It’s time to play the music, it’s time to light the lights, it’s time to meet the Muppets on the Muppet Show tonight! Beginning in 1976, families across America were introduced to Jim Henson’s variety show, The Muppet Show. Kermit, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, Scooter and gang found themselves welcome in many homes as The Muppets became a huge success. Although the show ended in 1981, The Muppets popularity continued on through cartoons (such as The Muppet Babies), movies, and new television shows. To celebrate the 25th Anniversary of The Muppet Show, Palisades Toys launched an excellent action figure line in 2002. After releasing over 40 figures in nine waves, many spectacular playsets, and a decent amount of store exclusives and variants the line ended in 2005 and Palisades entered bankruptcy the following year.
The Swedish Chef as Santa Claus was initially an exclusive release for eBay (yes, you read that correct) with extras being sold through the Palisades Collector Club in 2004. Santa Chef has seven points of articulation: shoulders, biceps, elbows, wrists, waist, hips, and neck. He includes three accessories: a removable Santa hat, a string of Christmas lights, and a wreath made of wire that is bendable.
Swedish Chef (4 images)
Outside of action figures, the Muppets have many Christmas movies, skits, and songs to enjoy during the season. Be sure to round up the family and enjoy these Muppetational videos.
Up next today we have to say…You’ll shoot your eye out kid. That single classic line is an introduction to the next two entries into the PAF Christmas Vault: Ralphie and The Old Man from 1983’s A Christmas Story. Considered a bonafide holiday classic by most of the human species, this film about a boy in the 1940’s who only wants one thing for Christmas, a Red Ryder BB gun. His desire to own this sophisticated weapon at a young age weaves together an entertaining story we all can relate to in some form.
The Christmas Story action figures are part of NECA’s 8″ Clothed line (as seen yesterday with Elf and Home Alone). They were added to the collection in 2017. Like most other releases in this series, the head sculpts are acceptable, the soft goods are well made, and the figures both include interesting accessories. My only complaint is they both feel like they should have included at least one more thing. Alternate hands, another accessory, or in Ralphie’s case an extra head sculpt. Old Man includes the infamous leg lamp and alternate head sculpt, Ralphie only includes his Red Ryder BB gun.
Ralphie (4 images)
The Old Man (4 images)
We’re not done just yet! Today we start the second contest of this event – a GI Joe Classified army builder prize pack. The winner will receive three army builders: Cobra B.A.T., Alley Viper, and the brand new Crimson Guard!
To enter this contest there are a few easy steps. First, visit our Facebook page. Once there, if you don’t already, give it a like/follow. There will be a post at the top of the page to enter. Locate this post and your final step to be entered is to tag one friend on Facebook who is a collector. IF that person does like/follow the page you will receive a bonus entry. You may tag as many as you like and the maximum bonus entries possible are two. For example, if you tag 10 people and only one likes/follows, you receive one bonus entry. Another example, if you tag eight people and seven like/follow, you receive two bonus entries. Bonus entries are in addition to the one you receive just for tagging at least one person meaning you can earn up to three entries for this contest maximum. This contest ends December 26
Good luck to all and we’ll see you tomorrow for Day Four!