17 Obscure Toys That Had Their Own Cartoons
Here's a collection of obscure toy lines that somehow spawned their own cartoons, often remembered more for their weirdness than their success.
- Alyana Aguja
- 5 min read
Many toy lines in the 1980s and 1990s were designed with built-in cartoons to boost sales, but not all of them stood the test of time. This list highlights the strangest examples, from anthropomorphic food fighters to armored troll warriors. While most of these toy-cartoon crossovers faded quickly, they left behind a legacy of bizarre creativity in children’s entertainment.
1. Ring Raiders
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Launched in 1989, Ring Raiders were miniature fighter jets attached to plastic rings that kids wore on their fingers. The toy line was supported by a short-lived animated series where pilots defended the world from a villainous air squadron. Despite the flashy gimmick, both the toys and the cartoon quickly disappeared.
2. Jayce and the Wheeled Warriors
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Mattel introduced Wheeled Warriors as a line of customizable vehicles in 1985. The animated show “Jayce and the Wheeled Warriors” tried to tie the vehicles into a space opera plot filled with magic and mutant villains. The cartoon became more popular than the toys, which were eventually discontinued.
3. Inhumanoids
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Inhumanoids was Hasbro’s attempt in 1986 to sell a series of monster action figures that were gigantic compared to standard toys. The accompanying cartoon showcased humans battling massive creatures that emerged from the Earth’s core. While memorable for its dark tone, it was too intense for many children and was cut short.
4. C.O.P.S. (Central Organization of Police Specialists)
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This Hasbro line from 1988 featured futuristic law enforcement figures with wild gadgets. The cartoon “C.O.P.S.” depicted battles between heroic officers and over-the-top criminals. Although the show had a cult following, the toys were overshadowed by competitors like G.I. Joe.
5. Food Fighters
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Food Fighters were strange 1980s action figures shaped like anthropomorphic food items with military gear. A cartoon special was produced to expand the wacky premise of hamburgers and pizza slices fighting each other. The absurdity made them memorable, but they never became mainstream hits.
6. Battle Beasts
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These small animal warrior toys, released by Takara and Hasbro in the late 1980s, featured heat-sensitive chest emblems. They were included in the Japanese Transformers cartoon as part of its storyline. While more popular in Japan, they faded quickly in Western markets.
7. Biker Mice from Mars
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The toy line debuted in the early 1990s alongside the cartoon of the same name. The show followed motorcycle-riding humanoid mice who fled a ravaged Mars to battle villains on Earth. While it enjoyed some success, it never reached the heights of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
8. Sectaurs: Warriors of Symbion
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Sectaurs were insect-themed action figures released by Coleco in 1985. The characters rode large, creepy bug companions and appeared in a short cartoon miniseries. The toys were visually striking but too unusual to sustain lasting popularity.
9. Skeleton Warriors
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Playmates introduced Skeleton Warriors in 1994 as gothic, bone-clad action figures. The animated series of the same name was dark and heavily stylized, focusing on battles between humans and skeletal villains. Both the toys and the show vanished within a year.
10. Toxic Crusaders
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Based on the ultra-violent “Toxic Avenger” films, Toxic Crusaders was a 1991 attempt to market an environmentally friendly toy line. The cartoon toned down the original film’s content, turning Toxic Avenger into a goofy eco-hero. Despite its strange origins, the toys briefly caught kids’ attention.
11. Stone Protectors
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Launched in 1993, Stone Protectors were essentially “action figure trolls” with martial arts skills. Their cartoon followed a band of crystal-powered heroes fighting to save the world. They failed to gain much traction against other ’90s toy lines.
12. Visionaries: Knights of the Magical Light
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Hasbro’s Visionaries were fantasy-inspired figures with hologram chest plates. The 1987 animated series followed warriors who gained magical powers after technology failed in their world. Despite its creative concept, both the show and toys quickly faded.
13. Mummies Alive!
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This 1997 series featured mummified heroes who came to life in modern times to protect a young boy. A toy line was created to accompany the show, filled with detailed, mystical designs. Despite its attempt to ride the wave of mystical-themed action shows, it ended after one season.
14. Sky Commanders
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Kenner’s 1987 Sky Commanders toys revolved around action figures on string-based “zipline” contraptions. The cartoon presented futuristic soldiers battling villains across treacherous terrain. The gimmick was fun, but it lacked staying power.
15. Barnyard Commandos
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These late 1980s figures featured pigs and sheep turned into paramilitary fighters. The cartoon special expanded their barnyard war into a comedic battle for dominance. The concept was too odd to maintain long-term popularity.
16. Bots Master
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Released in 1993, Bots Master centered on futuristic robots controlled by a teenage genius. The cartoon was notable for using “3D” segments where viewers wore special glasses. Despite its inventive tech angle, the toys and show didn’t last.
17. King Arthur and the Knights of Justice
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This early 1990s toy line supported an animated series about modern football players transported to Camelot to replace King Arthur’s knights. The toys included armored figures and medieval vehicles. The show’s mix of sports and fantasy made it unique but too niche to thrive.