The Toy Island line of talking action figures came up recently -
here is a bit more information on their Talking Monsters line, which contained just three figures.
All depicted classic monsters, but they were generic enough to avoid any licencing problems.
The name of each creature appears on the front of the card, with the Monsters name only appearing on the back of the card, along with a photograph of the whole range. The copyright date is 1992. Card size 10.25 x 7 x 2 inches according to what appears to be a trade catalogue for the range.
The figures did not have buttons, the talking mechanism was activated by just touching them. 'Their voices are complete with echoes and sound effects', according to the advertising. It seems each figure had only one phrase.
A screwdriver was required to open the battery compartment, so the batteries, a trio of LR-44 button batteries, could be replaced.
The Assortment Number was Asst. No. 34210.
- Stock No. 34201 The Vampire Talks - resembles Nosferatu rather than Dracula. Phrase 'I want to bite you'. Studded belt with bat.
- Stock No. 34202 The Howler Howls - a very dog-like werewolf. Phrase 'Aaaooooo'. Chain and padlock belt.
- Stock No. 34203 The Zombie Talks - could be Frankenstein's Monster. Phrase 'Help me' - which does not seem very scary. Rope belt with rat.
The figures were 7 inches tall, and came with removeable clothing, a weird plastic belt, and two different weapons. A sword with a bat between the hilt and blade; an axe topped with a skull; and a mace with a spiked head. None are wearing shoes, which shows off their clawed feet.
The address of the Toy Island Manufacturing Company Limited, was 33 Canton Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong, but the toys are marked Made in China. These seem to be rare figures, and there are few listings or photographs of them on Worthpoint or Ebay. The Plaid Stallions site says they are most common in England. Universal Monster Army actually says they were exclusive to the UK.
There are a few sites which give further details, and photographs.
Universal Monster Army, an excellent site.
Plaid Stallions, including catalogue pages.
The Toy Box
1993 Toy Island catalogue from Worthpoint
Just three photographs, all from Worthpoint.
Here is a shot of the card rear for the line, showing the full range of three figures. There are very few listings for these figures, and few photographs.
From what Plaid Stallions and Universal Monster Army say these figures are mainly found in Britain, so you probably stand the best chance of finding some examples. I had never even heard of them before your recent post on the Toy Island Talking police figures. But then, I know next to nothing about action figures!
Hope this is useful. Anyone got any?
Paul Adams from New Zealand
Great action figure review on a line I wasn't familiar with. Well done, Paul.
ReplyDeleteThank you. I had not heard of Toy Island either, until Woodsy mentioned them.
ReplyDeleteA fab report Paul, super informative! Thanks.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the Talking Pirates report too Paul. To be blogged soon!
ReplyDelete