Marx Prototype Story ~ Marx Prototypes ~ Louis Marx Toys
We are under constant construction; thanks for your patience!
Marx Prototype Story ~ Marx Prototypes ~ Louis Marx Toys
We are under constant construction; thanks for your
patience!
| Marx Action Figure Prototypes When people think of action figures, generally G.I. Joe and Star Wars come to mind. To me, I always think of Marx action figures ranking near those two classic lines; though many Marx pieces seemed to lack quality as far as materials of manufacture. I believe this was done to keep costs down so in turn Marx action figures and accessories could be then sold at retail at a lower price, thus allowing buyers to get more for their money. Ok, I do admit that it greatly annoys me to have action figures (especially those in the 8"-12" size) that come with... rubber clothing. I can see vinyl for hats, gun belts, etc., but clothing should always be cloth or something similar. Vinyl just doesn't look right, feel right, and it really doesn't survive the ravages of childhood and time very well. Ok, enough crying over spilt milk! What Marx action figures lack in "quality" I believe they more than make up in detail and variety. Most all Marx action figures (Best of The West, Stony Smith, Vikings, Knights, Mike Hazard, etc.) have bodies with their basic clothing and shoes molded on (the exception being Buddy Charlie who is kind of a G.I. Joe clone). Accessory clothing (vests, chaps, hats, skirts, etc.) are made of vinyl. Who would have thought non-removable clothing could look so good? The accessories for their action figures have very nice attention to detail and authenticity as well as good variety. Many Marx playset figures exhibit the utmost in detail, even down to a wounded G.I. with a hairy chest. When they ventured into action figures, Marx did their best to do the same to that market, and I think they succeeded to a good degree. Who else would have thought of making a Knight action figure? And who could have made one that looked so good? Likewise for Vikings, Cowboys, Indians, and even astronauts. Yes, Marx tried to out-do G.I. Joe, but very quickly realized that instead they could carve their own niche in the action figure world, and their many unique offerings still stand out to this day. More to come soon! |
Click on a thumbnail for a larger picture.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Best of the West Factory Painting Tools |
Marx Color Chips |
Prototype (1st of 2 Known) |
Prototype (2nd of 2 Known) |
Mike Hazard "Test Shot" Accessories |
Adventure "Test Shot" Accessories |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Chaps Prototype |
UNCLE Blouse Prototype |
UNCLE Fur-Piece Prototype |
Raft Etc. Unproduced Prototypes |
Officer Hat Prototype |
Eisenhower Prototypes |
This page last updated on: 7/13/04
Got a question, comment, suggestion?
Send an e-mail!
(Be sure to include "Marx Prototypes" in the subject line of your e-mail or it may be deleted as spam).
DO NOT send advertisements or spam! Thanks!
~
Please check our sister sites!
CartoonMemories.com and
TelevisionMemories.com
All contents of this site including pictures, text, articles etc. are © 2001-2004
ToyMemories.com unless otherwise specified,
and not to be used in any form without express written permission. Opinions are those of the author; facts are thoroughly researched, checked and double-checked, but as with anything in life mistakes are possible.
All characters and properties are (c) of their respective owners! Don't infringe!