SF Toys Get Retro

Classic SF franchises such as Doctor Who, Space: 1999 and Lost in Space are still very much alive in 2006, with new collectible lines based on the classic shows debuting at the American International Toy Fair in New York this week. Product Enterprise, Ltd., a British-based toy manufacturer specializing in cult TV and films, showed off an expansive line of new products coming to stores this year. Company designer Graham Humphreys told SCI FI Wire that the company will offer a 12-inch talking Doctor Who, based on actor Tom Baker's 1974–81 version of the immortal character, as well as a Talking Cyberman from the 1975 story "Revenge of the Cybermen."

"We've had the classic license for six years, and there's always been a huge market for [Doctor Who]," Humphreys said. "The new items are coming out in October. We also have Micro-action Daleks, radio-control Daleks and the inflatable Daleks available now." Another British classic, Gerry Anderson's Space: 1999, will have a studio-scale replica of the Eagle Transporter released this year. With a limited edition run of 1,500 pieces worldwide, the replica is based on the actual prop from the original series. "It comes with a hand-signed certificate of authenticity," Humphreys said. "We have a really good relationship with Gerry. He loves everything we do, and he gets involved helping to promote it."

Classic American SF properties will also be represented for the first time though the company, with a line of toys based on Irwin Allen's fantasy series. "We picked up Lost in Space, Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea and Land of the Giants," Humphreys said. "These are all die-cast collectible models and will be available around October of this year." From Voyage, the company will produce the Flying Sub and Seaview Sub; from Land of the Giants, the Spindrift ship; and from Lost in Space, a talking B-9 Robot, with actual dialogue from the original series.

For the first time, Product Enterprise, Ltd., is also launching an original product line called "Space Vixens of Galaxy Vega." The detailed 12-inch action-figure line launches with Capt. Peggy Rider, who is dressed in a retro-designed '50s spacesuit and helmet. "This is our very own, first solo product," Humphreys said. "We thought it would be really fantastic to do these cool, fancy female, retro figures. It's not from anything; it just looks like it's from the '40s or '50s. I did the designs: We aren't a very big company, so we do it all. If she's successful, we will produce a whole range of various different figures in different outfits. She will be available in September of this year." Product Enterprise, Ltd., can be found on the Web.
Sci Fi Wire -- The News Service of the Sci Fi Channel