Toy OTD: Mattel Simpsons Figure: Nelson (1990)

Mattel released a substantial line of Simpsons toys soon after the show hit it big, but we were in the middle of the first Gulf War that Christmas, and the toys didn't sell very well. Unfortunately, that set the stage for a decades-long drought of Simpsons action figures in the U.S.

It's a shame, because I think they were good toys. The sculpts were a little inconsistent, but that's been true of the Playmates figures as well. This Nelson Muntz figure is one of my favorites of the Mattel toys, and even this one is pretty off-model - the facial proportions are off, and the colors are really inaccurate.

But I still like it - it reminds me of older Mattel toys for some reason. It's well built, and has simple shapes and punchy colors. It's not over-articulated, either (which can be a problem with modern toys). The hip joints are especially well-designed, and don't interfere much with the shape of the character. The gimmick with this line is a small hole in the top of each figure's head. A plastic dialogue balloon could be inserted, decorated with a variety of interchangeable phrases. Unlike other gimmicks, this feature can be easily ignored (if the kid/collector isn't interested in it), and it doesn't interfere with the overall look.

You can still buy this figure (as well as the Lisa Simpson figure from this line) for $39.99 + shipping at toyrocket.com. eBay also has Nelson for sale for $29.97 + shipping.