As a kid, I had a very fun Hawaiian Punch Board Game. The game pieces were pineapples that you had to mold out of Play-doh (the mold was shaped like a can of Hawaiian Punch). Each player was armed with a large, hard plastic figure of Punchy, the Hawaiian Punch guy. When a player landed their pawn on someone's space, their pineapple got violently flattened by their opponent's plastic Punchy. Players really got into the game, and the game board got beaten up pretty badly. I can also remember laughing so hard during one game that root beer came out of my nose (ouch!). Sadly, I no longer have my Hawaiian Punch Board Game (it was too damaged for even someone like me to keep).
This "Where's Punchy?" ad is much more passive, but still awesome. This is from a Winter 1993 Delta Fantastic Flyer Magazine.
Punchy made his debut in 1962. He used to frequently assault a tourist character named Opie (sometimes called Oaf) in the name of comedy.
Do they still use Punchy as a mascot today?
ReplyDeleteAdvertising characters used to be so awesome! There were characters like Punchy that were so cool, you were proud to own clothing, hats, patches, etc. that featured them.
ReplyDeleteThey were SO creative and interesting, they could carry their own toylines, games, collectibles, etc. Heck.. I still hunt for the stuff to this day! LOL!
TokyoMagic!: Yes, Punchy is still in use today. I don't think he punches people anymore, though.
ReplyDeleteDarrin: I agree! Like many folks, I have a soft spot for Cereal characters. I am especially fond of the Monster Cereal gang. I have bobbleheads of Count Chocula, Frankenberry, Boo Berry, Fruit Brute, and Fruity Yummy Mummy.