Difference between revisions of "World of Springfield"
Wikisimpsons - The Simpsons Wiki
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[[File:World of Springfield Series 4.jpg|thumb|250px|An assortment of World of Springfield action figures.]] | [[File:World of Springfield Series 4.jpg|thumb|250px|An assortment of World of Springfield action figures.]] | ||
| − | The '''World of Springfield''' is a series of action figures, which ran between December 1999 to December 2004 and was released by [[Playmates Toys]]. | + | The '''World of Springfield''' is a series of action figures, which ran between December [[1999]] to December [[2004]] and was released by [[Playmates Toys]]. |
| − | The toy action figure series was called World of Springfield | + | The toy action figure series was called World of Springfield because the goal of the line was to build a miniature [[Springfield]] through a series of interactive action figures and playsets. It eventually encompassed over 200 different figures/characters from the series, 40 interactive playsets (toy re-creations of Simpson's interior settings and town location settings within Springfield), and 3 non-interactive diorama town settings. |
== Background == | == Background == | ||
| − | The success of all "mass-market" action figure lines based on TV or movie characters are timed to the initial release of the project - as part of its promotional and marketing messages - taking advantage of the promotions, P.R. and advertising awareness and the figures themselves also as advertising and promotional vehicles. Most movie/TV tie-in action figures are successful for the brief period of the theatrical release, the video/DVD release and the possibility of a successful sequel but rarely for any longer period and typically, the release pattern for the action figure is no more than a few dozen figures, and some playsets to serve as background dioramas for the figures - with sales dropping off a few months after the last film is released. The | + | The success of all "mass-market" action figure lines based on TV or movie characters are timed to the initial release of the project - as part of its promotional and marketing messages - taking advantage of the promotions, P.R. and advertising awareness and the figures themselves also as advertising and promotional vehicles. Most movie/TV tie-in action figures are successful for the brief period of the theatrical release, the video/DVD release and the possibility of a successful sequel but rarely for any longer period and typically, the release pattern for the action figure is no more than a few dozen figures, and some playsets to serve as background dioramas for the figures - with sales dropping off a few months after the last film is released. The Kenner/Hasbro ''[[Star Wars]]'' movie line is of course, the gold standard with figures in the same scale and in the marketplace since 1978. The closest TV equivalent might be the ''Star Trek'' line, though non-contiguous and not technically from one TV series (coincidentally also from Playmates Toys). |
| − | While | + | While ''[[The Simpsons]]'' merchandising and licensing had continued unabated since the first season of the TV series in [[1989]], the characters represented as action figures only had a brief [[The Simpsons Mattel action figures|Mattel run in 1990]], with only 7 figures and 1 Simpsons Living Room representation playset. |
== Why was the line successful? == | == Why was the line successful? == | ||
| − | Of course, it starts with the mass market appeal of The Simpsons - encompassing everyone from young kids who loved the slapstick aspects to adults of all ages who appreciated that the jokes and situations that worked on multi-levels of our intellect (from the kid in us to the Mensa in us). Like any classic TV series, fans remember and quote the lines - and Playmates Toys managed to capture that appeal with its interactive playsets. Each figure came with its own "coded" chip on the base of that characters foot (generally foot but not always) that when contacted with the "trigger" tab on each playset would (complete the circuit) so by then pressing the button closest to that figure, you would hear a playback of 1-5 phrases for the character. | + | Of course, it starts with the mass market appeal of ''The Simpsons'' - encompassing everyone from young kids who loved the slapstick aspects to adults of all ages who appreciated that the jokes and situations that worked on multi-levels of our intellect (from the kid in us to the Mensa in us). Like any classic TV series, fans remember and quote the lines - and Playmates Toys managed to capture that appeal with its interactive playsets. Each figure came with its own "coded" chip on the base of that characters foot (generally foot but not always) that when contacted with the "trigger" tab on each playset would (complete the circuit) so by then pressing the button closest to that figure, you would hear a playback of 1-5 phrases for the character. |
| − | What made it unique was that the playback was from the actual show and the actual voice actor - so placing the Homer Simpson figure on an appropriate playset would trigger the playback of a quote | + | What made it unique was that the playback was from the actual show and the actual voice actor - so placing the [[Homer Simpson]] figure on an appropriate playset would trigger the playback of a quote performed by [[Dan Castellaneta]] as he performed it in the original episode. |
| − | Of additional value was that each playset held quotes and voice clip performances for a variety of characters so that placing the Marge Simpson figure or the Bart figure would trigger different quotes and voice clips. One limitation was that not every character worked with every playset - some for story logic reasons (character might not appear at that setting), release logistics (figures released after a playset was available much earlier) or presumably for cost reasons (as each voice clip had to be approved and licensed). | + | Of additional value was that each playset held quotes and voice clip performances for a variety of characters so that placing the [[Marge Simpson]] figure or the [[Bart]] figure would trigger different quotes and voice clips. One limitation was that not every character worked with every playset - some for story logic reasons (character might not appear at that setting), release logistics (figures released after a playset was available much earlier) or presumably for cost reasons (as each voice clip had to be approved and licensed). |
| − | A real-world situation also cannot be over-looked - that these were released during the era of the internet/dot.com boom and general health of the U.S. economy. While the figures were priced at the lower end of action figure retail pricing (from $5.99 USD to eventually $7.99 USD each), the playsets generally ranged from $20 USD to $25 USD at the end of 2004 but there were special releases that ranged into the $60 USD range. Even at minimal retail, 200+ figures and 40 playsets meant a financial commitment. In addition, there were a dozen exclusives and mail-in figures that required extra work to obtain the figures - often via an online auction. It was however, during these early years of the series coinciding with the healthy economy that added extra impetus and momentum that carried the line a few extra years. | + | A real-world situation also cannot be over-looked - that these were released during the era of the internet/dot.com boom and general health of the U.S. economy. While the figures were priced at the lower end of action figure retail pricing (from $5.99 USD to eventually $7.99 USD each), the playsets generally ranged from $20 USD to $25 USD at the end of [[2004]] but there were special releases that ranged into the $60 USD range. Even at minimal retail, 200+ figures and 40 playsets meant a financial commitment. In addition, there were a dozen exclusives and mail-in figures that required extra work to obtain the figures - often via an online auction. It was however, during these early years of the series coinciding with the healthy economy that added extra impetus and momentum that carried the line a few extra years. |
