People who were children in the 90s, in America at least (I don't know how far the toy reached) are probably at least somewhat familiar, if only from commercials, with Tiger's 2-XL ("The smartest toy robot in the world!"). I had one when I was a kid, and when I first saw the Cyberman when they appeared in nu-Who, I was struck by the similarity of their trademark head-bars to the similar protrusion on the head of 2-XL.
http://www.2xlrobot.com/types/tiger.html <--Picture Here
Now, of course, the reason for 2-XL having the handle on his head was just that- he had a handle so he could be easily carried around (well, as easily as a small kid can carry around a 1 foot tall, bulky, and slightly heavy robot). However, the way it was designed is strongly reminiscent, I believe, of the cybermen (although more like the nicknamed "Cybusmen" than the originals, from what I've seen).
Has anyone heard any stories of this toy's shape being inspired by Who? And if no one has, does it seem likely? (I admit that, looking at the designs side by side, they seem less similar to me than I originally thought, so I'm thinking it's just a coincidence.)
http://www.2xlrobot.com/types/tiger.html <--Picture Here
Now, of course, the reason for 2-XL having the handle on his head was just that- he had a handle so he could be easily carried around (well, as easily as a small kid can carry around a 1 foot tall, bulky, and slightly heavy robot). However, the way it was designed is strongly reminiscent, I believe, of the cybermen (although more like the nicknamed "Cybusmen" than the originals, from what I've seen).
Has anyone heard any stories of this toy's shape being inspired by Who? And if no one has, does it seem likely? (I admit that, looking at the designs side by side, they seem less similar to me than I originally thought, so I'm thinking it's just a coincidence.)
