Earthworm Jim/Playmates

A magazine advertisement for every single figure that would've been featured in Series 2

## Collectible Information

### Status

Lost (Series 2)Found (Green Earthworm Jim and Clutch)

### Location

Green Earthworm Jim was a rare mail-away figure while two different models of Cluth are now in the possession of private collectors

## Product Information

### Year(s)

1995-96

In the late 1990's, Playmates released a series of action figures based on the *Earthworm Jim* video games by Shiny Entertainment, which also included a partnership with a fast food restaurant; a second series was in the works, though unfortunately got cancelled before the prototypes could enter mass production.

## **Summary**

*Earthworm Jim* is a a run and gun platform game developed by Shiny Entertainment in 1994, featuring an earthworm named Jim who wears a robot suit and battles evil. Four games were released in total and a 23 episode animated series was made by Universal Cartoon Studios which ran on Kids WB from 1995 to 1996. The games are well noted for its stellar gameplay, surrealist humour and edgy art style, though the future of the franchise is uncertain as some remakes have been cancelled and a fourth game is still in development.

Playmates released a line of *Earthworm Jim* action figures in 1995, though was heavily inspired by the cartoon televisino series moreso that the video games. The figures included three versions of Earthworm Jim in his Super Suit (Plasma Blaster, a detachable head that is flexable, and Battle Damaged), his Special Deep Sea Mission Suit, a version of him with the Powcket Rocket, Princess What’s-Her-Name, normal and monstrous versions of Peter Puppy, and two-packs of Bob the Killer Goldfish & #4, Psy-Crow & Major Mucus, and Evil the Cat & Henchrat. Also produced for the *Earthworm Jim* toyline was a statuette that included Snott, a teddy bear, and a few variations of the figures that were much smaller and less detailed; solely to be included in Taco Bell kids meals. There was also an ultra rare variant of Earthworm Jim that Playmates released in a green Super Suit as was part of a 1995 competition held by them and Shiny called "The Great Earthworm Jim Race." Made in conjunction with both the toyline and Special Ediiton of the first game, the only competitors could get him is to qualify by downloading a unique version of the Special Edition through the Sega Channel; meaning one must have either owned a SEGA CD or PC and purchase the Special Edition. This version included a secret room which, when reached by the first 200 players, would display a password and a toll-free telephone number. Those that called the number were awarded prizes. The green figure was one of them, along with a Power Rocket and *The Artwork of Earthworm Jim*. Only a few very people were known to have entered the competition and claim the prizes, along with still owning the green figure. One figure that was originally made for Serise 1 yet never mass produced was Clutch, a character that looks similar to Jim; though is more resemblant of a snail.  Both his painted prototype, along with other test models, are now in the possession of The Toy Archives and an unpainted model of Clutch is also owned by YouTube reviewr Caleb's Collecting Corner. The sidekick he would've came with, however, is undetermined.

## **Series 2**

Shortly after the first series came out, Playmates got to work on mapping out the second wave of their *Earthworm Jim* action figures and would've featured even more characters & offerings this time around. Series 2 would consist of a "harness" variation of Jim with Snott in his suit backpack, using him as a whip/grappling hook/swing parachute like in the second game; another version of him in his upgraded Super Suit, resembling a hybrid of Iron Man and a samurai's armour with holsters to store his katanas, "Extendo Arm Jim," "Copterhead Jim," and "Evil Earthworm Jim" who had green skin. Another Jim figure would've came in the Crazed Cycle, a vehicle exclusively made for the cartoon. It would have moved, made noises operated by battery power, and the “worm head” front ornament would have opened its mouth to reveal a long, spring-loaded worm spear. Some of the more unique characters would've included Queen Slug-For-A-Butt, Professor Monkey-For-A-Head, The Hamsternator, another character made for the show; Doc Duodenum, who likely would've been a small pack-in figure with one of the villains; Chuck & Fifi, Evil Jim, and the Worm Crusher vehicle. According to a retrospective Tumblr post on *Earthworm Jim* Series 2, the prototypes for the vehicles reused parts originally made for ones in Playmates' *Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles*.  The prototypes were completed, shown at toy fair conventions in 1996 and listed in retail catalogs, but Series 2 never came into fruition for reasons not quite clear; it may have been due to license royalties getting higher and Playmates not being able to pay either Shine Development or Universal back.

## **Final Verdict**

The prototypes for *Earthworm Jim* Series 2 have not been seen since the 1990's and will remain unfound for quite some time, though a few of the mail-away figures of green Earthworm Jim are still laying about in private collections and the two test models of Clutch remain in safe hands. Until further evidence can be presented, this case will remain open and: **PARTIALLY LOST**.

## **Gallery**

The hard to find Green Earthworm Jim figure that could only be received as a mail-in and if you bought the Special Edition of the first game.The unpaintined prototype of Doc Duodenum, who would've came with either of the figures in Series 2.The painted prototype of Clutch; originally planned for Series 1.The prototype for Harness Jim that appeared in a promotional ad for Series 2 of Earthworm Jim action figures.

## **External Links**

* Earthworm Jim Wiki. (Retrieved June 2020). *Earthworm Jim toys*. Fandom. Online article.
* Vanis, M. (2018, January 6). Playmates Earthworm Jim Figures. *The Toy Archives*.

## **References**

1. ↑ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earthworm\_Jim
2. ↑ https://www.artstation.com/artwork/2xYxwv
3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mWXuYarRRBc
4. ↑ https://harbingermine.tumblr.com/post/87555037513/unproduced-earthworm-jim-series-2-action-figures
5. ↑ https://thetoyarchives.com/blog/earthworm-jim-figures-playmates-toys-1995/ewj-wave-2/