In June 1985, “Garbage Pail Kids” trading cards were released by Topps Chewing Gum, Inc., and the universe, as we now know it, was created. Garbage Pail Kids, spoofing Cabbage Patch Kids baby dolls, took the world by storm. For tens of millions of American children growing up in the mid-1980s, as well as for hundreds of millions of other children in more than twenty countries worldwide, GPK were a life-changing phenomenon.
Garbage Pail Kids, or “Havurat HaZevel” (the trash gang) as it is known in Hebrew, left a deep impression on Israeli children as well. Growing up in an isolated village in northern Israel in the 1980s, Garbage Pail Kids were undoubtedly the most amazing thing I had ever seen as an 8-year-old and—fast forward three decades—the most fascinating subject I had the pleasure to work with as an art historian and curator who uses material culture to write cultural history.
A Garbage Pail Kids Kid
I am an historian (Ph.D.), a curator and a Garbage Pail Kids kid. My expertise spans a variety of areas and eras, from traditional art to the offbeat realms of folk art and 1980s popular culture. But it’s the ephemeral, fleeting moments captured in time that truly captivate me. Imbued with a profound nostalgia for the 1980s, both emotionally and intellectually, I am deeply engaged in the cultural milieu of that era, forever enamored with the spirit of my sweet childhood in the 1980s. Among my passions, none shines brighter than my love for Garbage Pail Kids—an obsession that drives me to collect, analyze, write, publish, exhibit, and celebrate every facet of their existence. Through my endeavors, I seek to unravel the intricate narratives woven within these iconic artifacts, offering insights into their enduring cultural resonance and impact.
A Gross-Out Vision and Mission
While Garbage Pail Kids have undeniably made a lasting impact on global popular culture, it is surprising that, to this day, there has been no dedicated academic research on the subject. My research aims to address this gap by exploring the historical origins and cultural significance of Garbage Pail Kids. My objective is to meticulously gather information from historical sources to uncover the circumstances and contexts surrounding the emergence of this phenomenon, elucidating why it became such a significant craze both in the pan-American sphere and on a global scale. My vision is to research, analyze, publish, and exhibit the history of Garbage Pail Kids, thus creating a new genre of historical study—A Collectible History.
About gpkhistory.com
Recognizing that academic research can often be inaccessible to non-academic readers, I created this site as a resource for Garbage Pail Kids fans eager to explore the rich history and cultural impact of GPK. In the “Research” section, you’ll find references to academic publications, some of which are available for free download, making it easy for everyone to enhance their knowledge of this beloved subject.
Rethinking about ways to engage with history, I created “HistoRecall Kids,” a trading card series that delves into the rich history of Garbage Pail Kids as documented in the press of the 1980s. Combining education with nostalgia, each card features a unique character and offers fun facts and historical context that reveal the origins of Garbage Pail Kids and their significant impact on pop culture. From the visionary creators behind the series to the societal themes it addressed and the controversies it ignited, HistoRecall Kids provides valuable insights into the wacky history that captivated our generation.