The Ghostbusters
What? The Ghostbusters were a cultural phenomenon that ruled the 1980's and 1990's before disappearing into obscurity shortly after. But those of us who grew up with them never forgot them and keep them alive in our hearts and minds every day. Based on the movie starring Dan Aykroyd and Bill Murray, The Ghostbusters were 4 guys (3 of whom were scientists, the 4th a ... erm ... Ernie Hudson) who protected the people of New York City from the things that go bump in the night. Riding around in the most awesome vehicle known to man (Ecto 1) and carrying particle accelerator's around on their back The Ghostbusters were the epitome of cool for us kids who weren't into sports and preferred our heroes to have brains.
Who?: The Ghostbuster toyline was largely handled by Kenner. Although the majority of their merchandise was linked to the animated series there were also the occasional movie spin-off's including Ecto-1a from Ghostbusters 2. NECA released their own realistic toy line in 2004 but this was hindered by Bill Murray's reluctance to lend his likeness to the range. Here's a look at some of the awesome action figures available: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cAqf-AVVdvg Other items fans of The Ghostbusters could get their hands on were the Firehouse/HQ building with fireman's pole, containment unit and space for Ecto-1 and the Ghostbusting equipment used by Ray, Egon, Winston and Peter. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6UpvqDa-OE
Amusement Factor: The reason I feel the Ghostbuster toy range was the most superior toy range of all was because if you were a fan of Ghostbusters more than any other TV show you really could get a toy for everything. It was perhaps the first real example of a franchise cashing in on itself but it meant that kids went without nothing. You wanted your own PKE meter? It was available. You wanted a gun that projected ghosts on to walls? That's available too. Your own uniform? Your own name badge? An array of ghosts exclusive to the toy range? You name it and it was probably on the shelves at your local Toys R Us or Woolworth's.
Awesome Rating: Who you gunna call for a cooler toy line than this? No one, nowhere, ever. The Ghostbusters was by far the most awesome toy line of all time. There really isn't a rating high enough. Were you a kid in the 80's and 90's? What were your favourite toy lines? Were you into GI Joe? Care Bears or some other franchise we've neglected to talk about? Have your say below and don't forget to paste a YouTube link to a classic commercial for us all to have a look at.