Eagle Force Action Figures Identification Tool with Pictures

About the Mego Eagle Force action figure toy line

Further differentiating the Eagle Force from most post-Kenner-Star-Wars toys, they used die-cast to create the action figures. This made the Eagle Force more expensive to produce than standard plastic ones, even with their smaller scale. However, this toy line was more durable than most action figures from the era. Mego also saved on production costs by reusing molds from previous products to create the line’s vehicles.

During the development phase, Mego’s creators had envisioned the “Screaming Eagles” force. However, as the line evolved, they decided to tone down the name and use Eagle Force instead.

The Eagle Force backstory

The US government formed the Eagle Force to tackle the impending threat of R.I.O.T. (Roving International Organization of Tyranny). They were led by Captain Eagle, who stood out with his eye patch. He relied on his team, which included military experts like Harley and Kayo. Meanwhile, R.I.O.T. followed the commands of the ambitious General Mamba and his closest henchmen.

The action figure and vehicles

Mego offered 13 individually packed action figures for the Eagle Force. The line-up included Captain Eagle, Goldie Hawk, Turk, Stryker, Sgt. Brown, Kayo, Harley, and Big Bro. Meanwhile, the characters representing the R.I.O.T. forces were General Mamba, Shock Trooper, Baron Von Chill, Savitar, and Nemesis. While most action figures were sold separately, buying them in unmarked 3-figure packs was possible as Mego attempted to clean out their inventory.

A few different vehicles complemented the action figure troops. Mego released the Eliminator Jeep, Ambush Jeep, Rampage Tank, Talon Tank, and VTOL Fighter Plane for the Eagle Force toy line. Only the Eliminator Jeep came with a companion action figure, Captain Eagle.

Otherwise, Mego released several different Action Packs, which functioned as playsets. The Action Packs had three different themes: communications, Tactical, and Bivouac. There was the Eagle Island playset for players who wanted a massive battleground. This playset featured six action figures: Captain Eagle, The Cat, Big Bro, Harley, Kayo, and Zapper.

Eagle Force action figures packaged with a comic

Mego’s Eagle Force Toys had a short black-and-white line comic on the back of the cards that introduced the characters. For instance, Skywalker’s action figure featured a comic that displayed him sniping a detonator before the R.I.O.T. troops could use it. Moreover, the blister card packages featured a weapons profile that gave insights into the accessories for each figure.

Notably, Mego’s new hire, Paul Kirchner, created the artwork for the card backs, including each comic strip. After Kirchner penciled the comics, Ralph Reese came in to ink them. Kirchner also created a six-foot-wide diorama to help promote the toy line.

Mego’s Eagle Force began appearing in stores in 1982. Sadly, not long after launching the Eagle Force toy line, Mego began to face financial difficulties. Thus, the company let go of the team behind the Eagle Force in 1982, canceling the planned second wave. Mego kept the toys on shelves until 1983, when it fully shut down.

The Eagle Force legacy

The legacy of the Eagle Force lived past Mego’s closing. After acquiring the IP, Ideal Toy Company created the “Strike Force” action figure toy line. For the most part, the Strike Force was a simple re-release of Mego’s original toy line.

Recently, a new wave of Eagle Force action figures appeared on the market. Zica Toys’ Fresh Monkey began a crowdfunding campaign to revive the Eagle Force in 22016. So, they began releasing Eagle Force Returns toys in 2021, with most being BBTS exclusive. Unlike the original line, Fresh Monkey’s take was created at the 4″ scale.