THE GREAT GARLOO by Dave Goode

     Probably the greatest toy I never received for Christmas or a birthday present was the Great Garloo from Marx. Marketed as an "out of this world movie monster" in television spots, Garloo was a second cousin twice removed from the creatures that dwelt in the pages of the pre-superhero Marvel Comic Books. You know the ones. Grottu, Sporr, Tim Boo Ba and of course Fin Fang Foom. Garloo was the brainchild of Marvin Glass the creator of other great toys from Marx like the Rock 'em Sock 'em Robots.
     Garloo was a blueish green humanoid/reptile hybrid. He wore a leopard-skin loincloth, Roman sandals and a medallion with his name on it around his neck. Around his wrists were a broken chain that someone was foolish enough to think could restrain him. Standing just a shade under 2-feet tall and attached to a remote control battery box Garloo had 3 separate functions. He could move forward and backwards, open and close his arms and bend over at the waist to pick objects up. Garloo sold for $17.98 which is about $125 today. 
     I imagined Garloo coming with a four-page comic book pamphlet illustrated by either Kurt Schaffenberger or Steve Ditko detailing any one of a hundred adventures you could make-up with your great Garloo toy. Something like what's illustrated here by Vance Capley.