== Fan interaction == | == Fan interaction == | ||
| − | The World of Springfield line set a new standard of company/fan interaction in its relationship between Playmates Toys and the collectors, specifically based at the Simpsons Collector Sector (SCS) website and forums. Starting in mid-2001, with contacts from board moderator Michael Crawford, Playmates executives (first Jeff Trojan and later Pat Linden) reached out to the collectors in a mutually beneficial relationship—fans got input into the line; the company got free market research. Playmates Toys answered a monthly Q&A from collectors, and regularly gave exclusive details about upcoming products to the SCS website directly. Collectors had opportunities to affect the line's future on a few occasions. | + | The World of Springfield line set a new standard of company/fan interaction in its relationship between Playmates Toys and the collectors, specifically based at the [[Simpsons Collector Sector]] (SCS) website and forums. Starting in mid-[[2001]], with contacts from board moderator Michael Crawford, Playmates executives (first Jeff Trojan and later Pat Linden) reached out to the collectors in a mutually beneficial relationship—fans got input into the line; the company got free market research. Playmates Toys answered a monthly Q&A from collectors, and regularly gave exclusive details about upcoming products to the SCS website directly. Collectors had opportunities to affect the line's future on a few occasions. |
| − | The first incident occurred in summer 2001 after a controversy surrounding the release of a ToyFare mail-away figure, Pin Pal Burns. Fans complained about the unfair way ToyFare handled these offers and Playmates responded, first by having ToyFare make later offers available online and later by ending WoS offers from ToyFare entirely. Conversely, fan enthusiasm helped revive products that had been cancelled at one point, including the deluxe Main Street playset and the Moe's Tavern playset. | + | The first incident occurred in summer [[2001]] after a controversy surrounding the release of a ToyFare mail-away figure, Pin Pal [[Burns]]. Fans complained about the unfair way ToyFare handled these offers and Playmates responded, first by having ToyFare make later offers available online and later by ending WoS offers from ToyFare entirely. Conversely, fan enthusiasm helped revive products that had been cancelled at one point, including the deluxe [[Main Street]] playset and the [[Moe's Tavern]] playset. |
Collectors were also asked often to give suggestions on what figures and playsets they wanted to see; polls were generated. The results of these polls had an impact on future lineups, with collectors getting many of the figures they had requested. | Collectors were also asked often to give suggestions on what figures and playsets they wanted to see; polls were generated. The results of these polls had an impact on future lineups, with collectors getting many of the figures they had requested. | ||
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== End and revival == | == End and revival == | ||
| − | The line ended in mid-2004 due to a number of factors, most importantly slow sales. There were a number of factors, in turn, that contributed to the declining sales, including: "collectors fatigue"; the release pattern of figures; the sheer size of the line was difficult for newcomers; the slowing economy; the changing toy retail situation; and even Playmates Toys relationship with 20th Century Fox | + | The line ended in mid-2004 due to a number of factors, most importantly slow sales. There were a number of factors, in turn, that contributed to the declining sales, including: "collectors fatigue"; the release pattern of figures; the sheer size of the line was difficult for newcomers; the slowing economy; the changing toy retail situation; and even Playmates Toys relationship with [[20th Century Fox]]. |
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| + | However, not long after, [[McFarlane Toys]] - known for their sports line of action figures - decided to revive ''Simpsons'' collecting and start a new line of figures. The first set to be released was the "Ironic Punishment" set from the episode "[[Treehouse of Horror IV]]". It features Homer being "tortured" by one of the devils minions, by forcing all the donuts in the world down his throat. It was soon followed by a "Family Couch Gag" set, from the beginning of each episode. | ||
== List of figures and playsets == | == List of figures and playsets == | ||
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| [[World of Springfield: Series 1|Series 1]] | | [[World of Springfield: Series 1|Series 1]] | ||
| [[Homer Simpson]], [[Bart Simpson]], [[Lisa Simpson]], [[Abraham Simpson]], [[Charles Montgomery Burns]], [[Krusty the Clown]] | | [[Homer Simpson]], [[Bart Simpson]], [[Lisa Simpson]], [[Abraham Simpson]], [[Charles Montgomery Burns]], [[Krusty the Clown]] | ||
| − | | January 2000 | + | | January [[2000]] |
|- | |- | ||
| [[File:Simpsons Living Room World.jpg|100px]][[File:Nuclear Power Plant World.jpg|100px]] | | [[File:Simpsons Living Room World.jpg|100px]][[File:Nuclear Power Plant World.jpg|100px]] | ||
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| [[File:Kwik-E-Mart World.jpg|100px]][[File:Springfield Elementary World.jpg|100px]] | | [[File:Kwik-E-Mart World.jpg|100px]][[File:Springfield Elementary World.jpg|100px]] | ||
| [[World of Springfield: Series 2 Playsets|Series 2 Playsets]] | | [[World of Springfield: Series 2 Playsets|Series 2 Playsets]] | ||
| − | | Kwik-E-Mart with [[Apu Nahasapeemapetilon]] and Springfield Elementary with [[Principal Seymour Skinner]] | + | | [[Kwik-E-Mart]] with [[Apu Nahasapeemapetilon]] and Springfield Elementary with [[Principal Seymour Skinner]] |
| August 2000 | | August 2000 | ||
|- | |- | ||
| [[File:Treehouse of Horror 1 Springfield Cemetery World.jpg|200px]] | | [[File:Treehouse of Horror 1 Springfield Cemetery World.jpg|200px]] | ||
| [[World of Springfield: Toys "Я" Us|Toys "Я" Us]] | | [[World of Springfield: Toys "Я" Us|Toys "Я" Us]] | ||
| − | | Treehouse of Horror 1 Springfield Cemetery with Devil Flanders, Bart as the Fly, Vampire Burns and Ape Homer | + | | Treehouse of Horror 1 [[Springfield Cemetery]] with Devil Flanders, Bart as the Fly, [[Count Burns|Vampire Burns]] and Ape Homer |
| September 2000 | | September 2000 | ||
|- | |- | ||
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| [[World of Springfield: Series 3|Series 3]] | | [[World of Springfield: Series 3|Series 3]] | ||
| Sunday Best Homer, [[Nelson Muntz]], [[Moe Szyslak]], Kamp Krusty Bart, [[Milhouse Van Houten]], [[Otto Man]] | | Sunday Best Homer, [[Nelson Muntz]], [[Moe Szyslak]], Kamp Krusty Bart, [[Milhouse Van Houten]], [[Otto Man]] | ||
| − | | January 2001 | + | | January [[2001]] |
