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While GI Joe was certainly my main childhood toyline for much of the late 80s/early 90's, it was not the greatest toyline ever. That prize goes to ExoSquad. Everything great about GI Joes, plus MECHA! And then they reprinted a bunch of Robotech toys, just because MECHA! GI Joe vehicles could get really expensive, but every single E-Frame came with a vehicle! And they were affordable, even for a kid! $9.99 USD for the regular sized E-Frames w/ pilot and a bunch of weapons both for the frame and for the pilot, who was fully removable and as articulated as GI-Joes. They just lacked the swivel-waist, but in exchange they didn't have the rubber bands that snapped so often like they did with GI Joes and they were made of a softer plastic that didn't snap as often, no broken thumbs.

I was too old to be playing with toys by the time Exo Squad came out, but that did not even remotely stop me playing with them well into my mid teens. Amazing show and toys, I'm sad they don't get the recognition that they deserve

Though, on reflection.

Quick mark of respect for Kenner and their approach to the Star Wars line.

Literally a license to print money, especially when you learn about the deal they had (it was stupid sweet). And yet, year on year, the quality of the figures and ships only increased.

That’s respect for your market right there!

I want to say Transformers, since they were my personal favorite, but I don't think anyone can top Lego Mini-figures

I mean there are actual brick and mortar storefronts dedicated just to buying and selling the things. I've seen entire familys buy into these things and now there are blind buy packs that are selling well. There's even third party manufacturers just in case you ever wanted a proper M16 or AK-47 for your lego minifigs.

I can't think of a more sucessful toy line.

Got to admit, I am partial to the blindbag Lego minifigs.

Got a drawer full, which I really should pass on to the kids of friends.

Though as someone said earlier, I’ve never really considered Lego to be a Toy as such. I know it’s a pretty bizarre line to draw, but I can’t explain nor justify it.

That being said, I loved the castle stuff when I was a Nipper.

I remember I bought this one in John Lewis, Edinburgh. Probably the first thing I can remember buying for myself. Couldn’t have been more than 6 years of age.



And I think this was the castle I got as a Birthday present.



Lego is pretty ace!

Every one of these toys I had and treasured them.

Evel Knievel stunt and crash car (1974):


"Maskatron" from "The Six Million Dollar Man" (1976).


Space 1999 Eagle (2 1/2 feet long) (1976):


Micronauts Battle Cruiser (1977)


Lego got "real" when this thing came out (1979):

I was insanely happy when I got this.

Millenium Falcon (1980):


henshin Robo Mospeda Scott Bernard (1983) (We knew it as a Cyclone bike from Robotech):


All incredibly well made and I am sure my kids would play with them today.

 Kalamadea wrote:
While GI Joe was certainly my main childhood toyline for much of the late 80s/early 90's, it was not the greatest toyline ever. That prize goes to ExoSquad. Everything great about GI Joes, plus MECHA! And then they reprinted a bunch of Robotech toys, just because MECHA! GI Joe vehicles could get really expensive, but every single E-Frame came with a vehicle! And they were affordable, even for a kid! $9.99 USD for the regular sized E-Frames w/ pilot and a bunch of weapons both for the frame and for the pilot, who was fully removable and as articulated as GI-Joes. They just lacked the swivel-waist, but in exchange they didn't have the rubber bands that snapped so often like they did with GI Joes and they were made of a softer plastic that didn't snap as often, no broken thumbs.

I was too old to be playing with toys by the time Exo Squad came out, but that did not even remotely stop me playing with them well into my mid teens. Amazing show and toys, I'm sad they don't get the recognition that they deserve

It was my favorite show as a kid!

And it was fairly complex/dark too - I don't think I've seen a kids show that touches on the ethics of genetic engineering.

But the toys were the best - you get a GI Joe size dude with a mech and the mech usually had at least 1 spring loaded missile launcher. I had a few, but I really wanted the larger 2 person E-frames as well.

 Talizvar wrote:

Millenium Falcon (1980):
.

This was the crowning jewel of my Star Wars collection (I just had the regular version, not the electronic one), although it always bugged me that it was too small. I hated the cardboard interior wall and the lack of access from the cockpit to the interior, so wound up pulling out the wall and the plastic piece behind the pilot seats...

Not to belittle all of your memories, but the greatest toy line ever was MEGO's World's Greatest Superheroes.