The Micronauts display room - photo by Ray Miller
"A mind flaying display!" -Kasper Geist, Lee's Toy Review magazine # 142

CO-organizers Robert Acquarulo and Chris Johnson began the planning for this show over 16 months ago, and the smooth running of the event showed that all aspects were carefully thought out and well taken care of. Some of the three day events included various workshops and lectures (on subjects ranging from de-graying Mego heads and casting items to displaying your collection and sculpting techniques), a panel discussion from a few Mego experts and some auspicious special guests, and a key note dinner featuring Q&A from a certain VP of Mego research and development! Definitely a full weekend for any Megophile...

"Over the years I've networked with many people so lining up the guest list actually came quite easy," Robert said, "All were willing to travel to pay homage to their favorite toy company."

Robert Acquarulo and Marty Abrams

Chris Johnson with his custom 12" Mego Chris Johnson Veterinarian figure (front and back)

Chris DMV introducing Marty Abrams (above) Ray Miller (r)

One of the biggest surprises of the show was the last minute confirmation that the one and only Marty Abrams, mastermind behind the Mego legacy, would be attending. And it was an even bigger surprise when the whole Abrams clan walked in during Ray Miller's Micronauts presentation.

Robert continues on, "The highlight was meeting and interacting with Marty Abrams who was a class act along with Neal. I can now die a satisfied man! Just seeing Marty and Neal come together after all these years was worth the 16 months of planning. My wife and I have been making trips to New York every weekend for the last 3 months so you can imagine how thrilled I am that this came together so beautifully."

The panel discussion went on for what seemed like a few hours, and many revelations concerning lost "lines" were uncovered. While the bulk of the many questions and discussions concerned the Mego 8" action figure lines, both Marty and Neal told the crowd that their greatest accomplishment at Mego (along with being the most successful profit-wise for them) was none other than the Micronauts. Many Micronauts history questions were answered too, some that have plagued collectors since the line was released way back in '76! One of the biggest being; was there ever a "Mego" produced/released Gyrotron vehicle? Marty's answer..."Yes."

The other panel experts: (l-r) Neal Kublan (Mego VP R&D), Paul Clarke (Dr. Mego) and Brian Heiler, moderator of the Mego Museum

Ken Abrams and Dave Waugh (left) and Dave Waugh's Micronauts display (one small portion, above)- photos by Bill McFarland

Reiterated by Ray Miller (moderator of the Micropolis Embassy) "Time to state here and now that the article in SUPER 7 claiming rather tritely that there was no way Gyrotron was sold in the US (and taking a rather rude tone toward those who claimed to remember otherwise) was indeed *wrong*. Mr. Abrams explained that a small quantity - probably 10 thousand if not a bit more - were indeed produced by Takara, packaged by Mego and sold in the US. At that time the rest of the Micronauts were produced in similar quantities. When production was moved to China, an analysis was made of sales vs. expenses on all of the toys, and Gyrotron simply didn't make the cut and was discontinued from the Micronauts line. Mr. Abrams said he believe he still had some samples of it around."

Dave Waugh's Micronauts display (another small portion)- photo by Bill McFarland

Ray Miller showing Ken Kelly a blast from the past (inside the dealer room) - from the collection of Gordon Smuder, the original Hornetroid thumbnail oil sketch for the Hornetroid box art painting. Presumably the only thumbnail produced for the series of paintings. A rare piece indeed!