Commanding The Skies

[The Title Card: what it's all about]
Written by GL

I hope that some of you may vaguely remember this cartoon to action figure series, although I'll admit that it's the toys that actually helped me in remembering this old time show. Funnily enough, lengthy searches on the internet have not revealed any (good) cartoon images of the Sky Commanders.

Sky Commanders was a series created by Hanna-Barbera Studios. It premiered in July 1987 (as and lasted for only thirteen episodes. The cartoon creation also spawned an action figure line from Kenner Toys - the actual date of release of the toys is not available.

[The Sky Commanders: check out the highlight purple and pink jump-suits]

As far as many people know, Sky Commanders as a toy line was short-lived and only produced in two series'. However, there are doubts that Series Two even reached toy stores. Series One of the Sky Commanders were heavy with good guys (four of them), and included only about two Raiders.

[Series One: traveling in style]

It was the toy line vehicles that were totally awesome: they were designed so expertly that they appeared almost technologically advanced, plus they could attach to table sides. How cool was that?

[Vector Command: the headquarters could stand horizontal or vertically. Awesome]

I do know for a fact that Series One did come to Brunei because I remember holding these little buggers in my hands - Beast, my cousin and best buddy in the whole world, practically had the entire Series One, and I remember times when we would cob-web his room with string to fight out these Sky Commanders.

[The Battle Track: living on the edge]

Take the Battle Track for example (pictured above); it could attach to cornered surfaces by clamp and it's extension was a hard fabric line for it's detachable back pod. Toy today don't even have concepts such as these. Rock on.

The storyline of Sky Commanders goes around the daily adventures of a group of soldiers and mountaineering specialists from all over the world who battle the evil General Plague and his squad of mercenaries, known as The Raiders, whose aim is to seize control of the planet. The series is set on a new continent deep in the South Pacific, known as 'The High Frontier' (probably somewhere near Pontianak or Sungai Liang), which is the source of a new and powerful, unstable radioactive element called Phata 7.

It is known that whoever can control this element would be the ruler of the world; a goal that the General Plague wants strongly. It is up to General Mike Summit and his highly trained soldiers to stop him.

Of course, evil never sleeps and the Sky Commanders always had to deal with The Raiders getting in the way, as well as the unstable and highly dangerous weather conditions and environmental hazards such as landslides, earthquakes, cave-ins, whirlpools, etc. There is also the need for monthly shipments of fresh supplies, new advanced technology and weapon systems. Constant attack by The Raiders and the aforementioned environmental dangers make the Sky Commanders mission super dangerous.

Therefore, travelling throughout the new continent is only possible by high-altitude flight, or by means of using Laser Cables; a specialized version of a rappelling cord shot from combat backpacks worn by both Raiders and Sky Commanders. When used, the cables shoot out from the combat backpacks in the form of energy beams. When contact is made with a solid object, the Laser Cable solidifies into a solid metal cable line upon which travel is possible.

[Sky Travel: it beats AirAsia]

Phata 7, the radioactive element that both sides fight for control of, which came from the deepest parts of the earth, has also brought with it wild and bizarre creatures. These lifeforms are either the products of long-term exposure to Phata 7's radiation or were just naturally brought about the way that they are. Occasional violent encounters with these monstrosities is yet another danger waiting for both sides of this battle for the future freedom or enslavement of the world.

So you see, be happy that you're here to be reading this blog entry in your comfortable homes, because it's a heck of a lot easier than being a Sky Commander.

Spectrum Super-Vision

[Youtube: big big-up to them and their endless video listings]
Written by GL

The thing about 80's cartoon theme songs is that you'll only ever remember them if you see that cartoon's opening sequences again. It's very true for me. And, you can't imagine how gut-busted I was when I managed to see this opening once again.

It's been several long years since I last watched anything M.A.S.K. but thanks (a really big one) to my good friend Ethan Hunt, I am proud to announce that we now have the complete collection of M.A.S.K. episodes to rekindle that almost extinguished fire.

