Surveying the Gen X landscape and the origins of geek
I know, I know. Your PS4 offers not games but “immersive experiences” that blur the boundary between fantasy and reality, creator and creation. I think that’s really cute! Now, how many screens can you clear on BurgerTime with three chefs, three shakes of pepper, and no way to save your progress?
(Read the whole issue at the Internet Archive.)
Daniel Baker, you are one lucky kid. I arranged the shots in what I think is consecutive order. First, we see the massive AT-AT box unwrapped. Second, dad works diligently to assemble AT-AT while kids opens the Big Trak. Third, kid puts finishing touches on the Walker as assorted Star Wars figures look on. Fourth, the Big Trak (the separately sold Transporter is in the foreground) goes for a pre-programmed spin. Fifth, kid sits on mom’s lap, admiring his toy domain, exhausted by happiness.
More Christmas morning AT-ATs here.
“My old B.B. gun just doesn’t have enough power to kill what I want to shoot.” Yup. The letters are from a Texas newspaper. Lots of Atari and tabletop/mini arcade game mentions, especially Pac-Man, and one brave soul asked for “electronic Dungeons and Dragons.”
The photo is via Corimarti, who nails down the scene: “
It’s also not fair that that gloriously raunchy carpet is not in my house. (MOTU goes best with rust-colored rugs, apparently.)
Here you see the Cobra Stinger, the Cobra Rattler, the Wolverine, and the Dragonfly—some of the most beautiful toys ever produced in arguably the most distinctive toy packaging ever designed. I still get butterflies in my stomach when I see the boxes and cards.
(Photo via Eric Anderson/Flickr)
An epic two-page list the author of Life in Smirley World bestowed upon her soon-to-be destitute grandparents when she was eight or nine. Some thoughts I had while going through all the items:
Rob Flickenger, outfitted in pale blue Batman pajamas, is pretty stoked about getting his first computer. I also see a Stomper, a paintable Ewok figurine (similar to the Yoda seen here), and a Garfield plush under the tree.
Well done, sir.
Ho ho ho. The first shot of the Christmas season comes from Brett Hudoba via Board Game Geek. The big, beautiful Dark Tower box is unforgettable, thanks to artist Bob Pepper. The game—I probably got it in 1983 as well—anchored a corner of my closet for many years.
The AD&D Sword & Dagger Set! In the wild! There were a few other sets, and you can see them all in the 1984 Placo Toys Catalog.
There are two AD&D LJN action figures in the shot: Northlord is guarding the plant, and Strongheart (above the Garfield plush) awaits release from his packaging.
The shirt appears to be homemade, the illustration taken from the Blue Dragon card in TSR’s Dungeon! board game. Ladies and gentlemen, you have entered the presence of the nerd elite.
Oh, and I had a version of that scratchy old chair.
Scott Baio and “special guest stars”? Did they do a variety act? Hurricane was a uniquely atrocious heavy metal band that you should experience at least once.
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Happy Thanksgiving, all. I’ll be back on Monday to kick off my annual Christmas morning series. If you have a photo that you’d like me to feature, send it over!
DASA stands for Disney Aeronautics and Space Administration. As I’ve said elsewhere, Space Mountain (Disneyland) opened two days after Star Wars premiered.
2 Warps to Neptune 