Spider-Man PrestoMagix

PrestoMagix was an artwork toy that utilized dry-transfer printing.

Such a process had been used by commercial for artists for several years (before computer graphics and printing made the technology obsolete) for putting difficult or otherwise tediously-drawn patterns on a piece of work.

The process worked like this: the images were printed backward on a transfer sheet. The transfer sheet was laid over the artwork with the image placed in the correct spot; the other side of the transfer sheet was then rubbed vigorously all across the image, and then lifted off. The image stuck to the artwork paper and was thus transferred.

PrestoMagix (from Paper Mate) utilized the process to allow kids to be creative. Full-color images of superheroes - such as, in this example, Spider-Man and his enemies - were printed up, and sold along with a color background page on which to transfer. Kids could decide where they wanted each character and object, and how they wanted them placed, thus creating their own stories and scenarios.

PrestoMagix licensed and released a number of themed packages for kids, including the Incredible Hulk, Star Wars, World War II, G I Joe, etc.

PrestoMagix kits were available for sale primarily throughout the early 1980's.