|- | |- | ||
| [[File:Town Hall World.jpg|100px]][[File:Krustylu Studios World.jpg|100px]] | | [[File:Town Hall World.jpg|100px]][[File:Krustylu Studios World.jpg|100px]] | ||
| [[World of Springfield: Series 3 Playsets|Series 3 Playsets]] | | [[World of Springfield: Series 3 Playsets|Series 3 Playsets]] | ||
| − | | Town Hall with [[Joe Quimby|Mayor Diamond Joe Quimby]] and Krustylu Studios with [[Sideshow Bob Terwilliger]] | + | | [[Town Hall]] with [[Joe Quimby|Mayor Diamond Joe Quimby]] and [[Krustylu Studios]] with [[Sideshow Bob Terwilliger]] |
| January 2001 | | January 2001 | ||
|- | |- | ||
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| [[File:Androids Dungeon Comic Book Shop World.jpg|100px]][[File:Barney's Bowl-A-Rama World.jpg|100px]] | | [[File:Androids Dungeon Comic Book Shop World.jpg|100px]][[File:Barney's Bowl-A-Rama World.jpg|100px]] | ||
| [[World of Springfield: Series 4 Playsets|Series 4 Playsets]] | | [[World of Springfield: Series 4 Playsets|Series 4 Playsets]] | ||
| − | | Androids Dungeon Comic Book Shop with [[Comic Book Guy]] and Barney's Bowl-A-Rama with Pin Pal Apu | + | | [[Androids Dungeon]] Comic Book Shop with [[Comic Book Guy]] and [[Barney's Bowl-A-Rama]] with Pin Pal Apu |
| April 2001 | | April 2001 | ||
|- | |- | ||
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| [[World of Springfield: Family Car|Family Car]] | | [[World of Springfield: Family Car|Family Car]] | ||
| Marge, Homer, Lisa, Maggie and Bart. | | Marge, Homer, Lisa, Maggie and Bart. | ||
| − | |June 2001 | + | | June 2001 |
|- | |- | ||
| [[File:World of Springfield Series 5.jpg|200px]] | | [[File:World of Springfield Series 5.jpg|200px]] | ||
| [[World of Springfield: Series 5|Series 5]] | | [[World of Springfield: Series 5|Series 5]] | ||
| − | | [[Kent Brockman]], [[Sea Captain]], Bartman, [[Martin Prince]], [[Sideshow Mel]], [[Bumblebee Man]] | + | | [[Kent Brockman]], [[Sea Captain]], [[Bartman]], [[Martin Prince]], [[Sideshow Mel]], [[Bumblebee Man]] |
| July 2001 | | July 2001 | ||
|- | |- | ||
| − | |[[File:Pin Pal Burns World.jpg|200px]] | + | | [[File:Pin Pal Burns World.jpg|200px]] |
| [[World of Springfield: Toyfare|Toyfare]] | | [[World of Springfield: Toyfare|Toyfare]] | ||
| Pin Pal Burns | | Pin Pal Burns | ||
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| [[File:First Church of Springfield World.jpg|100px]][[File:Noiseland Arcade World.jpg|100px]] | | [[File:First Church of Springfield World.jpg|100px]][[File:Noiseland Arcade World.jpg|100px]] | ||
| [[World of Springfield: Series 6 Playsets|Series 6 Playsets]] | | [[World of Springfield: Series 6 Playsets|Series 6 Playsets]] | ||
| − | | First Church of Springfield with [[Reverend Timothy Lovejoy]] and Noiseland Arcade with [[Jimbo Jones]] | + | | [[First Church of Springfield]] with [[Reverend Timothy Lovejoy]] and [[Noiseland Arcade]] with [[Jimbo Jones]] |
| September 2001 | | September 2001 | ||
|- | |- | ||
| [[File:Treehouse of Horror 2 Alien Spaceship World.jpg|200px]] | | [[File:Treehouse of Horror 2 Alien Spaceship World.jpg|200px]] | ||
| [[World of Springfield: Toys "Я" Us|Toys "Я" Us]] | | [[World of Springfield: Toys "Я" Us|Toys "Я" Us]] | ||
| − | | Treehouse of Horror 2 Alien Spaceship with | + | | Treehouse of Horror 2 Alien Spaceship with Spaceship Homer, [[Kang]] and [[Kodos]] |
| September 2001 | | September 2001 | ||
|- | |- | ||
| [[File:Lunar Base World.jpg|200px]] | | [[File:Lunar Base World.jpg|200px]] | ||
| [[World of Springfield: EB Games|EB Games]] | | [[World of Springfield: EB Games|EB Games]] | ||
| − | | Lunar Base with Rainer Wolfcastle as Radioactive Man and Milhouse as Fallout | + | | Lunar Base with [[Rainer Wolfcastle]] as {{ch|Radioactive Man}} and [[Milhouse]] as [[Fallout Boy]] |
| September 2001 | | September 2001 | ||
|- | |- | ||
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| [[File:Simpson's Christmas World.jpg|200px]] | | [[File:Simpson's Christmas World.jpg|200px]] | ||
| [[World of Springfield: Toys "Я" Us|Toys "Я" Us]] | | [[World of Springfield: Toys "Я" Us|Toys "Я" Us]] | ||
| − | | Simpson's Christmas with Holiday Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie | + | | Simpson's [[Christmas]] with Holiday Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie |
| November 2001 | | November 2001 | ||
|- | |- | ||
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| [[File:The Simpsons Kitchen World.jpg|100px]][[File:Krusty Burger World.jpg|100px]] | | [[File:The Simpsons Kitchen World.jpg|100px]][[File:Krusty Burger World.jpg|100px]] | ||
| [[World of Springfield: Series 7 Playsets|Series 7 Playsets]] | | [[World of Springfield: Series 7 Playsets|Series 7 Playsets]] | ||
| − | | The Simpsons Kitchen with Muumuu Homer and Krusty Burger with [[Squeaky-voiced teen]] | + | | The Simpsons Kitchen with Muumuu Homer and [[Krusty Burger]] with [[Squeaky-voiced teen]] |
| December 2001 | | December 2001 | ||
|- | |- | ||
| Line 158: | Line 154: | ||
|[[File:Pin Pal Moe World.jpg|Pin Pal Moe|200px]] | |[[File:Pin Pal Moe World.jpg|Pin Pal Moe|200px]] | ||
| [[World of Springfield: Toyfare|Toyfare]] | | [[World of Springfield: Toyfare|Toyfare]] | ||
| − | | Pin Pal Moe | + | | Pin Pal [[Moe]] |
| December 2001 | | December 2001 | ||
|- | |- | ||
| [[File:World of Springfield All Star Voices Wave 1.jpg|200px]] | | [[File:World of Springfield All Star Voices Wave 1.jpg|200px]] | ||
| [[World of Springfield: Celebrity Series 1|Celebrity Series 1]] | | [[World of Springfield: Celebrity Series 1|Celebrity Series 1]] | ||
| − | | Troy McClure, Herb Powell and Fat Tony | + | | [[Troy McClure]], [[Herb Powell]] and [[Fat Tony]] |
| − | | February 2002 | + | | February [[2002]] |
|- | |- | ||
| [[File:World of Springfield Series 8.jpg|200px]] | | [[File:World of Springfield Series 8.jpg|200px]] | ||
| [[World of Springfield: Series 8|Series 8]] | | [[World of Springfield: Series 8|Series 8]] | ||
| − | | Kearny, Sherri & Terri, Ragin' Willie, Uter, Superintendent Chalmers and Daredevil Bart | + | | [[Kearny]], [[Sherri]] & [[Terri]], Ragin' [[Willie]], [[Uter]], [[Superintendent Chalmers]] and Daredevil Bart |
| March 2002 | | March 2002 | ||
|- | |- | ||
| [[File:Springfield DMV World.jpg|100px]][[File:Elementary Cafeteria World.jpg|100px]] | | [[File:Springfield DMV World.jpg|100px]][[File:Elementary Cafeteria World.jpg|100px]] | ||
| [[World of Springfield: Series 8 Playsets|Series 8 Playsets]] | | [[World of Springfield: Series 8 Playsets|Series 8 Playsets]] | ||
| − | | Springfield DMV with Selma Bouvier and Springfield Elementary Cafeteria with Lunchlady Doris | + | | [[Springfield DMV]] with [[Selma Bouvier]] and [[Springfield Elementary]] Cafeteria with [[Lunchlady Doris]] |
| March 2002 | | March 2002 | ||
|- | |- | ||
| [[File:Lurleen Lumpkin's Trailer World.jpg|200px]] | | [[File:Lurleen Lumpkin's Trailer World.jpg|200px]] | ||
| [[World of Springfield: Toys "Я" Us|Toys "Я" Us]] | | [[World of Springfield: Toys "Я" Us|Toys "Я" Us]] | ||
| − | | Lurleen Lumpkin's Trailer with | + | | Lurleen Lumpkin's Trailer with Colonel Homer and [[Lurleen Lumpkin]] |
| April 2002 | | April 2002 | ||
|- | |- | ||
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| [[File:World of Springfield Series 9.jpg|200px]] | | [[File:World of Springfield Series 9.jpg|200px]] | ||
| [[World of Springfield: Series 9|Series 9]] | | [[World of Springfield: Series 9|Series 9]] | ||
| − | | | + | | [[Rod]] & [[Todd Flanders]], Busted [[Krusty]], Sunday Best Grampa, Prison Bob, [[Disco Stu]], Sunday Best Lisa |
