As kids, the fictional characters who shaped our lives are part of our nostalgic love of vintage. We didn’t have video games, multiple streaming services or social media. We had books, magazines, TV and movies. Depending on the era you grew up in, you could have watched or read anyone from Mickey Mouse to Han Solo; Princess Peach to Pikachu and Bluey.
Prior to merchandise being preceded by movies or TV shows, we learned about these characters through watching them on both large and small screens or reading about them in books, comic books and kids magazines. Does anyone remember Highlights magazine, with it’s Hidden Pictures, the Timbertoes and the classic Goofus and Gallant. Highlights began publication in 1946 and is still going strong.
As kids, we read about Hopalong Cassidy, Superman, Popeye, Tarzan and more. We were able to visualize these characters by watching them in the movies and on television. Many of those were based on books and transferred to video formats as movies and television became more readily available. If the characters became popular enough, then the merchandise began to flow. Coloring books, lunch boxes, story books, figurines, and other items were produced based on the original characters.
We watched shows starring Mighty Mouse, Rocky and Bullwinkle, Felix the Cat, and Huckleberry Hound. These fictional animals sparked our imagination, helped us to learn right from wrong and imbued us with a sense of adventure.
Shows like the Flintstones, Alvin and the Chipmunks and Bugs Bunny taught us about relationships and how to deal with the world around us. We had heroes and villains, lessons learned and loads of laughs. Some characters are longstanding, while some were fleeting. Peter Pan, Winnie the Pooh, Superman and Batman have existed through generations and remain popular. Do you remember these short lived cartoon characters: The Great Gazoo, Snagglepuss, Thunderbirds or Jonny Quest?
Long before we were able to encase our beds with Batman sheets and Bart Simpson pillows, we had toys with likenesses of our favorites. Some of us grew up with Barbie and G.I. Joe, while others had Bozo the Clown, and Daffy Duck. Younger folks may have grown up with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Spongebob, Willy Wonka, or Sonic the Hedgehog. Now the merchandising begins as part of the first leg of the creation process. You can find innumerable licensed items with almost any cartoon or video game character. Right alongside those are even more unlicensed items. Buyer beware.
Do you collect fictional character memorabilia? Some items like original Pokemon cards can be worth thousands, while others have become so commonplace they are only worth sentimental value. Many older items in excellent condition can be highly collectible as well. Let us know some of your favorites in the comments.
