Awesome 80s Archives : Page 12 of 18 : The Retro Network

The Cultural Impact of MTV’s Early Days

The first wave of MTV music videos that all started with The Buggles’ “Video Killed the Radio Star” did more than entertain; they reshaped the cultural landscape in ways that still echo today. Here’s how

In Memory of Hulk Hogan

Kevin Decent

It’s not every day that your parents call you about a celebrity death. But it’s also not every day a super hero dies. For children of the 1980’s, Hulk Hogan was a comic book hero

Enertech Water Guns: The Realistic Water Guns That Created Controversy

Mickey Yarber

Before the neon splash of Super Soakers dominated backyard water warfare, a more intense breed of water guns made waves in the mid-1980s. Enertech water guns, manufactured by LJN Toys, stood out for their jaw-dropping

When Ernest Went to Splash Mountain

Mickey Yarber

Before the rise of influencers and viral ride-throughs, there was Ernest Goes to Splash Mountain, a gloriously goofy, half-hour TV special that aired on July 7, 1989, just days before the grand opening of Splash

The Fall Guy: A Look Back at TV’s Original Stuntman Hero

Mickey Yarber

The Fall Guy delivered big stunts, Hollywood charm, and Lee Majors at his effortless best. This look back revisits the action, the cast, and the blue‑collar heroics that made the 80s series a fan‑favorite classic.

CHiPs: A Look Back at TV’s Coolest Ride

Mickey Yarber

With sun‑drenched freeways, gleaming motorcycles, and the effortless charm of Jon and Ponch, CHiPs delivered a warm, good‑natured brand of action that defined an era of television.

Time Capsule: 1981 TSR Gateway To Adventure Catalog

The Retro Network

Go back to the golden age of role-playing and table-top gaming and browse through this TSR catalog from the early ’80s!

Cartoon Cruisers: A Comparison of Iconic Animated Vehicles

Brian Cave

We’ve all been on a commute, stuck in traffic due to some accident up ahead or cut off by a lousy driver. Sometimes you get mad and honk, sometimes you just suck it up and

Mr. T Cartoon: Gymnastics, Grit, and Gold Chains on Saturday Mornings

Mickey Yarber

Looking back at the Saturday morning cartoon of the ’80s based on the iconic Mr. T.

New Coke: Marketing Failure or Marketing Genius?

Pitfall Gary

Origins and addictive ingredients Coca-Cola has been a staple of American life for over 130 years. Created in 1886 by John Pemberton with a mixture of coca leaves and kola nuts. And yes, cocaine was

The Legacy of Pole Position and Its Impact on Arcade History

Mickey Yarber

Pole Position brought real speed to the arcade, turning simple controls and a single qualifying lap into a rush of Formula 1 excitement. It set the standard for racing games and became an unforgettable golden‑age favorite.

The Mysterious Cities of Gold: A Journey Across History, Mystery, and Sunlight

Mickey Yarber

“Children of the Sun, see your time has just begun,Searching for your way, through adventures every day.Every day and night, with the condor in flight,With all your friends in tow, you search for the Cities

Sit‑N‑Spin: The Classic Toy That Made Us All Dizzy With Joy

Mickey Yarber

Carnival rides were one of the coolest things about being a kid. Getting strapped into a Tilt-A-Whirl or Tea Cups and then being spun around was the next best thing to an out-of-body experience. Of

Lazer Tag: High‑Tech Hits and Pure 80s Power

Mickey Yarber

If you were a kid in 1986, you probably remember the hype. For months before Worlds of Wonder finally released Lazer Tag, the company built up suspense to unbelievable levels with a series of teasing

Etch A Sketch: The Mechanical Marvel Behind a Generational Favorite

Mickey Yarber

It’s a nice feeling to finish an Etch-A-Sketch picture you’re semi-proud of. “It actually looks like a tree this time!” you tell yourself. But then that brainy cousin of yours shows you the portrait he’s Etch-A-Sketched and

Just Add Water: The Magical Story of Sea Monkeys

Mickey Yarber

There have been plenty of toys that allowed children to put their natural creative energies to work. Legos, Erector sets, and countless other similar items let kids build elaborate kingdoms and complex machines to satisfy the need

Whatever Happened to the Actual Love Boat?

Mickey Yarber

Even if you have never watched The Love Boat you know the show takes place on a ship. The iconic vessel is displayed prominently in the opening credits, serving as a backdrop to the frenzy of