Toy Shop 1998 Readers' Awards:
Readers Pick Their Faves of 1998; Beanie Babies, Barbie Among Top Vote Getter

It was an enviable task, indeed.

Try to narrow down a year's worth of toys to select the few most deserving of honor. Most worthy of mention.

That was the task put to Toy Shop readers several months ago when we debuted our Readers' Awards. We thought there would be a lot of interest. We were right.

Thanks to the healthy response of readers, we were able to tally the winners in 17 categories. We present those winners now.

The winning companies will be sent certificates of honor. Toy Shop editor Sharon Korbeck and associate editor Merry Dudley will present plaques to the companies' representatives in February at the American International Toy Fair in New York.

Without further ado, the envelopes please . . .

Best Action Figure, Small Scale (6" and under)

1. Darth Vader w/Removable Helmet, Power of the Force, Kenner, 43 percent
2. Mulder w/Victim under Sheet, X-Files, McFarlane Toys, 25 percent
3. Gene Simmons w/Ringmaster, KISS Psycho Circus, McFarlane Toys, 17 percent
4. Jester, Puppet Master, Full Moon Toys, 8 percent
5. Other, 7 percent

Toy Shop narrowed your choices to our four favorites, and you decided—Star Wars rules! Kenner's Darth Vader with removable helmet has been growing in popularity with collectors this year. But there's a huge contingent of McFarlane fans out there too. The realistically-sculpted Fox Mulder and Gene Simmons didn't go unnoticed either. Full Moon's Jester managed to turn some heads as well.

Write-in votes mentioned McFarlane's Dana Scully figure, Toy Biz's Xena and Playmates' Borg Queen.

Best Action Figure, Large Scale (7" and above)

1. George Washington, G.I. Joe Historical Commanders, Hasbro, 35 percent
2. Seven of Nine, Star Trek Voyager, Playmates, 27 percent
3. Captain America, Marvel Famous Covers, Toy Biz, 17 percent
4. Other, 15 percent
5. Harry Stamper, Armageddon, Mattel, 6 percent

Who would have ever thought the father of our country would lead the charge of best action figures in 1998? Collectors seem pleased with Hasbro's rendition of the 12-inch George Washington. Not only is the figure well appointed, but the packaging is spectacular too.

Playmates' sexy Seven of Nine came in a curvy second with 27 percent of the vote.

Mattel made great strides with its Armageddon action figures which were striking resemblances to the film's characters.

Most often named in the "other" category were Captain Action and Dr. Evil by Playing Mantis, Kenner's Han Solo and Tauntaun set and Kenner's Chewbacca 12-inch figure.

Best Fashion Doll

1. Romeo and Juliet Barbie/Ken Gift Set, Mattel, 25 percent
2. Evil Queen, Disney Series, Mattel, 21 percent
3. Nolan Miller Barbie, Mattel, 21 percent
4. Ginger Spice, Spice Girls, Galoob, 16 percent
5. Other, 11 percent
6. Gene in Sea Spree Outfit, Ashton-Drake, 6 percent

Tough choices here, but Barbie always seems to come out on top. It's hard to argue with the winner, however. Mattel's Barbie and Ken as Romeo and Juliet are romance personified. They simply drip with velvety elegance and are packaged in a balcony-theme box. They're two of this year's best unquestionably.

But Mattel's Evil Queen is definitely a force to be reckoned with. Both she and Mattel's striking Nolan Miller brought up a close second.

Write-in votes were many and recognized more great examples of Barbie. Most often mentioned were X-Files Barbie and Ken, NASCAR Barbie, Harley-Davidson Barbie and the Phantom of the Opera gift set. Several other Ashton-Drake Gene dolls received mention as well.

Best Die-Cast Vehicle Line, 1:64-scale

1. 30th Anniversary Hot Wheels, Mattel, 45 percent
2. NASCAR Legends, Racing Champions, 15 percent
3. 50th Anniversary NASCAR Commemoratives Gold Series, Racing Champions, 14 percent
4. KISS Funny Cars, Playing Mantis, 10 percent
5. Other, 9 percent
6. Racing Dreams, Playing Mantis, 7 percent

Happy birthday, Hot Wheels! Readers overwhelmingly applauded Mattel's 30th anniversary series. Even though the anniversary line carried a higher price than regular cars, collectors scooped them up. Fans were pleased to see some of their favorites—like the Twin Mill—return in classic form.

