This may well be the first ever "Martian Man Hunter" toy. I use the term very loosely, as this appears to be the epitome of the "inaction" figure. You can a) fold the card into "amusing" mix-and-matches between J'Onn, a "Loud Singer" or (oddly appropriate) an "Indian Chief." Alternately, just cut him out of the sheet, and he stands up! Yep, standing there, just like in real life! Just standing away.
You've got to remember, this was a simpler time-- before all those MTV video games, kids kept busy playing coke bottle cap table hockey games wearing freshly painted paper pirate hats. And they had cardboard foldees! Those were the days. Yes siree!
The spawn of the "greatest generation" were poor and gullible. No more questions. Move along. Now.
Further information from Jeff Allender's House of Checklists:
"Notes: This series of 44 cards folds out to a size of 2-1/2" x 4-11/16": "Make
9 Funny Pictures with Every Card". A larger (folding out to 3-1/4" x 6") set
was produced later, without card #44 or the wording "Printed in U.S.A."
after the Topps copyright mark. Thanks much to Mike Kooiman for the list!"
A European version was available from A&BC Gum of the UK in 7 different languages: Dansk, Finnish, Swedish, Norway, German, French and Dutch.
I'd like to know who was responsible for the art on these. The two I've had the chance to look at resemble Steve Ditko, but I suspect that's just wishful thinking...
UPDATE: The cards were by Wally Wood, and you can see the full set here.
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