Clowns of Pop Culture

For centuries, clowns have entertained and amused us while reaching into our deepest insecurities. Toy Tales looks at some of pop culture’s most recognizable clowns.

Fang Bang from Milton Bradley (1967)

If Hunger Games-esque free-for-alls are your thing, you’ll probably want to look for the quirky Fang Bang game released by Milton Bradley in 1967.

Mega-Rig Space Base from Matchbox (1999)

“What do you do when it’s all up to you?”

Fright Factory – A Thingmaker Toy from Mattel (1967)

Fright Factory was another addition to Mattel’s Thingmaker line that allowed children to create horror movie-esque props at home.

Ghosts! from Milton Bradley (1985)

Published by Milton Bradley in 1985, Ghosts! was a strategy game that combined glow-in-the-dark effects with the supernatural.

Monster Mash from Parker Brothers (1987)

“It’s a wacky smash.”

Toho Super Shogun Mechagodzilla, Super7

Toho Super Shogun Mechagodzilla from Super7

Super7 celebrates Mechagodzilla’s golden jubilee with the release of a new Toho Super Shogun version of the character from the Godzilla franchise.

Gigantic Frankenstein from Aurora (1960s)

The Gigantic Frankenstein All Plastic Assembly Kit was a model kit produced by Aurora in the 1960s that stood a whopping 19-inches tall.

Suckerman, Vintage Toy, Mattel

Suckerman from Mattel (1978)

Released by Mattel in 1978, Suckerman was a pliable vinyl toy that stuck to surfaces, providing opportunities for play and surprises around the house.

Vintage Godzilla Game Mattel

Godzilla Game from Mattel (1978)

Published by Mattel in 1978, the Godzilla Game infused playtime with chance and suspense as players anxiously awaited Godzilla’s attack.

Swamp Thing from Kenner Products (1991)

“Is this the end of Swamp Thing?”

Milton the Monster Milton Bradley

Milton the Monster from Milton Bradley (1966)

Published by Milton Bradley in 1966, Milton the Monster board game was based on the Hal Seeger-produced animated television series of the same name that ran for 26 episodes between 1965 and 1968.