The Power of Packaging: Palitoy Atomic Man
Aside from a starkly decorated Sears exclusive, Hasbro’s Atomic Man didn’t get the benefit of a coffin box. Instead, like other later line releases, he was packaged on a blister card. Granted, he got a nice pose out of the deal, but the fully painted box of old was surely missed. The UK got a throwback of sorts with its release of Atomic Man. Not only was the package different, but the figure had some upgrades as well, such as an atomic heart pacemaker and fuzzy hair. Groovy! If you’d like to read more about it, check out the wonderful vintage3djoes coverage of the US version of Mike Power, including some interesting rarities.
Palitoy really did Joe fans a huge service in the later 70s and 80s, filling in a lot of holes Hasbro left and producing some of the best 12″ scale Joes ever. The flocking and box for Atomic Man, the box for BulletMan, and flocking and hands that don’t obliterate over time are among the gifts Palitoy gave to the Joe collecting world during that time.
So cool. I have never seen this packaging. Love Mike Powers. This year, if you are a member of 12″ Joe fan club, you get a new version of Mike Powers. I know he’s getting a new head sculpt but I’m not sure if there will be any other updates.
I’m sure the packaging will be updated!
That is a great box! I don’t even collect 12″ Joes and it makes me want to buy it.
For some reason, atomic man reminds me of the bit in the Simpsons intro when homer drops the rod down the back of his shirt.
It reminds me of a cross between the Six Million Dollar Man and Inspector Gadget.