| June 2002 | | June 2002 | ||
|- | |- | ||
| [[File:Police Station World.jpg|100px]][[File:Springfield Retirement Castle World.jpg|100px]] | | [[File:Police Station World.jpg|100px]][[File:Springfield Retirement Castle World.jpg|100px]] | ||
| [[World of Springfield: Series 9 Playsets|Series 9 Playsets]] | | [[World of Springfield: Series 9 Playsets|Series 9 Playsets]] | ||
| − | | Police Station with Officer Eddie and Springfield Retirement Castle with Jasper | + | | [[Police Station]] with [[Officer Eddie]] and [[Springfield Retirement Castle]] with [[Jasper Beardly]] |
| June 2002 | | June 2002 | ||
|- | |- | ||
| [[File:World of Springfield Celebrity Series 2.jpg|200px]] | | [[File:World of Springfield Celebrity Series 2.jpg|200px]] | ||
| [[World of Springfield: Celebrity Series 2|Celebrity Series 2]] | | [[World of Springfield: Celebrity Series 2|Celebrity Series 2]] | ||
| − | | Lionel Hutz and Brad Goodman | + | | [[Lionel Hutz]] and [[Brad Goodman]] |
| June 2002 | | June 2002 | ||
|- | |- | ||
| [[File:Treehouse of Horror 3 Ironic Punishment World.jpg|200px]] | | [[File:Treehouse of Horror 3 Ironic Punishment World.jpg|200px]] | ||
| [[World of Springfield: Toys "Я" Us|Toys "Я" Us]] | | [[World of Springfield: Toys "Я" Us|Toys "Я" Us]] | ||
| − | | Treehouse of Horror 3 Ironic Punishment with | + | | Treehouse of Horror 3 Ironic Punishment with Dream Invader Willie, Witch Marge, [[Hugo]] and Donut Head Homer |
| August 2002 | | August 2002 | ||
|- | |- | ||
| [[File:Barney's Bowl-A-Rama 2 World.jpg|200px]] | | [[File:Barney's Bowl-A-Rama 2 World.jpg|200px]] | ||
| [[World of Springfield: Toys "Я" Us|Toys "Я" Us]] | | [[World of Springfield: Toys "Я" Us|Toys "Я" Us]] | ||
| − | | Barney's Bowl-A-Rama with | + | | Barney's Bowl-A-Rama with Bowling Marge and Jauques |
| August 2002 | | August 2002 | ||
|- | |- | ||
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| [[World of Springfield: School Bus|School Bus]] | | [[World of Springfield: School Bus|School Bus]] | ||
| Marge, Homer, Lisa, Maggie and Bart. | | Marge, Homer, Lisa, Maggie and Bart. | ||
| − | |August 2002 | + | | August 2002 |
|- | |- | ||
| [[File:World of Springfield Celebrity Series 3.jpg|200px]] | | [[File:World of Springfield Celebrity Series 3.jpg|200px]] | ||
| [[World of Springfield: Celebrity Series 3|Celebrity Series 3]] | | [[World of Springfield: Celebrity Series 3|Celebrity Series 3]] | ||
| − | | Brad Goodman, Llewellyn Sinclair and Cooder | + | | [[Brad Goodman]], [[Llewellyn Sinclair]] and [[Cooder]] |
| September 2002 | | September 2002 | ||
|- | |- | ||
| [[File:Main Street World.jpg|200px]] | | [[File:Main Street World.jpg|200px]] | ||
| [[World of Springfield: Toys "Я" Us|Toys "Я" Us]] | | [[World of Springfield: Toys "Я" Us|Toys "Я" Us]] | ||
| − | | Main Street with Crazy Old Man and Squeaky Voiced Teen | + | | [[Main Street]] with [[Crazy Old Man]] and [[Squeaky Voiced Teen]] |
| September 2002 | | September 2002 | ||
|- | |- | ||
| [[File:Be Sharp Homer World.jpg|200px]] | | [[File:Be Sharp Homer World.jpg|200px]] | ||
| [[World of Springfield: Mail away|Mail away]] | | [[World of Springfield: Mail away|Mail away]] | ||
| − | | Be Sharp Homer | + | | [[Be Sharps|Be Sharp]] Homer |
| September 2002 | | September 2002 | ||
|- | |- | ||
| [[File:World of Springfield Series 10.jpg|200px]] | | [[File:World of Springfield Series 10.jpg|200px]] | ||
| [[World of Springfield: Series 10|Series 10]] | | [[World of Springfield: Series 10|Series 10]] | ||
| − | | Stonecutter Homer, Wendell, Sunday Best Marge & Maggie, Scout Leader Flanders, Doctor Marvin Monroe and Resort Smithers | + | | [[Stonecutter]] Homer, [[Wendell]], Sunday Best Marge & Maggie, Scout Leader Flanders, Doctor [[Marvin Monroe]] and Resort Smithers |
| October 2002 | | October 2002 | ||
|- | |- | ||
| [[File:Burns Manor World.jpg|100px]][[File:Hospital World.jpg|100px]] | | [[File:Burns Manor World.jpg|100px]][[File:Hospital World.jpg|100px]] | ||
| [[World of Springfield: Series 10 Playsets|Series 10 Playsets]] | | [[World of Springfield: Series 10 Playsets|Series 10 Playsets]] | ||
| − | | Burns Manor with Pajama Burns and Hospital with Doctor Nick | + | | [[Burns Manor]] with Pajama Burns and [[Springfield General Hospital|Hospital]] with [[Doctor Nick]] |
| October 2002 | | October 2002 | ||
|- | |- | ||
| [[File:KBBL Radio Station World.jpg|200px]] | | [[File:KBBL Radio Station World.jpg|200px]] | ||
| [[World of Springfield: EB Games|EB Games]] | | [[World of Springfield: EB Games|EB Games]] | ||
| − | | KBBL Radio Station with Marty & Bill | + | | [[KBBL]] Radio Station with [[Marty]] & [[Bill]] |
| October 2002 | | October 2002 | ||
|- | |- | ||
| [[File:New Years Town Square World.jpg|200px]] | | [[File:New Years Town Square World.jpg|200px]] | ||
| [[World of Springfield: Toys "Я" Us|Toys "Я" Us]] | | [[World of Springfield: Toys "Я" Us|Toys "Я" Us]] | ||
| − | | New Years Town Square with | + | | New Years Town Square with New Years Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie |
| November 2002 | | November 2002 | ||
|- | |- | ||
| [[File:World of Springfield Series 11.jpg|200px]] | | [[File:World of Springfield Series 11.jpg|200px]] | ||
| [[World of Springfield: Series 11|Series 11]] | | [[World of Springfield: Series 11|Series 11]] | ||
| − | | Larry Burns, Plow King Barney, Blue Haired Lawyer, Kirk Van Houten, Gil and Rainer Wolfcastle | + | | [[Larry Burns]], [[Plow King]] Barney, [[Blue Haired Lawyer]], [[Kirk Van Houten]], [[Gil]] and Rainer Wolfcastle |
| December 2002 | | December 2002 | ||
|- | |- | ||
| [[File:Court Room World.jpg|200px]] | | [[File:Court Room World.jpg|200px]] | ||
| [[World of Springfield: Series 11 Playsets|Series 11 Playsets]] | | [[World of Springfield: Series 11 Playsets|Series 11 Playsets]] | ||
| − | | Court Room with Judge Snyder | + | | Court Room with [[Judge Snyder]] |
| December 2002 | | December 2002 | ||
|- | |- | ||
| [[File:Moe's Tavern World.jpg|200px]] | | [[File:Moe's Tavern World.jpg|200px]] | ||
| [[World of Springfield: EB Games|EB Games]] | | [[World of Springfield: EB Games|EB Games]] | ||
| − | | Moe's Tavern with Duffman | + | | [[Moe's Tavern]] with [[Duffman]] |
| − | | January 2003 | + | | January [[2003]] |
|- | |- | ||
| [[File:Be Sharp Apu World.jpg|200px]] | | [[File:Be Sharp Apu World.jpg|200px]] | ||
| [[World of Springfield: Mail away|Mail away]] | | [[World of Springfield: Mail away|Mail away]] | ||
| − | |Be Sharp Apu | + | | Be Sharp Apu |
| January 2003 | | January 2003 | ||
|- | |- | ||
| [[File:Be Sharp Barney World.jpg|200px]] | | [[File:Be Sharp Barney World.jpg|200px]] | ||
| [[World of Springfield: Mail away|Mail away]] | | [[World of Springfield: Mail away|Mail away]] | ||
| − | |Be Sharp Barney | + | | Be Sharp Barney |
| July 2003 | | July 2003 | ||
|- | |- | ||
| [[File:World of Springfield Series 12.jpg|200px]] | | [[File:World of Springfield Series 12.jpg|200px]] | ||
| [[World of Springfield: Series 12|Series 12]] | | [[World of Springfield: Series 12|Series 12]] | ||
| − | | Number One, Database, Mister Huey Largo, Don Vittorio, Luann Van Houten and Mister Plow Homer | + | | [[Number One]], [[Database]], [[Dewey Largo|Mister Huey Largo]], [[Don Vittorio]], [[Luann Van Houten]] and Mister Plow Homer |
| April 2003 | | April 2003 | ||
|- | |- | ||
| [[File:Bart's Treehouse World.jpg|200px]] | | [[File:Bart's Treehouse World.jpg|200px]] | ||
| [[World of Springfield: Series 12 Playsets|Series 12 Playsets]] | | [[World of Springfield: Series 12 Playsets|Series 12 Playsets]] | ||
