{"id":1397,"date":"2013-01-25T18:01:09","date_gmt":"2013-01-25T18:01:09","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.megomuseum.com\/galleries\/?page_id=1397"},"modified":"2015-09-11T02:18:59","modified_gmt":"2015-09-11T02:18:59","slug":"astronaut","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.megomuseum.com\/galleries\/astronaut\/","title":{"rendered":"Astronaut"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"galleryimg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.megomuseum.com\/pota\/images\/astronautcard.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"450\" height=\"600\" \/><\/div>\n<div id=\"linksright\">\n<div id=\"rightbox\">\n<ul id=\"linklist\">\n<li id=\"menutitle\"><a href=\"#\">ASTRONAUT<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"indent\"><a href=\"#intro\">1974 Introduction <\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"menutitle\"><a href=\"#package\">PACKAGING <\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"indent\"><a href=\"#box\">Window Box<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"indent\"><a href=\"#card\">Second Issue Card<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"indent\"><a href=\"#bradgate\">Palitoy Bradgate Card<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"indent\"><a href=\"#prototype\">Prototype<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"indent\"><a href=\"#access\">Accessory Check <\/a><\/li>\n<li id=\"menutitle\"><a href=\"#\">ASTRONAUT ACCESSORIES <\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"indent\"><a href=\"#boots\">Boots<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"indent\"><a href=\"#belt\">Belt<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"indent\"><a href=\"#helmet\">Helmet<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"indent\"><a href=\"#heads\">Heads<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><br clear=\"all\" \/><br \/>\n<!--ANCHOR TAG --><\/p>\n<div class=\"subpad\"><a id=\"intro\" name=\"intro\"><\/a><\/div>\n<div id=\"subheadbox\">\n<div class=\"subhead\">Introduction<\/div>\n<div class=\"topbox\"><a href=\"#top\">Return to Top<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><br clear=\"all\" \/><br \/>\n<!-- SECTION ENDS HERE --><br \/>\n<!-- InstanceBeginEditable name=\"page content\" --><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.megomuseum.com\/pota\/accessory\/astro\/astrosmall.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft\" src=\"http:\/\/www.megomuseum.com\/pota\/accessory\/astro\/astrosmall.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"186\" height=\"352\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\">Astronaut (item number 1965) ( assortment number 1960) packed 2 per case in 1974; 4 per case in 1975<\/p>\n<p align=\"left\">The human created for the first line of figures was<br \/>\nnot based on the Charlton Heston character of &#8220;Taylor.&#8221;Mego<br \/>\ndid not get the likeness rights to Heston with their deal. Even<br \/>\nso, it is worth noting that the Montgomery Ward Christmas Catalog<br \/>\nof 1974 mistakingly referred to the Astronaut figure as &#8220;Taylor.&#8221;<br \/>\nRather than granting the character a personality, Mego simply named<br \/>\nhim the &#8220;Astronaut.&#8221; This title was used with very amusing<br \/>\nresults in one Mego commercial, which began by showing a gorilla<br \/>\nsniffing the air. &#8220;Hmmm,&#8221; he grunts. &#8220;I smell an<br \/>\nAstronaut!&#8221;<\/p>\n<p align=\"left\">The original Astronaut was dressed in a blue zippered flight suit, given an Air Force pilot&#8217;s helmet, and short, &#8220;laced&#8221; black boots. To be complete, he also needs a white plastic belt. The astronaut was never sold with an elastic belt like the one worn by Action Jackson and as pictured in catalog shots. The Astronaut&#8217;s head bears a 1972 copyright date and classic 1972 sideburns. It has been postulated that this head was originally sculpted to be Don, the male companion to Dinah-mite, but, for reasons unknown, the decision was made to use a Superman head instead. The astronaut is pictured on the box art of a Dinah-mite Pool set exclusive to Australia. The first austronaut released on the 1st issue cards have a suit made of a soft nylon which does not fade over time but remains a deep blue. Later issue figures have suits that turn grey, purple, or fade in sections only. He was released on a type1 body and for a very short time as on a type 2. His suit and belt were resized to fit the larger body. His hair color can vary in different shades of brown.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.megomuseum.com\/pota\/images\/dinahpool.jpg\" alt=\"Mego Astronauts\" align=\"middle\" border=\"2\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Dinah-Mite pool picture courtesy of Johnny Mego.<\/p>\n<p><br clear=\"all\" \/><br \/>\n<!--ANCHOR TAG --><\/p>\n<div class=\"subpad\"><a id=\"variations\" name=\"variations\"><\/a><\/div>\n<div id=\"subheadbox\">\n<div class=\"subhead\">Variations<\/div>\n<div class=\"topbox\"><a href=\"#top\">Return to Top<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><br clear=\"all\" \/><br \/>\n<!