Niki's Favorite Girl Toys of the 80s

5.  Rainbow Brite- Hallmark Cards created the Rainbow Brite characters in 1983 and an animated television series started the following year.  In this story, a girl Wisp, is taken to the Colorless World where she must find the Sphere of Light.  She befriends Twink and Starlite, a white horse with rainbow hair. Wisp rescues the seven Color Kids and finds the Color Belt, which she uses to bring color to the land.  Upon defeating the King of Shadows an unknown force renames Wisp Rainbow Brite. She and the Color Kids live in Rainbow Land and are in charge of all the colors on Earth.  Mattel produced dolls and other merchandise for these characters in the 1980s.

4.  My Little Pony-  My Little Ponies were first produced by Hasbro in 1983.  Many sets of ponies were released over the years such as Rainbow Ponies, So-Soft Ponies, Twinkle Eyed Ponies, and Baby Ponies.  An animated series even ran from 1986 to 1987.  The first generation of My Little Ponies were sold in the U.S until 1992.  Several other generations of ponies have been released by Hasbro including generation 4 which is the current line being produced today. 

 

3.  Care Bears- As a child, I was the owner of Cheer Bear.  If you look at the bear today (Yes I still have it), it is evident just how much I played with and loved this toy.  The Care Bears characters were created by American Greetings in 1981 for use on greeting cards.  Kenner turned the Care Bears into plush bears beginning in 1983.  In the 80s, the Care Bears appeared in many television specials, movies, and their own animated TV series.  Each Care Bear comes in a different color with a design on its belly that represents its personality. There are also "Care Bear Cousins", a lion, rabbit, penguin, and raccoon. 

2.  She-Ra-  The She-Ra TV show was created in hopes of appealing to young girls like He-Man did to boys.  She-Ra is the alter ego of Princess Adora and the twin sister of He-Man.   Mattel began production of a toy line, allowing sisters and brothers to play together and fight evil “for the honor of” and “by the power of Grayskull.”  Many of the She-Ra figures feature cloth skirts or capes and real hair.  Although I only ever saw a few episodes of the show, I inherited many of the Generation 1 She-Ra figures from my neighbors.  I loved that these "little Barbies" as I called them came with weapons to fight evil!

1.  Cabbage Patch Kids-  When I was young, I had 2 Cabbage Patch Kids and they were my favorite dolls.  With soft bodies, they were the perfect size to dress up in old baby clothes and carry around everywhere.  Cabbage Patch Kids are one of the longest-running doll franchises in America.  The dolls were mass produced from 1982 to 1989 by the toy manufacturer Coleco.  At the height of their popularity, fights often broke out among parents vying to secure these must have dolls for their child's Christmas presents.  In 1988, Hasbro took over production of the dolls as Coleco went bankrupt.  Over the years rights to Cabbage Patch dolls changed hands several more times, but the dolls are still in production today. 

Honorable Mention:

 know this isn't a doll or action figure, but it still was one of my favorite toys growing up.

Fashion Plates- Fashion plates provided hours of entertainment for me when I was a kid.  In the 1980s, Tomy Toys manufactured a toy to inspire the fashion designer in all young girls.  The idea behind fashion plates is that you line up 3 plastic rectangles featuring raised-up outlines of a head, middle, and legs of a model with different hair styles and outfits.  You then put a piece of paper on top and rub a black crayon over the top of the plates.  When you're finished simply add color and you have become a world class designer.    

Niki's List of Top Modern Ewoks

13.  Endor Galaxy Globe (Power of the Force 1998)-  This Ewok comes in the Endor globe.  The globe makes a nice display, but the Ewok itself has a cartoon feel to it and doesn't come with any accessories other than the glider.

12.  Wicket & Logray (Power of the Force 1998 2 pack)- These versions of Wicket and Logray were sold in a 2 pack.  Unlike the more modern versions of these Ewoks, the Power of the Force versions have a cute and cuddly feel and a cartoonish appearance.

11.  Kaink (Star Tours Boarding Party 2010)- Kaink comes with a cloth hood, which is unique when it comes to Ewoks.  However, Kaink doesn't come with any accessories and is very small in size compared to other modern Ewok figures.

10.  Chief Chirpa (Saga Collection 2006)-  The Saga Collection released this modern version of Chief Chirpa in 2006.  This version of Chirpa includes a very detailed hood, staff, and knife.