| − | | Bart's Treehouse with Military Bart | + | | [[Bart's Treehouse]] with Military Bart |
| April 2003 | | April 2003 | ||
|- | |- | ||
| [[File:Be Sharp Skinner World.jpg|200px]] | | [[File:Be Sharp Skinner World.jpg|200px]] | ||
| [[World of Springfield: Mail away|Mail away]] | | [[World of Springfield: Mail away|Mail away]] | ||
| − | |Be Sharp Skinner | + | | Be Sharp Skinner |
| April 2003 | | April 2003 | ||
|- | |- | ||
| [[File:Mr Burns 2 World.jpg|100px]][[File:Moe 2 World.jpg|100px]] | | [[File:Mr Burns 2 World.jpg|100px]][[File:Moe 2 World.jpg|100px]] | ||
| [[World of Springfield: Re-Release|Re-Release]] | | [[World of Springfield: Re-Release|Re-Release]] | ||
| − | | | + | | Moe and Mr. Burns |
| April 2003 | | April 2003 | ||
|- | |- | ||
| [[File:World of Springfield Series 13.jpg|200px]] | | [[File:World of Springfield Series 13.jpg|200px]] | ||
| [[World of Springfield: Series 13|Series 13]] | | [[World of Springfield: Series 13|Series 13]] | ||
| − | | Helen Lovejoy, Freddy Quimby, Tuxedo Krusty, Legs, Princess Kashmir and Doctor Stephen Hawking | + | | [[Helen Lovejoy]], [[Freddy Quimby]], Tuxedo Krusty, [[Legs]], [[Princess Kashmir]] and Doctor {{ch|Stephen Hawking}} |
| July 2003 | | July 2003 | ||
|- | |- | ||
| [[File:Military Antique Store World.jpg|200px]] | | [[File:Military Antique Store World.jpg|200px]] | ||
| [[World of Springfield: Series 13 Playsets|Series 13 Playsets]] | | [[World of Springfield: Series 13 Playsets|Series 13 Playsets]] | ||
| − | | Military Antique Store with Herman | + | | [[Herman's Military Antique Store|Military Antique Store]] with [[Herman]] |
| July 2003 | | July 2003 | ||
|- | |- | ||
| Line 313: | Line 309: | ||
| [[File:KayBee Toys.jpg|200px]] | | [[File:KayBee Toys.jpg|200px]] | ||
| [[World of Springfield: KayBee Toys|KayBee Toys]] | | [[World of Springfield: KayBee Toys|KayBee Toys]] | ||
| − | | The Ingestible | + | | [[The Ingestible Bulk]] Homer, [[Vampiredna]] Krabapple and [[Captain Kwik]] Apu |
| July 2003 | | July 2003 | ||
|- | |- | ||
| [[File:Treehouse of Horror 4 Underground Lair World.jpg|200px]] | | [[File:Treehouse of Horror 4 Underground Lair World.jpg|200px]] | ||
| [[World of Springfield: Toys "Я" Us|Toys "Я" Us]] | | [[World of Springfield: Toys "Я" Us|Toys "Я" Us]] | ||
| − | | Treehouse of Horror 4 Underground Lair with Stretch Dude Bart, Lucy Lawless, Clobber Girl Lisa and The Collector | + | | Treehouse of Horror 4 Underground Lair with [[Stretch Dude]] Bart, [[Lucy Lawless]], [[Clobber Girl]] Lisa and [[The Collector]] |
| September 2003 | | September 2003 | ||
|- | |- | ||
| Line 328: | Line 324: | ||
| [[File:World of Springfield Series 14.jpg|200px]] | | [[File:World of Springfield Series 14.jpg|200px]] | ||
| [[World of Springfield: Series 14|Series 14]] | | [[World of Springfield: Series 14|Series 14]] | ||
| − | | Luigi, Louie, Sarcastic Man, Kilted Wilie, Miss Hoover and Mrs. Botz | + | | [[Luigi]], [[Louie]], [[Rapheal|Sarcastic Man]], Kilted Wilie, [[Miss Hoover]] and [[Mrs. Botz]] |
| October 2003 | | October 2003 | ||
|- | |- | ||
| [[File:Aztec Theater World.jpg|200px]] | | [[File:Aztec Theater World.jpg|200px]] | ||
| [[World of Springfield: Series 14 Playsets|Series 14 Playsets]] | | [[World of Springfield: Series 14 Playsets|Series 14 Playsets]] | ||
| − | | Aztec Theater with McBain | + | | [[Aztec Theater]] with [[McBain]] |
| October 2003 | | October 2003 | ||
|- | |- | ||
| Line 343: | Line 339: | ||
| [[File:Future World.jpg|200px]] | | [[File:Future World.jpg|200px]] | ||
| [[World of Springfield: EB Games|EB Games]] | | [[World of Springfield: EB Games|EB Games]] | ||
| − | | Future with Future Burns, Future Smithers and Smithers as Bobo | + | | Future with Future Burns, Future Smithers and Smithers as [[Bobo]] |
| October 2003 | | October 2003 | ||
|- | |- | ||
| [[File:Stonecutter Moe World.jpg|200px]] | | [[File:Stonecutter Moe World.jpg|200px]] | ||
| [[World of Springfield: Mail away|Mail away]] | | [[World of Springfield: Mail away|Mail away]] | ||
| − | |Stonecutter Moe | + | | Stonecutter Moe |
| October 2003 | | October 2003 | ||
|- | |- | ||
| [[File:World of Springfield Series 15.jpg|200px]] | | [[File:World of Springfield Series 15.jpg|200px]] | ||
| [[World of Springfield: Series 15|Series 15]] | | [[World of Springfield: Series 15|Series 15]] | ||
| − | | Manjula Nahasapeemapetilon, Sandeep, Sashi, Poonam, Uma, Gheet, Nabendu, Anoop, and Pria Nahasapeemapetilon (The Octuplets), Handsome Moe, Deep Space Homer, Brandine and "Worst Episode Ever" Comic Book Guy | + | | [[Manjula Nahasapeemapetilon]], [[Sandeep]], [[Sashi]], [[Poonam]], [[Uma]], [[Gheet]], [[Nabendu], [[Anoop]], and [[Pria Nahasapeemapetilon]] (The Octuplets), Handsome Moe, Deep Space Homer, [[Brandine]] and "Worst Episode Ever" Comic Book Guy |
| − | |January 2004 | + | | January [[2004]] |
|- | |- | ||
| [[File:Nuclear Power Plant Lunchroom World.jpg|200px]] | | [[File:Nuclear Power Plant Lunchroom World.jpg|200px]] | ||
| [[World of Springfield: Series 15 Playsets|Series 15 Playsets]] | | [[World of Springfield: Series 15 Playsets|Series 15 Playsets]] | ||
| − | | Nuclear Power Plant Lunchroom with Frank Grimes | + | | [[Nuclear Power Plant]] Lunchroom with [[Frank Grimes]] |
| January 2004 | | January 2004 | ||
|- | |- | ||
| [[File:Stonecutter Lenny World.jpg|200px]] | | [[File:Stonecutter Lenny World.jpg|200px]] | ||
| [[World of Springfield: Mail away|Mail away]] | | [[World of Springfield: Mail away|Mail away]] | ||
| − | |Stonecutter Lenny | + | | Stonecutter Lenny |
| January 2004 | | January 2004 | ||
|- | |- | ||
| [[File:World of Springfield Series 16.jpg|200px]] | | [[File:World of Springfield Series 16.jpg|200px]] | ||
| [[World of Springfield: Series 16|Series 16]] | | [[World of Springfield: Series 16|Series 16]] | ||
| − | | Squishee Bender Bart, Agnes Skinner, Devil Homer, Artie Ziff, Doug | + | | Squishee Bender Bart, [[Agnes Skinner]], Devil Homer, [[Artie Ziff]], [[Doug (nerd)|Doug]], [[Benjamin]] & [[Gary (nerd)|Gary]] |
| − | |June 2004 | + | | June 2004 |
|- | |- | ||
| [[File:Town Square World.jpg|200px]] | | [[File:Town Square World.jpg|200px]] | ||
| [[World of Springfield: Series 16 Playsets|Series 16 Playsets]] | | [[World of Springfield: Series 16 Playsets|Series 16 Playsets]] | ||
| − | | Town Square with Jedbediah Springfield | + | | [[Town Square]] with [[Jedbediah Springfield]] |
| September 2004 | | September 2004 | ||
|- | |- | ||
| Line 379: | Line 375: | ||
== Vehicles == | == Vehicles == | ||
| − | Technically not part of World of Springfield (though there is a debate among the fans), these vehicles were made by Playmates Toys in June 2001, and later, August 2002, and are sometimes considered part of the line by fans. | + | Technically not part of World of Springfield (though there is a debate among the fans), these vehicles were made by Playmates Toys in June 2001, and later, August 2002, and are sometimes considered part of the line by fans. The vehicles weren't actually able to hold any figures from the line, but they could however speak by moving the small characters to the right or the left or by pressing the car's hood (this would create a conversation between the characters rather than just one character talking). Upon doing so, each character would have special lines taken from episodes from the series, much like the figures. |
*Family Car w/ Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie/'''Release date:''' ''June 2001'' | *Family Car w/ Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie/'''Release date:''' ''June 2001'' | ||
