Simpsons Action Figures
It’s hard to believe, but The Simpsons has been on the air for twenty-one years. The series, which began as a series of short cartoons on The Tracey Ullman Show, was renewed in 2008 for another three seasons, so expect to see The Simpsons run for at least another two years – by which time it will likely have established an unbreakable record as the longest-running US primetime series ever. Of course, its extreme popularity has also led to a whole slew of merchandised products, most notably action figures. Here are details of some of the best Simpson action figures.
Playmates Toys held the license to produce Simpson action figures from 2000 to 2004 and really did the property proud. Its World of Springfield line produced sixteen series of Simpson action figures featuring various characters from the show, as well as vehicles and playsets that matched figures with accessories such as a setting or a vehicle. One of the most loved/hated characters on the show is Montgomery Burns, the owner of the nuclear plant where Homer works; of course, he was part of the very first series of action figures released by Playmates. The figure stands almost five inches in height, has five points of articulation and comes with accessories such as stacks of money and a three-eyed mutant fish in a goldfish bowl.
McFarlane Toys also produced a successful line tied to The Simpsons Movie. One of its most popular releases was a set called “What are You Lookin’ At?” since it featured a multi-eyed mutant creature with a surprised Ned Flanders (with fishing pole) and Bart looking at it from behind a rock. The figures are based on a six-inch scale and the display base includes, ironically enough, a No Dumping in Lake Springfield sign. The set can also play sound effects from the movie.
The Simpsons also made their way into the designer toys field through a line released by Kid Robot. The line features a wide range of characters from the show, including of course the entire Simpsons family, Itchy and Scratchy and Sideshow Bob. Each figure is around three inches tall and features the distinctive Kid Robot design style. The set also features variant versions of the characters, such as the Hippie Homer featured in the season 10 episode D’oh-in in the Wind. The figure shows Homer with long hair and a guitar as well as a beatific smile on his face.
US $.01
