POTA Astronaut

[ABMAC]

It's probably very true that they didn't have the rights to any "human" actor from the films, but I've always wondered why they went with the guy they used? I mean they could have at least either retooled A/J a bit or just used him as is for a bearded astronaut... That would have been better than what we have now...

Cost. The mold for the "Astronaut" head was made in 1972 and hadn't been used yet. Why retool another mold for a generic head when you've got one already to go?

Again, you're probably right: They just made a "simple" figure rather than even bothering with a white suit, etc... But, to give some kids credit, I'm sure there were a few that thought "Why's this guy in blue?" I say that because PLANETand BENEATH were on TV before the figures even came out and I'd guess at least a few kids seen them and kept that white outfit in the back of their head... Plus, for the kids that were a little older (probably early teens by the time the figures came out), they might have had the TOPPS gum cards lying around, and those cards do show the guys in their white space-suits...

I was thirteen in 1974, so I was old enough to know the suits were supposed to be white, but it didn't bother me that they were blue. Mine wore primitive custom outfits.

[Captain]

"Cost. The mold for the "Astronaut" head was made in 1972 and hadn't been used yet. Why retool another mold for a generic head when you've got one already to go?"


I always thought the Astronaut head was designed for the Apes line..Learn something new everyday!
Was the head sculpted in an attempt to improve the look of Action Jackson, or was it intended for some other purpose?

As for the inaccuracy of the Astronaut figure....I think Mego knew the kids wanted the Apes. the Astronaut was just a throw in so the monkeys had somebody to beat on.

[ABMAC]

I always thought the Astronaut head was designed for the Apes line..Learn something new everyday!
Was the head sculpted in an attempt to improve the look of Action Jackson, or was it intended for some other purpose?

As for the inaccuracy of the Astronaut figure....I think Mego knew the kids wanted the Apes. the Astronaut was just a throw in so the monkeys had somebody to beat on.

I believe the Astronaut head was originally intended for Don. Although we can't prove it for certain, he is shown on an Australian exclusive inflatable swimming pool made for Dinah-mite.

Mego Museum Astronaut Page

[Action Martin]

I'm still amazed how all out Mego went on detail/appearances for Cornelius, Zira, Dr. Zaius, Burke, and Virdon but not on Generals Ursus & Urko and the Astronaut.

[ABMAC]

I'm still amazed how all out Mego went on detail/appearances for Cornelius, Zira, Dr. Zaius, Burke, and Virdon but not on Generals Ursus & Urko and the Astronaut.

I've always hated the clothes that Mego put on Virdon and Burke. Even as a kid I replaced them with more appropriate pieces from AJ's wardrobe.

Ursus was basically just an improved Soldier Ape. Remove the pink paint from his face and he's perfect.

Urko was based on Addar's Ursus model kit, which is actually Aldo with an Ursus helmet.

[apes3978]

I've always hated the clothes that Mego put on Virdon and Burke.

I don't have a problem with the clothes they put on them (except the color and Burke's vest being made of burlap)...

I think the way they had the bottom leg wear is pretty right... I mean see if your pants stay nice and intact if you're running for your life, ducking in shrubbery, running thru rocky areas, etc.