The cloying smell of Plastigoop, the vibrant colors of the molds, and the miniature plastic bugs themselves – these are the hallmarks of Creepy Crawlers, a toy that sparked creativity and a healthy dose of slightly unsettling fun for generations. But when exactly did this iconic bug-making machine first crawl its way into our collective consciousness? Let’s delve into the history of Creepy Crawlers and uncover its origins.
The Genesis of Gooey, Buggy Fun: The 1960s Debut
The answer to “When did Creepy Crawlers come out?” is rooted in the 1960s. Specifically, the toy first scuttled onto the scene in 1964. It wasn’t just a toy; it was a mini-manufacturing plant for creepy, crawly critters. It offered children the unique opportunity to create their own plastic bugs using a heated die and a special liquid plastic compound called Plastigoop.
Mattel’s Vision: From Vac-U-Form to Creepy Crawlers
Mattel, a toy industry giant, was the mastermind behind Creepy Crawlers. The concept evolved from Mattel’s earlier toy, the Vac-U-Form, which used heat and vacuum to mold plastic sheets into various shapes. The company recognized the potential to adapt this technology into a toy focused on creating smaller, more detailed figures. The idea of making bugs specifically tapped into a natural fascination, and perhaps a little bit of a thrill, that many children have with the insect world.
The original Creepy Crawlers set was a relatively simple affair. It included the “Thingmaker,” a heated metal plate with various bug-shaped molds, a small supply of Plastigoop in different colors, and a cooling tray. The process was straightforward: squirt the Plastigoop into the molds, heat them in the Thingmaker, then let them cool. Once cooled, the rubbery bugs could be popped out and played with.
The original Thingmaker wasn’t without its challenges. The heating process required patience and supervision, as the metal plate could get quite hot. However, the element of danger, coupled with the satisfaction of creating something tangible, added to the allure of the toy. It was a far cry from the plug-and-play toys of today, but the hands-on nature of Creepy Crawlers was a major part of its appeal.
Plastigoop: The Secret Sauce of Creepy Crawlers
Central to the Creepy Crawlers experience was, of course, Plastigoop. This brightly colored, viscous liquid was the key ingredient that transformed the molds into realistic-looking bugs. The original formula was a carefully guarded secret, but it was essentially a liquid plastic that would solidify when heated and cooled.
The availability of Plastigoop in various colors allowed for even more creative possibilities. Children could mix and match colors to create unique and bizarre insect designs. The vibrant hues and the slightly rubbery texture of the finished bugs contributed to their distinctive and memorable appearance. Over time, Mattel introduced glow-in-the-dark Plastigoop, adding yet another dimension to the Creepy Crawlers experience.
Creepy Crawlers’ Enduring Popularity and Evolution
Despite safety concerns and the eventual changes in toy manufacturing trends, Creepy Crawlers maintained a strong presence in the toy market for several years. Its popularity stemmed from its unique combination of creativity, hands-on activity, and the inherently intriguing nature of bugs.
Expansion of the Creepy Crawlers Universe
Mattel capitalized on the success of Creepy Crawlers by expanding the product line. New molds were introduced, featuring a wider variety of insects, creatures, and even miniature action figures. Sets focusing on specific themes, such as space monsters or superheroes, were also released. This kept the concept fresh and appealing to a broader range of children.
Furthermore, Mattel introduced accessory sets that allowed children to enhance their creations. These included paint sets for adding finer details to the bugs, as well as display cases for showcasing their collections. The expansion of the Creepy Crawlers universe helped to solidify its position as a must-have toy for many children during the 1960s and 1970s.
Addressing Safety Concerns and Redesigning the Thingmaker
The original Thingmaker used a very hot metal plate. Understandably, safety concerns arose. While the product was marketed towards children, the heating element presented a potential burn hazard. In response to these concerns, Mattel eventually redesigned the Thingmaker to incorporate a safer heating mechanism.
The redesigned Thingmaker featured a fully enclosed heating chamber and a temperature control system. This helped to minimize the risk of burns and made the toy more suitable for unsupervised play. While the original Thingmaker had a certain raw appeal, the updated version was undoubtedly a safer and more user-friendly product.
The Creepy Crawlers Legacy: Beyond the 1970s
While the initial craze surrounding Creepy Crawlers waned in the late 1970s, the toy never completely disappeared. It continued to be produced and sold in various forms throughout the years, demonstrating its enduring appeal and iconic status.
A Modernized Comeback: ToyMax and the EctoPlazm
In the 1990s, ToyMax acquired the rights to Creepy Crawlers and reintroduced the toy with a modern twist. The updated version featured a new type of goo called EctoPlazm, which was designed to be less toxic and easier to work with than the original Plastigoop. The new Thingmaker, known as the EctoPlazm Chamber, also incorporated updated safety features.
While the EctoPlazm version of Creepy Crawlers retained the core concept of the original, it lacked some of the charm and appeal of the 1960s version. The EctoPlazm Chamber was less visually striking than the original Thingmaker, and the EctoPlazm itself had a different texture and smell than Plastigoop. However, the relaunch did succeed in introducing Creepy Crawlers to a new generation of children.
The Enduring Appeal of Creepy Crawlers
The continued interest in Creepy Crawlers is a testament to its unique and engaging nature. The toy taps into a universal fascination with bugs and allows children to express their creativity in a tangible and satisfying way. The process of creating the bugs, from squirting the goo into the molds to popping out the finished product, is inherently appealing.
Furthermore, Creepy Crawlers evokes a sense of nostalgia for many adults who grew up playing with the toy. It represents a simpler time when children were encouraged to engage in hands-on activities and create their own toys. This nostalgic appeal has helped to keep Creepy Crawlers alive and well in the hearts and minds of many.
