|
Edgar Rice Burroughs created a classic series in his "John Carter of Mars" novels, and a while back a couple of creative companies put out a line of Barsoomian figures for fantasy gaming. This is the only fantasy gaming I do, and it is strictly based on Burroughs' books, and is not role-playing. In other words, no D&D style magic here. The Edwardian flavor of the stories (the first was written in 1917),
and the exotic flora and fauna make for a very interesting and enjoyable alternative from my usual historical figures. I'm still working on these figures, customizing and decorating (look at the jewels inset into several of the main character figures!) and having a good time doing it. The original line (Hinchliffe; sculpted by Peter Gilder ca.t 1974) was withdrawn from the market, apparently because it depicted the women as bare-chested. The other line (Heritage) were much better castings, but not as fun.
The John Carter line of figures was sold on 5/23/83 to PMC PO Box 496 Lakeland NJ 08701. ( 908-363-7575 ? ) The address may now be Box 1134 or 1222 Jackson NJ 08527. Also purchased at that time was the Conan 25mm figure line, Knights and Magick 25mm figure line and the Gandy Dancers railroad accessory figure line.
I wish someone would re-issue these, but I guess that's a forlorn hope. I'd be interested in buying painted or unpainted figures from either of these lines, if anyone out there on the Web has any for sale. E-mail me if you do. I especially want the Hinchliffe Tharks, Kaldanes, Synthetic Men, Therns, Banths, Great White Apes, Plant Men and Ladies. By the way, the photos show them larger than actual size. They're only about one inch tall! Thanks to David Helber for more information and corrections on the history of these lovely figures!
|
Barsoom! As
the moons of Barsoom cast their ever-changing shadows over the dead sea bottoms, your Princess is in danger!
The Heritage line was sculpted in Dallas, Texas
by Max Carr (nearly all the human types and small figures, plus the Green
Martians and the Ape) and David Helber (some of the larger pieces, including the
Plant Man, Zitidar, Lizard, Spider, Banth, Apt and the Rykor with rider). This was an ERB-licensed line called 'John Carter Warlord of
Mars' or 'Edgar Rice Burroughs' John Carter Warlord of Mars'.
