Painted Memories: 25th Century

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Buck Rogers Dolls (Mego)

Buck Rogers Dolls
Mego
1979

We touched on Mego's Buck Rogers action figure line way, way, way, way, way back in the day "HERE", and while we always intended on following up with the larger dolls had the absolute hardest time finding mint condition ones. It's been a challenge four years in the making, and we're happy to say that we've finally done it.

These particular renditions of the characters are of course based off of the television series from 1979 which ran for two seasons encompassing thirty-seven episodes. The series launched after the highly successful film which was released in theaters on March 30, 1979. However, when the film aired on television as the more commonly known two part pilot episodes, several scenes were edited to remove adult themed dialog as well as the death scene of Tiger Man so that he could return as a recurring character in the series.

The Mego dolls have become cherished collectibles to many fans, and with all that great detail it's easy to see why. Each character is brilliantly captured in both sculpt and clothing. As we've often said before, our biggest disappointment is that there weren't more characters made.

Draconian Guard*Draco

 

Dr. Huer*Buck Rogers

 

Killer Kane*Tiger Man

 

A unique twist added to the Twiki figure was that Mego built in a walking feature. When you wound him up, the figure would walk across the surface, all while turning its head. Admittedly, the legs on this particular figure look rather goofy when compared to the rest of its body. While the top half of Twiki showcases great detail, and good mass, the lower half is essentially two skinny rod legs lacking in detail, and finished off with thick feet to accommodate the walking feature. We can't help but think that doing away with the feature and focusing more on a good sculpt would have been a better alternative.

 

Walking Twiki

Ranging anywhere from $50.00 to $200.00 for each doll, this isn't an easy series to obtain. It's even more so difficult if you're looking for great condition packaging - Which seems to be few and far between for this particular series.

Join us next time when we take a look at Wizard!

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Buck Rogers In The 25th Century (Mego)

Buck Rogers in the 25th Century
Mego
1979

I vividly remember that we were in Bangladesh at the time. We three siblings would crowd around the small black and white TV in my sisters room and watch whatever shows her antenna could pick up. Buck Rogers, The Incredible Hulk, Knight Rider, The A-Team and all those other long forgotten shows of the very early 80's.

Despite being very, very young when these figures came out, I still somehow remember it all. It was Christmas. Granted I can't tell you which Christmas. But, it was Christmas. My brother, my sister and I were ripping packages open left and right as kids often do around this time of year. When all the paper had been gathered up by our mother, and all the pine needles from the tree had settled from being rustled back and forth by three kids underneath, we each found ourselves with a complete set of Buck Rogers in the 25th Century toys.

Though more popularly known for their 12" line of "dolls", Mego wanted to make the leap into 3 3/4" figures. Small action figures were the Hallmark of any toy line, and Mego not only met the challenge, they outdid themselves. The detail on the outfits is superb, and the design of Twiki all the way down to the tiny chest plate of Doctor Theopolis is incredibly accurate to the show. The packages themselves were quiet a bit of eye candy themselves.

One of the interesting things about the Buck Rogers line is that Mego was always strict about their anit-weapons policy in toys. Even though the figures had gun holsters, the guns were permanently molded to the figures legs rendering them simply part of the design.

There were only nine figures released in the series before the show went off the air and the line was cancelled. They included; Ardella, Buck Rogers, Draco, Draconian Guard, Dr. Huer, Killer Kane, Tiger Man, Twiki, and Wilma Deering.

A small selection of vehicles, as well as one playset, was made available. The most holy grail piece to the Mego line was the  Star Searcher (below). Mint in the box, it can easily go for $800.00+. The toy is actually a repackaged Micronauts Star Defender.

The large Star Fighter Command Center isn't far behind the price of the Star Searcher. Mint in the box, this playset has sold for as much as $500.00 to $700.00. It's one awesome playset!

Today, the Buck Rogers toy line remains a strong collectible item on the secondary market. Fans of the series search high and low to complete a fully carded set of figures as well as a fully boxed set of vehicles. The show may be long gone, but the toys live on.

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