| Line 385: | Line 381: | ||
== KayBee Toys exclusive == | == KayBee Toys exclusive == | ||
| − | Again, technically not considered part of the World of Springfield line (though there is debate about that among collectors), Playmates Toys released in August 2002 a series of figures exclusive to KayBee Toys based on the | + | Again, technically not considered part of the World of Springfield line (though there is debate about that among collectors), Playmates Toys released in August 2002 a series of figures exclusive to KayBee Toys based on the ''When Bongos Collide'' storyline from [[Bongo Comics]]. It featured ''Simpsons'' characters transformed into superheroes. The initial three-pack of figures included Homer Simpson as the [[Indigestible Bulk]], Apu as [[Captain Kwik]], and Ms. Krabappel as [[Vampiredna]]. Two more three-packs were planned (featuring Marge as the [[Entangler]], Lisa as the [[Jazzler]], Maggie as [[Brainbaby]], Grampa as [[Oldblood member Coda]], and Skinner as [[The Stickler]], and Willie as the [[Plaid Piper]]), but the line was cancelled as soon as it hit retail. |
== Cancelled items == | == Cancelled items == | ||
| Line 391: | Line 387: | ||
=== Figures === | === Figures === | ||
| − | + | *[[Rabbi Krustofsky]] - ''Was to be included in the Series 2 line of Celebrity Figures, but for reasons unknown, he was cancelled.'' | |
| − | *[[Rabbi Krustofsky]]-''Was to be | + | *[[Lyle Lanley]] - ''Originally part of the Series 3 line of Celebrity Figures, but was replaced by Cooder.'' |
| − | *Lyle Lanley-''Originally part of the Series 3 line of Celebrity Figures, but was replaced by Cooder.'' | + | *[[Malloy]] - ''Originally part of Series 12, but was replaced by Number One.'' |
| − | *Malloy-''Originally part of Series 12, but was replaced by Number One.'' | + | *Stonecutter Wiggum - ''Was cancelled when the World of Springfield line ended. Was going to be part of the Mail Away figures.'' |
| − | *Stonecutter Wiggum-''Was cancelled when the World of Springfield line ended. Was going to be part of the Mail Away figures.'' | ||
=== Playsets === | === Playsets === | ||
| − | * | + | *[[Flanders' Rumpus Room]] w/ Maude Flanders - ''Was originally going to be the playset for the Wave 18 line, but was cancelled when the World of Springfield line ended.'' |
| − | *Springfield Elementary Playground w/ Janey-''Was going to be a part of the Wave 17 line, but was cancelled for unknown reasons'' | + | *Springfield Elementary Playground w/ [[Janey]] - ''Was going to be a part of the Wave 17 line, but was cancelled for unknown reasons.'' |
| − | *Stonecutter Hall w/ Stonecutter Carl-''Was going to be Toys-R-Us exclusive, but cancelled due to slow sales of the Be Sharps playset and the end of World of Springfield | + | *Stonecutter Hall w/ Stonecutter Carl - ''Was going to be Toys-R-Us exclusive, but cancelled due to slow sales of the Be Sharps playset and the end of World of Springfield.'' |
| − | *300th Episode Special: Bart's Loft w/ Skateboarding Homer, Pajama Bart, "Indian Burn" Lisa, and Casual Skinner-''Was cancelled due to unknown reasons''[[File:300'th Episode Loft.jpg|thumb|right|The sketch of the cancelled loft set]] | + | *300th Episode Special: [[Bart's Loft]] w/ Skateboarding Homer, Pajama Bart, "Indian Burn" Lisa, and Casual Skinner - ''Was cancelled due to unknown reasons.''[[File:300'th Episode Loft.jpg|thumb|right|The sketch of the cancelled loft set]] |
| − | *Oval Office w/ President Lisa, Old Homer, Old Marge, Grownup Bart, and Maggie Jr.-''Was planned as a Toys-R-Us exclusive, but cancelled due to slow sales in previous exclusives'' | + | *[[Oval Office]] w/ President Lisa, Old Homer, Old Marge, Grownup Bart, and [[Maggie Jr.]] - ''Was planned as a Toys-R-Us exclusive, but cancelled due to slow sales in previous exclusives.'' |
=== Waves === | === Waves === | ||
| − | *Wave 17: Ninja [[Bart]], [[Richard]] & [[Lewis]], [[Arnie Pie]], Bigfoot [[Homer]], Flying Hellfish [[Grampa]], and [[Cecil Terwilliger]] | + | *Wave 17: Ninja [[Bart]], [[Richard]] & [[Lewis]], [[Arnie Pie]], Bigfoot [[Homer]], Flying Hellfish [[Grampa]], and [[Cecil Terwilliger]] |
| − | *Wave 18: [[Lindsay Naegle]], Tuxedo [[Kang]], Tuxedo [[Kodos]], Uncle [[Moe]], [[Sanjay]], and [[Akira]] | + | *Wave 18: [[Lindsay Naegle]], Tuxedo [[Kang]], Tuxedo [[Kodos]], Uncle [[Moe]], [[Sanjay]], and [[Akira]] |
| + | |||
| + | == External links == | ||
| + | *[http://www.simpsonscollectors.com/default.asp Simpsons Collector Sector]. | ||
| + | *[http://www.mwctoys.com/FEATURE_101104a.htm Michael Crawford's 'It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World of Springfield!'] | ||
{{World of Springfield}} | {{World of Springfield}} | ||
Revision as of 17:17, January 19, 2012
The World of Springfield is a series of action figures, which ran between December 1999 to December 2004 and was released by Playmates Toys.
The toy action figure series was called World of Springfield because the goal of the line was to build a miniature Springfield through a series of interactive action figures and playsets. It eventually encompassed over 200 different figures/characters from the series, 40 interactive playsets (toy re-creations of Simpson's interior settings and town location settings within Springfield), and 3 non-interactive diorama town settings.
Contents
Background
The success of all "mass-market" action figure lines based on TV or movie characters are timed to the initial release of the project - as part of its promotional and marketing messages - taking advantage of the promotions, P.R. and advertising awareness and the figures themselves also as advertising and promotional vehicles. Most movie/TV tie-in action figures are successful for the brief period of the theatrical release, the video/DVD release and the possibility of a successful sequel but rarely for any longer period and typically, the release pattern for the action figure is no more than a few dozen figures, and some playsets to serve as background dioramas for the figures - with sales dropping off a few months after the last film is released. The Kenner/Hasbro Star Wars movie line is of course, the gold standard with figures in the same scale and in the marketplace since 1978. The closest TV equivalent might be the Star Trek line, though non-contiguous and not technically from one TV series (coincidentally also from Playmates Toys).
While The Simpsons merchandising and licensing had continued unabated since the first season of the TV series in 1989, the characters represented as action figures only had a brief Mattel run in 1990, with only 7 figures and 1 Simpsons Living Room representation playset.
Why was the line successful?
Of course, it starts with the mass market appeal of The Simpsons - encompassing everyone from young kids who loved the slapstick aspects to adults of all ages who appreciated that the jokes and situations that worked on multi-levels of our intellect (from the kid in us to the Mensa in us). Like any classic TV series, fans remember and quote the lines - and Playmates Toys managed to capture that appeal with its interactive playsets. Each figure came with its own "coded" chip on the base of that characters foot (generally foot but not always) that when contacted with the "trigger" tab on each playset would (complete the circuit) so by then pressing the button closest to that figure, you would hear a playback of 1-5 phrases for the character.
