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Rock'em Sock'em Robots
"Knock his block off!"
By Euphrates
Rock'em Sock'em Robots Rock'em Sock'em Robots were made by Marx in 1966. They required no batteries and were completely fueled by children fueled by Fruit Loops and Super Sugar Crisp. The movement and the punching of the robots were directed by controllers on either side of the ring. The 'bots could move forward and from side to side while throwing left and right jabs. Connect just right with your opponent's jaw and his head literally fly off of his shoulders. Snap it back down and you are ready for another round!

One problem with the game, even when they were new, was that one of the Robots almost always had a glass jaw. Sometimes even just a missed punch would jar him enough that his head would come whizzing up, to the delight of the child on the other side of the ring.

While vintage sets today are usually functional and can even frequently be found with the original box, the score cards, ring posts and ropes are often missing. Also, the "Glass Jaw" syndrome seems to worsen with time.

For those of you not willing to spend the $200-$500 it will take to pick up a nice vintage set, the Toy Story movie series spawned a new version of the robots that can be had for a fraction of the price.

The Blue Bomber versus the Red Rocker jar more childhood memories than Ali versus Fraizer. These boxing Robots helped spend the fury of many youngsters in the '60s and '70s, temporarily sparing mother's pictures and fine china. Of course after an hour of clattering and whizzing plastic she may have happily sacrificed a dish or two for some peace and quiet!

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