The theme song came up as we were scanning through the movie files, and it was then that I knew I had to share this with all of you. Kal-El and I went so far as to search for the lyrics online and proceed to have a screeching sing along.

For your karaoke attempts:

Masked Crusaders, Working Overtime,
Fighting Crime, Fighting Crime!
Secret Raiders Who Will Neutralize,
As Soon As They Arrive, At The Site
Trakker's Gonna Lead The Mission,
And Spectrum's Got Such Super Vision!
M-M-M-M.A.S.K.!!
Is The Mighty Power That Can Save The Day!
M-M-M-M.A.S.K.!!
No One Knows What Lies Behind The Masquerades!
M-M-M-M.A.S.K.!!
Always Riding Hot On V.E.N.O.M.'s Trail!
Come See The Laser Rays!
Fire Away!

Our first attempt without the lyrics sounded a little like the sound a baboon makes as a steam-roller grinds over it's testicles. Watch and enjoy - I, personally, can't get enough of it. However, if watching the opening sequence again and singing along to it isn't enough, you can download it for those short, quick car cruises.

To download different versions (including the original) of this awesome opening theme, head here: All About MASK - Downloads

The First He-Man

[The Line-up: miss you guys]
Written by GL

In 1983, the very first He-Man cartoon appeared on television. And yet, two years prior, Mattel released their debut wave of the action figures. Since then, childhood has never been the same.

Purely for your viewing pleasure, pictured above is the said first wave of the He-Man action figures (produced in 1981 thru to 1982). Note: missing from the above pic is Skeletor and Mer-man. I'll always remember the squishy, rubbery heads, the rubber-attached legs and the removable armor. Wow, was it cool.

Props to readers who can name all the above figures. For those who need a refresher, they are: He-Man, Man-at-Arms, Teela (love you forever, hunny), Zodac, Stratos and Beast Man. And just for my own bragging rights, I had them all except for Zodac (in fact, can't really remember seeing him in the cartoon).

Gosh! How could I forget (also from this debut wave) the coolest character there is in the whole He-Man universe; the ultimate character, the raddest action figure of 1981:

[Battle-cat: the coolest ride ever]

Be Fast, Be Witterquick

[The Knights: helmets make the man]

Written by GL

If I were ever asked to name one of the Visionaries that I think had the coolest sounding name, I would have to say, good, old Witterquick.

Despite the fact that Visionaries only came with a single name (like Cher, or Madonna), Witterquick was released along side the first and last series of Visionaries action figures. Produced by Hasbro in 1987, the cartoon of the same name was actually based on the action figures first and featured all the produced characters with their animal totems.

[The Cartoon: seems like all the 80's cartoon heroes were blonde]

Who could forget the sheer cool-factor of having been gifted with the totem of an animal with which you share a particular attribute. Witterquick, of course, managed to run his merry way through a gauntlet of falling columns unharmed, and thus it was so that the hologram of the cheetah was emblazoned on his armor.

[Witterquick: superb detail, with accessories to match. I miss this action figure]

However, the armor holograms weren't the only things that made the Visionaries cool - they came with an almost G.I. Joe-ish articulation style (although taller than the Joe figures) with very well detailed features, they had helmets and weapon accessories, they even came with a totem staff with a hologram of their power.

In the case of Witterquick, his package came with a silver boomerang in the shape of an elongated triangular wing, a power staff of Light Speed (his all-powerful buddy - featuring a human head with a pair of greek-style wings on either side), and a red helmet with one opening for his eyes, preferably for seeing stuff.

[Packaging: the price this complete package must cost today *sigh*]

Remember the good, old days when action figures even came with back and front cards for your collecting pleasure? I have no idea why manufacturing companies have been so slack about the little things nowadays. In any case, Witterquick's back card (unfortunately not pictured) displays the below information, for your reading:

WITTERQUICK: A valiant champion of justice with an over-anxious zeal to defeat the Darkling Lords!

