At Wheeljack’s Lab, we understand the appeal and appreciation for vintage toys and memorabilia. Collectors and fans of vintage toys or action figures understand the importance of knowing when a toy line was made. It can provide meaningful context into the inspiration for the toys we still love today. The toy line we will be exploring today is the Rock Lords. When were the original Rock Lords action figures made? What is the history behind them?
The Original Rock Lords Action Figures
In 1986, the world of children’s action figures saw the debut of Rock Lords. Tonka, a company renowned for its rugged, metal-clad toys, manufactured this groundbreaking series. Tonka embraced the rising trend of transformable figures, taking a particularly earthy approach, expanding beyond their signature construction and emergency vehicles.
The Rock Lords line was a spin-off of Go-Bots, Tonka’s answer to the popular Transformers. The birth of Rock Lords was influenced by the movie GoBots: Battle of the Rock Lords. This intriguing premise revolved around transforming rocks equipped with weapons, creating a unique and imaginative play experience. The Rock Lords were imported from Bandai’s Machine Robo line, further internationalizing their appeal.
Heroes and Villains
Rock Lords were divided into two factions, maintaining the typical “good vs. evil” theme found in many toy lines. The “good guys” (Heroic Rock Lords) were led by Boulder and included characters like Nuggit, Granite, Marbles, Crackpot, and Pulver Eyes. However, these heroes were not alone, as the series also featured Jewel Lords, Fossil Lords, and the explosive Action Shock Rocks.
The “bad guys” (Evil Rock Lords), on the other hand, were led by the fiery Magmar, whose ranks included Tombstone, Sticks N’ Stones, Stoneheart, Brimstone, Slimestone, Saber Stone, and Spear Head. The evil side wasn’t left out of the Action Shock Rocks action, giving both teams an equal footing in this rocky battleground.
Further Expansion
Tonka further expanded the line with Rockasaurs, an inclusion that integrated prehistoric themes into the mix. Figures like Terra-Roc and Spike Stone allowed kids to combine their love of dinosaurs and rocks. Alongside them were the Narlies, the Rock Lords’ animal companions, adding a touch of the wild to this already exotic world.
Rock Lords also had access to a range of rock-themed vehicles. Standout examples include the Stone Wing and Rock Pot, vehicles that continued the theme of transformation and offered fans even more play options.
The Rock Lords Legacy
Promoted under the tagline “Powerful living rocks!” Rock Lords brought a unique twist to the world of action figures, reinforcing the idea that any object, even a seemingly ordinary rock, could conceal a fantastic secret identity. This playful, imaginative concept continues to resonate with vintage toy enthusiasts, making Rock Lords a valuable find in any collection. So, if you stumble upon these gems from the past, remember: beneath their rocky exterior, they hide a fascinating history and a legacy of transforming fun.
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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!