Mangle

For those who grew up in the 80s and 90s, the name Mangle may ring a bell. This classic toy, produced by the Kenner toy company, was a must-have for any child who loved to play with action figures and dolls. Despite its popularity, Mangle has largely been forgotten by the toy industry and the mainstream public.

Mangle was a large, bipedal plush toy that stood around three feet tall. Its long arms and legs were manipulated by a set of levers, allowing the user to move and pose the toy in various positions. The toy could also be used as a puppet, with a set of hand-controlled jaw movements that allowed the user to make Mangle “speak.”

One of the most unique features of Mangle was its interchangeable faceplates. The toy came with four different plates that could be attached to the front of its head, each featuring a different expression. This allowed children to customize their Mangle and make it their own.

Mangle was marketed towards both boys and girls, with a focus on imaginative play. Its large size and poseable limbs allowed children to create their own stories and adventures, whether acting out superhero battles or tea parties with their favorite dolls.

Despite its popularity, Mangle was short-lived in the toy industry. Kenner only produced the toy for two years, from 1993 to 1995. While it was beloved by many children during that time, it did not have the same staying power as other classic toys of the era, such as Barbie or GI Joe.

So, what led to Mangle’s downfall? Some have suggested that its high price point (around $100 at the time) made it inaccessible to many families. Additionally, the toy’s size and complexity may have made it difficult for parents to store and for children to handle on their own.

Regardless of the reasons, Mangle has since become a forgotten classic. While it may not be as well-known as other toys of its era, it still holds a special place in the hearts of those who grew up playing with it. The toy has even gained a cult following among collectors, with vintage Mangles being sold at high prices on online auction sites.

In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in Mangle among toy enthusiasts. In 2018, a Kickstarter campaign was launched to fund a new wave of Mangle toys, with updated designs and features. While the campaign ultimately fell short of its funding goal, it showed that there is still a demand for Mangle among both its original fans and a new generation of toy lovers.

In conclusion, Mangle may have been a forgotten classic, but its impact on the toy industry and the children who played with it cannot be denied. Its unique design and focus on imaginative play made it a beloved toy for a generation, and its legacy has continued to live on. Whether it’s through vintage collections or possible future re-releases, Mangle remains a quirky and endearing piece of toy history.