Are the Zartan, Zarana, and Zandar (G.I. Joe action figures)
The bad guy spy from G.I. Joe whose plastic skin changed color when you took him outside. Every kid on the playground wanted to see it happ…
Toys & Games — defunct brands
12Toy makers, board game publishers, and playtime brands that shaped childhoods before disappearing.
-
-
Austin Magic Pistol
Toy gun that created real explosions using calcium carbide and water
-
Battlestar Galactica Colonial Viper
Recalled in 1978 after child's death from choking on detached missile; led to mandatory warning labels on all projectile toys
-
Fish with Attitude
Mood-based virtual aquarium game shut down after just 2 years
-
Lawn Darts (Jarts)
Metal-tipped lawn darts banned after 6,100 injuries
-
Megatron (Transformers action figure)
The Transformers villain whose toy form shifted from realistic handgun to tank as safety rules and retailer risk changed.
-
Nickelodeon Moon Shoes
“Mini-trampolines for your feet” that actually started as 1950s metal “anti-gravity shoes,” remembered from 90s kids’ TV
-
Orko (He-Man & Masters of the Universe)
The floating Trollan magician who turned mishaps into heart for He-Man’s crew.
-
Pet Society
A Facebook virtual pet game that drew around 59 million monthly players and made $100,000 a day before EA shut it down in 2013.
-
Sky Dancers
Pull-string flying fairy dolls that launched into the air when you pulled a ripcord, recalled in 2000 after the unpredictable flight path i…
-
Talkboy
A cassette recorder that became a real toy after kids saw it in Home Alone 2, letting you record your voice and play it back slower or fast…
-
The CSI Fingerprint Examination Kit
Crime scene toy recalled after fingerprint powder tested positive for asbestos