Archived toy and action figure articles from When It Was Cool.
Mezco MDS Mega Scale The Exorcist Doll Unboxing and Review
MDS Mega Scale dolls by Mezco!! I happened upon the existence of these dolls by way of browsing a horror group where someone had posted their collection. I was intrigued to say the least because I am a doll collector, and I am a horror collector so what could be better than a horror doll of some of my favorite slashers/horror movie legends??!! Read More.
The Green Machine by Marx Retro Toy Review
In the mid-1970s I was a kid in rural north Alabama far away from any major toy stores or major discount stores. However, a local general merchandise store called “Elmore’s” carried in stock the amazing kid’s riding toy called The Green Machine by Marx. Read More.
By the Power of Grayskull, Filmmaking Couple Creates a Terrific "Masters of the Universe" Audition Film
When actress Emily Ashby and filmmaker Jonathan Martin heard about the announced upcoming Masters of the Universe motion picture, the daring duo, who are also a couple, jumped at the opportunity to show that Ashby would be an ideal candidate for the role of Teela. They produced a self-tape audition called Teela and the Masters of the Universe that has been getting a great deal of media notice and racking up a huge amount of views online. Their approach is a bold one, but it is obviously generating attention. “I believe in taking risks and really putting yourself out there, and being vulnerable as an artist is the best thing you can do,” said Ashby. “If you don’t work hard for something, then how can you pride yourself in that?” Click here for more.
Sgt. Slaughter G.I. Joe Classified Series Action Figure Review
When It Was Cool takes a look at the 2022 Hasbro G.I. Joe Classified Series Sgt. Slaughter action figure. A deluxe version of the G.I. Joe Classified Series Action Figures. Sgt. Slaughter crossed over from the world of pro wrestling to the G.I. Joe action figure, cartoon, and comic book series in 1986 and quickly became a cult favorite of the series. Join us as we take a look at this excellent action figure. Read Article.
Big Van Vader WWE Mattel Elite Series 10 Action Figure Review
I am a big fan (pun intended) of Big Van Vader (Leon White). I followed, literally, his entire pro wrestling career. I saw him when he started out in the AWA being pushed as the “Baby Bull” Leon White, a former pro football player climbing the ranks. I followed his exploits in New Japan Pro Wrestling where he first became Big Van Vader via the news stand wrestling magazines. I was overjoyed when he debuted in the United States for WCW in 1990. This was the wrestling outfit he was wearing then and it is my favorite version of Big Van Vader. Read More.
G.I. Joe Classified Series: Special Missions: Cobra Island: Roadblock (2020) Target Exclusive Review
I’m not sure why they chose to call this action figure Roadblock nor why we need two of them in the new G.I. Joe: Classified series action figure line. The answer may become evident soon enough, I suspect it has something to do with the new G.I. Joe video game releasing soon. Never-the-less, in my mind I’m calling him Heavy Duty but you can do what you want. Read More.
G.I. Joe Classified Series: Special Missions: Cobra Island: Beach Head (2020) Target Exclusive Review
Beach Head is a Target exclusive sold as part of a set called “G.I. Joe: Special Missions: Cobra Island” a surprise line of action figures that began showing up in August 2020. By mid-August the G.I. Joe Target exclusive action figures were already very hard to find but there is speculation that more will be hitting the shelves in a few weeks. That remains to be seen. I was, however, able to get my hands on one of the figures: Beach Head. Read More.
G.I. Joe - A Real American Hero, Action Figure Icon, and Comic Book Classic - When It Was Cool Guide to G.I. Joe Fandom
When It Was Cool takes a detailed look at the world of G.I. Joe. Action figures, comic books, cartoon series, movies, and more - G.I. Joe has amassed a huge fan following and inspired many collectors over the years. Join G.I. Joe collector Karl from When It Was Cool in a journey through pictures, history, and imagination into the world of G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero. G.I. Joe is there. Read More.
1983 G.I. Joe Dragonfly Helicopter Review
For Christmas in 1983 I was lucky enough to get a G.I. Joe Dragonfly helicopter with Wild Bill. Wow, did this toy ever have play value! It’s still one of my favorite toys from childhood and one of the best Hasbro vehicles ever made. Join Karl from When It Was Cool as he looks back at this exceptional G.I. Joe vehicle- the Dragonfly Copter. Read More.