Racing Champions celebrated the 50th anniversary of NASCAR with several lines of small die-cast. Several of their lines were voted high on our survey. The Gold series was scooped up on shelves as fast as they were put up.

Readers were quick to remember Playing Mantis, however, which has put out some of its best licensed products this year with its Racing Dreams series. Licensing aside, however, the packaging and execution makes these cars dreams come true for the collector.

Other series mentioned included Racing Champions' WCW line, Matchbox Star Cars and Playing Mantis' Dragsters USA.

Best Die-Cast Vehicle, other scale

1. 1955 Chevy, Kiddie Car Classics, Hallmark, 37 percent
2. Cadzilla, Legends Series, Mattel, 20 percent
3. 1940 Mercury, American Muscle, Ertl, 13 percent
4. Duesenberg Coupe Simone, Franklin Mint, 10 percent
5. Other, 11 percent
6. Shelby Cobra 427S/C Racing, Kyosho, 9 percent

If there were any surprise winners in this survey, it was Hallmark blowing away the longstanding masters of die-cast. It's not that the honor isn't well deserved. It is. That's why the 1955 Chevy made our list. Hallmark's Kiddie Car Classics line has it all; a reasonable price point, classic replicas and high-detail and quality product. The '55 Chevy in awesome turquoise easily races to the top of die-cast lovers' lists.

Mattel's commanding Cadzilla—part of the large-scale Legends line— drives in at second place.

Mentioned in the "other" category was Ertl's General Lee, Solido's Herbie the Love Bug, Mattel's Don Prudhomme Snake Legends Series and Franklin Mint's 1955 Pontiac Convertible.

Best Board Game (non role-playing)

1. Star Wars Trivial Pursuit, Parker Brothers, 50 percent
2. NASCAR Monopoly, USAOPOLY, 25 percent
3. Men are From Mars, Women are From Venus, Mattel, 10 percent
4. Godzilla Game, Milton Bradley, 8 percent
5. Other, 6 percent

We wouldn't expect it any other way. Darth Vader and clan win again, easily sweeping aside Godzilla and other contenders. The collector's edition not only contains great stumper questions, but the board is a galactic treat for the eyes, and the metal playing pieces are inspired.

Readers felt NASCAR Monopoly was one of USAopoly's best specialized Monopoly offerings of 1998. Lesser-known games didn't fare as well.

Most often mentioned in the "other" category were many of USAopoly's other Monopoly games like Wizard of Oz and New York City.

Best Plush Toy

1. Beanie Babies, Ty, 61 percent
2. Disney Mini Bean Bag Plush, Disney Store, 11 percent
3. Star Wars Buddies, Kenner, 10 percent
4. South Park Plush, Fun 4 All, 7 percent
5. Other, 6 percent
6. Grateful Dead Bears, Liquid Blue, 5 percent

Ty's landslide win in this category could be attributed to name recognition, but this summer's heated activity in pursuit of Beanie Babies definitely contributed to their win. Even if you don't agree with the secondary market fever for these Bean Bags, you have to agree that Ty's products are creative, well made, and, well, cute. (They're also reasonably priced, or at least are supposed to be).

Disney's Mini Bean Bag Plush really outdo themselves. Not only are the main characters represented, but collectors can also find more obtuse characters in plush form—Maleficent, Herbie the Love Bug and Flubber are three examples.

Kenner's entry into the Bean Bag market—Star Wars Buddies—made a strong showing. Some were more well-executed than others (Yoda and Max Rebo are great, but Jabba?).

Best Model Kit, figural

1. Lost in Space Cyclops w/Chariot, Polar Lights/Playing Mantis, 45 percent
2. Wolf Man, Polar Lights/Playing Mantis, 20 percent
3. Son of Frankenstein, GEOmetric Design, 14 percent
4. Kongzilla, Bowen Designs, 11 percent
5. London After Midnight, Amazing Figure Modeler, 7 percent
6. Other, 3 percent

Playing Mantis was an easy winner here with their classic versions of the Lost in Space Cyclops and movie monster Wolf Man. Perhaps more readers were familiar with their models than some of the other, somewhat more obscure, choices. But the Playing Mantis kits are certainly deserving of praise, not only for the great way they look built, but also because they are offering collectors a great way to acquire replicas of vintage kits for reasonable prices.

The higher-end kits also nominated represent the best in their field, as well. It seems modelers will never tire of excellent representations of their favorite monsters and film characters.

