Action Figure Review: Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man from Ghostbusters Kenner Classics by Hasbro

    I know I've talked about my love for Ghostbusters many times (the original film is constantly tied with Raiders of the Lost Ark for my favorite film of all time) and I know I've talked about my nostalgia for the vintage toyline, but you may not believe that based on my reviews of Hasbro's Ghostbusters Kenner Classics which are essentially remakes of the vintage Kenner toyline. While I do like Winston (I haven't found the other Ghostbusters yet) my review of Slimer, AKA the Green Ghost, was only a little above average. Folks, as much as I love Mr. Stay-Puft this guy just isn't getting high marks from me. Don't get me wrong; The Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man is an iconic toy and I definitely had fun with him as a kid but he's not a fantastic toy nor is he a perfect remake. Let's take a look at the toy after the break and see the ups and the downs of this massive marshmallowy menace!

 The Facts:

Height: 7 inches

Articulation: Swivel arms and a swivel head

Accessories: None

Non-Scalper Price: $15 dollars

 The Packaging:


* Here's a quick shot of the packaging. It looks pretty spot on to how I remember the vintage packaging looking and features the classic Kenner logo in the bottom right corner. I do want to point out that these cards seem to get damaged in transit, though, as I haven't seen any cards for either the Green Ghost or Mr. Stay-Puft that haven't had some damage to the backer card. The top corners seem to be especially prone to bends and creases.

 The Positives:

* I really do like the sculpt of this guy. If you're just going to stand him around on a shelf or keep him carded than Mr. Stay-Puft is a really fun toy. He's bright and definitely look like the character. Anytime a media based toy is instantly recognizable it's a very good thing! He's rotocast and, for some reason, it just seems to really make him seem more marshmallow and fun!

 * The Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man is typically grinning (except when he's not!) so that's the look Kenner captured on the vintage toy. It's a great likeness! I've always loved the way his sailor hat it cocked aside on his head. The "Stay-Puft" brand is even stamped onto the band of his cap!

 * Mr. Stay-Puft only has three points of articulation (swivel shoulders and a swivel head) but he is a surprisingly fun toy to play with. Since he is rotocast, he's hollow. Kind of like a dog toy, really. He's also really durable. You see the vintage figures typically in good shape as well. You know, unless some kid chewed on the fingers. It happened.

 * Speaking of the fingers, I think Kenner did an excellent job with them. As a kid my dad would pretend Mr. Stay-Puft could shoot his fingers at the Ghostbusters (I guess like a marshamllow gun) , so that's always stuck with me. I think he actually did shoot flaming marshmallow pieces in the Ghostbusters video game, right? Man, that was a great game!

 The Negatives:

* The paint on this part of his sailor's outfit is really lumpy and uneven. This is a bit of a QC nightmare in my book, especially considering how little paint is actually on the figure.

* There are also lots of errant marks on the figure. Here's one on his hand! You'll probably notice these scuffs in a couple of places as you look at the figure.

   I do like the Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man toy. Stay-Puft himself is one of the greatest and most recognizable movie villains of all time and I can't imagine anyone who wouldn't want to display him in their home, but Hasbro's remake of Kenner's toy has a lot of paint problems and random scuffs. Overall, I'm giving him an Eh and a 1/2. He's a decent decoration to have on your shelf but he's not a great toy nor does he feel like Hasbro did the absolute best job they could. He kind of is what he is, but with some sloppy paintwork. I'm a bit disappointed in him, to be honest.


If you're a fan of the Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man then check out my review of the Minimates set Gooey Ray Stantz and Exploding Stay Puft.


For more figures from Hasbro's Ghostbusters Kenner Classics line check out the following:
Green Ghost
Winston Zeddemore and Chomper Ghost