9. Warok (Legacy Collection 2009 Battlepack)-  When it comes to Ewoks, some of the coolest ones include gliders.  This modern version of Warok is no exception.  Great details in the face, a bow, and rocks make Warok one dangerous Ewok.

8.  Nho'Apakk & Paploo (Legacy Collection 2009 2 Pack)-  This Ewok 2 pack included Nho'Apakk & a modern  version of Paploo.  Both figures are exceptionally detailed and  include weapons.

7.  Keoulkeech, Machook and Kettch (Legacy Collection Comic Pack 2009)-  The Comic Pack was a Walmart exclusive and is very rare.  It comes with 3 Ewoks dressed in various pieces of Storm Trooper gear, making these Ewoks some of the baddest ever created. 

6.  Leektar & Nippet (Legacy Collection 2008)-  Leektar was released in 2008 with Nippet the Ewok.  Exceptional detail in Leektar's hood, and of course the baby Ewok Nippet, make this pack one of my favorites.

5.  Teebo (Power of the Jedi 2002)-  Teebo is probably the biggest  when compared to the rest of the modern Ewoks.  Great facial features and a spear make Teebo another not so cuddly Ewok.

4.  Romba & Graak (Legacy Collection 2007 2 Pack)-  This 2 pack includes another incredible combination of Ewoks.  Both include great detail and accessories.  An Ewok with a bow is a deadly combination.

3.  Attack Glider (Star Wars 2003)-  Like I mentioned earlier, Ewoks with gliders are a recipe for destruction.  This is by far the best of the Ewok gliders.  Tons of accessories and awesome details create another top Ewok. 

2.  Logray (Vintage Collection 2011)-  In my opinion, modern Ewoks keep getting better and better.  They have more details, more accessories, and appear less cute and cuddly than their predecessors.  This version of Logray has a multitude of accessories and great articulation.

1.  Wicket (Vintage Collection 2010)-  This version of Wicket is my favorite modern Ewok for one reason: 2 hoods.  It's almost like getting 2 Ewoks in one.  While traditionally Wicket comes with an orange hood, this one also includes a green hood. 

Here are a few other modern Ewoks in my collection that are too great to pass up:

- Wicket (Power of the Force 6" figure)-  Awesome detail and a real hood

- Logray & Chief Chirpa (6" figures)-  Let's face it, giant size Ewoks=awesome.  Plus they come with a variety of weapons.

- Wicket (Ewok Cartoon figure)- A rare, cute version of our favorite Ewok

- Logray (Ewok Cartoon figure)- Another rare figure from the cartoon series

The 1980s, The Golden Age of X-Men Comics

Marvel's Uncanny X-Men might be greatest superhero team of all time, and arguably one of the greatest comic series ever written. Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby only to be refined and perfected by Chris Claremont and Jim Lee, there are a plethora of epic comic runs in the X-Men mythos. However, none can compare to the decade of the 1980s in which The X-Men propelled the genre into pop-culture superstar status. Beginning the decade with iconic artist John Byrne and ended with Jim Lee while being carefully crafted by the master storyteller Chris Claremont exemplifies the talent that oozed from these books.  This decade also introduced some of the X-Men's most popular characters of the past 30 years, Gambit and Cable. With all these important elements involved, it is nearly impossible to pick just 10 comics to round out a Top Ten X-Men comics of the 1980s, but I will give it my best shot.

10. Uncanny X-Men 248, 1989 "The Cradle Will Fall"
This issue makes this list as it featured Jim Lee's first work on the title. Jim Lee's art has never been as gorgeous  as his run on Uncanny X-Men. His art redefined the generation and propelled the comic into universal awareness. His art became so popular Marvel gave him his own X-Men title to feature both his art and storytelling. The early 90s craze of the X-Men starts here just as our Top Ten List does.
 
9. Uncanny X-Men 251, 1989 "Fever Dream"
Wolverine, beaten and broken by the nefarious Reevers, hangs crucified as he falls in and out of consciousness as he hallucinates of nightmares of the past. This comic featured amazing art by Marc Silvestri and was still written at a time that Wolverine's healing factor wasn't as such ridiculousness proportions as you actually felt his pain, much like his early Marvel Comics Presents run, also penned by Claremont. There is still something so humane and touching when Jubilee removes him from the cross that would be the glue that would form a relationship of friendship that would last for decades.  