Best Model Kit, vehicle

1. 1937 Ford w/Diorama Drive-In, Highway Scenes, Revell-Monogram, 26 percent
2. Jupiter 2 Spaceship, Lost in Space, Polar Lights/ Playing Mantis, 25 percent
3. #5 Kellogg's Monte Carlo, NASCAR Collector Tins, Revell-Monogram, 21 percent
4. 1955 Corvette, AMT/Ertl, 13 percent
5. F-Series Ford Trucks, Revell-Monogram, 13 percent
6. Other, 2 percent

Revell-Monogram's Highway Series combined a classic vehicle with a memory-evoking backdrop diorama. Kit builders have lauded this series for its realism and display value.

Lost in Space toys fared much better in 1998 than the actual film did. Playing Mantis's Lost in Space Jupiter 2 Spaceship came in a graphically-great box, but the kit inside didn't disappoint either.

Fun and Innovative Toy of the Year

1. Bounce Around Tigger, Mattel, 42 percent
2. Licensed Keychains, Basic Fun, 18 percent
3. Silly Slammers, Gibson Greetings, 16 percent
4. Toonsylvania Figures, Toy Island, 15 percent
5. Other, 9 percent

One of Toy Shop's favorite toys of the year—Mattel's Bounce Around Tigger—handily bounced into the top spot as fun and innovative toy of the year. Tigger stole all the buzz at last year's Toy Fair, but while he may have been replaced by Furby as this Christmas's sweetheart toy, Tigger will be bouncing around for quite a while.

What toy collector doesn't love toys in any size? Turning vintage classic toys into tiny working key chains is ingenious. Basic Fun got it just right, and their second place finish is well deserved.

What about some of the write-in candidates? Other toys nominated included Tiger's Furby, Ohio Art's Bull Frog, Matchbox's "talking" cars, Salvino's Bamm Beanos, Nightmare Before Christmas reissues, Duncan's Whizzer Plastic Tops and something called a Smoochie Poochie.

What Toys Will Win Our Hearts in 1999?

One year down . . . another just begun.

Too early to start thinking about 1999's big toy? Not really.

Actually, February is when the toy world hits its fever pitch when New York City transforms into toyland for a week. The American International Toy Fair is held every winter. This year's event takes place Feb. 8-15.

What is Toy Fair? Toy manufacturers roll out their red carpets, don their marketing hats and invite buyers and the media to come drool over their hottest new inventions and designs. Of course, they hope buyers pull out their purchase orders. And they expect the cameras to be rolling and press releases to be flying—ready to tell an eager public about the toys they will crave in 1999.

It's the very first sneak peek anyone gets of 1999 toys. And Toy Shop will be there to let our readers in on all the latest.

Editor Sharon Korbeck and associate editor Merry Dudley will visit numerous showrooms and attend media events. We'll bring you all the photos, latest release information and hot collectibles news in our March 26 issue. Watch for it in early March; it's one jam-packed issue you won't want to miss.

Who Makes Your Faves?

OK, first we asked what your favorite toys were. But we also wanted to know what companies made your favorite toys. Here's what you had to say.

Best Action Figure Manufacturer

1. Hasbro / Kenner, 54 percent
2. McFarlane Toys, 23 percent
3. Other, 12 percent
4. Mattel, 6 percent
5. Playmates, 5 percent

Fueled by their increasingly creative 12-inch G.I. Joe line and evergreen Star Wars license, Hasbro / Kenner easily took command of this category. In a not-too-distant second was McFarlane Toys. McFarlane had an especially good year with its The X-Files, KISS and Movie Maniacs figure lines.

Other companies mentioned by readers include Toy Biz, Full Moon Toys and Playing Mantis.

Best Fashion Doll Manufacturer

1. Mattel, 83 percent
2. Other, 10 percent
3. Ashton-Drake, 7 percent

Never underestimate the power of Barbie. As you can see, Barbie's maker, Mattel, easily scored almost all votes in this category. Galoob, best known for its Spice Girls dolls, scored almost seven percent of the vote as a write-in nominee.

Best Die-Cast Vehicle Manufacturer

1. Mattel, 50 percent
2. Playing Mantis, 14 percent
3. Ertl, 13 percent
4. Other, 13 percent
5. Racing Champions, 10 percent

Having Matchbox and Hot Wheels both under its wing proved successful for Mattel, which scored half the votes in this category, easily eclipsing other manufacturers.

