We were having a slow news day until we glanced over at Stepbastard.
Then we realized, it was still a slow news day, but now it has some glow in the dark aliens in it.
But that’s not nothing. Right?
Then again, they still haven’t been fully released…or at least at the time of this writing. Just the teaser photo and a list of what aliens are coming out.
We got a little more info by talking to ourselves and finding out about what was going on.
Basically it comes down to StepBastard blatantly stealing the concept of little green army men and bastardizing (imagine that) it in “Army of Little Green Men”. This will be an ongoing development starting with these first 12 models.
They are made with luminescent green PLA plus, to give them that pale but glowing look…and the eyes are all painted black for the highlight. They are scaled at 1:20 which puts a five foot grey alien at 3 inches give or take a raised arm or squat.
They should be hitting the market soon, so be on the lookout for them.
Because frame of reference is important and helps the all seeing eyes bring us traffic, here is some background on the old school Little Green Army Men.
Little Green Army Men: A Snapshot of Toy History
Origins and Early History: Little green army men, simple plastic soldiers, have been a staple of children’s playtime since the mid-20th century. Their origins trace back to the 1930s when they were first manufactured by companies like Bergen Toy & Novelty Co. (Beton). These early versions were made from metal and painted, which made them more expensive and less accessible to all children.
Post-War Popularity: After World War II, plastic became a more affordable material, leading to the mass production of these toys. Companies like Louis Marx and Company capitalized on this, producing the iconic 2-inch tall, olive drab soldiers that became popular during the 1950s and 1960s. These toys depicted various military poses and equipment, from riflemen to radio operators, providing children with a diverse set of characters for imaginative play.
Cultural Impact: Little green army men became more than just toys; they were symbols of American military might and patriotism during the Cold War era. They also played a significant role in popular culture, featuring in films, television shows, and even video games. The 1995 Pixar film “Toy Story” brought renewed attention to these toys, depicting them as brave and loyal characters.
Manufacturing and Design: Traditionally made of polyethylene, these figures were produced using injection molding, allowing for high detail at a low cost. The standard green color was both a nod to military uniforms and a practical choice, as it was easy and cheap to produce. Over time, variations in color and style emerged, reflecting different branches of the military and historical periods .
Enduring Appeal: Despite changes in the toy industry and the advent of electronic entertainment, little green army men have maintained their appeal. They are appreciated for their simplicity, durability, and the creativity they inspire in children. Collectors and enthusiasts often seek out vintage sets, and new generations continue to play with updated versions of these classic toys