MYSTICAL PERSONALITY: Represented by the CHEETAH, representing his fast acting ability to anticipate oncoming Darkling Lord attacks!

MAGICAL TOTEM: Calling upon his power of LIGHT SPEED, Witterquick dodges enemy bombardment faster than lightning through the sky!

LIGHT SPEED: "Sheathe these feet in the driving gale, make swift these legs, o'er land I sail!"

Awesome stuff - the amazing adjectives coupled together with a child-like imagination - and you've got the ultimate packaging. The Visionaries: Knights of the Magical Light cartoon only lasted 13 episodes, and although it didn't draw much attention, the title's action figures more than made up for that.

So remember, if you ever get that tummy-ache from too much masala and lassi, you better be fast - in fact, you better be Witterquick.

Your Support Is Greatly Appreciated

[Simpur's Blogging Nation: proud to be featured]
Written by GL

We are proud to announce that The House Of El and Classic Articulation are now listed with Simpur's Blogging Nation site. Additionally, we are also proud to mention that Classic Articulation has been featured as this week's featured blog.

In fact, Kal-El and I are as pleased as picnic punch about this and we're always hoping that there are fans around Brunei with the same love of action figures and superheroes, old and new, out there.

Don't forget, for anything on the newest and up-to-date action figures and hero news, hit up The House Of El - also maintained by us - at:

http://www.thehouseofel.blogspot.com

Since our own personal lives are no different from yours, dear readers - 8 to 5, waiting for pay day, getting caught in traffic, hanging out, going DVD hunting, etc., etc. - we thought we'd go all out for our passion by writing up a little bit about what we're crazy about. But, we're always ready to hear about what you have to say and what information you may have - so, don't be afraid to leave a tag message.

A big thanks to the webmaster of Simpur for being so accommodating. Check out other Bruneians living outside their normal lives by blog at:

http://www.dst-group.com/simpur/blogs/index.htm

Insanity is a lot cooler when you share. From your secret buddies, Kal-El and GL

Autobots, Get Down Retro Style

[Cover To Cover: the soundtracks present and past]
Written by GL

In 1986, Transformers took off so well that they decided to make a full-length animated movie out of it. From the movie came a rockin' soundtrack. In 1987, Scotti Bros. Records, in the US, dropped the The Transformers: The Movie Soundtrack.

The good news that I have for all you fans out there is: the soundtrack was re-released on May 29, 2007. It was given the 20th Anniversary Special Edition treatment (as did the movie when it was released on DVD on November 7, 2006). This version includes all 10 tracks from the original soundtrack, plus brand-new bonus material provided by Vince DiCola, the composer and producer of the film's score. The bonus material includes three additional score cues and an alternate version of the Transformers Theme. Have a look at the line-up:

1. The Touch - Stan Bush
2. Instruments Of Destruction - N.R.G.
3. Death Of Optimus Prime - Vince DiCola
4. Dare - Stan Bush
5. Nothin's Gonna Stand In Our Way - Spectre General
6. The Transformers (Theme) - Lion
7. Escape - Vince DiCola
8. Hunger - Spectre General
9. Autobot/Decepticon Battle - Vince DiCola
10. Dare To Be Stupid - 'Weird Al' Yankovic
11. Medley: Unicron Medley - Vince DiCola (Bonus Track)
12. Moon Base 2 - Shuttle Launch - Vince DiCola (Bonus Track)
13. Megatron Must Be Stopped - Vince DiCola (Bonus Track)
14. The Transformers (Alternate Theme) - Stan Bush (Bonus Track)

This is possibly the most mullet-rock, retro, head-bangin soundtrack you can find, and on top of all that, it's based on the Transformers. I swear that when you download it, you'll laugh and slowly start head-nodding to the cheesy electronica organ (that made the 80's so cool) and ripping guitar solos - you will probably end up liking it. Especially if you were die-hard about the movie. Apart from the rock stuff, there are even a few really cool instrumentals on this soundtrack.

