Company: Lakeside | Release date: 1982 | Where to purchase: eBay
Released in 1982 by Lakeside, Tattooz were temporary transfer tattoos designed to give children the appearance of real body art without permanence. Marketed for ages 5 and up, the decals could be applied almost anywhere on the body or to personal items using water-transfer technology.
Each Tattooz set included 20 individual designs in a variety of colours and themes. Application involved cutting out the desired image, removing the protective top sheet, placing the tattoo face down, and pressing it with water for approximately 30 seconds before removing the backing. The tattoos were marketed as waterproof and washable, remaining in place until intentionally removed with adhesive tape or rubbing alcohol.
Tattooz were released in multiple assortments and were also distributed as promotional inserts in select Marvel comic books with 1983 cover dates. These sealed insert versions appeared in issues including Amazing Spider-Man #238, Avengers #229, Captain America #279, Fantastic Four #252, and Star Wars #69.
COLLECTOR CONSIDERATIONS
Tattooz reflected the popularity of novelty body decoration products during the early 1980s. Complete should look for completed unused sets with intact transfer sheets and original packaging. Comic book insert variants are also sought after by some Marvel collectors due to their limited distribution and connection to specific issues.
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