Toys · 1990
Cowabunga Craze and Neon Miniatures Take Over
In 1990, toy aisles burst with vibrant neon aesthetics, collectible trading cards, and radical pop-culture sensations. Children eagerly snapped on metallic bracelets, waged high-pressure water gun battles, and gathered tiny collectible monsters on school playgrounds across the globe.
- Trading Cards | Impel
Impel Marvel Universe Series 1 Trading Cards
This iconic 167-card set captivated young collectors with vivid superhero artwork, power ratings, and classic comic trivia printed on every back.
- Building Sets | LEGO
LEGO M:Tron Space Line
LEGO debuted a striking red-and-black space faction equipped with neon trans-green canopies and working magnetic cranes for cargo transport.
- Playground Craze | Main Street Toy Co.
Slap Bracelets
Flexible fabric-wrapped steel bands snapped satisfyingly around wrists, quickly turning a simple novelty into an all-consuming schoolyard fashion craze.
- Mini Collectibles | Matchbox
Monster in My Pocket
Small monochrome soft-plastic figures brought legendary monsters and mythical beasts into playrooms for trading, counting, and schoolyard battle games.
- Action Figures | Playmates Toys
TMNT Talkin' Turtles
Pulling a drawstring on the back of these radical Ninja Turtles made them shout signature catchphrases straight from their hard plastic shells.
- Micro Dolls | Bluebird / Mattel
Polly Pocket Compact Playsets
Tiny micro-figures nestled into pocket-sized clamshell cases, allowing kids to carry intricate, fully furnished miniature worlds anywhere.
- Action Figures | Hasbro
Transformers Action Masters
Hasbro shifted focus to non-transforming, highly poseable character figures that came packaged with transforming armor and companion vehicles.
- Outdoor Toys | Larami
Larami Power Drencher
Invented by Lonnie Johnson, this pressurized water blaster hit stores and forever revolutionized backyard squirt-gun fights with unprecedented distance.
Enjoyed your trip back in time?