You're absolutely right! Galoob, watching the success of PP, clearly took notes. By 1992 they launched Micro Machines “Super Van City” and later Star Wars Micro Machines Playsets. Especially the “transforming head” sets like Darth Vader’s helmet opening into Cloud City, R2-D2 into Jabba’s Palace, Chewbacca into Endor... were basically Polly Pocket by way of Lucasfilm.
Thanks Staci! Great question. I believe after Mattel purchased Bluebird (The company that made Polly Pocket originally), everything sort of changed. One reason is safety regulations likely forced larger parts, and marketing logic demanded visibility on the the shelves for greater profit.
Mahalo for sharing this story, and especially to your father for creating Polly Pocket
Creating a toy that has brought joy to so many children is a wonderful legacy
While I never owned any, I'm certain that Galoob was inspired by Polly Pocket when they made these mini Star Wars playsets that I enjoyed as a boy
https://www.lulu-berlu.com/upload/image/star-wars---galoob-micro-machines---chewbacca---endor-transforming-playset-p-image-512962-grande.jpg
You're absolutely right! Galoob, watching the success of PP, clearly took notes. By 1992 they launched Micro Machines “Super Van City” and later Star Wars Micro Machines Playsets. Especially the “transforming head” sets like Darth Vader’s helmet opening into Cloud City, R2-D2 into Jabba’s Palace, Chewbacca into Endor... were basically Polly Pocket by way of Lucasfilm.
I love this! I was a huge fan of these growing up. I've noticed that Polly Pocket is still around, why did the actual size of her get bigger?
Thanks Staci! Great question. I believe after Mattel purchased Bluebird (The company that made Polly Pocket originally), everything sort of changed. One reason is safety regulations likely forced larger parts, and marketing logic demanded visibility on the the shelves for greater profit.
That totally makes sense! OG Polly was tiny.