-- SECTION ENDS HERE --><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.megomuseum.com\/pota\/images\/astrovary.jpg\" alt=\"Mego Astronauts\" align=\"middle\" border=\"2\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Different types of fabric were used over the figures production period, combine that with the suit&#8217;s tendency to grey over time and you get a few variations. Photo courtesy of Mike Jimenez.<\/p>\n<p><!--ANCHOR TAG --><\/p>\n<div class=\"subpad\"><a id=\"package\" name=\"package\"><\/a><\/div>\n<div id=\"subheadbox\">\n<div class=\"subhead\">Packaging List<\/div>\n<div class=\"topbox\"><a href=\"#top\">Return to Top<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><br clear=\"all\" \/><br \/>\n<!-- SECTION ENDS HERE --><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.megomuseum.com\/pota\/images\/astrocards.jpg\" alt=\"variations of Soldier Ape Cards\" align=\"bottom\" border=\"2\" \/><\/p>\n<p>1st issue larger card ( square or round blister)<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.megomuseum.com\/pota\/images\/astrokresge.jpg\" alt=\"variations of Soldier Ape Cards\" align=\"bottom\" border=\"2\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Kresge Card<\/p>\n<p>2nd issue smaller card ( 1973 copyright between feet, no age recommendation)<\/p>\n<p>2nd issue smaller card ( silver\/black stripe over 1973 copyright, age recommendation added)<\/p>\n<p>2nd issue smaller card ( 1973 copyright removed completely, age recommendation)<\/p>\n<p>Bullmark box (Japan)<\/p>\n<p>2nd issue card with Baravelli sticker (Italy)<\/p>\n<p>Bradgate\/ Palitoy card (UK)<\/p>\n<p>Palitoy Card<\/p>\n<p>Mailer box<\/p>\n<p>Treehouse Giftset ( came with set in plastic baggie)<\/p>\n<p>Treehouse Gift Set ( came with set in plastic baggie)<\/p>\n<p>Forbidden Zone Gift Set (none found to date)<\/p>\n<p>Fortress Gift Set (none found to date)<\/p>\n<p>Catapult and Wagon Gift Set ( none found to date)<br \/>\n<br clear=\"all\" \/><br \/>\n<!-- 1974 Introduction SECTION STARTS HERE --><br \/>\n<br clear=\"all\" \/><br \/>\n<!--ANCHOR TAG --><\/p>\n<div class=\"subpad\"><a id=\"box\" name=\"box\"><\/a><\/div>\n<div id=\"subheadbox\">\n<div class=\"subhead\">Window Box<\/div>\n<div class=\"topbox\"><a href=\"#top\">Return to Top<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><br clear=\"all\" \/><br \/>\n<!-- SECTION ENDS HERE --><\/p>\n<div style=\"width: 535px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" title=\"Mego Planet of the Apes Astronaut in a window box\" src=\"http:\/\/www.megomuseum.com\/pota\/images\/Astronautbox.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"525\" height=\"959\" align=\"middle\" \/><p class=\"wp-caption-text\">Mego Planet of the Apes Astronaut in a window box<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"width: 535px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" title=\"Mego Planet of the Apes Astronaut in a window box\" src=\"http:\/\/www.megomuseum.com\/pota\/images\/Alanvboxback.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"525\" height=\"1006\" align=\"middle\" \/><p class=\"wp-caption-text\">Mego Planet of the Apes Astronaut in a window box<\/p><\/div>\n<p>The<br \/>\nAstronaut in his window box. (courtesy of Scott Miller)<\/p>\n<p><!-- 1974 Introduction SECTION STARTS HERE --><\/p>\n<p><!--ANCHOR TAG --><\/p>\n<div class=\"subpad\"><a id=\"card\" name=\"card\"><\/a><\/div>\n<div id=\"subheadbox\">\n<div class=\"subhead\">2nd issue Card<\/div>\n<div class=\"topbox\"><a href=\"#top\">Return to Top<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><br clear=\"all\" \/><br \/>\n<!-- SECTION ENDS HERE --><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\">\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.megomuseum.com\/galleries\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/01\/pota-astronaut_moc.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-6336\" src=\"https:\/\/www.megomuseum.com\/galleries\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/01\/pota-astronaut_moc.jpg\" alt=\"pota-astronaut_moc\" width=\"600\" height=\"602\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.megomuseum.com\/galleries\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/01\/pota-astronaut_moc.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.megomuseum.com\/galleries\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/01\/pota-astronaut_moc-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.megomuseum.com\/galleries\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/01\/pota-astronaut_moc-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.megomuseum.com\/galleries\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/01\/pota-astronaut_moc-144x144.jpg 144w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.megomuseum.com\/galleries\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/01\/pota_astro_mocback.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-6335 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.megomuseum.com\/galleries\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/01\/pota_astro_mocback.jpg\" alt=\"pota_astro_mocback\" width=\"600\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.megomuseum.com\/galleries\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/01\/pota_astro_mocback.