Based on one of the most admired animated series from the 1970s, Mattel's Flash Gordon line was a small toy line, but there are some memorable figures. In the series (which is based on the classic comic strip), Flash Gordon and his allies rocketed from Earth to the Planet Mongo, where they ran afoul of Ming the Merciless and his minions. Along the way, they met a number of the various races that made up Mongo.
As a kid, I only had ONE figure from this line...Thun. I enjoyed his appearances in the cartoon (who wouldn't dig a talking lion man?)...but that figure has been lost to time. However, thanks to one of my fellow collectors, we're able to showcase this cool toy line in today's special feature.
Action Figures
With the standard 5 points of articulation, these figures fit into the adventures nicely alongside other toys from the time. There were several small wave releases that included figures that were increasingly hard to find, and when the series ran its course, the toy line ended.
Beastman
This blue furry creature is a member of a primitive species on the planet Mongo that worships Ming the Merciless.
Captain Arak
Another denizen of the planet Mongo, Captain Arak sure looks spiffy in his armored uniform, doesn't he?
Dr. Zarkov
Han Zarkov traveled to Earth with Flash and Dale Arden to the planet Mongo, where he often used his vast knowledge to come up with plans to get the team out of their predicaments.
Flash Gordon
The star of the show, Flash Gordon travels across the planet Mongo, befriending various races on the alien world and then uniting them to overthrow the evil Ming's rule.
Lizard Woman
Another alien race from Mongo. This figure includes a staff that she can barely hold onto, and the rubber tail is flexible.
Thun, the Lion Man
One of the first allies Flash makes on Mongo, Thun was actually a king among his people, but he traveled with Flash throughout the series. The figure comes with a staff, but he is unable to hold it. Weird.
Other figures in this line (to be added soon!) include:
Ming the Merciless
King Vultan
Kind of a quick update this week...I had something else planned for this week, but other events in my life have taken priority at the moment, so I pushed this line to the top of my to-do list. Very special thanks to Rick Blood for providing the toys seen in today's feature.