8. Uncanny X-Men 201, 1986 "Duel"
An epic showdown over who will lead the X-Men ensues as the first appearance of Cable occurs in baby form in this epic comic by Claremont himself.

7. Uncanny X-Men 255, 1989 "The Key that Breaks the Locke"
This issue redefined Psylocke as she was turned into the Japanese assassin of the Mandarin. This story line in the hands of any other comic book writer would be doomed from the start, however Claremont develops Besty's character perfectly in flashbacks to her childhood that establish her as a heroic and brave individual, even much more so than her brother, Captain Britain. Claremont was famous for making strong female characters, and Psylock is no exception. Oh yea, and did I forget to mention that this issue was penned by the master himself, Jim Lee! This issue features arguably some of his best work on the series.

6. Uncanny X-Men 207, 1986 "Ghosts"
A subconscious cat-and mouse game between a wounded Wolverine and a scarred and vengeful Rachael Summers turns into more than either character can handle.  This comic features one of the greatest monologue's ever spoken by Wolverine as he declares that the X-Men stand above revenge and murder and  that they must stand for something more no matter what their emotions tell them. This issue also end with one of the greatest cliffhangers only the a comic medium can deliver! I won't spoil the ending for you but the comic is beautifully illustrated by the talented artist Johm Romita Jr which features one of the most iconic X-Men covers of all time!
 
5. Uncanny X-Men 234, 1988 "Glory Day"
If the image of Wolverine fighting off a Brood infection doesn't come to mind when you remeber this issue, I doubt you've ever seen the cover. It still haunts me to this day, as it was beautifully drawn by the master artist Marc Silvestri. This few issue run expanded the X-Men's threats to a more dangerous level as the alien brood race poses a threat to earth. However, once again our heroes rise victorious and features one of the best lines Wolverine has ever spoken, "Like Ben Franklin said, bub...only two things are certain in life, an' this ain't taxes! Nuff Said!
  


4. X-Men 137, 1980 "The Fate of Phoenix"
The epic conclusion to the Dark Phoenix Saga comes to an end here. This story-line helped redefine death in comics, only to have it ruined with the reincarnation of Jean Grey over and over again. Though its importance to the X-Men mythos has not wavered over time, the inclusion of Space Travel and Shi'ar Empire looses some of the edge X-Men comics are so famous for. However, its still a classic read that deserves a spot in the Top 5 on this list.
 
3./2. Uncanny X-Men 141-142, 1981 "Days of Future's Past"
Taking place in present day and in an dystopian future, Claremont and John Byrne continue their epic run as our favorite mutant heroes entrapped in prisons camps with only an elder Kitty Pryde and Wolverine to save them! This story line is one of the most popular X-men runs of all time and future issues would revisit this dystopian future time and time again, never to reclaim the realism and intensity found here. These two issues also feature some of the most iconic X-Men covers of all time. Oh, and I forgot to mention, in the concluding issue, THEY ALL DIE!
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1. Uncanny X-Men "God Loves, Man Kills" 1982
This graphic novel treatment had a feel of a blockbuster movie and was the absolute epitome of what the X-Men stand for, forgiveness and tolerance. When the evil Reverand Stryker is out to rid the world of Mutants, the X-Men must protect the people who fear and loathe them. This trade was one of the more overt metaphor for race relations in the United States at the time and also represented the unique dichotomy of the conflicting philosophies of Magneto and Professor X. Magneto represents the old testament philosophy of justice, "an eye for an eye" as Professor X is the new testament, "turn the other cheek" variety. This dichotomy is well defined and illustrated throughout this heart-wrenching story line. This trade was also the influence for the X-Men movie X2:Xmen United, one of the best in the series. To this day, this is the one of the greatest and most meaningful X-Men comics ever written, and it stands a top an excellent decade of X-Men comics!
 

