When I was a kid, Garbage Pail Kids were all the rage. Everyone had them. I personally had a lunch box (Gremlins) completely full of them.
But, one day I noticed a friend had his door covered in some new stickers. They were grittier and more artistic than the GPK stickers.
They were Wacky Packages, and I loved them!
Wacky Packages are stickers (peel and punch-out) released by the Topps Chewing Gum company (and their Canadian partner OPC) from 1967 to the most recent series in 2008. They parodied common household products, and were extremely popular among children in the 1970's.
I always enjoyed the art. There's quite a bit of detail in ever sticker. It also harkens back to a time when certain subjects weren't yet frowned upon, making some cards a reflection of their era. You don't often see cigarettes as part of a kids campaign anymore.
Here's a few of my favorite spooky Wacky packs, spanning over 40 years of the series.
Back To...
Or...
I love these, and what they say about the consumer climate of their day. Now, most companies so lampooned would be trotting out Cease and Desist orders, at the least.
ReplyDeleteSad but true.
DeleteThese are still available today. Topps just released series ANS11. Very few problems today with Cease and Desist....as most companies have requested there products to be in a series. Check out wackypackages.org for full details of all series from 1967 to 2013. I have collected these from the early 70s and still collect them today.
ReplyDeleteYou just made my day. I shared the link on my post now so everyone can now have a chance to get them again. I know I will be! Thanks for sharing!
DeleteCool post, I always liked these batter than GPK. And yeah, I think I saw the new series at Target.
ReplyDeletebetter*
DeleteI absolutely love these. A friend gave me a Wacky Packages tribute book for Christmas. These and Mad Magazine helped shape my sense of humor.
ReplyDeleteFor more pre Garbage Pail Kids gross-out cards check out Topps Ugly Stickers http://www.normansaunders.com/Ugly,01.html
Wow... I never seen Ugly Stickers before. Those are awesome! I also dug up my Mad Magazine board game recently. Planning on playing tonight with friends.
DeleteAh yes, Wacky Packages. I purchased some new cards recently at the dollar store. Freaking hilarious, I love 'em!
ReplyDeleteI agree. I love the art of them. I actually liked them better than GPK cards when I was a kid, but for some reason they were harder to get,
DeleteGreat and I have a keen proposal: House Renovation home repairs contractors near me
ReplyDelete