In some ways, action and adventure toys are timeless. (Who has truly improved upon the action figure?) But in other ways, the decades change our ideas of action and adventure, and these changed attitudes inevitably makes their way into our toys. Sifting through the Toy Book archives from 1989, one can easily find examples of action toys’ continuity and evolution. Read below to browse some of the action and adventure toys from 1989 that define what make both nostalgia and change so enticing.
LIQUIDATORS (LJN)
Liquidators are three-wheeled land vehicles fueled by water. Kids use the included air pump to power the high-compression Liquidators engine to propel the vehicles hundreds of feet.
Product Facts
- Manufacturer:
- LJN
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This archival product page is presented for informational purposes only. This product previously appeared in the pages of The Toy Book and is no longer available for commercial sale, but vintage items may be found on the secondary market.
MAXX FX
These fully articulated action figures can transform into an array of scary movie monsters like Dracula, the Creature from the Black Lagoon, Frankenstein, and Freddy Krueger from A Nightmare on Elm Street.
Product Facts
- Manufacturer:
- MATCHBOX
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This archival product page is presented for informational purposes only. This product previously appeared in the pages of The Toy Book and is no longer available for commercial sale, but vintage items may be found on the secondary market.
FOOD FIGHTERS
Bergerdier General leads the Kitchen Commandos against the Refrigerator Rejects in this line of action figures and accessories that combines food and conflict play.
Product Facts
- Manufacturer:
- MATTEL
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This archival product page is presented for informational purposes only. This product previously appeared in the pages of The Toy Book and is no longer available for commercial sale, but vintage items may be found on the secondary market.
TWIN TURBO TRAINS
Two sleek aerodynamic trains speed in opposite directions or side-by-side through a giant loop on this 25-foot track that combines elements of train play and slot car racing. Additional sets sold separately.
Product Facts
- Manufacturer:
- TYCO
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This archival product page is presented for informational purposes only. This product previously appeared in the pages of The Toy Book and is no longer available for commercial sale, but vintage items may be found on the secondary market.
GTP NISSAN
The new Cox .049 GTP Nissan was developed especially for on-road R/C gas powered oval and road race courses, and features a fiberglass chassis and nylon wheels.
Product Facts
- Manufacturer:
- COX HOBBIES
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This archival product page is presented for informational purposes only. This product previously appeared in the pages of The Toy Book and is no longer available for commercial sale, but vintage items may be found on the secondary market.
ROBOCOP ACTION FIGURES
Based on the 1987 hit movie RoboCop, each action figure in this line has a unique rapid repeat cap-firing mechanism that fires one shot per second. Vehicles (pictured) are also available.
Product Facts
- Manufacturer:
- Kenner
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This archival product page is presented for informational purposes only. This product previously appeared in the pages of The Toy Book and is no longer available for commercial sale, but vintage items may be found on the secondary market.
| A version of this feature was originally published in the The Toy Book’s 2024 Action & Adventure Issue. Click here to read the full issue! Want to receive The Toy Book in print? Click here for subscription options! |
