Sold as a companion to the similarly produced Captain Scarlet figure Pedigree's Destiny Angel 'bendy' is a well known piece for collectors of Anderson merchandise. Announced to the trade in 1967 many were perhaps expecting a 'Barbie' or 'Sindy' type figure and given the earlier THUNDERBIRDS dolls by Fairylite I am sure young girls would have enjoyed owning a 12 Inch clothed and articulated figure of Destiny or indeed any of the Angel Flight. However they would have to make do with a more diminutive embodiment of Destiny the beautiful French lead pilot. Despite its stature the figure offers some nice detailing. Most examples today lack the gold effect paint which will have turned green on even mint and boxed examples as seen here. Spectrum roundels are at either wrist and also on the very nicely made flight helmet.
It is this level of detailing which again set an Anderson toy apart from others of the period or indeed even of today. Rooted hair and a very reasonable likeness to the puppet go a long way in making what could have been just an average toy desirable to enthusiasts. As with almost all vintage collectibles the packaging really does showcase, perhaps more than it deserves, a nice little toy. Stunning artwork also seen on the 12 Inch 'SCARLET' figure appears on the reverse of the window packaging which would later be mimicked by Pedigree themselves for their JOE 90 figure. Although not the most rare, and certainly not the best, of the 'SCARLET' collectibles Destiny Angel is part of many fan's collections and will remain as one many Anderson followers look upon with some fondness.
Does the doll look like the actress a little?
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ReplyDeleteDid Peter Gordeno ever make it into any merchandise?
ReplyDeleteI had one of these. I remember saving up, and getting her one Saturday morning.
ReplyDeleteWhat I hadn't seen at the time is how oddly proportioned she is. Still, wish I'd kept mine. Please, someone kick me for getting rid of all my childhood stuff!
Gordeno was seen on UFO gum cards, colouring books, the annual as well as regularly in strips in COUNTDOWN. When interviewed in FAB magazine and at a Fanderson con he explained he was a comic book fan as a kid who loved Batman and Superman and it was a dream of his to be portrayed as a comic book hero but never had any from the period. Fanderson presented him with some back issues of COUNTDOWN and he seemed very emotional and touched by this so it was privilege to see this before he passed away.
ReplyDeleteJim Lewis