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.megomuseum.com\/galleries\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/01\/pota_astro_mocback-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.megomuseum.com\/galleries\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/01\/pota_astro_mocback-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.megomuseum.com\/galleries\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/01\/pota_astro_mocback-144x144.jpg 144w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/a><br \/>\n<br clear=\"all\" \/><br \/>\n<!--ANCHOR TAG --><\/p>\n<p>2nd Issue card<\/p>\n<div class=\"subpad\"><a id=\"bradgate\" name=\"bradgate\"><\/a><\/div>\n<div id=\"subheadbox\">\n<div class=\"subhead\">Palitoy Bradgate Card<\/div>\n<div class=\"topbox\"><a href=\"#top\">Return to Top<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><br clear=\"all\" \/><br \/>\n<!-- SECTION ENDS HERE --><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.megomuseum.com\/pota\/images\/bradgateastronaut.jpg\" alt=\"\" align=\"bottom\" \/><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\">Carded Palitoy (Bradgate) Astronaut has a different<br \/>\nbacker than the US release. He is difficult to find on this card and was not released during the Palitoy second run.<\/p>\n<p><!--ANCHOR TAG --><\/p>\n<div class=\"subpad\"><a id=\"bullmark\" name=\"bullmark\"><\/a><\/div>\n<div id=\"subheadbox\">\n<div class=\"subhead\">Bullmark Japan<\/div>\n<div class=\"topbox\"><a href=\"#top\">Return to Top<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><br clear=\"all\" \/><br \/>\n<!-- SECTION ENDS HERE --><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.megomuseum.com\/pota\/images\/bullmarkapes.jpg\" alt=\"\" align=\"middle\" border=\"0\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Astronaut was released in a window box by Bullmark Japan, who also took the time to pose the figures. Picture courtesy of Mike Jimenez.<\/p>\n<p><!-- 1974 Introduction SECTION STARTS HERE --><br \/>\n<br clear=\"all\" \/><br \/>\n<!--ANCHOR TAG --><\/p>\n<div class=\"subpad\"><a id=\"prototype\" name=\"prototype\"><\/a><\/div>\n<div id=\"subheadbox\">\n<div class=\"subhead\">Prototype<\/div>\n<div class=\"topbox\"><a href=\"#top\">Return to Top<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><br clear=\"all\" \/><br \/>\n<!-- SECTION ENDS HERE --><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.megomuseum.com\/pota\/images\/prototype_astro.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/p>\n<p align=\"left\">Above are some screen caps of the Apes TV Commercials<br \/>\nfeaturing some early astronaut prototypes (very early as it&#8217;s easy<br \/>\nto see that the first two slides are just action jackson) The third<br \/>\nis the regular POTA Astronaut wearing an ersatz Alan Virdon outfit.(all<br \/>\nphoto cred for the commercial photos go to Mike T1K)<\/p>\n<p align=\"left\">Thanks to Mike Jimenez for his help with both the photos and editorial content on this page<\/p>\n<div class=\"galleryimg\">Astronaut : Original Accessories and Known Repros<\/div>\n<p><a id=\"access\" name=\"access\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p><!--LOOSE FIGURE HERE --><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.megomuseum.com\/pota\/accessory\/astro\/astro.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.megomuseum.com\/pota\/accessory\/astro\/astrosmall.jpg\" alt=\"Loose Astronaut\" width=\"186\" height=\"352\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><!--LOOSE FIGURE ENDS HERE --><\/p>\n<p><!-- SECTION STARTS HERE --><\/p>\n<div class=\"subpad\"><a id=\"boots\" name=\"Boots\"><\/a><\/div>\n<div id=\"subheadbox\">\n<div class=\"subhead\">Boots<\/div>\n<div class=\"topbox\"><a href=\"#top\">Return to Top<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div id=\"imagebox\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.megomuseum.com\/pota\/accessory\/astro\/astroboot.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.megomuseum.com\/pota\/accessory\/astro\/astrobootsmall.jpg\" alt=\"boots\" width=\"175\" height=\"127\" border=\"0\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<div id=\"textright\">\n<p>The Astronaut sports a shorter version of the mego combat boot. This boot is also found in the Action Jackson Navy set, and on some of the characters in the Monsters line. Classic TV Toys has reproduced the boot. The reproduction is a touch smaller and has more flashing evident. The reproductions are unmarked. CTVT also makes a full lenth combat boot (see Soldier Ape) and this boot can be cut down to make an almost factory reproduction of the Astronaut boot. The full size combat boot reproduction is a very soft rubbery material when compared with the original and is also unmarked.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><br clear=\"all\" \/><br \/>\n<!-- SECTION ENDS HERE --><\/p>\n<p><!