More Fab Ladies by Jim Lewis

Here we see Venus from what many regard as the 'Template' Supermarionation show, FIREBALL XL5. Although seen at a time prior to what is regarded as the true era of 'Action Figures' Venus was sold in a variety of figural forms. As the character in the show itself was a puppet it was a 'no-brainer' for companies to create their own strung versions of Venus allowing children to perform their own puppet adventures.

From the left of the picture is the Cecil Coleman string puppet. The company produced a companion figure of Steve Zodiac and would also create a similar pairing for THUNDERBIRDS with Scott Tracy and Lady Penelope. In the middle we have the Pelham Puppets version of the character. This particular example has been restored and upgraded as these puppets are prone to decay and damage due to their construction of materials ranging from wood and felt through to an almost porcelain material in some instances.

Finally to the right of the picture is the Bendy Toys interpretation of Venus. Again a Steve Zodiac version was sold at the time too. This particular figure is very rarely seen and when it does is almost never in good condition due to the rubber having suffered the ravages of five decades since first being produced. The rubber will usually become hard and often crumbles upon even the most delicate handling. Colours alter radically too so to see one even in this condition is almost unknown [Thanks to Bob Bailey a leading FIREBALL XL5 collector and enthusiast].

Jim Lewis