Results: The Island of Misfit Toys
Published on 12/07/2022
Okay, Christmas is still a ways off, but after learning about toys that could possibly maim and/or kill you, (thanks, sarahzahm), thought it might be interesting to look into some "controversial" toys from over the years. These are ones that made it to the shelves, but ran into some issues. Suggestive material and language apply in some cases and no offense is meant on my part. Don't kill the message boy.
QUESTIONS
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Comments
1.
1.
The Alien - This was an 18 inch tall figure of the title critter from the '79 film Alien put out by Mattel. Today such figures aimed at older collectors are common, but when this guy showed up on shelves at Toys R Us, parents were not happy. Didn't stop Kenner from putting out a line of Aliens toys some years later. Would you buy this for a child?
Yes - I mean kids love monsters right, except in the closet or under the bed?
26%
627 votes
No - Come on, this was an R rated film, what was Mattel thinking?
74%
1773 votes
2.
2.
WTF? Minion - This little caveman Minion was a one of several toys included in McDonald's Happy Meals tied to the film Minions. Problem was when you tapped this guy on a table, one of the assorted phrases it might say sounded like "What the Fu*k" to some. So what do you think, is this Minion dropping the F-bomb?
Yes - Or close enough to me I can imagine a person thinking so.
31%
739 votes
No - It's pure gibberish as is most all the Minion's language.
69%
1661 votes
3.
3.
E.T. Finger light - If you've not seen then 1982 film, it involves a critter from space who among other things has an index finger that glows and can heal wounds. Knickerbocker put out a "Finger Light" in conjunction with the movie. Thing was, some parents felt it looked like something that should be in an adult sex shop and not the local Kaybee Toys. So what do you think?
Yes - Sure looks like an "adult toy" to me and not something for kids.
44%
1064 votes
No - Get you mind out of the gutter, it's a simple light a child might use trick or treating or seeing around in the dark.
56%
1336 votes
4.
4.
Growing Up Skipper - Mattel's Barbie line has long been a mainstay in it's history. Released in the 70's, Skipper was a doll that if you turned her arm would grow from a girl to a teen. This included not only height, but growing breasts. Enter the parents groups who found this a bit much. What do you say, appropriate for a young girl?
Yes - I mean it's just a doll, maybe even a teaching tool and does live up to "2 in 1".
40%
964 votes
No - Find it a bit too much for a young girl and maybe even older, the concept is rather strange.
60%
1436 votes
5.
5.
Rad Repeatin' Tarzan - This figure put out by Mattel for the Disney film had parents wondering "repeating what" from the position of the right hand. The fact you could try it out in the package didn't help matters. Needless to say, this one was altered later. So, does it look like Tarzan is "spanking the monkey"?
Yes - Sure looks that way to me, the Tarzan yell doesn't help matters.
41%
992 votes
No - Come on, it's just to make it look like he's brandishing weapons, the arm is moveable out of the box.
59%
1408 votes
6.
6.
Homophobic Teletubbie - This stuffed doll of Po from the kids show Teletubbies was put out by Playskool and said various things when it's belly was pressed. Some however swore it was was saying a gay slur over and over in one case. Watch the video if you want, but it does sound that way, what's your impression?
Yes - Sure sounds like he's saying that over and over to me.
27%
654 votes
No - Another case of people hearing something in what is meant to be pure babble.
73%
1746 votes
COMMENTS