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Invasion: War Toys Take A Step Up
By
Karen Mendez Smith
May 1, 2003
In view
of the current political landscape, war toys may be an edgy topic.
No matter what side of the line you stand on, history shows that
from the time toy soldiers were first hand-cast from molten tin
and lead, their appeal has intensified when conflict is on the horizon.
Small wonder that action figures and other us-against-them toys
have found an expanding niche this year.
HUMV
Personnel Carrier |
Bad
Guys and Good Buys
Specializing in toy soldiers and playsets from Vikings to Zulu Warriors
to Civil War figures, Classic
Toy Soldiers has a 5 million-strong selection of toy
soldiers. A practical addition to any contemporary collection is
the HUMV Personnel Carrier (in a beguiling shade
of military green) with Anti-Tank Launcher, only $6.95.
Northern
Cheyenne Warrior |
This
Land is Your Land
The first to offer historically authentic 1:6 scale action figures
of American Indian warriors, Dog
Soldiers’ Northern Cheyenne Warrior
of the Tsististas People at $29.95, features intricate fringe and
beadwork, a feather-covered shield and faux-fur-wrapped lance. Dog
Soldiers’ commitment to Native American history represents
an evolution in the action figure market.
Playing
Mantis' Military Muscle |
Mighty
Muscle
Playing
Mantis, always a source of collector and nostalgia
products, announces its new military muscle series via the Johnny
Lightning line, with five land-based military vehicles,
including a George S. Patton Military Command Car
(June) and 4 WWII fighter aircraft due in August
(all $6.99).
12"
Modern Sniper Figures |
What’s
SWAT?
Bringing us into the 21st century is InToyz 1:6
military action figures and weapon sets, featuring a poseable 12”
US Sniper ($29.99) with gear such as see-thru binoculars,
MSG-90 Sniper Rifle (with movable levers, clickable trigger and
scope), and a carrying/drag bag. Also ready for action are the 4”
figures ($5.99) with movable parts, featuring Armed
Forces Jungle Ops, Urban Swat Team, Villains
and Navy Seals.
X-STREAM
Future Gliders |
Battle-actica
Get a glimpse of what the next generation might hold with IWA
Toy Company’s X-STREAM Future Gliders.
A 15” glider ($29.95, with 9” and 5” sizes also
available) made of Softek foam, with no assembly required, can glide
by air or water. A revolutionary design featuring DNP (dynamic natural
propulsion) makes these internal wing aircraft really soar. Just
perfect for those backyard stealth missions, or just collecting.
Writer's
Bio: Karen Mendez Smith has been involved in children's
media for over twenty years as a literary agent, writer, and creator
of animated television and film. Co-founder of Satori Organics and
M/Path Press, she is a parent to eight children and five incredible
grandchildren (and counting).
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