by TJ Norris
Like many other kids of the Baby Boomers and early Generation X, these guys brought us a bright sense of joy while birthing some of the most colorful characters ever to hit the small screen. Hanna-Barbera, the brainchild of former MGM animation directors William Hanna and Joseph Barbera (also the creators of Tom and Jerry) brought us characters like Quick Draw McGraw, Yogi Bear, Magilla Gorilla, the Banana Splits, Scooby-Doo and so many memorable cartoon classics. The folks at Entertainment Earth have these in stock and available now (see below) at a great price.
Between the late 50’s and into the early Oughts, the studio also brought us a few of their most classic characters which have only recently arrived in Funko Pop! vinyl form, including: Fred Flinstone and Barney Rubble (of The Flinstones), Hong Kong Phooey and Frankenstein Jr. & the Impossibles. The thrill of nostalgia runs through the veins of many who recall watching these wacky, stylistically simplified characters delight in prime time for kids, every Saturday morning, and for years to follow as they eventually folded into the Cartoon Network. Here we bring back the good times, taking a closer look at each of these wonderful new vinyl collectibles:
Practically inseparable, Fred & Barney are two of the most beloved guys ever on broadcast television. Best friends forever these guys broke bread as The Flinstones, with their saucy wives Betty and Wilma, also close companions. They paved the way for future families like The Simpsons, Family Guy, even Archer! These bowling buds were true originals, a mash-up remix of modern times vs. the prehistoric back-drop of their lil’ town of Bedrock. Captured barefoot here by Funko in their classic attire (ala caveman onesie pullover). Fred with his signature red and black triangle print, and Barn’ in his more earthy sack-like look and mustard yellow hair. Neither have mouths, hiding their instant expressions with a simple five o’clock shadow. The sculpts do a great job of capturing the essence of the character without becoming a caricature. These separates are now available - as are several limited edition zany color-way sets (editions of 480 ea) circulating since Comic Con. But, these are the originals, the way we remember them!
From the adventure series that rocked the mid ‘60’s with The Impossibles (aka Coilman, Fluidman and Multiman) the animated short series was a sorta spoof of superheros loosely mixed with the Beatles. The “band” are not inside the box, so you will have to imagine the trio alongside the real big blue hero of the show, Frankenstein Jr. (who was voiced by Ted Cassidy, the original Lurch of Addams Family fame). Well, they nailed this one hands-down! With so much incredible detailing, the figure gets a slight contemporary makeover while retaining the infamous blue hue, and boxy styling. Funko offers extreme fine notes in painting and finishes, like the wrist stitching and retro-colored costume. The face mask and button nose are perfect foils to make this robot version of Dr. Frankenstein come back from the dead over and over again. It’s bright and will look great on any shelf that already hosts Robby the Robot (Forbidden Planet), B-9 (Lost In Space), The Iron Giant, Plex (Yo Gabba Gabba!) or even R2-D2 for that matter. Honestly, one of the best Pop!s ever created is here and now (and then, and evermore…..).
The mild-mannered janitor by day, hound with a killer karate cop by night, Hong Kong Phooey (aka Penrod Pooch) was a masked hero in his classic orange karategi. This time around he’s sans Spot (his pet cat and dependable sidekick). When he arrived all I could think about was writing Funko to ask if they would consider creating a Phooeymobile for their Rides line - OMG 1/2! Short that, this figure is spot-on, including not just the usual costumery, and cool stance, but his goofy, droopy eyes. One can just imagine him breaking out into one of his crazy kicks or chops. The series only ran for two years in the mid 70’s, but the character has echoed for decades afterward, and here we have a solemn, almost meditative figure with a tiny spiky tuft of cartoon fur and floppy brown ears. He’s the legendary crime fighter, no flea collar necessary. Ack!
Collect ‘Em All Now Or Furever Hold Yer Ps & Qs! Entertainment Earth will hook you up for these.