Men (and other 8 inch Action Figures)

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:

• Planet of the Apes (I have "Soldier Ape, but he is worse-for-the -wear).
• Western Heroes (I have Wild Bill Hickok and Sitting Bull, both of whom are now dismembered but I still got all the parts)  
• Happy Days (I have Fonzie. A lever on his back makes his thumbs go up. Aayyy)
• Starsky and Hutch (Mine are still in excellent condition).
• Our Gang (the Little Rascals) (I didn't even know these existed until last week).
• Star Trek (I've kicked myself for 30 years for not collecting these).

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.  

Comments

[Vicki]

Hours upon hours of play! The imagination and possibilities were endless. Ahhh, the memories!

[Dr. Retro]

Vicki,

So you remember these guys?

[Vicki]

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?

[anonymous superstar]

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

[Vicki]

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? :)

[Dr. Retro]

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

[Dr. Retro]

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.

[Vicki]

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. :)