Released by Mattel in 1978, Suckerman was a pliable vinyl toy that stuck to surfaces, providing opportunities for play and surprises around the house.
The toy resembled an amphibious humanoid with a series of suction cups placed over its body. The suction cups allowed the toy to stick to surfaces but also to itself, allowing kids to contort the creature before throwing it.
The packaging advised against throwing the toy against glass. For imaginative kids, there were plenty of other places to throw and/or stick Suckerman, including cupboards where it might be an unwelcomed discovery by a parent or sibling. The toy could be washed with soap and water to refresh the adhesiveness of the suction cups.
Described on some print materials from Mattel as a “clinging vinyl critter”, Suckerman was initially released in three colours: red, green, and glow-in-the-dark. A version in black vinyl was later released.
COLLECTOR CONSIDERATIONS
Suckerman commands a high price on the secondary market considering the toy originally sold for $4.96 US. Examples of the toy in the original box sell for hundreds of dollars. Loose toys are still relatively pricey at around a hundred dollars.
Fans of Suckerman can augment their collections with the addition of the Japanese variants of the toy and the Suckerman Halloween costume, produced by Collegeville Costumes.
Watch a classic commercial for Suckerman on the Toy Tales YouTube channel.
Note: If you buy something using the eBay link in this story, we may earn a small commission. Thank you for supporting independent toy journalism!