Best of the West (Johnny West) – Nostalgia Central

The “Best of the West” line of 12-inch action figures and accessories from Marx centred around the iconic cowboy Johnny West and his horse, Thunderbolt.

The line expanded from the mid-1960s to the 1970s to include his family – wife Jane (with her horse named Flame) and kids Janice, Josie, Jay and Jamie (and dogs Flick and Flack) – and historical Western and Native American characters.

The cavalry figures (from Fort Apache) included General Custer, Captain Maddox, Zeb Zachary, Bill Buck, and Jed Gibson (a black cavalry scout introduced in 1975).

The Native American characters were Chief Cherokee, Geronimo, Fighting Eagle and Princess Wildflower.

Other figures included villain Sam Cobra and Sheriff Garrett.

Additional horse figures included Thundercolt, Comanche, Buckskin, Storm Cloud and Pancho (a smaller pony specifically designed for the West family children).

Notable playsets included the Circle X Ranch (home to Johnny West and his family), Fort Apache and an Indian Tepee.

A large range of accessories was also available (including a buffalo!), along with various wagons, including an open buckboard wagon and an iconic covered wagon.

A healthy collector’s market still exists today for “Best of the West” figures and accessories.