Tat Tuesday.

While doing research for last week's M.U.S.C.L.E. post I came across a very similar toy-line. A line that I don't remember ever hearing about and never had first hand. Which, after taking a look at the toys, is rather sad. The series, called "Monster In My Pocket", follows in line with the small unpainted, non-poseable, and collectible figures I spoke about last week. In fact this series is often cited along with M.U.S.C.L.E. as a major influence by the makers of O.M.F.G., S.L.U.G., and Z.O.M.B.I.E.S.

Monster in my Pocket first hit toy stores in 1990. The line, which was released by Matchbox, was headed by
Joe Morrison and John Weems who were former senior executives at Mattel. The line was originally centered on monsters and legendary creatures from religion, mythology, literary fantasy, science fiction, cryptids, and other sources. With that many avenues to explore the line easily reached 17 series in its first run.

Each figure was given a point value. This added to the collect-ability of the figures and created a monster hierarchy. The points could also be used in the Monster in my Pocket board game. The figures proved to be very popular especially in Europe despite a few hiccups. The main issue being the use of Hindu Gods as monsters. Aside from that the series was universally loved.

The line went through a number of changes and extensions over the years. First was the Monster Wrestlers in My Pocket which was released in the UK in 1994. This versions of the line was released by Corinthian Marketing and featured a Tony the Tiger figure. This was followed by Monster Sports Stars in My Pocket and Monster Ninja Warriors in My Pocket. The ninja line was released in 1996 by Vivid Imaginations and featured vehicles and accessories. At this point it is obvious to see just how far from the original concept the line had traveled.  These non-Matchbox figures were painted and came in few variations.

In 2003, Corinthian Marketing relaunched the series under the named "Monster in My Pocket: The Quest" and later simply "Monster Quest". This relaunch saw the reissues of the first two series but added a new back-story that was reminiscent of "Pokemon". Three years later Corinthian Marketing did a another relaunch but this time it was a full revamp. The new figures were full color and more detailed. They were actually more similar to modern pewter figurines ( for Table Top RPGs) than the original figures.

Monster in my Pocket was not strictly a toy series. In fact it is more of a mixed media franchise. Monster in my Pocket has spread to trading cards, comic books, books, toys, board games, video games, cartoons, music, clothing, kites, stickers, and more.

With well over 200 monsters, 17 series, multiple relaunches, and numerous multimedia outings, it is impossible to do this series justice with a single post. While I have done the best I can, if you are interested in the Toy Line there are links below that go into much deeper detail. I am amazed that I missed out on this series as a kid. I wish I had been aware of it because it is right up my alley. At least I can look back and see what I missed.

Wikipedia
Amazon
Youtube
Monster in my Pocket Wikia