Creepy Crawlers in Popular Culture
Creepy Crawlers has made appearances in various forms of popular culture, further cementing its iconic status. The toy has been featured in movies, television shows, and even video games. These appearances have helped to introduce Creepy Crawlers to new audiences and reinforce its position as a cultural touchstone.
For instance, the toy was prominently featured in the 1995 movie Toy Story, where it added a touch of slightly sinister fun to Sid’s toy collection. This exposure helped to remind audiences of the toy’s unique appeal and enduring legacy.
Conclusion: A Timeless Toy
Creepy Crawlers, debuting in 1964, is more than just a toy. It’s a piece of pop culture history. Its unique combination of creativity, hands-on engagement, and a touch of the macabre has captivated generations. From the original Thingmaker to the modern iterations, the core concept remains the same: to allow children to create their own creepy, crawly creatures. The legacy of Creepy Crawlers continues to live on, reminding us of a time when a little bit of Plastigoop and a heated mold could spark hours of imaginative fun. The question of when Creepy Crawlers came out is just the beginning of a much larger story of innovation, adaptation, and enduring appeal.
What exactly were Creepy Crawlers, and what made them unique?
Creepy Crawlers were a popular toy set manufactured by Mattel in the 1960s that allowed children to create their own rubbery bug-like figures using a heated mold and a liquid plastic substance called “Plastigoop.” The set usually included various molds shaped like spiders, insects, and other creatures, along with the Plastigoop in a variety of colors. Kids could fill the molds, heat them in the “ThingMaker” oven, and after cooling, pop out their custom-made bugs.
The unique appeal stemmed from the creative control the toy offered. Children could experiment with different colors and combinations, fostering imagination and hands-on crafting. The slightly unsettling yet fascinating aesthetic of the bug creations, combined with the somewhat dangerous process of using a heated oven, added a layer of excitement and novelty that captivated young audiences.
When were Creepy Crawlers initially introduced, and how long did they remain popular?
Mattel officially launched the Creepy Crawlers ThingMaker in 1964. It quickly became a sensation, capitalizing on the mid-century fascination with science and technology, combined with the somewhat rebellious appeal of creating “creepy” objects. Its initial run saw widespread popularity, selling millions of units across the United States and globally.
The toy’s peak popularity spanned roughly from the mid-1960s to the early 1970s. While the original ThingMaker was discontinued in the late 1970s due to safety concerns surrounding the hot oven, the legacy of Creepy Crawlers endured. The concept has been revived in various forms over the years, suggesting its initial impact resonated deeply with a generation of children.
What were the safety concerns associated with the original Creepy Crawlers toy?
The primary safety concern revolved around the ThingMaker’s heating element. It was essentially a small oven that reached high temperatures, posing a burn risk to children, even with adult supervision. Mishandling the hot molds or accidentally touching the heating element could result in serious burns.
Furthermore, the Plastigoop material itself was also a concern. If overheated, it could release fumes that were potentially harmful. While Mattel included safety instructions, the inherent risks of a hot oven combined with a potentially hazardous material ultimately led to its discontinuation and subsequent efforts to create safer versions.
How did Creepy Crawlers influence other toy designs or trends?
Creepy Crawlers pioneered the concept of at-home crafting and creation of customized toys. This innovative approach paved the way for other mold-based toys and sets that encouraged children to design and build their own playthings, ranging from model cars to edible treats. The emphasis on customization and creative expression became a recurring theme in subsequent toy design.
The toy’s popularity also highlighted the appeal of slightly “gross” or unconventional toys to children. This helped normalize the inclusion of unusual creatures and themes in the toy market. While not solely responsible, Creepy Crawlers contributed to a shift in what was considered acceptable or desirable in children’s entertainment, allowing for a broader range of creative possibilities.
Were there any variations or spin-offs of the original Creepy Crawlers product?
Yes, Mattel released several variations of the ThingMaker to capitalize on its success. One notable spin-off was the “Fun Flowers” ThingMaker, which allowed children to create colorful, plastic flowers using a similar molding process. Other variations explored different themes and molds beyond insects, catering to a broader range of interests.
Beyond Mattel, other toy manufacturers produced similar mold-and-oven-based toys that drew inspiration from the Creepy Crawlers concept. These alternative products often featured different themes, materials, and heating methods, attempting to improve upon the original design or offer a unique twist on the popular formula.
Has the Creepy Crawlers toy been revived or reimagined in any way in more recent years?
Yes, Creepy Crawlers has seen multiple revivals and reimaginings. In the late 1990s, Toymax reintroduced the toy with a redesigned oven that was marketed as safer, using lower temperatures and improved safety features. This iteration aimed to address the concerns that led to the original’s discontinuation.
More recently, other companies have produced variations of mold-based toys that evoke the spirit of Creepy Crawlers, often using microwave-safe materials or simpler molding techniques. While the original ThingMaker and Plastigoop combination may be gone, the core concept of creating custom toys using molds and heat continues to resonate with a new generation.
What does the history of Creepy Crawlers tell us about toy safety standards and parental attitudes over time?
The story of Creepy Crawlers underscores the evolution of toy safety standards and parental attitudes toward potential risks. In the 1960s, there was a greater tolerance for toys that involved a degree of risk, as long as children were supervised. However, as awareness of product safety grew, stricter regulations were implemented, leading to the discontinuation of the original ThingMaker.
The subsequent attempts to revive the toy with safer ovens and materials demonstrate a shift in parental expectations. Parents now demand a higher level of safety and are more cautious about toys that could pose a potential harm to their children. This evolving landscape highlights the importance of continuous improvement and adherence to safety standards in the toy industry.