Goodbye Barbie… Hello Annabelle! The Age of the Creepy Doll is Here
This is the age of the “creepy” doll. These are not the type of dolls you give to children. Unlike Barbie they are not known for their beauty. They do not look like they welcome cuddles or love such as the faces of Cabbage Patch Kids nor do they come with swanky (most popular girl in school accessories) such as the American Girl dolls (unless by swanky you mean a murder weapon, a crucifix, or a tiny coffin). Read More.
G.I. Joe A.W.E. Striker and Three Variants Including a Stargate Movie Version
When It Was Cool takes a look at a classic G.I. Joe vehicle design- the A.W.E. Striker (All Weather - Environment) vehicle. This classic vehicle has been re-released at least twelve times since it first came out in 1985 including a reuse of the mold for the Stargate movie. When It Was Cool takes a look at this classic G.I. Joe vehicle and four of it's classic designs. Read More.
G.I. Joe Meets Street Fighter and Mortal Kombat in the 1990s
When It Was Cool takes a look back to the early to mid-1990s G.I. Joe toy line and two sets of action figure properties that "sort-of kind-of" mixed in with G.I. Joe for a few years- the video game properties of Street Fighter II and Mortal Kombat. These two action figure lines used G.I. Joe parts and one was even branded a G.I. Joe sub-team. When It Was Cool takes a look back at the time G.I. Joe met Street Fighter and Mortal Kombat. Read More.
Funko Pop Review - Jason Voorhees from Friday the 13th Pop Vinyl 01
When It Was Cool #MonsterMonth continues with a look at a figure from Tonya's Funko Pop Vinyl doll collection. In this article we look at Jason Voorhees from the Friday the 13th movie franchise. A very cool horror themed figure from Funko Pop! Read More.
A Glen Doll from Seed of Chucky (Child's Play) Haunts My Closet
I have never watched a minute of any of the Child's Play movies but Tonya from When It Was Cool owns a doll that haunts my nightmares and sits in our closet. One day I finally decided to ask her what this Frankenstein looking #MonsterMonth monstrosity is. Here is his (or her) story. Read More.
1987 G.I. Joe Crystal Ball Action Figure Review
As #MonsterMonth continues at When It Was Cool we take a look at the 1987 G.I. Joe Cobra hypnotist action figure Crystal Ball who was created by none other than acclaimed horror icon Stephen King! Stephen King's son Owen was a big G.I. Joe fan so Hasbro let the legendary author create a Cobra character and write the file card. Take a look at this odd edition to the G.I. Joe line from 1987. Read More.
Alice in Wonderland - American McGee Action Figures / Doll Series
When It Was Cool continues #MonsterMonth with a look at the twisted and dark versions of Alice in Wonderland based on the American McGee video game interpretation. These amazingly well crafted figures from Milo's Factory capture the macabre and sinister world of American McGee's Alice and takes you down an entirely different rabbit hole. Read More.
Funko Pop Review - Regan from The Exorcist Pop Vinyl 203
When It Was Cool #MonsterMonth continues with a look at a figure from Tonya's Funko Pop Vinyl doll collection. In this article we look at Regan (Linda Blair) from The Exorcist movie franchise. A very cool horror themed figure from Funko Pop! Read More.
Mummy Mask - Power Commandos Action Figure Review
When It Was Cool #MonsterMonth kicks off with our look at a unique G.I. Joe knock-off action figure named Mummy Mask from the obscure Power Commandos line from the late 1980s and early 1990s. Mummy Mask is part of the Terror faction of the Power Commando mythos and we think you'll find him very interesting! Read More.
He-Man and the Masters of the Universe: A Character Guide and World Compendium Encyclopedia Review
When It Was Cool takes a look at a wonderful and massive new encyclopedia from Dark Horse Comics covering He-Man and the Masters of the Universe. Join us for a look at the He-Man and the Masters of the Universe: A Character Guide and World Compendium. Read More.
1965 Mattel Talking Doll- Baby Say'N See Review
When It Was Cool takes a look at a 1965 talking doll released by Mattel named Baby Say'N See. Originally priced at $9.44, this doll says multiple phrases and moves it's eyes and mouth. Also included in this article is a video review by When It Was Cool featuring the doll in action. Read More.
The Return of ROM the Spaceknight and his Intriguing and Complicated Story
ROM the Spaceknight began as a forgettable 1979 toy that somehow spun off a fairly successful Marvel Comic book series. The toy property laid dormant for many years as fans longed for a return. Over 40 years later ROM has risen from the grave with a new comic book series, the possibility of a movie, and even a new action figure. Join Karl from When It Was Cool with a look back at the complex and intriguing story of ROM the Spaceknight, a failed toy that just kept succeeding. Read More.
