The Shogun Warriors are huge humanoid robots that Marvel Comics introduced to the western world. These Comic books were based on the line titled “The Shogun Warriors”. Mattel Inc. licensed the toys from their original creators in Japan. So, while they were originally parts of various Japanese toy lines, American audiences knew them as the Shogun Warriors.
Marvel then published the Shogun Warriors comic books series from February 1979 to September 1980. It consists of 20 issues that came out monthly. Doug Meonch wrote the comic’s main story. Meanwhile, Herb Trimpe and Dan Green worked on the art for the series.
In the comic books, an obscure group of individuals named “The Followers of the Light” created the Shogun Warriors. The Followers of the Light then choose brave and elite human pilots from all over to pilot their robots. Although there were many Shogun Warriors in the Shogun Warriors toy line, Marvel Comics obtained the rights to only three Shogun Warriors, which are Raydeen, Combatra, and Dangard Ace.
Join us on a retrospective through the Shogun Warriors Comic Books
Shogun Warriors #1 (Raydeen) – February 1979
The first issue of the Shogun Warriors, “Raydeen”, was an introductory comic book series issue. It narrated the invasion of some extraterrestrials on Earth and how the Aliens used earth’s primitive beasts like the dinosaurs to conquer the planet. The issue also introduced Raydeen as an enormous engine of power created with the knowledge of the future technology. It was also the first of three Shogun Warriors, and how its three human pilots with little knowledge of how to pilot the giant robot enthusiastically drove the robot to battle against Rok Korr and their triumph against the monster.
Shogun Warriors #2 (Warriors Three) – March 1979
The second issue of Shogun Warriors, “Warriors Three”, followed events from the first issue. After the Shogun Warrior, Raydeen, was victorious in its fight, the monster Rok Korr appeared dead. However, it turns out that Rok Korr was very much alive and even stronger than when Raydeen previously fought it.
The need to defeat this very strong newborn monster gave way to the introduction of the other two Shogun Warriors, Dangard Ace, and Combatra. The three pilots that piloted Raydeen together now have charge over one Shogun Warrior each. Richard Carson now piloting Raydeen, Genji Odashu piloting Combatra, and Ilongo Savage piloting Dangard Ace. The three Shogun Warriors must defeat Rok Korr, knowing that the fate of the world rests on their shoulders.
Shogun Warriors #3 (Elements of Destruction) – April 1979
The third issue of the Shogun Warriors, “Elements of Destruction”, follows events from the previous issue. In this series, Rok Korr transformed into three monsters. Now, it used the elemental resources of earth, fire, and water to power each form.
The series also shows a passenger train with one cart filled with explosives about to fall off a truncated rail tract. The Shogun Warriors now must fight off the three Elements of Destruction and save the people inside the doomed train and save the day.
Shogun Warriors #4 (The Mech Monster) – May 1979
The fourth issue of the Shogun Warriors, “The Mech Monster”, follows events from the previous issue. After Rok Korr’s defeat in issue 3, new villains came into the picture here. These monsters are mechanical with solar-powered lasers infused with sorcery, making the Mech Monster have their own lives. Meanwhile, the human pilots are still trying to learn more about themselves and their respective humanoid robots. Combatra rose to the occasion in this issue and saved mankind from this menace by breaking into five smaller mechanical vehicles to fight off this abomination.
Shogun Warriors #5 (Into the Lair of Demons) – June 1979
The fifth issue of the Shogun Warriors, “Into the Lair of Demons”, follows the occurrence from the previous issues of the comics. With Combat struggling to control all the five vehicles she divided into simultaneously, she surrendered two vehicles to another robot to pilot. The three Shogun Warriors managed to fend off the Mech Monster. Then, it retreated to its lair. However, Mech Monster abducted Genji, who wanted to destroy the monster from its source.
Shogun Warriors #6 (Downfall) – July 1979
The sixth issue of the Shogun Warriors, “Downfall”, follows the event from the previous issues. Following the capture of Genji, who pilots the Combatra, leaving the Shogun Warriors short of one member, Raydeen and Dangard Ace came up with a plan that eventually ended the terror of the Monster’s reign. Their victory was, however, short-lived when they sighted Combatra, who subsequently attacked them, leaving for a Shogun Warrior against Shogun Warrior action. Genji, who was about to become a sacrifice to a monster, escaped her captors. Then, she found her way back to the rest of her crew.
Shogun Warriors #7 (The Many Heads of Cerberus) – August 1979
The seventh issue of the Shogun Warriors, “The Many Heads of Cerberus”, follows the events from the previous issues. At the end of the sixth issue, all three human pilots and their respective Shogun Warriors reunited at long last. The human pilots then returned to their homes back on Earth, where they encountered a new threat in Cerberus. Cerberus attacked innocent civilians at this beach. Then, the pilots used their mysterious necklace to summon their Shogun Warriors to wage war against this new threat.
Shogun Warriors #8 (Cerberus and The Skyfall) – September 1979
The eighth issue of the Shogun Warriors, “Cerberus and the Skyfall”, follows events from the previous issues of the series. In this series, the Shogun Warriors are still trying to repel the attack of Cerberus from the Los Angeles coastline. Raydeen and its pilot are actively trying to fight off Cerberus and save the innocent citizens. Meanwhile, the other Shogun Warriors encounter a meteorite that seems interesting.