It's available for your good purchase at Amazon.com for US$11 or B$17.

The other piece of good news that I have for you all out there is: the download is currently available on a torrent site near you (I found it purely by chance; meaning, I have it). Now, I can't really say which torrent site because Kal-El and I try not to encourage piracy; but see below and get there quick before the seeds drop.

Highlight here: www.mininova.org

Reach For The Stars

[Opening Card: cue the super-space theme song]

Written by GL

I never really wanted to go to space. It was a heck of a lot more convenient to see space on television or on postcards. However, the illusion of space never faded away, especially for a kid like me growing up in the 80's. Space was a lot of things to a lot of kids, and action figures and cartoons helped to shape that; take Bravestarr or Silverhawks for example.

One of those really cool cartoons was Starcom.

[The Cartoon: the more gear you have to carry around]

Starcom: The U.S. Space Force appeared in 1987 and it brought with it a full-on motorized toy line franchise that did especially well in Europe and Asia. Of course, it was Mattel who designed 'em, despite that fact that it didn't do too well in the U.S.

The Starcom story went like this: the evil members of Shadow Force, led by Emperor Dark, were trying to take over the cosmos (as most evil-doers do), and it was up to Starcom to stop them. Col. James 'Dash' Derringer, an ace Starcom pilot, was the star of the series, and several of his teammates were family members. He was also supported by the resourceful ace pilot John 'Slim' Griffin, whose niece also another Starcom pilot. Other heroes on the Starcom side included Col. Paul 'Crowbar' Corbin and Admiral Franklin Brinkley. Together, the members of Starcom fought Dark’s legions of robotic minions, flying into battle in a fleet of advanced spacecraft.

['Slim' Griffin, Col. 'Crowbar' Corbin and Col. 'Dash' Derringer: being multi-racial is cool]

Like many 1980s toys, the Starcom line was developed as part of the merchandising for the cartoon.

Starcom: The U.S. Space Force debuted on TV in 1987, and the toy line hit stores around the same time. There was plenty of variety to choose from: the complete series of Starcom toys offered 23 figures, 6 playsets, and 13 vehicles on the Starcom side, while the Shadow Force was represented by 15 action figures and 11 vehicles.

[Original Packaging: too cool]

The action figures were two inches tall and came packaged with a backpack, a weapon, and identification cards that explained who they were and what their equipment could do. Like the figures, the vehicles and playsets benefited from a sleek, attractive design.

[ID Cards: real toys came with ID cards]

The most unique and the coolest aspect (the one's that help us to remember them the most) of the Starcom toy line was its use of Magna-Lock technology. Basically, the action figures had tiny magnets implanted in their feet. Not only did this allow them to stand on the vehicles and playsets without falling off, but it also activated cool-beans gizmos in the playsets.

[Col. 'Dash' Derringer: 2 inches tall with magnetic feet, what else could a guy ask for?]

For example, if you placed a figure in the elevator of the Starbase Station playset, its Magna Lock magnets would cause the elevator to rise to the top by itself. By itself !

On the same playset, if you put a figure in one of the cannons, the Magna Lock magnets would activate a mechanism that made it turn and fire its rockets. Fire by itself !

[M-G Railgunner: a bad mother of a machine before and after Magna-Lock]

The vehicles and playsets also delivered Power Deploy features, which uses automatic wind up mechanisms that allows them to perform multiple actions all in a touch of a button, without the use of batteries. For example, with the touch of a button, the Starcom StarWolf unfolds its front, and both its wings. All in all, they offered plenty of moving parts (hidden compartments, cannons, folding wings, etc.).

[Starbase Command: I had this! Awesome!]

For sure, the Starcom toys were one of the best action figure lines of its time, offering advanced designs with a variety of cool features that didn’t require batteries or electric power, and I had so many.

