The Real Ghostbusters – 1987

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Kenner only released three new figures in 1987, with all being new ghosts figures. We also got three new ghosts as part of a new accessory line called Gooper Ghosts, that used a slime feature. Kenner released the first vehicle for the line, with the iconic ECTO-1. For accessories, Kenner released a Ghost Popper, which was basically a nerf gun to shoot at ghost targets.

For more information about Kenner’s Real Ghostbusters line from 1987, see bottom of the page for a complete summary.

WAVE 2

The Real Ghostbusters (1987 – Wave 2): Accessories

Kenner released 3 brand new Gooper Ghost sets to be used with the action figures, along with a container of purple Ecto-Plazm to go with them. We also got a new role play item with the Ghost Popper.

The Real Ghostbusters (1987 – Wave 2): Playsets

Kenner did not release any playsets as part of their second wave in 1987.

The Real Ghostbusters (1987 – Wave 2): Vehicles

Kenner released their first action figure vehicle in the second wave with the iconic ECTO-1 vehicle.

ECTO-1

Market Value:
Boxed $250 – $350
Loose $70 – $100

ECTO-1
Accessories: Ghost Figure, Ghost Grabber, Stream Launcher, Gunner Chair, Decals, Rear Hatch, Opening Doors
Years Released: 1987, 1988
Scarcity Factor: This item is tough to find packaged on secondary market
Notes: The ECTO-1 vehicle was without a doubt the coolest item to come out of Wave 2, and remains one of the most sought after pieces from the Real Ghostbusters line. It is, of course, modeled after the iconic vehicle from the classic Ghostbusters movie, as well as the Real Ghostbusters animated show. The vehicle featured a ghost grabber line and a ghost to practice on, as well as a stream blaster and chair.

After a successful launch of their Ghostbusters toy line the previous year, Kenner Toys was just beginning to pick up steam in 1987. Since the Real Ghostbusters animated show was also proving to be a huge hit on the small screen, kids were starting to really jump on the Ghost Busting bandwagon. Toy sales were picking up momentum, and Kenner’s gamble on the line was paying off big time. The toys and action figures weren’t the only thing doing extremely well either, the animated series was going into another full season in 1987 and scoring huge ratings with the kids. Ghostbuster merchandise was also spilling out of the action figure realm and into many other items that were popular with kids at the time, such as lunchboxes, bed linens, school supplies and room decorations. There was still pretty stiff competition in the toy market with GI Joe, Masters of the Universe and Transformers, but the Real Ghostbusters were definitely holding their own.

After a big kick-off for their first wave in 1986, Kenner gave us only three new figures in 1987, with all three of them being new ghosts to be used with the figures. The new ghosts introduced were Bad to the Bone, Bug-Eye, and H2 Ghost. We also got three new ghosts as part of the new accessory line, Gooper Ghosts. These were basically plastic ghost sets that you could pour slime into, so they could slime our favorite ghost busting heroes. Kenner also released the first vehicle for the line in Wave 2, with the iconic ECTO-1, which came with a ton of fun features to use. Since the Ghost Zapper was released the year before, 1987 saw the Ghost Popper, which was basically a nerf gun to shoot foam projectiles at ghost targets. Not a ton of new items for wave 2, but the ones that were released were definitely fun.

The packaging for the second wave of the Real Ghostbusters line was essentially the same as the first wave. It was basic but still eye catching and attractive. The iconic Ghostbusters logo sat prominently at the top left of the card, just above the figure bubble. There was a wonderful illustration of each character in action on the top right of each card. The figure bubble itself stretched out across the entire card, with the actual figure on the left side and all the other accessories, including the ghost, on the right side. Overall, the packaging for the Real Ghostbusters line was bright and easy to see, with a large bubble showcasing the figure and all accessories. It was definitely a user-friendly card and worked very well for the line.