As vintage toy collectors and enthusiasts, 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 fans of the action figures gain a better understanding of the ingenuity and creativity of the manufacturer back in the day. Let’s look at the original Centurions action figures and how they came to be.
Kenner’s Inspiration for Centurions
We should explore the manufacturer behind the line to understand the Centurions’ history. Centurions were created by the toy manufacturing company called Kenner. At one point, Kenner was a small toy company that worked underneath General Mills. However, when they had the opportunity to take advantage of George Lucas’s Star Wars films, they took the risk. And the rest, as they say, is history. Kenner’s Star Wars toy line revolutionized the industry by proving that cross-media merchandising was not only possible, but successful. They also scaled down the standard action figure to 3 ¾ “.
However, following the Star Wars trilogy, excitement was dying down, as were sales for the toy line. With their newfound independence as a company, they decided to create a new toy line. And here is where the first Centurions action figures were born.
The Original Centurions Action Figures
Centurions were released in 1986, along with the animated series by the same name. Introducing the Centurions action figures was a remarkable moment in the toy industry’s history. Developed by the powerhouse of Kenner Products, these action figures perfectly encapsulated the essence of 1980s pop culture. The Centurions were essentially a three-man team: Ace McCloud (air operations expert), Jake Rockwell (land operations specialist), and Max Ray (sea operations commander). They captured the imaginations of millions of children, paving the way for a highly successful product line.
Bringing Animation and Toys Together
Part of the uniqueness of the Centurions action figures was their connection with the animated series. This synergy of play and screen was still relatively new in the 1980s. This concept made Centurions an innovative product and a trendsetter in marketing strategy. Rather than basing the toy line off an already released series, Kenner released the Centurions action figures with the television series Centurions simultaneously as a partnership. Children could interact with their heroes directly by bringing the animated characters to life, fostering a deeper connection with the brand.
Innovation and Legacy
Every Centurions action figure was designed with ‘power extreme’ in mind, a slogan that meant each figure could be combined with different weapons and accessories, known as “weapon systems.” “Power Extreme” created a fascinating play pattern that amplified the traditional action figure experience and solidified the Centurions as an unforgettable part of vintage toy history.
In conclusion, the first Centurions action figures were born in 1986, amidst an era where toys were increasingly intertwined with other media. Their introduction brought a novel play experience to children and left a lasting impact on the toy industry. As we appreciate the value of these vintage toys today, we also acknowledge the creative ingenuity and bold marketing strategies of their time that brought us these iconic action figures.
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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 versions of Christmas. Every day as a vintage toy buyer is an absolute joy!
Hi! I’ve shopped at the Lab off and on for years, mostly when I’ve been unable to locate something rare on my own. I just wanted to say thank you. Thanks for helping me relive important moments from my childhood that I can pass on to my own children.