Get ready to rumble! Today, we dive deep into the world of clashing fists and flying heads with one of the most iconic action games of all time: Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots! For over half a century, this game has delivered metal-on-metal mayhem, and we’re here to explore every bolt and battery. We snagged the 2021 version from Mattel Games to give you a full review.
If you’re ready for more Dandy Fun House action, you might want to check out our previous episode where we unboxed and assembled this modern marvel of toy engineering. Yes, there were some…instruction-free assembly attempts involved, because, well, that’s how we roll. But fear not, we got it working! Now, in this episode, we’re plunging into the fascinating history of Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots – some tales are surprisingly dark! – and charting its evolution through various incarnations, including some truly wild versions and spectacular flops. Plus, we’ve got some knockout breaking news about Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots that will blow your mind. And to top it all off, we’re staging a best-of-3 round death match to crown the ultimate Dandy Fun House Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots Champion of 2021!
Let’s get ready to rumble! Ding ding! Err… plastic ding!
What Are Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots?
Close-up view of Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robots game, focusing on the robots peeking from behind the boxing ring, inviting players to join the action.
For those just joining us from, say, Planet Zoltor, let’s break down the basics. Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots is a two-player boxing game featuring the battling Blue Bomber and Red Rocker (step aside, Sammy Hagar!). The mission is simple: deliver a knockout chin shot that sends your opponent’s robot head flying off their shoulders. It’s pure, unadulterated, head-popping fun – a timeless classic that’s as awesome today as it ever was.
The History of Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots: From Arcades to Your Living Room
Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots sprang from the inventive minds at Marvin Glass and Associates, a design powerhouse established in 1941. These are the masterminds behind a treasure trove of classic toys and games, including the 1960s James Bond 007 toys, Lite Brite, Inchworm, Super Sunday Football, Ricochet Racers, Mousetrap, Ants in the Pants, the Evel Knievel Stunt Cycle (which we’ve previously covered in detail), Smash Up Derby, the wonderfully weird Hugo Man of A Thousand Faces (yes, I owned one, and yes, it explains a lot), Mystery Date, SIMON, and Don’t Blow Your Top, and countless others! Their first licensed hit was the hilarious Yakitty-Yak Talking Teeth, brought to life by the H. Fishlove Company.
Marvin Glass and Associates remained a toy design titan until 1988, crafting playthings for giants like Fisher Price, Hasbro, Ideal, Kenner, Matchbox, Milton Bradley, Parker Brothers, and, of course, Marx Toys. It was Marx Toys that unleashed Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots onto eager hands in 1964!
Portrait of Marvin Glass alongside Neil Dandy, highlighting the creator of Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robots and the Dandy Fun House host.
Tragedy struck when Marvin Glass passed away in 1974. Anson Issacson took over as CEO, but a darker chapter unfolded when Issacson and two other employees were fatally shot at the company’s Chicago offices by a troubled 33-year-old toy designer, Al Keller, who then took his own life. A motive was never determined.
Neil Dandy presenting a vintage boxing match poster featuring Davey Moore, contextualizing the inspiration and initial hesitation behind Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robots.
But back to our boxing robots. According to toy lore, Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots was inspired by arcade boxing games of the era. Marvin Glass initially shelved the project in 1963 after the tragic death of boxer Davey Moore in the ring, fearing the toy might be seen as insensitive. However, his partner, Burt Meyer, was determined to keep the boxing toy dream alive. Meyer’s ingenious idea was to transform the boxers into robots, making their defeat less about human injury and more about mechanical mayhem. Instead of falling bodies, there would be exploding robots! And just like that, the Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots we know and love was born.
Neil Dandy showcasing a vintage "Outer Space" version of Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robots, demonstrating the toy's adaptability and enduring appeal through themed variations.
Produced by Marx Toys, Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots remained largely unchanged for over a decade. In 1977, the Star Wars craze swept the globe, and the robots got a cosmic makeover with a space-themed edition. In 2000, Mattel Games took the reins, continuing to produce this beloved classic to this day.
Exploring Different Versions of Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots: From Mini to Transformers
Neil Dandy presenting miniature Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robots from a discount store, showcasing the variety of scales and price points the toy has been produced in.
