Stretch Armstrong and the Flex Fighters
Hasbro Studios has cut a deal with Netflix to create a 26-episode animated series titled Stretch Armstrong and the Flex Fighters.
Stretch Armstrong is a unique action figure that originated in 1976. He is made of latex rubber filled with gelled corn syrup, which allows it to retain shape for a short time before shrinking to its original shape.
The original Armstrong figure can sell for thousands of dollars, and is a highly sought after action figure by classic toy collectors. Most of the original figures were rendered useless after years of play, or being stored in the wrong temperature.
Video Source – HISTORY
While Stretch was a tough as latex superhero, he was not unbreakable. If your figure sprang a leak, the instruction booklet that came with him advised that he could be fixed with an adhesive bandage.
An estimated 67 different versions from Japan, Germany, Italy, France, Australia, and other countries released Stretch Armstrong variations between 1976 and the 1990s.
- Stretch X-Ray (1977), had an oversized exposed brain and an alien-looking face with a transparent form that showed its internal organs
- Harbert Sport Mister Muscolo, 1977 Italian version of Stretch Armstrong
- Lili Ledy El Hombre Elastico, Mexican version of Stretch Armstrong
- Tsukuda Mr. X, Japanese version of Stretch Armstrong
- Stretch Monster, a reptilian green nemesis released by Kenner in 1978
- Harbert Sport Mister Mostro, Italian version of Stretch Monster
- Tsukuda Stretch Monster, Japanese version
- Stretch Ollie and Stretch Olivia, male and female octopuses (colored blue and pink, respectively) which had the same face shape but the only difference was their color. Kenner issued both weeks apart but Ollie was more popular. The Denys Fisher UK toy company issued Ollie and Olivia in smaller boxes than their American counterparts, saving on shelf space. The figures are rare to come by now.
- Deny’s Fisher Stretch Incredible Hulk
- Mego Elastic Donald Duck (1980)
- Mego Elastic Mickey Mouse (1980)
- Mego Elastic Batman
- Mego Elastic Incredible Hulk
- Mego Elastic Plastic Man (1979)
- Kenner Stretch Serpent
- Cap Toys Fetch Armstrong, Stretch Armstrong’s pliable canine counterpart, released in the early 1990s
- Kenner/Hasbro Super Stretch Mask
- Cap Toys Stretch Vac-Man
- ToyQuest Super Morphman
Due to Stretch’s popularity as a toy, several studios attempted to adapt the character into story-driven movies. From 1994 to 2013 there were 4 failed attempts to create films for the flexible hero.
After the 4 failed attempts at creating animated movies for Stretch Armstrong, Hasbro Studios has partnered with the popular streaming service Netflix to create a 26-episode animated series titled Stretch Armstrong and the Flex Fighters.
Series Description:
Jake Armstrong and his best friends are unexpectedly transformed into superheroes who learn to reach far beyond the limits of any ordinary teenager.
The series is set to premier sometime before the close of 2017 on Netflix.
Voice Cast
- Scott Menville
- Steven Yeun
- Ogie Banks
- Wil Wheaton
- Felicia Day
- Keith David
- Kate Mulgrew
- Walter Koenig
Info Source – Wikipedia