Absolutely Everything You Did (or Did Not) Want to Know About the Most Maligned G.I. Joe Character- The Headman
He is a character so unlikable that he was portrayed as being hated by G.I. Joe and Cobra alike! Writers and artist went to great lengths to make him completely hateable with no redeeming qualities because drugs are bad... m'kay? Join us on a detailed look at the G.I. Joe enemy- The Headman. Read more.
Bionic Bigfoot New and Old Review
Karl from When It Was Cool takes a look back at the classic 1976 Bionic Bigfoot toy from the Six Million Dollar Man television series which stands over a foot tall and has some cool features and then takes a look at it's 3.75 inch 2013 retro counterpart. Read More.
G.I. Joe Repeater 1988 Review
G.I. Joe Steadi-Cam Machine Gunner- code name: Repeater was released in 1988 and stands out as a pretty much straight up solider in an era with a lot of neon and ninjas in the toy line. When It Was Cool takes a look at G.I. Joe Repeater. Read More.
Universal Monsters Action Figure Collection
Karl from When It Was Cool takes a look at his 3.75 inch scale collection of Universal Monsters action figures mostly by ReAction but others as well. Read More.
Looking at G.I. Joe Firefly
When It Was Cool celebrates the evil Cobra saboteur and explosives expert Firefly, taking a look at his comic book, movie, and action figure appearances. Read More.
Magnum T.A. WWE Action Figure by Mattel
When It Was Cool takes a look at the new Magnum T.A. WWE action figure by Mattel. Read More.
FunSkool Police Jeep G.I. Joe VAMP Variant
When It Was Cool takes a look at a G.I. Joe VAMP Jeep variant from India. Read More.
FunSkool Rescue Jeep G.I. Joe VAMP Variant
When It Was Cool takes a look at a G.I. Joe VAMP Jeep variant from India. Read More.
G.I. Joe Lifeline 1986 Review
When It Was Cool reviews the 1986 G.I. Joe medic Lifeline. Read More.
Six Million Dollar Man Enemy - Maskatron
When It Was Cool takes a look at a cool 1970's action figure- the Six Million Dollar Man enemy - Maskatron. Read More.
G.I. Joe Sgt. Slaughter 1986 Review
When It Was Cool reviews the 1986 G.I. Joe drill instructor and pro wrestler Sgt. Slaughter. Read More.
Shogun Warriors Godzilla & the Broken Handle Fix
When It Was Cool fixes the broken fire breathing function on their 1970's Shogun Warriors Godzilla. Read More.
G.I. Joe Roadblock 1984 Review
When It Was Cool reviews the 1984 G.I. Joe Heavy Machine Gunner action figure Roadblock. Read More.
The Super Friends of the DC Infinite Heroes 3.75 Inch Action Figure Line
When It Was Cool takes a look at the Super Friends as represented by the DC Infinite Heroes 3.75 inch action figure line. Read More.
G.I. Joe Blowtorch 1984 Review
When It Was Cool reviews the 1984 G.I. Joe Flamethrower action figure Blowtorch. Read More.
G.I. Joe Major Bludd 1983 Review
When It Was Cool reviews the 1983 G.I. Joe Mercenary action figure Major Bludd. Read More.
G.I. Joe William "The Refrigerator" Perry 1987 Review
When It Was Cool reviews the 1987 mail-in special William "The Refrigerator" Perry - AKA: The Fridge - action figure. Read More.
Marvel Universe Iron Fist 3.75 Inch Action Figure Review
When It Was Cool looks at the Marvel Universe versions of Iron Fist 3.75 inch action figure. Read More.
G.I. Joe Gung-Ho Marine Soldier 1983 Review
When It Was Cool reviews the 1983 second wave G.I. Joe Marine Gung-Ho action figure. Read More.
G.I. Joe Cobra the Enemy Trooper 1983 Review
When It Was Cool reviews the 1983 G.I. Joe Cobra Trooper 3.75 inch action figure. Read More.
Superman DC Infinite Heroes Crisis 3.75 Inch Action Figure Review
When It Was Cool looks at the old DC Infinite Heroes Crisis 3.75 inch Superman action figure. Read More.
A Care Bear Journey
Tonya from When It Was Cool looks at her personal journey with the popular 1980's toy property the Care Bears! Read More.
1983 G.I. Joe Cobra Arms Dealer - Destro Review
When It Was Cool reviews the 1983 G.I. Joe Cobra arms dealer code name: Destro. Read More.
