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Shogun Warriors was a line of toys released byMattel in North America from 1977 to 1980. The line consisted of several imported toys based on Japanese animemecha.
The line was drawn from toys originally produced by Japanese companyPopy, based on severalanime andtokusatsu shows featuring giant robots. They were originally manufactured in three sizes: 24-inch (610 mm) plastic versions, 3.5-inch (89 mm) die-cast metal versions, and slightly taller but much more detailed 5-inch (127 mm) die-cast versions. Many of the robot’s original names were altered, such asGetter Dragon (Dragun) andGreat Mazinger (Great Mazinga). Several vehicles were also offered, as well as a set that could be put together to form the super robotCombattler V (here renamed Combattra). Later on in the line, Mattel introduced toys ofGodzilla andRodan.
The toys featured spring-loaded launcher weapons such as missiles,shuriken and battle axes. Some were able to launch their fists, while the laterdie-cast versions also had the ability to transform into different shapes.Raideen (here renamed Raydeen), for example, could become a birdlike spaceship. These "convertible" versions were in a sense the precursors to theTransformers line of toy robots.[citation needed] Toward the end of production, Mattel proposed the inclusion of plastic toy vehicles for the 3.5" figures to ride in exclusively in the United States, but these toys were never released for purchase.[citation needed]
Similar to other toy lines during the 1970s, theShogun Warriors toys came under pressure over safety concerns regarding their spring-loaded weapons. The concern was that children might launch the weapons and hit other children or pets in the eyes. There was also a risk that small children might choke on the small plastic missiles and other parts. Toy manufacturers then faced new regulations as a result of reported injuries received while playing with these toys. Consequently, many toy companies were forced to remodel existing toy lines with child-safe variations such as spring-loaded "action" missiles that would remain attached to the toy. Missiles were also reshaped to have a flat head instead of a pointed one. Because of this, as well as declining sales, theShogun Warrior toy line was discontinued by 1980.[citation needed]
In order to promote the toys, Mattel approachedMarvel Comics to produce a comic tie-in for the range, having enjoyed a fruitful relationship with the company onGodzilla, King of the Monsters.[1] Only three figures would be featured in the comic - Raydeen (originally fromBrave Raideen); Dangard Ace (fromWakusei Robo Danguard Ace) and Combatra (fromChōdenji Robo Combattler V). Series artist Herb Trimpe would also produce some artwork used by Mattel on toy advertisements.[2]
Due toShogun Warriors being based on characters drawn from a wide number of Japanese TV shows, there was no cartoon produced. However, several of the characters featured in the toy line featured in Jim Terry'sForce Five series.[citation needed]
Jumbo Machinders were 24-inch (610 mm) tall vinyl figures.
5-inch (130 mm) figures.
5-inch (130 mm) figures that could be reconfigured between two modes.
3-inch (76 mm) figures.
Vehicles with action features.
Five vehicles that could be combined to form the super-robotCombattra. Sold both separately and as a boxed set.
Several Shogun Warriors appeared in theWonder Woman episode "The Deadly Toys" at a toy shop run byFrank Gorshin's character.
Mazinger and Raideen (called Mazinga and Raydeen) appeared in theMAD sketch "Regular Shogun Warriors", a parody of the toyline andRegular Show.
In 2010,Toynami revived theShogun Warriors name with a new toy line consisting of 24-inch (610 mm)Jumbo Machinder toys. The giant robots in this line were fromVoltron andRobotech. The line also featured the robot Bender fromFuturama and the movie monster Godzilla.[4]