War Games

Propaganda seems to be the in thing at present. On Friday the Museum of Childhood in Bethnal Green, London, opened War Games, a major exhibition exploring conflict and children's play, featuring toys, games, models and comics from around the world, starting in 1800 and arriving at the present day (CLICK). It shows how toy manufacturers, the military and some political leaders have seen games as a way of preparing children to fight real wars. As an example, Joe Maneely's cover art for War Comic #27 (1954) depicts an heroic Yank putting the boot into a nasty Korean commie. That's the stuff to give the future troops! CLICK for a BBC video of five toys that "will never be sold again".