Possibly the most underrated 80s toyline Kenner's The Adventures of Indiana Jones series is notable for being short lived but action packed. Where as Kenner's Star Wars figures were standard 5-Pointers (as in 5 points of articulation) the Indy figures also featured hinge-joint knees similar to the Butch and Sundance line some years prior. Another point of interest is the inclusion of soft-goods on several of the figures. Additionally all three Indys as well as the German Mechanic have a spring loaded quick draw/punch action feature in their right arms. Kenner would later perfect this concept with their Super Powers series based on characters appearing in DC Comics.
You know I've never noticed that before! Their slightly improved articulation and spring action features remind me of "what might have been" had Kenner continued their original Star Wars lineup.
ReplyDeleteIts an interesting thought. Kenner hit action features prety hard in the mid 80s before moving on to spring-loaded missile-firing accessories.
DeleteI love all the Indy photos, great locations/sets for all! Are you a fan of the newer line? This is Japes from Flickr, btw!
ReplyDeleteI dug the Hasbro Indy stuff, but it wasn't until the Crusade and Temple waves that those figures really came into their own. Shame the line didn't last.
DeleteThese are some figures I've really wanted to collect, but they can be hard to find, especially complete. I wish Kenner could have made more Indiana Jones stuff.
ReplyDeleteVery inspiring shots of them! They look right out of a vintage catalog.
Thanks! Those Vintage catalog spreads are definitely the inspiration for most my toy shots.
DeleteIf you're buying Kenner Indy I find its best too look for lots of 2 or 3 rather than buy them one at a time. Oh, and I would have loved Kenner Temple of Doom figures and playsets!
Nice spotlight on a relatively unknown line. That shot of Marion is unbelievable!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Scot! That Marion shot is my favorite. Had a lot of fun setting that one up although it only serves to remind I really need to grab Sallah next.
DeleteThese were really fun toys for me. These would make cool bootlegs, now. They'd be easy to cast and you could eliminate the knees and spring action and have a desirable bootleg. A smart caster would modify German uniform Indy into an army builder;) The bending knees were cool but they didn't naturally...they would bend in or make the legs almost spread eagle.
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