-- SECTION STARTS HERE --><\/p>\n<div class=\"subpad\"><a id=\"belt\" name=\"Belt\"><\/a><\/div>\n<div id=\"subheadbox\">\n<div class=\"subhead\">Belt<\/div>\n<div class=\"topbox\"><a href=\"#top\">Return to Top<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div id=\"imagebox\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.megomuseum.com\/pota\/accessory\/astro\/astrobelt.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.megomuseum.com\/pota\/accessory\/astro\/astrobeltsmall.jpg\" alt=\"belt\" width=\"175\" height=\"42\" border=\"0\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<div id=\"textright\">\n<p>The Astronaut wears a white plastic belt similar to Robin&#8217;s plastic belt. Reproductions are available from DM and CTVT. Both reproductions were made from the Robin belt, but in white. The common version of the original Astronaut belt (pictured) is shorter than the Robin belt, so the reproductions are longer than most originals. Once the Astronaut was released on a T2 body, the belt was lengthened to the same length as the plastic Robin belt (not pictured). This version is not as common. The Doc Mego reproduction belt has a slightly duller texture than the original and is marked DM on the backside. The CTVT has a sharper texture than the original and is marked CTV in the inside.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><br clear=\"all\" \/><br \/>\n<!-- SECTION ENDS HERE --><\/p>\n<p><!-- SECTION STARTS HERE --><\/p>\n<div class=\"subpad\"><a id=\"helmet\" name=\"Helmet\"><\/a><\/div>\n<div id=\"subheadbox\">\n<div class=\"subhead\">Helmet<\/div>\n<div class=\"topbox\"><a href=\"#top\">Return to Top<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div id=\"imagebox\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.megomuseum.com\/pota\/accessory\/astro\/astrohelmet.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.megomuseum.com\/pota\/accessory\/astro\/astrohelmetsmall.jpg\" alt=\"helmet\" width=\"175\" height=\"176\" border=\"0\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<div id=\"textright\">\n<p>The Astronaut wears a gray helmet with a blue transparent visor that slides up and down. It has a white elastic string to hold it on the head around the neck. This is the same helmet found in the Action Jackson Airforce set, and has not been factory reproduced.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><br clear=\"all\" \/><br \/>\n<!-- SECTION ENDS HERE --><\/p>\n<p><!-- SECTION STARTS HERE --><\/p>\n<div class=\"subpad\"><a id=\"heads\" name=\"Heads\"><\/a><\/div>\n<div id=\"subheadbox\">\n<div class=\"subhead\">Heads<\/div>\n<div class=\"topbox\"><a href=\"#top\">Return to Top<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div id=\"imagebox\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.megomuseum.com\/pota\/accessory\/astro\/astrohead.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.megomuseum.com\/pota\/accessory\/astro\/astroheadsmall.jpg\" alt=\"head\" width=\"200\" height=\"75\" border=\"0\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<div id=\"textright\">\n<p>The Astronaut&#8217;s head was also used for Kit Willer from the Tex Willer line. The paintjob on Kit is a little different. Kit has darker brown hair, shorter sideburns, and black eyes. The Astronaut has lighter brown hair and blue eyes. CTVT reproduced the head for their Willer line, but used the longer painted sideburns and blue eyes of the Astronaut, but the darker brown hair of Kit Willer. The reproduction is unmarked.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<h3>Related Images:<\/h3>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>ASTRONAUT 1974 Introduction PACKAGING Window Box Second Issue Card Palitoy Bradgate Card Prototype Accessory Check ASTRONAUT ACCESSORIES Boots Belt Helmet Heads Introduction Return to Top Astronaut (item number 1965) ( assortment number 1960) packed 2 per case in 1974; 4&hellip;<\/p>\n<p class=\"more-link-p\"><a class=\"more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.megomuseum.com\/galleries\/astronaut\/\">Read more &rarr;<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":208,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"pota_astro_page.php","meta":{"ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1397","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.megomuseum.com\/galleries\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1397","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.megomuseum.com\/galleries\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.megomuseum.com\/galleries\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.megomuseum.com\/galleries\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.megomuseum.com\/galleries\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1397"}],"version-history":[{"count":15,"href":"https:\/\/www.megomuseum.com\/galleries\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1397\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6341,"href":"https:\/\/www.megomuseum.com\/galleries\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1397\/revisions\/6341"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.megomuseum.com\/galleries\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1397"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}