When Were the First Defenders of the Earth Action Figures Made?

Introduction 

One of the most important things to know about a toy is when it was first released. Knowing this information can provide important context to a toy line’s history, helping collectors better understand the manufacturer’s ingenuity and creativity back in the day. Let’s look at the first Defenders of the Earth action figures and how they came to be. 

Defenders of the Earth logo

The Defenders of the Earth Television Series 

The “Defenders of the Earth” series was an impressive collaboration between Marvel Productions and King Features Syndicate, aired between 1986 and 1987. The show united popular comic strip heroes, including Flash Gordon, Phantom, and Mandrake the Magician, to combat the villainous Ming the Merciless. Inspired by the series’ popularity, Galoob produced and released the first Defenders of the Earth action figures. 

The First Defenders of the Earth Action Figures 

The inaugural collection of the Defenders of the Earth action figures came out in 1986. The initial series featured figures of the main characters, including Flash Gordon, Phantom, Mandrake, and the villain Ming. These figures stood approximately 5 inches tall and came with various accessories, true to their respective characters. Each figure was articulated, allowing for a wide range of movements that made the playing experience even more thrilling. The toys also featured a power punch action. The action figures had a twistable knob on their back to activate the punch.  

Flash Gordon Defenders of the Earth 1985 Galoob NEW MOSC SEALED
Flash Gordon

The initial series also featured six vehicles and creatures the action figures could ride. Some vehicles were the Defenders Claw Copter, the Flash Swordship, the Garax Swordship, the Grip Jaw, and the Phantom Skull Copter. There was also Ming’s serpent, Mongor.  

Conclusion 

The Defenders of the Earth action figures may have been launched over three decades ago, but their popularity continues today. These vintage toys are more than collectibles; they’re a ticket back to a time of Saturday morning cartoons and after-school playtimes, complete with battles against cosmic villains. Their production, commencing in 1986, signifies a remarkable event in the toy industry, proving that toys can not only coincide with but also enhance and influence the popularity of an animated series. Today, these figures are sought after by collectors and vintage toy enthusiasts alike, perpetuating their legacy and preserving the golden era of action figures. 

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About the Author

Author: Chris Ingledue 

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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 versions of Christmas. Every day as a vintage toy buyer is an absolute joy!

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