12 Defunct Toy Lines That Deserve a Reboot
Some of the coolest toy lines of the past vanished too soon, but with modern tech and nostalgia at an all-time high, these 12 defunct classics are primed for an epic comeback!
- Alyana Aguja
- 4 min read
Toy history is dotted with phenomenal lines that flashed bright and went away too soon, leaving fans to pine for their originality of concept and fun. From altering cars and armored dinosaurs to holographic soldiers and quick-burger commandos, these long-forgotten treasures were destined to become long-term icons. With advances in toy technology, storytelling, and collector desire nowadays, the time has come to revive these masterpieces for a new era of fun!
1. M.A.S.K. (Mobile Armored Strike Kommand)
Image from Comic Odyssey
A fusion of Transformers and G.I. Joe, M.A.S.K. had vehicles that could transform into combat-ready vehicles, driven by heroes and villains who wear high-tech masks that give them special powers. The franchise was a huge hit in the ’80s but dwindled with waning sales and a failure to innovate. With today’s technology and a cinematic universe-appropriate premise, a reboot could greatly revive these transformation vehicles.
2. Dino-Riders
Image from eBay.ph
Merging dinosaurs with high-tech guns and armored fighters, Dino-Riders was a child’s fantasy for children who enjoyed prehistoric animals and science-fiction combat. The complex figures and realistic dinosaurs made them a collector’s delight, but the line was brief following its 1988 launch. With current advances in articulation and animatronics, a return could be breathtaking, perhaps even utilizing CGI-powered augmented reality play.
3. Visionaries: Knights of the Magical Light
Image from The Super Saturday Short-Lived Showcase
This ambitious toy line blended medieval fantasy with science fiction, hologram-powered warriors who fought using magical animal totems. The toys were visually appealing, but the toys and cartoon show didn’t find long-term success. With the growing popularity of fantasy franchises, a reboot with enhanced holographic effects and rich storytelling could breathe new life into this forgotten gem.
4. Jayce and the Wheeled Warriors
Image from Wikipedia
This underappreciated ’80s toy line included vehicles with interchangeable weapons fighting intelligent plant-based robots called the Monster Minds. The related animated show provided added depth, but the toys did not have the narrative coherence required to maintain success. A contemporary reboot might build upon the lore with extremely customizable and modular vehicle play.
5. Mighty Max
Image from eBay.ph
The “boy’s version” of Polly Pocket, Mighty Max brought exciting micro-scale adventure sets packed with monsters, booby traps, and hidden passages. The small playsets were ideal for carry-around fun, but the series dropped off in the mid-’90s. With a resurgence of nostalgia and miniaturized collectibles, a re-launch with better sculpts and new horror-themed sets could do well.
6. Centurions
Image from TV Tropes
“Power Xtreme!” was the rallying cry for this ’80s toy franchise, in which three heroes employed modular exo-suit armor that could convert to land, sea, and airborne combat vehicles. The action figures boasted a special peg system so kids could exchange equipment for limitless configuration. With increased articulation and digital connectivity, today’s toy industry could revive these action figures needed to reach a new generation.
7. Starriors
Image from Fred’s Workshop
Created by Tomy during the ’80s, Starriors had robot warriors with wind-up action abilities and a compelling origin story regarding machines revolting against their masters. Although they were relatively popular, they never quite reached the levels of the Transformers, which overshadowed them. A remake with superior articulation in the modern era and an anime reboot could turn them into a rival in the mecha genre.
8. Inhumanoids
Image from IMDb
Inhumanoids was a horror-saturated toy line featuring massive, monstrous creatures fighting armored human heroes known as the Earth Corps. The toys were highly detailed and large in scale but perhaps too intense for younger kids. With horror franchises gaining popularity, a more adult collector-oriented reboot might make these frightful monsters a cult favorite once again.
9. Food Fighters
Image from eBay.ph
An odd but entertaining late ’80s toy line, Food Fighters consisted of anthropomorphic fast foods with military equipment. The idea was ridiculous yet genius, but it didn’t have a solid story or media tie-in to support it. In today’s craze for offbeat collectibles and nostalgia-fueled reboots, a revival with improved articulation and a light-hearted animated show could be a winner.
10. Rock Lords
Image from Flashbak
A Transformers spin-off, Rock Lords had robots that transformed into rocks. While the concept was unique, the limited playability and lack of compelling characters led to a short-lived run. A reboot with improved transformation mechanics and integration into modern Transformers lore could finally give them the respect they deserve.
11. Bone Age
Image from Wheeljack’s Lab
A prehistoric-themed line from the late ’80s, Bone Age included dinosaur skeletons that could change into war machines for caveman soldiers. Even with its innovative strategy, the line never became popular. A remake with updated articulation and more detailed history could capitalize on the ever-trendy dinosaur phenomenon.
12. Army Ants
Image from eBay.ph
A quirky but charming line of insect-themed military miniatures, Army Ants were colorful soldiers with detachable soft plastic abdomens. While they had a cult following, they were not articulated and did not have an interesting story to maintain children’s interest. A contemporary reimagining with articulated miniatures, faction play, and a strategy-focused tabletop game could give these small soldiers a long-overdue resurgence.