In the highly competitive world of toy manufacturing, new ideas are like a breath of fresh air – in some cases, a concussive blast of fresh air. Such was the case with the beloved and short-lived (not to mention, aptly-named) Wham-O Air Blaster. Easy to use and one of those toys with endless possibilities, the Air Blaster came and went with a bang.

And like many other playthings that now inhabit the toy graveyard, the air blaster was eventually taken from the grips of sadistic youngsters, thanks to the innovative uses they found for the gun. It wasn’t enough to take aim at Rover or a fire upon a herd of birthday candles. No, some kids found entertainment value in shooting the guns in the ears of their cohorts and the ensuing hearing damage was enough to pull the plug on this innocent toy forever. A few bad apples spoiling the fun for everyone.

It should come as no surprise that in the 90s, when Wham-O decided to re-release a line of their beloved toys from yesteryear, the Air Blaster didn’t make the final round. Today, they live on only as a highly coveted addition to many a toy collector’s arsenal. For all other kids of the 70s, they live on in memory alone – or, as one might call them, a blast from the past.