Mickey Yarber, aka The Retro Rambler

Inside the Cosmic Chaos of Galaxy High School

Galaxy High School took the classic high school story and launched it into space, creating one of the most imaginative and unforgettable cartoons of the eighties.

The Rise and Reign of the Pudding Pie

Mickey Yarber

“Hostess Pudding Pies were the foil‑wrapped treasures of the eighties and nineties, turning everyday snack runs into creamy, chocolate‑filled moments of pure childhood joy.

Polly Pocket: The Mini Marvel of the Toy Aisle

Mickey Yarber

Polly Pocket let kids carry entire worlds in their hands, tiny pastel places where imagination thrived and childhood felt wonderfully portable.

When Spider-Man Married Mary Jane

Mickey Yarber

In 1987, Spider‑Man took his biggest leap of faith as Peter Parker and Mary Jane’s wedding turned a comic milestone into a cultural moment.

Head of the Class: The Smartest Sitcom of the Eighties

Mickey Yarber

Head of the Class reminded us that growing up smart was still growing up, with a classroom full of gifted kids learning life’s real lessons together.

Breaking Stereotypes: The Enduring Power of The Breakfast Club

Mickey Yarber

The Breakfast Club showed us the truth about being teenagers—five kids, one Saturday, and a story that made an entire generation feel understood.

Return to the Planet of the Apes: The Animated Adventure You Forgot

Mickey Yarber

Return to the Planet of the Apes reimagined the franchise with bold artwork and futuristic flair, creating a colorful animated world that pushed the saga far beyond anything seen in the films.

Planet of the Apes Candy: A Sugary Slice of 1970s Pop Culture

Mickey Yarber

Planet of the Apes candy from Phoenix Candy turned movie fandom into a sweet treat, wrapping simple chocolates and gum in bold, collectible packaging that became a quirky gem of 1970s pop culture.

Planet of the Apes by Mego: The Toy Line That Ruled the Living Room

Mickey Yarber

Mego’s Planet of the Apes figures and playsets brought the franchise home, turning bedrooms into ape cities with eight‑inch heroes, villains, and iconic cardboard fortresses that defined 1970s toy adventure.

When Apes Hit the Spinner Rack: The Comic Book History of Planet of the Apes

Mickey Yarber

Planet of the Apes comics expanded the films into a larger universe, from Gold Key’s pulpy adventures to Marvel’s gritty black‑and‑white epics that kept the saga thriving in print.

The Planet of the Apes TV Series: A Lost Gem of 1970s Sci Fi

Mickey Yarber

The Planet of the Apes TV series tried to bring the franchise’s world to prime time, creating a weekly adventure that expanded the saga even as its short run turned it into a cult favorite.

Planet of the Apes: How a Sci Fi Film Started a Pop Culture Empire

Mickey Yarber

Planet of the Apes evolved from a daring sci fi gamble into a drive in favorite and cable TV staple, shaping generations with its wild ideas and unforgettable imagery.

The Retro Network Goes Ape With A Full Week of Planet of the Apes Nostalgia

Mickey Yarber

The Retro Network Goes Ape all week with a full celebration of Planet of the Apes, revisiting the movies, shows, comics, toys, candy, and animated adventures fans love.

From Telethon to Television Staple: The Story of The 700 Club

Mickey Yarber

The 700 Club grew from a small fundraising broadcast into a long‑running television institution that shaped CBN, launched The Family Channel, and remained a cable fixture for decades.

Why Saved by the Bell Still Defines the 90s

Mickey Yarber

Saved by the Bell captured the bright, carefree spirit of the early 90s, turning Bayside High into a place where friendships, humor, and larger‑than‑life teen adventures made Saturday mornings feel electric.

Lay’s WOW Chips: The Story Behind a 90s Food Phenomenon

Mickey Yarber

WOW chips once felt like a fat‑free miracle, a 90s sensation that sparked real excitement before fading into one of the decade’s strangest and most memorable misfires.

Articles by Mickey Yarber

Lisa Frank: The Rainbow Queen of the School Aisle

Inside the Cosmic Chaos of Galaxy High School

The Rise and Reign of the Pudding Pie

Polly Pocket: The Mini Marvel of the Toy Aisle

When Spider-Man Married Mary Jane

Head of the Class: The Smartest Sitcom of the Eighties

Breaking Stereotypes: The Enduring Power of The Breakfast Club

Return to the Planet of the Apes: The Animated Adventure You Forgot

Planet of the Apes Candy: A Sugary Slice of 1970s Pop Culture

Planet of the Apes by Mego: The Toy Line That Ruled the Living Room

When Apes Hit the Spinner Rack: The Comic Book History of Planet of the Apes

The Planet of the Apes TV Series: A Lost Gem of 1970s Sci Fi

Planet of the Apes: How a Sci Fi Film Started a Pop Culture Empire

The Retro Network Goes Ape With A Full Week of Planet of the Apes Nostalgia

From Telethon to Television Staple: The Story of The 700 Club

Why Saved by the Bell Still Defines the 90s

Lay’s WOW Chips: The Story Behind a 90s Food Phenomenon