Editor’s Note — Smurfs first appeared in a 1958 edition of the Johan and Peewit comic series by Peyo. As the popularity of the little blue creatures grew, they starred in their own comic book and television series. In 1959, Dupuis began producing a line of individual Smurf figures. Schleich took over production of the figures in 1965. Super Smurfs added to the craze with figures that featured Smurf characters engaging in activities such as skateboarding, painting, cycling, gardening, and other pastimes.
Dave is creator of Toy Polloi, a YouTube channel offering repair tutorials and restoration tips for vintage toy lines.