As a kid, kites were a pretty big deal to me. I was often told to “go fly a kite” but the truth is you can’t do it as much you’re told to (same goes for taking long walks off short piers). It all depends on the weather. Certainly you could fly a kit on any good breezy day but the best times were always spring and summer because no one likes running in the wind when it’s 29 degrees outside. Actually… I think I would like that but then I’ve always preferred cold over heat.
One of the “special” days I looked forward to most during my elementary school years was Kite Day! Come one, come all — bring your favorite kite! Snoopy! Rainbow Brite! G.I. Joe! Superman! Dragons! Bats! Hello Kitty! All were welcome but your kite was an extension of who you were. Much like your lunch box, this was a chance to proudly display your tastes and preferences.
While cruising around online, I came across a number of images of kites that I remembered and some that I just thought were cool. I definitely remember Gayla being the big “name” brand of kites, much like Duncan is the top yo-yo brand! Before we take a look at some of these photos, let’s take a look the the directions so that we may fly our kites safely:
Avoid power lines! Just like Louie the Lightning Bug says to...
This one's pretty cool. Great piece of Spider-Man art and the web plays into the kite nicely. And it's inflatable too!
Totally rad! What an awesome kite. The Invader with all guns blazing!!! I love the burning jungle in the background. Nothing like the use of napalm to sell a kite to kids.
The 'Lil Hoot is a 'lil creepy if you ask me with those dopey, soulless eyes and pure white body. It's like looking at the underbelly of a manta ray, which we all know is one of the creepiest animals ever.
Baby "Bat" is one of the all-time great kites. It was standard issue but for good reason. When you saw this ominous black figure swooping through the air with those crazy bloodshot eyes you almost hoped the wind would take it for a dive bomb on some unsuspecting spectator or at least take out a Barbie kite.
The Super "Bat" is a full eight inches longer than Baby "Bat" (that's what she said). Honestly, I think the Super "Bat" is somewhat goofy looking but still it was a great sight to behold in the open skies.
Bats made for popular kites! Why don't they call it Fox "Bat"? This kite is pretty cool and evil looking. If the Evil Horde employed kites, this would be it.
Ah yes, "tron" was a popular word in the 1980s toy industry thanks to the movie of the same name. Is it a robot? Is it a man in an armored suit? Who cares! Magna Tron is awesome looking regardless. I don't remember this neon knight but he's gotta be up there as one of the coolest kites in existence.
I am right there with you on cold weather