Brief History of Ape Mania

Hot on the heels of Star Wars, Planet of the Apes became a kids merchandising bonanza, with some cool and some...odd products.

The 1970s saw the rise of "Ape Mania" with the success of the science fiction film franchise Planet of the Apes. To capitalize on this popularity, a range of merchandise aimed at kids was created during the decade, of varying quality and inspiration. Here is our nostalgic glance back at some of the Apes merchandise.

Apes Trading Cards (Topps)

The beloved 1969 Planet of the Apes movie cards were one of the few items released around the time of the original film and were published by Topps, following the traditional format of bubble gum trading card packs. The original series was a 44 card set, released in two versions. One with black borders for the UK market, and one with white borders for the US market. Although the 1969 set remains highly sought after by collectors, it was not the only trading card series to be released. In 1975, Topps released a Planet of the Apes trading card series with 66 cards, which focused on the short-lived television show. The design style of these cards was similar to the 1968 set and they complement the original series well. The backs of the cards form a puzzle image, which also serves as a clear way to differentiate the classic series from the 1975 set.

Apes Jungle Hut

Apes have taken over control of the earth, but it’s ok, you can stay safe in your Planet of the Apes Jungle Hut (which is really just a cardboard box). Despite the simplicity of this toy, it sparked a thousand play battles between man and ape.

Apes Action Figures (Mego)

In 1973, 20th Century Fox began airing the first two Ape films on TV and all five Ape films in back to back marathons in movie theatres. This was part of Fox’s “Go Ape!” promotion. As luck would have it, little Kenny Abrams, the son of Mego President Marty Abrams, dragged his father to one of these marathons. As Marty has recounted in numerous interviews, he sat in the theatre and saw fathers and sons enjoying the films together. The next day he was on the phone with the Fox to secure the toy rights for action figures and playsets. This was Mego’s first attempt at a toy line based on a film property, and they put their best and brightest tean on the project. In 1974, Mego unveiled their Planet of the Apes line at the New York Toy Fair to a very positive reception from retailers. In their 1974 catalog, Mego wrote, "The stars of the greatest movie series ever, come alive in these authentically reproduced articulated figures. Each one is 8 inches tall, the favorite size of kids everywhere. All are costumed in exquisitely detailed outfits. Kids everywhere will go ape!" The toy line was a big hit for Mego and made the list of "top ten best selling toys". Mego rode the wave of “Ape Mania” that swept the nation.

Planet of the Apes Halloween Masks (Ben Cooper)

Founded in New York City, the Ben Cooper Company grew to become one of the largest Halloween costume manufacturers in the U.S. from the 1950s through the mid-1980s. Ben Cooper’s inexpensive masks - and vinyl coverings - have become an iconic representation of Halloween for kids who grew up in the 1950s-1970s. It just makes sense that Ben Cooper would grab the Apes license, and they knocked it out of the park with their simple sets. The packaging has that awesome 1970 nutty design style look and Dr. Zaius was the character set to get as he quickly sold out due to popular demand.

Ape Sky Diving Parachutist (Azrak Hamway)

You have to love rack jobber toys. The cheap toys you would find on spinner racks in drug stores or local stationary shops. How did the apes re-start commercial aviation and why is Dr Zaius parachuting with a rifle? Nothing about this toy makes sense, but the fine folks at Plaid Stallions have the history of this Azrak Hamway toy line.

Ape Belt Buckle Set (Bob Winters Co.)

Becuase nothing holds up a pair of dark green cordoroy pants like an official Planet of the Apes belt buckle. For $4.99, you get a plastic belt with custom ape design! Choose from General Urus, Dr Zaius, Alexander or Cornelius. Each belt buckle came with a complete belt and matching western tie. Why did it come with a western style bolo tie you ask? Who the heck knows, but the fine folks at Bob Winters Co., even added a FREE “authentic Planet of the Apes glossy photo” to seal the deal.

The 1970s were weird.