Rack Toys: Cheap, Crazed Playthings Perfect Paperback – December 21, 2012

Cheap toys that break easy; Truly one of my biggest pet peeves as an adult. Even when I was a kid such items were quite heartbreaking. So with that said I can't help but find the irony in the fact that I thoroughly enjoyed this 144 page tome dedicated to some of the cheapest hunks of plastic that were ever made.Rack Toys by Brian Heiler is a fantastic collection of toys that you either never knew existed or broke so fast that you forgot about them until your subconscious kicked in while looking at these beautifully laid out pages.For the uneducated Brian Heiler is the mastermind behind Plaid Stallions.com celebrating 70's catalog cheesiness and of course the co pilot of the Mego Museum (second only to founder Scott Adams). Brian is a fantastic example of someone who truly enjoys his geekdom. I mean that in the most respectful way.His passion for the aforementioned websites has led to the creation of some of the coolest collectibles I personally have ever been privy to. Specifically the Brick Mantooth / Super Collector Re-Mego figure and the 1978 Re-Imagined Mego Catalog (and of course the new Megozine) Brian and his collaborative pals have taken quite the personal hit for the team of fanboys and girls (like myself) to have a little extra fun with our hobbies. For that I salute you all proudly as I get another paper cut thumbing through the item at hand.Having acquired this particular copy through Amazon for a mere $19.99 (free shipping with your Prime membership kids) I have been imbibing each and every page. The brief write ups are just enough info on the provided specimens that actually speak volumes all by themselves. From absolutely terrible tie-in's such as a Superman with parachute toy (really? Superman needs a parachute? Yeah I had one but that's beside the point. Or is it? ) to the most vulgar water gun I've ever seen featuring the likeness of Batman, I simply can't get enough of this book. I have made mention on other sites about how I knew I would like this book but didn't realize how much I would appreciate it.The work that obviously went in putting this collection together is awe inspiring considering its audience is such a niche and limited one. But then again is it really? (Here's where the appreciation comes in).While the primary subject matter and title would lead the casual shopper to think "Oh. A book about crappy toys? Yay." But to the persons who thumbs through the first couple of pages will see, there is so much more going on here. The art that was used on these packages are fantastic examples of a brilliant time in advertising and marketing. Mind you this is long before Photoshop and digital laser printing. This is real, hand drawn art, lettering and coloring from talented (and not so talented) folks that offer tons of glimpses at the styles that influenced the most celebrated digital artists of today. So who does that open the audience up to? Let's do the breakdown: Artists: Marketing Professionals: Graphic Designers; Pop Culture enthusiasts; and even History Buffs. And that's only five of I'm sure many others who would loose themselves in this collection if given the chance.Back to my personal experience with "Rack Toys" I gotta tell ya, their magic is still potent. While gazing at the photo of the original "make your own Spiderman spider webs" the 8 year old in me was again staring at the package wanting to tear it open so I could make these webs and subdue bad guys before I went swinging off into the horizon. The Superman slide puzzle however still pisses me off. Thanks for reading, Now, Go Play! - Jim 02/18/13

I have read Don Quixote, Ulysses, The Catcher In The Rye, The Werewolf Vs. The Vampire Woman, For Whom The Bell Tolls, etc., and believe me, none of these books can compare to Rack Toys. This is the classic that the world has been waiting for. Did Homer write about the Azrak Hamway collection of Universal Monster action figures? Nope. Did you ever see images of officially licensed Mr. T plastic rings in a Faulkner novel? I doubt it. But Brian Heiler tackles these important subjects right here in Rack Toys in glorious full color. I bought multiple copies of this and handed them out randomly on my last trip to the Island Of Misfit Toys. They were all happy to see that the world finally was paying attention.

I mean Junk in the most positive way. This is a book of toy's either your parents wouldn't buy you because they weren't very good and considered junk by some parents and or they were bought for you because they didn't cost very much. I can remember seeing many of them at the local drug store or SS Kresges growing up. Yes I did own several of them. Ah the memories of simple fun in the good old days were batteries weren't required.

I can't remember having this much fun flipping through a book on collectibles. There were so many toys I had as a kid that I forgot existed. I called up my brother to ask him if he remembered some of the toys featured in the book. Not only did he remember playing with the Fleetwood Ghost Rider toy, he remembered it was purchased at a Wawa store. We played with these strange green, pink and white spacemen and aliens figurines. I learned from this book those 2" army men styled characters were called Galaxy Laser Team by Tim Mee Toys. Those are just a few examples of the toys featured in this book that brought up so many great memories.(full review): [...]

Absolutely loved this book. What a great experience to see these old plastic toy items. A great exploration of these old-school products that where so cheap and yet so desired by kids. One of the best collector style books out there. Highly recommended.

This book had great color photographs. Nice to look through and remember pestering my parents for these inexpensive items. I remember long summer afternoons playing with these dimestore toys.

This is great fun for anyone who grew up in the 70's and 80's coveting everything on the wall of the drugstore toy section. I don't know how they came up with the claim that there are "thousands" of color pictures; I'd say closer to 300. The amount of typos is extraordinary, probably averages out to two per page (and there's not all that much copy). Other than that, it's a terrific nostalgia wallow and, I think, well worth the price.

i remember all this stuff and fighting with mother over buying it. now i look back and see what she disliked about these rack toys but to a 6 year old, this stuff was incredible