RUBBER UGLIES

1967

Topps originally produced these small wiggly RUBBER UGLIES as a merchandizing idea that spun-off from the monstrous creatures in the successful 1965 Topps series UGLY STICKERS. The full set of RUBBER UGLIES consisted of an unknown-number of monsters, which probably exceeded the following documentation of pedigree purebreds and a few mutant hybrids. These products were first test-marketed in an open vendor's display box from which kids could select their favorite UGLIES. Topps transferred the over-stocked RUBBER UGLIES to its own subsidiary gumball division, where nimble workmen stuffed the little devils into multi-colored plastic eggs and sold them as prized trinkets in penny gumball machines. This followed the popular trend of cramming tiny plastic TROLL DOLLS and RAT FINKS into little plastic eggs and selling them as gumball-machine prizes. Similarly, Topps merchandizing also produced toy plastic rings that were sold in gumball machines with "3-D" flicker images of creatures from Ugly Stickers. Selling gumballs was big business for Topps, which was after all a bubblegum manufacturer. Topps was keen to come up with new ways to sell more gumballs by featuring a prize trinket, and having kids repeatedly try their luck at "winning." Like the use of "chase" cards, these tactics gave kids the thrill of gambling as they fed penny after penny into the gumball "slot" machine. Subsequent success attracted many independent toy manufacturers from around the world to modify the copyrighted designs and mass-produce geneticallty related ugly creatures, many of whom are still patiently gestating inside cramped little plastic eggs in gumball machines worldwide.

Number 1-
This image was designed by Basil Wolverton. It was never officially recreated as a Rubber Ugly, because Topps agreed to a legal settlement respecting the artist's claim to the copyright.

Number 2

This image was designed by Basil Wolverton and recreated as a Rubber Ugly, even though Topps agreed to a legal settlement respecting the artist's claim to the copyright.

Number 3
 

Number 4
This image was designed by Basil Wolverton. It was never officially recreated as a Rubber Ugly, because Topps agreed to a legal settlement respecting the artist's claim to the copyright.

Number 5

 

Number 6

 

This image was designed by Basil Wolverton. But it was officially recreated as a Rubber Ugly, even though Topps agreed to a legal settlement respecting the artist's claim to the copyright. Perhaps the altered design was their loophole.

Number 7

 

Number 8

 

Number 9

 
  

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