July 1987 marked a monumental moment in sci-fi film history with the release of the iconic movie, RoboCop, directed by Paul Verhoeven. This gripping narrative centered on Alex Murphy, a Detroit police officer who transformed into a half-man, half-machine entity known as RoboCop after a fatal encounter in the line of duty. Murphy’s tale of battling crime and corruption, particularly against the corrupt Omni Consumer Products (OCP), quickly became a fan favorite, inspiring an entire franchise to follow. So, when did the original RoboCop action figures debut?
The Original RoboCop Action Figures
The extraordinary success of the RoboCop film sparked a franchise that expanded to include a television series, comic books, a video game, and a memorable line of action figures. Kenner, a renowned toy company, was at the helm of manufacturing these beloved action figures. Kenner introduced them in 1988. The action figures were designed around the animated series by AKOM Productions.
The Animated Series
The RoboCop animated series, a significant part of this growing franchise, took a different path from the original R-rated film. Premiering in October 1988 and airing 12 episodes until December of the same year, the series refashioned the more intense elements of the film to suit a younger audience.
RoboCop Series 1 and 2 Action Figures
The first series consisted of 11 action figures, which included fan-favorite characters such as Ace Jackson, Anne Lewis, Birdman Barnes, Chainsaw, Dr. McNamara, ED-260, Headhunter, Nitro, RoboCop, Sergeant Reed, and Wheels Wilson. Not stopping at the success of the first series, Kenner soon released a second series, adding another seven action figures to the collection. This batch included Claw Callahan, Robo-Command, RoboCop (with Gatlin’ Blaster and Glow), Scorcher, Torpedo Thompson, and Toxic Waster.
RoboCop Vehicles and Accessories
Kenner didn’t just limit their offering to action figures. The toy line further extended to an array of vehicles and accessories. Vehicles in the toy line included the Robo-1, Robo-Copter, Robo-Cycle, Robo-Jailer, and Skull Hog. Kenner even made a unique 12” talking RoboCop figure, making the RoboCop universe more immersive for fans.
Conclusion
Through the medium of toys, Kenner bridged the gap between the animated world of RoboCop and its young fans, offering them a tangible connection to their favorite characters. Today, the original 1988 action figures stand as vintage reminders of an era where a cyborg cop named RoboCop was the hero we needed, embodying the true essence of the RoboCop legacy.
Do you have old and used Robocop toys?
If you have a collection of old and used toys, you can turn those toys into cash. There is no reason to let those old toys collect dust. Contact us today to sell your Robocop toy collection.
Our professional, friendly, and expert staff have decades of experience as collectible toy buyers. If you are ready to sell your collection today, fill out the form below or call us at 888-946-2895.
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!