(MEGO) CORNELIUS/GALEN - Planet Of The Apes

In 1973 Mego Toy Corp introduced their line of action figures for 20th Century Fox's Planet Of The Apes. 

This line would run successfully for almost three years and longer in some foreign markets focussing on characters from the movies and the television series.

These fully articulated action figures were in the 8-Inch scale and featured good sculpts and tailored cloth outfits with accessories. First sold on Type 1 bodies in window boxes, and then on Type 2 bodies on blister cards. The line consisted mostly of Apes, but three human characters were also included.

Among the Apes were the main bad guys of Doctor Zaius, General Ursus, and General Urko with the (army builder) Ape Soldier. Scientists Cornelius and Zira then rounded out the primates. This was an interesting choice to include so many villains and only a couple heroes, something rarely done in this time period.

Without Charlton Heston's likeness available, a generic astronaut figure was issued first, then followed by the two character astronauts from the weekly television series. Sadly, no figures from the superb animated Return To The Planet Of The Apes were produced. A real shame as it is the most toyetic of the entire franchise old and new.

As I was born when these were on the shelves, I'd missed them for the most part while brand new at retail. However, throughout childhood there were a few lucky scores here and there. The first figure I acquired was Roddy McDowell's Cornelius (or Galen in the television series as he was called there). 

We didn't go on exciting family vacations, mainly because my parents were a lot older. We did go on summer trips though which focused on swimming, shopping, and food in resturaunts on the other side of the mountains in the desert region of our state. It was in one of these dusty towns we went to a local sporting goods store with a toy basement. One of those treasure chests of long lost toys that never got clearanced (these were everywhere back then). Toys could remain on shelves for years and years in those days at local independent retailers if they didn't sell. 

On that day, there were some old Mego's still hanging there by a thread on abused worn cards with their original price tag of $3.50. I'd had a $20 bill laid on me by my Dad, so this worked out quite well. Cornelius (on a Galen card) was one, and I also got a Zaius, but that's a story for another time.

The character itself was not really an action hero. He was a scientist and historian who fought with his brain and not his fists, but regardless made for a truly appealing action figure at the time. Younger readers should understand that a lot of childrens play in the 70s and 80s revolved around dialogue and plot. This is due to the nature of our entertainment. Things moved slower in movies, television, and print back then. There was a lot more thinking involved when creating or telling stories. It was a tremendous boost to the young imagination that children no longer experience.

Somewhere in the mess that was my teens Cornelius was lost or sold? I don't remember. But I've missed him. As an adult collector I've had a couple re-issues and originals over the years, but always wanted a genuine Type 1 body original. That figure is what you see above. He is all original and complete. His costume and shoes were the only things originally included with no other accessories. This makes this figure one of the easier and more affordable offerings in collecting the line.