What made it unique was that the playback was from the actual show and the actual voice actor - so placing the Homer Simpson figure on an appropriate playset would trigger the playback of a quote performed by Dan Castellaneta as he performed it in the original episode.
Of additional value was that each playset held quotes and voice clip performances for a variety of characters so that placing the Marge Simpson figure or the Bart figure would trigger different quotes and voice clips. One limitation was that not every character worked with every playset - some for story logic reasons (character might not appear at that setting), release logistics (figures released after a playset was available much earlier) or presumably for cost reasons (as each voice clip had to be approved and licensed).
A real-world situation also cannot be over-looked - that these were released during the era of the internet/dot.com boom and general health of the U.S. economy. While the figures were priced at the lower end of action figure retail pricing (from $5.99 USD to eventually $7.99 USD each), the playsets generally ranged from $20 USD to $25 USD at the end of 2004 but there were special releases that ranged into the $60 USD range. Even at minimal retail, 200+ figures and 40 playsets meant a financial commitment. In addition, there were a dozen exclusives and mail-in figures that required extra work to obtain the figures - often via an online auction. It was however, during these early years of the series coinciding with the healthy economy that added extra impetus and momentum that carried the line a few extra years.
Fan interaction
The World of Springfield line set a new standard of company/fan interaction in its relationship between Playmates Toys and the collectors, specifically based at the Simpsons Collector Sector (SCS) website and forums. Starting in mid-2001, with contacts from board moderator Michael Crawford, Playmates executives (first Jeff Trojan and later Pat Linden) reached out to the collectors in a mutually beneficial relationship—fans got input into the line; the company got free market research. Playmates Toys answered a monthly Q&A from collectors, and regularly gave exclusive details about upcoming products to the SCS website directly. Collectors had opportunities to affect the line's future on a few occasions.
The first incident occurred in summer 2001 after a controversy surrounding the release of a ToyFare mail-away figure, Pin Pal Burns. Fans complained about the unfair way ToyFare handled these offers and Playmates responded, first by having ToyFare make later offers available online and later by ending WoS offers from ToyFare entirely. Conversely, fan enthusiasm helped revive products that had been cancelled at one point, including the deluxe Main Street playset and the Moe's Tavern playset.
Collectors were also asked often to give suggestions on what figures and playsets they wanted to see; polls were generated. The results of these polls had an impact on future lineups, with collectors getting many of the figures they had requested.
This interaction hit a peak in 2003 when the Simpsons Collector Sector hosted a panel discussion at the San Diego Comic Con that July. A representative from Playmates Toys was the featured guest and engaged in Q&A with attendees and handed out free figures to all as well.
Fans continued to have a voice through the end of the line, although larger issues—voice contracts, licensor disagreements—sometimes prevented collectors from getting everything they wanted from the line. This model of interaction has been followed by many other toy companies since.
End and revival
The line ended in mid-2004 due to a number of factors, most importantly slow sales. There were a number of factors, in turn, that contributed to the declining sales, including: "collectors fatigue"; the release pattern of figures; the sheer size of the line was difficult for newcomers; the slowing economy; the changing toy retail situation; and even Playmates Toys relationship with 20th Century Fox.
However, not long after, McFarlane Toys - known for their sports line of action figures - decided to revive Simpsons collecting and start a new line of figures. The first set to be released was the "Ironic Punishment" set from the episode "Treehouse of Horror IV". It features Homer being "tortured" by one of the devils minions, by forcing all the donuts in the world down his throat. It was soon followed by a "Family Couch Gag" set, from the beginning of each episode.
List of figures and playsets
| Image | Name of set | Characters | Release date |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Series 1 | Homer Simpson, Bart Simpson, Lisa Simpson, Abraham Simpson, Charles Montgomery Burns, Krusty the Clown | January 2000 |
 
|
Series 1 Playsets | Simpsons Living Room with Marge & Maggie, Nuclear Power Plant with Radioactive Homer | February 2000 |
|
Series 2 | Pin Pal Homer, Barney Gumble, Ned Flanders, Waylon Smithers, Chief Clancy Wiggum, Sunday Best Bart | August 2000 |
 
|
Series 2 Playsets | Kwik-E-Mart with Apu Nahasapeemapetilon and Springfield Elementary with Principal Seymour Skinner | August 2000 |
|
Toys "Я" Us | Treehouse of Horror 1 Springfield Cemetery with Devil Flanders, Bart as the Fly, Vampire Burns and Ape Homer | September 2000 |
|
Toyfare | Radioactive Glow-In-The-Dark Homer | October 2000 |
|
Series 3 | Sunday Best Homer, Nelson Muntz, Moe Szyslak, Kamp Krusty Bart, Milhouse Van Houten, Otto Man | January 2001 |
 
|
Series 3 Playsets | Town Hall with Mayor Diamond Joe Quimby and Krustylu Studios with Sideshow Bob Terwilliger | January 2001 |
|
Series 4 | Lenny Leonard, Ralph Wiggum, Patty Bouvier, Groundskeeper Willie, Casual Homer, Itchy & Scratchy | April 2001 |
 
|
Series 4 Playsets | Androids Dungeon Comic Book Shop with Comic Book Guy and Barney's Bowl-A-Rama with Pin Pal Apu | April 2001 |
|
Family Car | Marge, Homer, Lisa, Maggie and Bart. | June 2001 |
|
Series 5 | Kent Brockman, Sea Captain, Bartman, Martin Prince, Sideshow Mel, Bumblebee Man | July 2001 |
|
Toyfare | Pin Pal Burns | July 2001 |
|
Series 6 | Julius Hibbert, Snake Jailbird, Bleeding Gums Murphy, Carl Carlson, Isotopes Mascot Homer, Professor John Frink | September 2001 |
 
|
Series 6 Playsets | First Church of Springfield with Reverend Timothy Lovejoy and Noiseland Arcade with Jimbo Jones | September 2001 |
|
Toys "Я" Us | Treehouse of Horror 2 Alien Spaceship with Spaceship Homer, Kang and Kodos | September 2001 |
|
EB Games | Lunar Base with Rainer Wolfcastle as Radioactive Man and Milhouse as Fallout Boy | September 2001 |
|
Toyfare | Boxing Homer | October 2001 |
|
Toys "Я" Us | Simpson's Christmas with Holiday Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie | November 2001 |
|
Series 7 | Cletus, Edna Krabappel, Officer Lou, Hans Moleman, Officer Marge | December 2001 |
 
|
Series 7 Playsets | The Simpsons Kitchen with Muumuu Homer and Krusty Burger with Squeaky-voiced teen | December 2001 |
|
Toyfare | Convention Comic Book Guy | December 2001 |
|
Toyfare | Pin Pal Moe | December 2001 |
|
Celebrity Series 1 | Troy McClure, Herb Powell and Fat Tony | February 2002 |
|
Series 8 | Kearny, Sherri & Terri, Ragin' Willie, Uter, Superintendent Chalmers and Daredevil Bart | March 2002 |
 
|
Series 8 Playsets | Springfield DMV with Selma Bouvier and Springfield Elementary Cafeteria with Lunchlady Doris | March 2002 |
|
Toys "Я" Us | Lurleen Lumpkin's Trailer with Colonel Homer and Lurleen Lumpkin | April 2002 |
|
EB Games | High School Prom with High School Homer and High School Marge | April 2002 |
|
