Sometimes, unexpected discoveries can lead you to new places. This 1982 newspaper ad for paint-by-number sets — including Spider-Man and The Hulk sets — soon had me searching for more on the history of paint-by-number kits. That search quickly led me to the Paint by Number Museum library page where I encountered the existence of a book that I just had to order. Paint by Number: The How-To Craze that Swept the Nation* from 2001 looks like a blast to read. Now I just have to wait for the book to arrive.

And even if you’re not interested in paint-by-number sets you’ll want to click through and view the full ad. Hey, there are Adventure People and Masters of the Universe toys in the ad.

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