Top Ten G.I. Joe figures of the 1980s

As many toy fans of the 1980s know, G.I. Joe was one of the most popular and successful in the history of action figures. It started as a vehicle heavy toyline but changed over time as the figures became more popular than the vehicles. Due to the diversity and creativity of the variety of figures available, many favorites emerged over the decade. Recently, on the G.I. Joe forum, http://www.hisstank.com/, readers were asked to vote on their favorite figures of the 1980s! After a week of voting the results were varied as expected. (You can see the voting here:http://www.hisstank.com/forum/g-i-joe-toys-vintage-discussion/214675-top-ten-1980s-gi-joe-figures.html)However, some figures stood a top the rest as others just missed out. Here is a visualization of the results of the poll:

Honorable Mention: Outback, G.I. Joe Survivalist (Series 6, 1987)

10. EEls, Cobra Frogman (Series 4, 1985)

9. Crimson Guard Cobra Elite Trooper (Series 4, 1985)

8. Destro, Enemy Weapons Supplier (Series 2, 1983)
 
7. B.A.T. Cobra Android Trooper (Series 5, 1986)

6. Storm Shadow (version 2) Ninja (Series 7, 1988)

5. Zartan Master of Disguise (Series 3, 1984) *Chameleon Swamp Skier Exclusive

4. Firefly Cobra Saboteur (Series 3, 1984)
   
3. Cobra Commander Enemy Leader (Series 2, 1983)
 
2. Snake Eyes Version 2 Commando (Series 4, 1985)

1. Storm Shadow Cobra Ninja (Series 3, 1984)


(*Other multiple vote getters: Duke, Flint, Hit & Run, Cobra Officer, Snow Serpent, Torpedo, Alley Viper, Techno Viper, Falcon, and Serpentor)

Niki's Top 5 Favorite Girl Comics

 

As a girl, it can be hard to find comics that are appealing and somewhat intelligent.  Below is a list of my top 5 favorite "girlie" comics I have read.


1.  American Vampire (Vertigo) - An Eisner Award-winning series created by writer Scott Snyder and Rafael Albuquerque.  American Vampire's first 5 issues take place in 1925 and are told from the point of view of an aspiring actress in L.A.  The rest of the series has spanned to 1936 Las Vegas, 1940's World War II, and currently the 1950's.  For fans of the vampire genre, this series has well developed characters and depth.




2.  The OZ Series (Marvel)- This series adapts the L. Frank Baum novels. Written by Eric Shanower and art by Skottie Young, the series is well written and visually striking.  The first 8 issues tell the tale of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.  These issues are followed by The Marvelous Land of Oz, Ozma of Oz, and currently Dorothy and the Wizard of Oz.  An overall fun read that tells a classic tale beautifully illustrated by the talented Skottie Young.



3.  Morning Glories (Image)- This series has been described by writer Nick Spencer as "Runaways meets Lost." It focuses on six "troubled" youths at the prestigious Morning Glory Academy.  The new recruits are faced with the deadly secrets and dangers that lurk in every corner of this prep school.  Morning Glories features interior art by Joe Eisma and cover art by Rodin Esquejo.  This series is perfect for any fan of Lost who doesn't mind lots of questions and mystery with few answers.  It will definitely keep you guessing. 




4.  Spider-Man Loves Mary Jane (Marvel)-  This "teen drama" focuses on a teenage Mary Jane and her love interest Spider-man.  Out of all the comics on this list, this one targets the female audience 100%.  Very easy to read and no background knowledge of the Spider-Man universe is needed makes this series great for any girl looking to start reading comics.  Face it, what woman can't identify with a teenage girl writing a diary about high school life and her crush?






5. Scott Pilgrim (Oni Press) 2004-Brian Lee O'MalleyMixing music, video games, comics, kung fu movies, romance and about a hundred other pop-culture references, O'Malley spins an engaging yarn for all genders to enjoy. If you grew up in the hay days of the 80s and 90s you'll love the generation Y references splashed throughout. This is one comic I would recommend to a non-comics fan as it appeals to many different people can enjoy! And,to top it all off it has a nice love story as its heart that almost anyone can relate to, that is if you have to kung fu battle any of your future loves evil-exes! 




Honorable Mention: Wonder Woman (DC)-  She first appeared in All Star Comics #8 (December 1941).  For any fan of strong female characters, Wonder Woman is that and more.  Although at times the story can get confusing and invokes a lot of background knowledge, many of the runs are well written and less convoluted.  George Perez rebooted Wonder Woman in 1987.  I would recommend these issues as they retell her origin and start from the beginning.