This is a 64 page TOLTOYS retail catalog from 1980. TOLTOYS was the local licenced distributor for Kenner Toys in Australia. The catalog measures 8 x 11.75 inches and is printed on high gloss, heavy stock paper. Inside, it depicts a variety of games and toys from the late 1970’s that were destined for Australian toy stores.
The publication features a half page advertisement of the infamous H.R. Giger designed 18 inch tall Kenner ALIEN action figure on page 21. Note that the ALIEN figure appearing in the advertisement has discernible differences to it when compared to the figure when it was finally released.
The lighter grey material the figure is made off gives off a different sheen making it possibly a painted hardcopy; and the black painted eye orbits, the glow in the dark highlight pattern on the top of the head and the teeth inside the mouth also show differences. Also displaying variations are the ankle spurs and the figure’s tail tip.
This particular figure is quite possibly a prototype, similar to the one that appears on the side of the figure’s box. It differs from that prototype sample in subtle ways so it’s definitely a different figure entirely – possibly even an earlier test sample of the figure as it demonstrates a plethora of differences not found on the item appearing on the sides of the box.
Also appearing in the catalog is Kenner’s ALIEN board game. Badged for local distribution with the TOLTOYS name, this item has other significant differences when compared with the US release. For Australian release, the image of the 18 inch tall action figure that graces the boardgame top is unmodified. Other international editions, the US, bilingual Canadian and Italian editions all have the glow in the dark details and tongue of the Alien airbrushed out.
The same unmodified head also appears on the logo on the sides of the box (not visible in these images) and also features an unmodified head further differentiating the Australian version of the game from other international copies, making it much more rare and subsequently, more valuable.
The catalog is currently listed as an auction item on Ebay, by seller crucity2 starting at AU$295 (Approx US$235). There’s already one bid on it so, it’s not going to hang around long now.
-Windebieste.