But it was also a good year for Playing Mantis, which expanded its licensing to include KISS cars and other licensed Racing Dreams die-cast.

Companies mentioned most often in the "other" category included Corgi, Hallmark, Franklin Mint and First Gear.

Best Model Kit Manufacturer

1. Revell-Monogram, 37 percent
2. Playing Mantis, 32 percent
3. AMT/Ertl, 16 percent
4. Other, 11 percent
5. Bowen Designs, 4 percent

With lots of muscle cars and vintage automobiles in their stable, Revell-Monogram was a clear winner in this category. It's likely their name recognition scored a lot of votes as well.

But with its creative choices for its Polar Lights line, Playing Mantis was a close second. Their new issues of vintage Aurora kits were hits with collectors and kit builders as well.

Best Board Game Manufacturer

1. Parker Brothers, 61 percent
2. Milton Bradley, 25 percent
3. Mattel, 6 percent
4. USAopoly, 5 percent
5. Other, 3 percent

Once again, name recognition scored big in this category. Parker Brothers, with its big 1998 entry Star Wars Trivial Pursuit, garnered more than half of the votes. Milton Bradley, another brand name owned by Hasbro, came in second.

Best Plush Toy Manufacturer

1. Ty, 73 percent
2. Disney, 8 percent
3. Other, 6 percent
4. Kenner, 5 percent
5. Fun 4 All, 3 percent
6. Steiff, 3 percent
7. Liquid Blue, 2 percent

There's no doubt that 1998 was one of the hottest years for Ty's Beanie Babies. So there's really no big surprise that Ty was named best plush toy manufacturer with a whopping 73 percent of the votes. Certainly familiarity may have scored a big vote here as well. Disney's ever-expanding line of characters are also big winners with collectors. After that, however, the voting was all across the board. Other Bean Bag lines receiving mention were Salvino's Bamm Beanos, Warner Bros. plush, Gund's products and Idea Factory's Meanie Babies.

Barbie Reigns as All-Time Favorite Toy; PEZ, Slinky, Monopoly Also Named

No surprises, here, folks.

It seems only fitting that Mattel's Barbie was dubbed favorite all-time toy by Toy Shop readers on the eve of her 40th birthday in 1999.

Readership was really split—with votes being cast for numerous favorites. So Barbie only scored 12 percent of the total vote to win. A close second, however, with 10 percent, was her capable suitor, Hasbro's G.I. Joe.

In third place with nine percent of the vote was Mattel's evergreen property—Hot Wheels. (Individual votes even came in for the Beatnik Bandit and 1955 Chevy).

Honorable mentions go to Ohio Art's Etch-A-Sketch, Poof Products' Slinky, Parker Brothers' Monopoly and Mattel's Matchbox cars.

Other toys mentioned as favorites included:

• Weebles
• Liddle Kiddles
• Radio Flyer wagons
• Yo-yos
• Mattel's Thingmaker
• Tonka trucks
• PEZ
• Fisher-Price
• Great Garloo
• Captain Action
• Aurora model kits
• Vogue's Ginny doll
• Raggedy Ann & Andy dolls
• Legos

Wherefore Art Thou? Win Mattel's Romeo and Juliet

One of the most desirable winners in this year's Toy Shop Readers' Awards is Mattel's Romeo and Juliet Gift Set.

A strikingly beautiful set, the Barbie and Ken set retails for around $100.

Mattel was generous enough to send one to us for our giveaway.

The winner will also receive a one-year subscription to Toy Shop magazine.

That's a grand prize package worth almost $150!

To enter, send a postcard with your name and address. No duplicate entries, please. Mail it to Toy Shop Award Winners Contest, 700 E. State St., Iola, WI 54990-0001.

All entries must be postmarked by Feb. 12, 1999. Winner will be selected by random drawing by the editor of Toy Shop. All prizes will be awarded, and winner will receive prize by mail. The winner's name will be announced in a future issue of Toy Shop.

No purchase is necessary, and you don't have to be a subscriber to enter. Entries will become the sole property of Toy Shop magazine, which retains the rights to publicize names of winners.

Employees and relatives of Toy Shop magazine are prohibited from entering. Toy Shop magazine is not responsible for lost or misdirected mail. Void where prohibited, restricted or taxed. Odds of winning depend on the number of entries received.

The preceding material was written by Toy Shop's staff. These are the opinions of the authors, not the opinions of eBay, and therefore eBay does not validate the accuracy of or endorse these opinions.