Written By Ken Hulsey
One of the most unforgettable Christmas gifts I received back in the 1970s was the Mego Planet of the Apes Fortress Playset. Despite being made of laminated cardboard, this playset was a tough contender, surviving countless battles with determined human rebels and the occasional rogue mutant from the forbidden zone. For those who may not know, the Planet of the Apes toy line was a groundbreaking success, becoming the leading franchise spun off from a film series during that era. This phenomenal popularity actually set the stage for Kenner's blockbuster Star Wars toy line just a few years later.
If you're curious, I found a commercial for the Planet of the Apes Fortress—apologies for the grainy quality, but it’s the best I could dig up! Just imagine the thrill of playing with this set while the iconic “Also sprach Zarathustra,” the theme from 2001: A Space Odyssey, played in the background. That combination really screamed "epic toy!"
Now, let’s talk a bit about Mego Corporation, also known as Mego International. This innovative toy company was behind a fantastic lineup of eight-inch action figures that captured the imagination of kids throughout the 1970s. While they primarily focused on superhero-themed toys, Mego also ventured into other beloved franchises like Star Trek, The Wizard of Oz, and, of course, Planet of the Apes.
In August 1974, Mego launched a line of articulated eight-inch action figures based on Planet of the Apes, featuring characters from all five of the original films produced by Arthur P. Jacobs as well as the animated TV series. The first wave rolled out characters from the classic 1968 film, including well-known figures like Cornelius, Dr. Zira, Dr. Zaius, a gorilla soldier, and George Taylor—although, due to legal restrictions, the Taylor figure had to be made using a generic mold and was simply labeled as the "Astronaut."
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During the fall of 1974, CBS debuted the Planet of the Apes television series. To coincide with the show, Mego released a new series of action figures based on its popular characters. Although a bit less well-received than their classic eight-inch counterparts, Mego also introduced a five-inch "Bend 'n Flex" line of toys in 1975. This collection brought back the beloved characters from the movie: the Astronaut, Soldier Ape, Cornelius, Zira, and Dr. Zaius—plus Galen from the TV series.
During the fall of 1974, CBS debuted the Planet of the Apes television series. To coincide with the show, Mego released a new series of action figures based on its popular characters. Although a bit less well-received than their classic eight-inch counterparts, Mego also introduced a five-inch "Bend 'n Flex" line of toys in 1975. This collection brought back the beloved characters from the movie: the Astronaut, Soldier Ape, Cornelius, Zira, and Dr. Zaius—plus Galen from the TV series.
One exciting aspect of Mego's marketing strategy at the time was their use of actors in full costume for in-store appearances, which created an unforgettable experience for fans (this effort was distinct from the appearances of 'Zira & Cornelius' in the U.S. and live shows in the UK). They even had a Planet of the Apes float represented in the 1974 Macy's Thanksgiving Parade, which featured the band Electric Cowboy dressed in costume to promote their album, Planet of the Apes - A Musical Trip.
Additionally, the UK version of the Planet of the Apes action figures was produced by Palitoy, expanding the reach of this iconic franchise. For Mego Corporation, the marketing of Planet of the Apes collectibles marked the pinnacle of their achievements in the toy industry, leaving an indelible mark on pop culture that still resonates with fans today.
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