High Marks for Marx

August 1979

Shogun Warriors #7

When I first glanced at this ad, I assumed it was for Hot Wheels or Matchbox cars, but it turns out they’re actually made by Marx. I’d never actually heard of this company, and figured it was probably some minor, short-lived business.

Wow, was I ever wrong! It turns out that Marx began in 1919 and was considered the top toy company for decades! This is the company that created such iconic toys as Rock’em Sock’em Robots and Big Wheels!

But, unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. Marx started to shut down plants the same year this ad was published, and was completely out of business as of 1980.