Shogun Warriors #9 (Starchild) – October 1979
The ninth issue of the Shogun Warriors, “Starchild”, follows the events from the previous issues. The meteorites that Ilongo encountered opened, and an ugly-looking creature came out of it. Ilongo reunites with its Shogun Warrior and fights against the creature.
Shogun Warriors #10 (Five Heads of Doom) – November 1979
The tenth issue of the Shogun Warriors, “Five Heads of Doom”, follows the events from the previous issues. This issue examines the trials of Combatra, which becomes disassembled as it takes on the Five Heads of Doom. Richard also had a meeting with a mysterious man in black.
Shogun Warriors #11 (The Hand of Fate) – December 1979
The eleventh issue of the Shogun Warriors, “The Hand of Fate”, continued from the previous issues. This issue portrayed the stunning conclusion to Combatra’s battle against the “Five head of Doom”. Then, it also introduces another villain determined to end humanity.
Shogun Warriors #12 (The Moon Menace) – January 1980
The twelfth issue of the Shogun Warriors, “The Moon Menace”, continued from the previous issues. This issue shows the three Shogun Warriors reunited after fighting independently of each other on earth. Their reunion was just in time for them to face a new villain in ‘The Moon Menace.’
Shogun Warriors #13 (The Demonicus Scheme) – February 1980
The thirteenth issue of the Shogun Warriors, “The Demonicus Scheme”, follows the events from the previous issue. The menacing villain Demonicus and its minions have successfully captured Dangard Ace. So, it now falls on Raydeen and Combatra to rescue Dangard Ace from the grasp of this evil monster.
Shogun Warriors #14 (Should Heroes Fail) – March 1980
The fourteenth issue of the Shogun Warriors, “Should Heroes Fail”, continued from the previous issue. This comic features a mass coming together of the most vicious villains that the Shogun Warriors had previously fought. This issue also features appearances from ‘Dum Dum Dugan’ and the agents of ‘S.H.I.E.L.D.’
Shogun Warriors #15 (The Insider) – April 1980
The fifteenth issue of the Shogun Warriors, “The Insider”, was an independent tale from the rest of the series. This issue saw a change in writers and artists. So, Steven Grant wrote this issue. Then, Mike Vosburg and Bruce Patterson drew the artwork. This issue portrayed the struggle of the Shogun Warriors as they defended their Sanctuary while it was under attack.
Shogun Warriors #16 (Death of Innocence) – May 1980
The sixteenth issue of the Shogun Warriors, “Death of Innocence”, continues from the events from the previous issue. The issues presented the trials of the invisible Shogun Warriors after the destruction of their Shogun Sanctuary. Then, the issue also revealed the man behind the Men in Black.
Shogun Warriors #17 (The Juggernaut) – June 1980
The seventeenth issue of the Shogun Warriors, “The Juggernaut” continues from the events of the previous issue. Unfortunately, a Shogun Warrior fell into an evil villain’s hands. Thus, the villains plotted how they could use it as a powerful engine of destruction.
Shogun Warriors #18 (The Chaos Wars) – July 1980
The eighteenth issue of the Shogun Warriors, “The Chaos Wars”, continues from the events of the previous issue. Here, a new formidable threat, Megatron, makes its debut. To defeat this new threat, there must be a fusion between Raydeen and Dangard Ace.
Shogun Warriors #19 (The Giant of Manhattan) – August 1980
The nineteenth issue of the Shogun Warriors, “The Giant of Manhattan”, follows the events from the previous issues. This series portrayed the mighty Shogun Warriors seeking help from the ‘Fantastic Four’. For, they needed assistance with an encounter with a mechanical villain that is too strong for them.
Shogun Warriors #20 (The Circle’s End) – September 1980
The twentieth and final episode of the incredible Shogun Warriors comics continues from the events from the previous issue. This final issue’s title is “The Circle’s End”. The last issue detailed the encounter between the mechanical menace beyond the stars and the Shogun Warriors. Also, the Fantastic Four stepped in to help finish the fight.
Conclusion
The run of Marvel’s Shogun Warriors may be long gone. However, they left a lasting impact on the fans of the series. Mattel’s Shogun Warriors retains a strong following who are happy to have the toys from their childhood. One day, the Shogun Warriors might return to the pages of comic books. Until then, we have the original series to look back on.
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About the author
Author: Chris Ingledue
Contact: email
Bio: I am the founder and owner of Wheeljack’s Lab pop Culture and Toy Shop. My vision has always been to reunite customers with their favorite childhood toys and pop culture, triggering fond memories, and reigniting their imaginations. Every day, I work in the “lab” where it’s Christmas 365 days a year. I scour the internet, like when we had the Sears Catalog of yesteryear, for the next great treasure. Then, I await the arrival of the postman as if he were Santa Claus himself and helping collectors worldwide with their own versions of Christmas. Every day as a vintage toy buyer is an absolute joy!