Series 9 | Rod & Todd Flanders, Busted Krusty, Sunday Best Grampa, Prison Bob, Disco Stu, Sunday Best Lisa | June 2002 |
 
|
Series 9 Playsets | Police Station with Officer Eddie and Springfield Retirement Castle with Jasper Beardly | June 2002 |
|
Celebrity Series 2 | Lionel Hutz and Brad Goodman | June 2002 |
|
Toys "Я" Us | Treehouse of Horror 3 Ironic Punishment with Dream Invader Willie, Witch Marge, Hugo and Donut Head Homer | August 2002 |
|
Toys "Я" Us | Barney's Bowl-A-Rama with Bowling Marge and Jauques | August 2002 |
|
School Bus | Marge, Homer, Lisa, Maggie and Bart. | August 2002 |
|
Celebrity Series 3 | Brad Goodman, Llewellyn Sinclair and Cooder | September 2002 |
|
Toys "Я" Us | Main Street with Crazy Old Man and Squeaky Voiced Teen | September 2002 |
|
Mail away | Be Sharp Homer | September 2002 |
|
Series 10 | Stonecutter Homer, Wendell, Sunday Best Marge & Maggie, Scout Leader Flanders, Doctor Marvin Monroe and Resort Smithers | October 2002 |
 
|
Series 10 Playsets | Burns Manor with Pajama Burns and Hospital with Doctor Nick | October 2002 |
|
EB Games | KBBL Radio Station with Marty & Bill | October 2002 |
|
Toys "Я" Us | New Years Town Square with New Years Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie | November 2002 |
|
Series 11 | Larry Burns, Plow King Barney, Blue Haired Lawyer, Kirk Van Houten, Gil and Rainer Wolfcastle | December 2002 |
|
Series 11 Playsets | Court Room with Judge Snyder | December 2002 |
|
EB Games | Moe's Tavern with Duffman | January 2003 |
|
Mail away | Be Sharp Apu | January 2003 |
|
Mail away | Be Sharp Barney | July 2003 |
|
Series 12 | Number One, Database, Mister Huey Largo, Don Vittorio, Luann Van Houten and Mister Plow Homer | April 2003 |
|
Series 12 Playsets | Bart's Treehouse with Military Bart | April 2003 |
|
Mail away | Be Sharp Skinner | April 2003 |
 
|
Re-Release | Moe and Mr. Burns | April 2003 |
|
Series 13 | Helen Lovejoy, Freddy Quimby, Tuxedo Krusty, Legs, Princess Kashmir and Doctor Stephen Hawking | July 2003 |
|
Series 13 Playsets | Military Antique Store with Herman | July 2003 |
  
|
Dioramas | Outside Simpsons House with Homer, Marge, and Maggie, Outside Kwik-E-Mart with Grampa & Apu and Outside Krustylu Studios with Krusty & Milhouse | July 2003 |
|
KayBee Toys | The Ingestible Bulk Homer, Vampiredna Krabapple and Captain Kwik Apu | July 2003 |
|
Toys "Я" Us | Treehouse of Horror 4 Underground Lair with Stretch Dude Bart, Lucy Lawless, Clobber Girl Lisa and The Collector | September 2003 |
|
Toys "Я" Us | Be Sharps Centennial with Doolittle Wiggum | September 2003 |
|
Series 14 | Luigi, Louie, Sarcastic Man, Kilted Wilie, Miss Hoover and Mrs. Botz | October 2003 |
|
Series 14 Playsets | Aztec Theater with McBain | October 2003 |
|
Toys "Я" Us | Simpson's Rumpus Room with Tracy Ullman Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie | October 2003 |
|
EB Games | Future with Future Burns, Future Smithers and Smithers as Bobo | October 2003 |
|
Mail away | Stonecutter Moe | October 2003 |
|
Series 15 | Manjula Nahasapeemapetilon, Sandeep, Sashi, Poonam, Uma, Gheet, [[Nabendu], Anoop, and Pria Nahasapeemapetilon (The Octuplets), Handsome Moe, Deep Space Homer, Brandine and "Worst Episode Ever" Comic Book Guy | January 2004 |
|
Series 15 Playsets | Nuclear Power Plant Lunchroom with Frank Grimes | January 2004 |
|
Mail away | Stonecutter Lenny | January 2004 |
|
Series 16 | Squishee Bender Bart, Agnes Skinner, Devil Homer, Artie Ziff, Doug, Benjamin & Gary | June 2004 |
|
Series 16 Playsets | Town Square with Jedbediah Springfield | September 2004 |
Vehicles
Technically not part of World of Springfield (though there is a debate among the fans), these vehicles were made by Playmates Toys in June 2001, and later, August 2002, and are sometimes considered part of the line by fans. The vehicles weren't actually able to hold any figures from the line, but they could however speak by moving the small characters to the right or the left or by pressing the car's hood (this would create a conversation between the characters rather than just one character talking). Upon doing so, each character would have special lines taken from episodes from the series, much like the figures.
- Family Car w/ Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie/Release date: June 2001
- School Bus w/ Martin, Milhouse, Ralph, Bart, and Otto/Release date: August 2002
KayBee Toys exclusive
Again, technically not considered part of the World of Springfield line (though there is debate about that among collectors), Playmates Toys released in August 2002 a series of figures exclusive to KayBee Toys based on the When Bongos Collide storyline from Bongo Comics. It featured Simpsons characters transformed into superheroes. The initial three-pack of figures included Homer Simpson as the Indigestible Bulk, Apu as Captain Kwik, and Ms. Krabappel as Vampiredna. Two more three-packs were planned (featuring Marge as the Entangler, Lisa as the Jazzler, Maggie as Brainbaby, Grampa as Oldblood member Coda, and Skinner as The Stickler, and Willie as the Plaid Piper), but the line was cancelled as soon as it hit retail.
Cancelled items
As in most toy lines, items are planned for release that for a number of reasons (cost issues, low retailer interest) never end up being produced and/or released. Many items were cancelled from the World of Springfield line, a complete list is available in the Simpsons Collector Sector's Release Guide.
Figures
- Rabbi Krustofsky - Was to be included in the Series 2 line of Celebrity Figures, but for reasons unknown, he was cancelled.
- Lyle Lanley - Originally part of the Series 3 line of Celebrity Figures, but was replaced by Cooder.
- Malloy - Originally part of Series 12, but was replaced by Number One.
- Stonecutter Wiggum - Was cancelled when the World of Springfield line ended. Was going to be part of the Mail Away figures.
Playsets
- Flanders' Rumpus Room w/ Maude Flanders - Was originally going to be the playset for the Wave 18 line, but was cancelled when the World of Springfield line ended.
- Springfield Elementary Playground w/ Janey - Was going to be a part of the Wave 17 line, but was cancelled for unknown reasons.
- Stonecutter Hall w/ Stonecutter Carl - Was going to be Toys-R-Us exclusive, but cancelled due to slow sales of the Be Sharps playset and the end of World of Springfield.
- 300th Episode Special: Bart's Loft w/ Skateboarding Homer, Pajama Bart, "Indian Burn" Lisa, and Casual Skinner - Was cancelled due to unknown reasons.
- Oval Office w/ President Lisa, Old Homer, Old Marge, Grownup Bart, and Maggie Jr. - Was planned as a Toys-R-Us exclusive, but cancelled due to slow sales in previous exclusives.
Waves
- Wave 17: Ninja Bart, Richard & Lewis, Arnie Pie, Bigfoot Homer, Flying Hellfish Grampa, and Cecil Terwilliger
- Wave 18: Lindsay Naegle, Tuxedo Kang, Tuxedo Kodos, Uncle Moe, Sanjay, and Akira
External links
World of Springfield
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|---|---|---|
| Series 1 (Playsets) • Series 2 (Playsets) • Series 3 (Playsets) • Series 4 (Playsets) • Series 5 • Series 6 (Playsets) • Series 7 (Playsets) • Series 8 (Playsets) • Series 9 (Playsets) • Series 10 (Playsets) • Series 11 (Playset) • Series 12 (Playset) • Series 13 (Playset) • Series 14 (Playset) • Series 15 (Playset) • Series 16 (Playset) | ||
| Celebrity Series | ||
| Series 1 • Series 2 • Series 3 | ||
| Exclusives | ||
| Toyfare • Toys "Я" Us • EB Games • Mail away • KayBee Toys | ||
| Vehicles | ||
| Family Car • School Bus | ||
| Other | ||
| Dioramas • Re-Release | ||
| Cancelled | ||
| Times Square Playset |
