Ten Asian Pacific American Dream Toys

As we have seen, Asian Pacific Americans are making in roads in the world of toys. Whether that be the popularity of Japanese anime or toy companies getting a conscience, I don't know. But, there are some toys that either haven't been created yet or were totally dismissed. These are ten toys I would love to see toy companies consider (some seriously, some tongue and cheek) -- and these are not in any particular order. I also invite you to share some of your dream Asian Pacific American toys, as I might rotate the list and share some of your ideas. Feel free to e-mail me at loren@javier.com.

1. Amazing Chan and the Chan Clan toyline This is a blast from the past. I loved this animated cartoon when I was younger. Yes, the show was basically a clone of almost every other Hanna-Barbera cartoon about mystery sleuth teens...but, at the same time, it featured actual Asian Pacific American main characters. Also, despite their being the children of the infamously stereotypical Chinese detective Charlie Chan, these characters were just like any other American kids. They weren't all martial arts experts or computer geniuses. So, they were characters I could relate to. Now, with AOL Time Warner broadcasting the show on its Boomerang channel (the spin off to Cartoon Network, devoted to "vintage" Hanna-Barbera cartoons) and with the WB Stores marketing these products, isn't it about time we see Amazing Chan and the Chan Clan toys? Perhaps an action figure set? a Nancy Chan fashion doll? Transformers are popular -- why not a transformable Chan Clan van? The ideas are endless!

2. Amy Wong (Futurama) talking doll Okay, hello...the Futurama toys are great, but where is Amy Wong, the perky Planet Express intern who is voiced by the talented Lauren Tom? Maybe she's not a main, main character, but she's been on enough episodes. Besides, I see they rushed to release a 9" Nibbler figure. Anyway, wouldn't it be cool to have an Amy Wong talking doll continually uttering, "G'uh," "B'uh" and "Fluh?" (Those who watch the show will know what I'm talking about).

3. Sei Taria action figure This potentially could become a reality because it looks like Hasbro is going to start releasing new figures again. When Star Wars: Episode I or The Phantom Menace (whichever way you want to say it) was released, it saturated the market with its toys and sales were not as great as they planned. So, they pulled back a bit. If they release the Sei Taria character, she will be the first human "Asian" (as Asian as you're going to get for a human not living on earth a long, long time ago in a galaxy far, far away) to have a Star Wars action figure. Yes, there is supposed to be an "Asian" A-Wing Pilot out there, but he has a helmet on and not as readily identifiable. Hopefully, they'll, release her soon and stop giving us Queen Amidala in 35 billion different types of clothing.

4. Superman/Clark Kent action figure from a Lois & Clark: The Adventures of Superman line Okay, they never made a Christopher Reeve action figure either...but, I'd loved to have seen one made of the Dean Cain version. He turned Clark Kent from blithering idiot to a hunky sex symbol. I also thought it was so cool to know that for awhile, there was an Asian Pacific American Superman that graced television.

5. Captain Hikaru Sulu figure Of the original Star Trek crew, only helmsman Hikaru Sulu was given a ship to command. In Star Trek 6: The Undiscovered Country, an episode of Star Trek: Voyager and a few books, Sulu commanded the Starship Excelsior. He is also one of the few Asian Pacific Americans who have several toys made in their image. But, despite the fact there have been Sulu action figures made as he looked in The Original Series and the Motion Picture, as well as variations from episodes such as "Mirror, Mirror" and "Where No Man Has Gone Before," we have never seen a figure made in the likeness of Sulu during his Captaincy. Some kind of figure would be a fitting tribute to a pioneer and an enduring presence in APA representations! (Click here to see all the other Sulu figures out there)

6. Amy Chow Starting Lineup figure Amy Chow became one of America's sweethearts when she became the only Asian American in the "Magnificent Secen," the women's gymnastic team that went to win gold at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, GA. Starting Lineup has released a line in the past that featured some favorite Olympiads from the past. Why not Amy Chow?

7. G.I. Joe - Philippine Scouts, World War II Hasbro has produced a figure for almost every event during World War II for its popular G.I. Joe line. It even produced a wonderful tribute to the 442nd Infantry, made up of Nisei soldiers. But, what about the Philippine Scouts who so valiantly served under the command of their leaders and General Douglas MacArthur? Despite hardships, these heroic soldiers never faltered in their loyalty to American forces. Also, Sergeant Jose Calugas, a Philippine Scout in the 88th Field Artillery, became one of two Asian Pacific Americans awarded the Medal of Honor during World War II. What a fitting tribute to represent the Philippine Scouts in the G.I. Joe line.

8. The New Batgirl action figure I had to clarify that I'm talking about the "new" Batgirl because many still think of Police Commissioner Gordon's daughter Barbara. And, we all know that the firey red head was not Asian Pacific American. But, for those who follow the Batman comic line know that Barbara was shot by the Joker and as a result is confined to a wheel chair. Although resourceful and still manages to fight crime as the "Oracle," a mysterious techno genius that assists the heroes of the world, she has since passed her Batgirl mantle on to a new person -- a mute Asian American teenager named Cassandra who was raised and trained by an assassin named Cain. Cain was snt to Gotham City to kill Commissioner Gordon, but was thwarted with much assistance by Cassandra, who had been mysteriously disguising herself as Batgirl. She was accepted into the Bat family and given blessings by Barbara Gordon. A Batgirl toy would also spare us from the 8 million versions of Batman and Robin that are constantly released. I mean, come on...Batman: Viking? Batman: Energy Surge? Batman: Spline Cape? Give the other characters a chance!

9. More APA friends for Barbie Yes, Barbie has Kira and Mari as friends, but even then...you don't see them at the same regularity you see Christie or Teresa. What I would love to see is poor Kira and Mari find an Asian Pacific American boyfriends...or even just APA male friends. While we do have Philippine Islands Ken, which we've established just looks like Ken with dark hair...there is no APA Ken dressed with contemporary fashion (Philippine Islands Ken is dressed in the Barong Tagalog). It's conspicuous that the world of Barbie is only made up of white and black men. What's up with that? Give us a true APA Ken! Also, the popular Kelly's Club (you know, the munchkin Barbies...) have white, black and Latina/o kids. Where are the Asians? Finally, why doesn't Courtney have any APA friends? I just think there is so much room for possibility! (update: I think I actually found an Asian Pacific American in the Kelly's Club line. Her name is Jester Jenny. Click here to see what you think.

10. Professor Sydney Fox (Relic Hunter) doll She's tough, she's brave, she's smart. She's Professor Sydney Fox of Relic Hunter, played by Tia Carrere. The Filipina-American actress, in comparing her character on Relic Hunter to Lara Croft of the famed Tomb Raider video games, quipped, "She's like a Barbie Doll..." Well, I say...I'd love to see Professor Sydney Fox in doll form. This Asian Pacific American action hero would be perfect in toy form. And, if they do make this doll, it will be one of the first Filipino-American toys.