There were a lot of space toys in the 1950s – figures, vehicles and playsets. Undoubtedly, the most bizarre line of outer space creatures was produced by a company named Miller. The figures came in a wide range of shapes and sizes, including humanoid, robotic, snake-like and double headed. There was even a giant spider type. But it wasn’t just the unusual shapes that made the Miller aliens unique; their construction was unlike any of the other space toys of the period. These one-piece figures were semi hollow, formed by a process that combined injection and blow molding using a very waxy and brittle plastic that fractured with age. The few of these fragile figures that survive today are extremely valuable.

I’m not sure if the Purple People Eater was part of the initial release made by Miller, or if it was quickly added to the mix once Sheb Wooley’s novelty song shot to the top of the music charts in 1958. Either way, it fit right in with the other weird characters.

Usually, when I rework a one-piece figure, the first thing I do is cut off the molded on base (if there is one). Because of the waxy material used, I couldn’t do this with my Purple People Eater. I had to incorporate Miller’s base into my scenic base design in order to insure a solid, long lasting connection. With scraps of styrene I created some steps, giving the purple alien a platform from which to sing his song.

The 45 rpm record in the last photo is an original from 1958. Also pictured is a water slide decal that was a small part of the massive merchandising boom at the time.

Completed in 1988.