Monchhichi turned 51 this years

[Werewolf]

First released by Sekiguchi in Japan in 1974. Mattel later released them in the US in 1980

Very catchy Mattel commercial from the 80's.

[Werewolf]

There was even a Hanna Barbera cartoon in 1983.

It is kind of a bummer they don't make the Grumplins anymore. Bring back the Grumplins!

[sprytel]

I remember that Monchichis cartoon theme song... but I'm surprised that "Up in the trees live the Monchichis" wasn't actually the jingle from the commercial.

The other thing I remember about them: my brother pointed out that the plastic thumbs could go in the mouth or it could stick it up its butt. So much like the "C.B. McCall pose", we kids found them both unintentionally hilarious. (We weren't the classiest bunch)

[Earth 2 Chris]

My wife still sings part of that Monchhichi commercial jingle from time to time. I think my sister had one, because I remember putting the thumb in the toy's mouth. But not the other place Sprytel mentioned. ;-)

[Werewolf]

The commercial jingle is very catchy.

I only remember putting their little pacifiers in their mouths. Real Monchhichis have little molded in pacifiers in their hands. I do remember there were some knock offs apes where you could put their fingers in the noses but that's about it.