In the 1980s, kids were obsessed with ghosts, proton packs, and a big, marshmallowy villain called Stay Puft. While the Ghostbusters movie franchise captured the imagination of audiences on the big screen, it was The Real Ghostbusters animated series that cemented the brand’s place in the world of Saturday morning cartoons—and in toy aisles across the country. Released in 1986, The Real Ghostbusters toy line, produced by Kenner, was a massive hit, allowing kids to bring the supernatural adventures of their favorite ghost-fighting team right into their homes. But this wasn’t just about recreating scenes from the show—it was about the joy of collecting action figures that were as quirky, imaginative, and colorful as the characters they represented.
The Real Ghostbusters Animated Series
After the massive success of the 1984 Ghostbusters movie, it was only a matter of time before the brand expanded into other media. The Real Ghostbusters animated series, which ran from 1986 to 1991, picked up where the movie left off, following the continued adventures of Peter Venkman, Egon Spengler, Ray Stantz, Winston Zeddemore, and their ghostly friend, Slimer. The show gave the characters a more stylized, cartoonish look and introduced younger audiences to the world of ghostbusting.
The series’ charm came from its humor, inventive ghost designs, and fun mix of supernatural and science-fiction elements. But for many kids, the real excitement came from the Real Ghostbusters action figures, which perfectly captured the colorful, goofy, and slightly spooky world of the show.
The Figures: Heroes and Gadgets
Kenner’s The Real Ghostbusters toy line launched in 1986, and it didn’t take long for it to become a favorite among young collectors. The line included all four Ghostbusters, each with their signature look and ghost-busting accessories. The figures were designed with unique action features that brought an extra layer of playability. For example, Peter Venkman could twist his waist to perform a ghost-fighting action, while Egon Spengler had a twisting arm for zapping ghosts.
But the real draw for fans was the inclusion of their iconic tools of the trade—each Ghostbuster came with a proton pack that could shoot out a “proton stream,” a flexible plastic piece that represented the ghost-trapping beams from the show. These proton packs were detachable and gave kids the ability to re-enact the exciting moments from the cartoon, making the figures feel more interactive than most other action figures at the time.
Each Ghostbuster also came with a ghost accessory, usually a small, rubbery creature that could be caught or fought with the proton streams. The ghosts ranged from the iconic Slimer to more obscure, original creations that Kenner designed specifically for the toy line.
The Ghosts: Ectoplasmic Fun
Speaking of ghosts, the Real Ghostbusters line was filled with an array of ghoulish, colorful specters that were just as fun (if not more fun) to collect as the Ghostbusters themselves. Kenner’s designers had a blast coming up with outlandish, imaginative ghost figures that pushed the boundaries of traditional action figures. These ghosts weren’t just static toys—they often had action features that made them come to life in kids’ hands.
One of the most popular ghosts was Stay Puft Marshmallow Man, the iconic villain from the movie who was reimagined for the cartoon as a giant, smiling adversary. Stay Puft was released as a large figure, towering over the smaller Ghostbusters, making him perfect for final showdowns. Another favorite was Fearsome Flush, a haunted toilet that could roll forward, revealing a terrifying face and tongue. It was exactly the kind of wacky, unexpected design that made the line stand out.
The Haunted Humans line, introduced in later waves, featured human figures that could transform into grotesque monsters. For example, Tombstone Tackle looked like a normal football player but could open up to reveal a horrifying ghostly face. These figures were both creepy and hilarious, adding to the toy line’s appeal.
Vehicles and Playsets
Of course, no Ghostbusters toy line would be complete without their iconic vehicle—the Ecto-1. The Ecto-1 toy was a faithful recreation of the Ghostbusters’ car, a souped-up hearse complete with a roof-mounted proton cannon and ghost trap. The vehicle was large enough to fit multiple figures inside, making it the ultimate ghost-hunting machine. Kids could pile their Ghostbusters into the Ecto-1 and drive off to the next big haunting, with plenty of room for ghosts to be caught in the back.
In addition to the Ecto-1, Kenner also released a variety of other vehicles and playsets that expanded the Ghostbusters world. The Firehouse Headquarters playset was a must-have for fans, offering a three-story version of the Ghostbusters’ home base. It featured a working fire pole, ghost containment unit, and plenty of space for storing figures and vehicles. This playset became the central hub for countless ghost-busting adventures.
The Role-Playing Experience
One of the most innovative aspects of The Real Ghostbusters toy line was its role-playing component. Kenner didn’t just make action figures—they made toys that allowed kids to step into the shoes of their favorite Ghostbusters. The Proton Pack Role-Playing Set was a prime example of this. Kids could strap on their very own proton pack, complete with a foam “proton stream,” and pretend to catch ghosts in their own backyard. Other role-play toys, like the Ghost Trap and PKE Meter, made it easy for kids to feel like they were part of the Ghostbusters team.
These toys went beyond simple action figures, immersing kids in the world of the Ghostbusters and encouraging imaginative play. The role-playing sets were incredibly popular and helped cement The Real Ghostbusters as one of the most iconic toy lines of the 80s.
Legacy and Collectibility
Though The Real Ghostbusters toy line came to an end in the early 90s, its legacy lives on. The figures, vehicles, and playsets from the line remain highly collectible, with certain figures fetching high prices on the secondary market. Vintage Ecto-1s and Firehouse playsets are particularly sought after by collectors, especially those in good condition with their original accessories.
In recent years, the Ghostbusters franchise has seen a resurgence, with new movies and animated series bringing the characters back into the spotlight. This renewed interest has led to re-releases of the original Real Ghostbusters toys, allowing new generations of fans to experience the magic of the original figures. For longtime fans, these re-releases are a nostalgic trip back to the days of chasing ghosts with their proton packs and catching ghosts in the Firehouse playset.
The Real Ghostbusters toy line remains one of the most memorable and beloved action figure lines of the 1980s. Its combination of imaginative ghosts, detailed vehicles, and interactive role-playing toys made it a standout in a crowded market. For those who grew up battling Stay Puft and Slimed with their trusty proton packs, the memories of these toys will always be a part of their childhood.