2011 Marvel Universe Dr. Strange 3.75 inch Action Figure Review
When It Was Cool reviews the 2011 Marvel Universe Dr. Strange 3.75" action figure. Read More.
1977 Star Wars Darth Vader Review
When It Was Cool reviews the 1977 Star Wars villain Darth Vader. Read More.
1983 G.I. Joe Cobra Commander Review
When It Was Cool reviews the 1983 G.I. Joe Enemy Leader code name: Cobra Commander. Read More.
1983 G.I. Joe Snake Eyes Review
When It Was Cool reviews the 1983 G.I. Joe Commando code name: Snake Eyes. Read More.
1982 G.I. Joe Grunt Review
When It Was Cool reviews the 1982 G.I. Joe Infantry Trooper code name: Grunt from the original straight arm line up. Read More.
1982 G.I. Joe Short Fuse Review
When It Was Cool reviews the 1982 G.I. Joe Mortar Soldier code name: Short Fuse from the original straight arm line up. Read More.
1982 G.I. Joe Breaker Review
When It Was Cool reviews the 1982 G.I. Joe Communications Officer code name: Breaker from the original straight arm line up. Read More.
1982 G.I. Joe Rock and Roll Review
When It Was Cool reviews the 1982 G.I. Joe Machine Gunner code name: Rock and Roll from the original straight arm line up. Read More.
Video: 1965 Mattel Baby Secrets Doll Review
(10-20-2016) When It Was Cool Family reviews the 1965 Mattel Baby Secrets Doll. A neat pull-string doll that whispers. Many people rank this doll as one of the scariest and creepiest dolls ever but here is a straight up review of the doll. Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUMN4QfiwWU
Or for a little Halloween fun, here is the haunted, creepy version - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GWXWjGLp9vA
1983 G.I. Joe Stalker Review
When It Was Cool reviews the 1983 G.I. Joe Ranger trooper code name: Stalker from the updated swivel arm line up. Read More.
1982 G.I. Joe Flash Review
Karl Stern reviews the 1982 G.I. Joe Laser Rifle trooper code name: Flash from the original straight-arm line up. Read More.
Heidi Pocketbook Doll (1964) Remco Review & Video
Karl & Tonya from When It Was Cool review and do a video on the 1960's Remco Heidi Pocketbook Doll. Read More.
Saucy Expressions Doll (1972) Mattel Review & Video
Karl & Tonya from When It Was Cool review and do a video on the 1972 Mattel Saucy Expressions Doll. Read More.
G.I. Joe Star Brigade Starfighter (1993) Review
Karl Stern reviews one of the later classic era G.I. Joe ships the 1993 Star Brigade Starfighter. Read More.
Video: Godzilla From the 1970s Shogun Warriors Toy Line Review
A YouTube video review of the 1970s Shogun Warriors toy line's Godzilla and compared with the modern movie Godzilla version. Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c2Uo2euRKw8
Video: Great Mazinger / Great Mazinga Shogun Warriors Toy Review
A YouTube video review of the restoration project Shogun Warriors Great Mezinger from the 1970s. Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_nFRdJb5Q8
G.I. Joe 1982 Straight Arm Zap bazooka trooper review
A review of the 1982 straight arm version of the G.I. Joe bazooka soldier Zap. Read More.
Little Miss No Name Doll
A review of the Little Miss No Name Doll by Hasbro. A departure from the dolls of her era this retro doll took an entirely different direction from Barbie. Read More.
Video: G.I. Joe Cobra Commander 1983-84 Review
A review of the G.I. Joe Enemy Leader Cobra Commander helmeted and hooded versions. The 1983 swivel arm battle grip helmet version and the 1984-1990 mail-in hooded version. Link- https://youtu.be/_jqMuj7Xb6w
1970's Shogun Warriors Great Mazinger
A review of my restoration project Shogun Warriors Great Mazinger (AKA: Great Mazinga) and all it's various pieces and some information about the 1970's Shogun Warriors toy line. Read More.
Video: Six Million Dollar Man & Bionic Bigfoot Toy Review
Karl Stern reviews the Steve "Six Million Dollar Man" Austin and Bionic Bigfoot action figures from his personal collection. Also included is a glimpse of the Bionic Repair Station. Free video on our YouTube Channel. Please subscribe! Link- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qztwq9ycUDQ
When It Was Cool Toys and Action Figure Zone
G.I. Joe * Star Wars * Shogun Warriors * Six Million Dollar Man * DC Comics * Marvel Comics * Mattel * Hasbro * Jakks * Remco * WWE * Godzilla * Street Fighter * Mortal Kombat * Kenner *
