Category Archives: 1970’s

The Amazing Variety of Gumball Machine Monster Jigglers

It’s that time of year where I like to write about monster toys. Well, for me that is any time of year, but it is most important to make this a tradition in October so here it goes! Today I … Continue reading

Posted in 1960's, 1970's, 1980's, 1990's, Amy, Art, Halloween, Humor, Monsters, Toys, Weird | 2 Comments

My Love Affair With LIFE (Magazine)

This tenth anniversary issue of Life magazine shows the first issue with the famous Margaret Bourke White cover. I’m sure my love affair with Life began when I was about ten years old. Unlike just about every middle class family … Continue reading

Posted in 1930's, 1940's, 1950's, 1960's, 1970's, 1980's, 1990's, Advertising, Americana, Carol, Ephemera | Leave a comment

Santa’s World Marvel Stocking Stuffer Toys: Spiderman and The Incredible Hulk See You When You’re Sleeping!

I think at this point we’re all convinced that Santa Claus has superpowers. Now, granted, he has to conserve his energy for an entire year so he can fly to every child’s house in the entire world at incredible speeds … Continue reading

Posted in 1970's, Christmas, Comic Characters, Toys | 1 Comment

One of the Worst Toys I Have Ever Seen: Toe-kins

Every now and again you find a toy that is so stupid that you wonder why any toy company would think it would ever have selling potential to children. This is especially true when the toy has little or no … Continue reading

Posted in 1960's, 1970's, Amy, Dolls, Humor, Miniatures, Monsters, Toys, Weird | 4 Comments

The Le Macabre Skull

It seems like ages since I have written an article for The Collector Gene, so I wanted to come back with one of my favorite pieces from my collection.  I have been waiting to write about this one for a … Continue reading

Posted in 1950's, 1960's, 1970's, Advertising, Amy, English, Foreign, Halloween, Historical, Humor, Monsters, Signs, Weird | 11 Comments

I Know I Am a Child of the 80’s and 90’s… But I Totally Had a Monster-Nik Growing Up.

It feels like forever since I have written an article, and in honor of it being October I wanted to write about something Halloween-related.  In this case, I wanted to talk about one of my favorite Halloween toys as a … Continue reading

Posted in 1970's, 1980's, 1990's, Action Figures, Amy, Halloween, Holiday, Humor, Monsters, Toys, Weird | 2 Comments

The Randotti Skull: A Staple of Disneyland Souvenirs for Several Decades

Almost as daunting as collecting Disney memorabilia in general is collecting Disney theme park merchandise.  After all, Disneyland has been merchandising itself consistently for 57 years.  If you visit a Disney theme park these days, you might notice that pretty … Continue reading

Posted in 1950's, 1960's, 1970's, 1980's, Amy, Disney, Monsters, Weird | 12 Comments

The Best High School Yearbook (Parody) Ever!

I will admit right up front that I love high school yearbooks – any and all. This love affair most likely began in June 1961 when I was a mere child of eight.  My big brother, who was finishing up … Continue reading

Posted in 1960's, 1970's, Ben, Carol, Ephemera, Humor | 6 Comments

Angela Lansbury And Her Action Bed

If you have ever made any attempt to research or collect Disneyana, you know that it is a very vast collecting field and that Disney will put its name on just about any product.  I don’t even want to attempt … Continue reading

Posted in 1970's, Amy, Disney, Dolls, Toys | 1 Comment

Kojak

“Who loves ya, baby?” Okay, now that I have the obligatory introduction to any mention of the character Kojak, I can talk about this action figure that I picked up earlier this year. That’s right!  There’s a Kojak action figure! … Continue reading

Posted in 1970's, Action Figures, Ben, Toys | 3 Comments