In the late 1980s, a peculiar line of toys emerged that combined the charm of puppetry with the eerie allure of swamp-dwelling creatures. These were the Boglins—rubber hand puppets with movable eyes and mouths, encased in cages, and designed to be operated by the user’s hand. Created by Tim Clarke, who had previously collaborated with Jim Henson on projects like The Dark Crystal and Fraggle Rock, Boglins stood out for their high-quality craftsmanship and unique design.
Origins and Evolution
The first Boglins were introduced in 1987 by Mattel in the United States, featuring characters such as Drool, Dwork, and Vlobb. These larger puppets were sold in cages, allowing for interactive play. In the UK and Europe, the names were localized to Plunk, Flurp, and Dwork. The line was short-lived in the U.S., lasting only two years, but it found greater success in the UK, distributed by Ideal and Action GT.
As the popularity of Boglins grew, the range expanded to include various sub-series:
- Mini Boglins (1991): Small, solid PVC figures without movable parts, sold in randomized packs. They were divided into tribes like The Clumsies, The Freaks, and The Greedies.
- Glow Boglins: Characters like Klang, Doink, and Squit featured glow-in-the-dark eyes, adding a spooky effect.
- Soggy Boglins: Aquatic-themed characters such as Snish the Fish and Slobster the Lobster.
- Hairy Boglins: Versions of Dwork, Plunk, and Flurp with rooted hair, adding a tactile element to the toys.
- Action Boglins (1994): Characters like Rasp, Gunge, and Likk had interactive features such as spitting or popping eyes.
- Bash’em Boglins: These had detachable parts that would pop off when struck, adding a playful element.
Despite their initial success, the original line was discontinued by the mid-1990s.
Current Market Values (2025)
Vintage Boglins have become highly collectible, with prices varying based on rarity, condition, and packaging. Below is a table summarizing current market values in GBP (£):
| Variant | Example Listing | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Large Hand Puppets | King Dwork (first edition, boxed) | £1,234.63 |
| King Vlobb (new, boxed) | £64.99 | |
| Mini Boglins | Various characters, loose or in packaging | £0.99 – £69.99 |
| Glow Boglins | Klang, Doink, Squit (used, boxed) | £55.00 – £70.99 |
| Hairy Boglins | Dwork, Plunk, Flurp (rooted hair, boxed) | £90.00 |
| Action/Bash’em Boglins | Rasp, Gunge, Likk (used, boxed) | £20.00 – £47.36 |
Note: Prices are approximate and may vary based on condition and seller.
Variants and Rarity
The world of Boglins is rich with variations and rare editions:
- Mini Boglins: These small figures were sold in packs and came in various colors and poses. Some were even included in Kellogg’s Frosties cereal boxes in the UK, making them particularly rare.
- Glow Boglins: Characters like Klang and Doink featured glow-in-the-dark eyes, adding a unique element to the toys.
- Hairy Boglins: Versions of Dwork, Plunk, and Flurp with rooted hair were produced for the UK and European markets, making them some of the most collectible and expensive variants.
Collectors often seek out these rare variants, and their value can vary based on condition, packaging, and rarity.
🛍️ Where to Find Boglins Today
For those interested in adding a Boglin to their collection, several online retailers offer both vintage and new releases:
- eBay UK: A marketplace for both vintage and new Boglins, with listings ranging from £0.99 to £1,234.63.
- Etsy: Offers various vintage and collectible Boglins, with prices varying based on rarity and condition.
- Toynk: Offers new releases like the Zort Zombie Boglin, priced at $39.99.
- Zatu Games UK: Stocks hand puppets like the Bat Boglin Drak, available for £22.99.
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a newcomer, the world of Boglins offers a unique blend of nostalgia and novelty. Their quirky designs and interactive features continue to captivate fans old and new.
Boglins remain a testament to the creativity and craftsmanship of 1980s toy design. Their enduring appeal lies in their blend of whimsical design and interactive play, making them a cherished part of toy history.