Given its impressive 60-year lifespan, Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots has seen numerous iterations. Some versions ditch the boxing ring altogether, placing the robots on individual platforms. A standout favorite is the Batman vs. Superman edition, pitting DC Comics titans against each other in robotic combat. There are also smaller, budget-friendly versions where knockouts result in a less dramatic head flop. In the 1970s, the UK market saw the game rebranded as “Raving Bonkers.” Another notable variation is the Transformers version, featuring an epic showdown between Megatron and Optimus Prime.
Neil Dandy holding a Transformers version of Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robots, highlighting the crossover appeal and creative adaptations of the classic toy.
Video game adaptations have also surfaced, but none managed to capture the tactile thrill of the original, remaining largely unpopular. So, we’ll leave that digital detour for another time.
Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots Death Match: A Hilarious Real-World Showdown
Promotional graphic for the Dandy Fun House Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robots "Jerky Jam" Death Match, adding a playful and competitive element to the review.
No Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots review is complete without a real-life death match! I enlisted two brave souls from my business networking group, dangling the ultimate prize: a pack of beef jerky and a 30-second commercial spot. The stage was set for a best-of-3 rounds battle for robotic supremacy.
Blaine Little of Momentum Seminars strikes a pose with the Blue Bomber robot, introducing one of the competitors in the Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robots Death Match.
In the Blue Corner, representing Momentum Seminars http://www.momentumseminars.com, it’s Blaine Little controlling the Blue Bomber!
Versus!
Representing Curb Appeal Softwash https://curbappealsoftwashllc.com, in the Red Corner, Jeremy Ford commanding the Red Rocker!
Action shot of the Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robots match, showing the Blue Bomber with its head popped off, indicating a knockout and round victory for the Red Rocker.
The match began with furious button-mashing, but for minutes, neither robot could land a knockout blow. Confusion reigned until a wise spectator pointed out the fighters were inadvertently applying downward pressure on the controllers. This subtle tilt lifted the robots just enough to prevent any head-popping action. Posture corrected, the robots clashed anew! Within seconds, Red Rocker connected a solid chin shot, sending Blue Bomber’s head skyward. Red Rocker took round one!
Another action shot of the Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robots match, showing the Blue Bomber knocked out again, highlighting the intensity and competitive spirit of the game.
Heads reset, round two erupted in a flurry of plastic clicks and clacks. But Red Rocker was on a roll, unleashing a series of rapid uppercuts, culminating in a final, decisive blow to Blue Bomber’s chin. Head pop! Red Rocker claimed victory 2-0, making Jeremy Ford champion and beef jerky beneficiary!
Jeremy Ford, winner of the Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robots Death Match, triumphantly posing with the Red Rocker robot, celebrating his victory.
*****
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*****
Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots Movie Incoming: Vin Diesel to Star in Blockbuster
Remember the breaking news tease from our unboxing episode? Prepare for impact!
Neil Dandy presenting a promotional image featuring Vin Diesel alongside Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robots graphics, announcing the upcoming movie adaptation.
Universal Pictures and Mattel Films are joining forces to bring Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots to the big screen! Vin Diesel is not only starring but also producing through his One Race Films company. Ryan Engel, of “Rampage” fame, penned the screenplay. The plot revolves around a father and son – presumably Diesel as the dad – forging an unexpected bond with an advanced war machine. No release date yet, as casting and production are still in the works, and Vin Diesel is likely busy with galactic guardians and furious fast cars. While a Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots movie sounds… ambitious, I can’t help but feel a sense of déjà vu, like I’ve seen this movie before, maybe when it was called TRANSFORMERS! (David Spade smirk inserted here). Sarcasm aside, count me in on opening night!
Neil Dandy presenting a humorous graphic of David Spade reacting skeptically to the Transformers movie, adding a touch of lighthearted comparison and anticipation for the Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robots movie.
Conclusion: Why Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots Still Packs a Punch
Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots remains a knockout in the modern age, proving it’s far from retirement. While I lament not having an original Marx Toys version for a side-by-side comparison, the current Mattel version is reportedly smaller than its vintage predecessor. Regardless, it’s a well-made, perfectly sized, and endlessly entertaining game. In my book, Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots is still a champion, guaranteed to knock your block off! Two iron fists up!
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That’s a wrap on this episode of the Dandy Fun House, where everything is always… FUN AND DANDY!
Neil Dandy is the creator of The Dandy Fun House and the alter-ego of Neil Smith, the Big Cheese at Neil Smith Entertainment and Productions, musician, DJ, Emcee and author. Aren’t you impressed?