The toys were successful in Europe and Southeast Asia only after becoming listed under Mattel label. Mattel removed the US flag and NASA details from the original, that were designed by a company named Coleco (Coleco would later be bought over by Hasbro), and launched the toys with a second line of promotions in the early 1990s.

Needless to say, Starcom is now a collector's feature. For, as soon as you see 'em, you're force to remember the sheer coolness of 'em. I can still see myself pushing those little buggers around.

A Spark Of Thunder

[M.A.S.K.: the unforgettable logo]
Written by GL

Very few people I've asked have ever said that they didn't enjoy watching M.A.S.K. I suppose it must have been one of the premier cartoons of the era and my whole love of motor vehicles probably sprung from this particular cartoon. But this entry isn't about the cartoon itself - this entry is about the vehicles.

M.A.S.K. was one of the many cartoons produced during the 1980s as a mode for toy merchandising. M.A.S.K. (standing for the Mobile Armored Strike Kommand, if you haven't heard by now), was a hybrid of popular era cartoons G.I. Joe and The Transformers. But despite this claim, it was the gadgets (as always) that made the show. One of the coolest vehicles was driven by Matt Trakker, the leader of M.A.S.K.

[Matt Trakker: possibly cooler than even you]

That vehicle was called the Thunderhawk. Thunderhawk, produced by Kenner toys came out in the USA in 1985, and in Europe in 1987 as part of the very first wave of M.A.S.K. vehicles and action figures. Thunderhawk is Matt Trakker's private car and is modeled after a Camaro Z28 from 1983. There are 2 different version of this toy; one version with bombs (USA edition) and a Europe edition that came without them.

[The Thunderhawk: even packaging was nice back in the day]

The Thunderhawk packaging possesses a style that is generic throughout all Kenner produced M.A.S.K. stuff. And, as many of you may remember, each vehicle also came with it's own figure to enjoy; in the case of the Thunderhawk, you get the very blonde, very cool Matt Trakker, with his trusty helmet Spectrum.

[Man & Machine: I miss this awesome set so much]

But, what many may not remember is that in the package, you also get a sticker set with which to decorate your vehicle just as they appear in the cartoons, as well as an instruction booklet, that many of us (as kids) would refuse to read and claim ignorance at.

[Thunderhawk Instructions: who needs it]

Watch this space in future for more of your favorite vehicles from an all-time favorite cartoon. And remember, illusion is the ultimate...something...something.

Centurion Special: Max Ray

[Max Ray: facial hair is cool]

Written By Kal-El

The past few weeks, I’ve done two of three Specials on the Centurions, In this week’s edition of the Centurion Special, we gladly bring to you true fans, The Brilliant Sea Operations Commander, Max Ray. Just to jog our memory, we all know that Centurion Ace McCloud covers the Aerial attacks and Jake Rockwell, Max Ray was the Centurion’s underwater agent who takes good care of any attacks on and deep in the waters.

Max Ray, as a college student at the age of 14, Max manages to build his own nuclear powered Submarine, He is the only ever to water-ski across the Atlantic Ocean. For a form of any exercise, he spends most of his time in the ocean, swimming across and making friends in the ocean world with oceanic fishes.

[Cruiser Assault Weapon System]

As by default, if you did get his line of action figure set, he is actually made water proof, same goes to all other Centurions toys, except their not fire proof so, please don’t try that at home kids. Anyways, Max’s default weapon assault system is the Cruiser. A Basic sea operating SCUBA system, bolted on with a gun and a missile that could easily maneuver Max’s attacks in the sea, but with a small amount of firing power to battle Doc Terror’s Drone Submariners.

[Tidal Blast]

With that, Tidal Blast is the second additional assault system to add to Max’s weaponry arsenal. It is known to be larger than the Basic Cruiser weapon system as it is a larger undersea system with attached two torpedoes and shoulder mounted grappling line, this enables him to hook himself out of trouble sometimes or when his is trapped in deep water spaces.

The third installment to his needs of sea attacks is called the Depth Charger; Depth Charger is a more heavier artillery weapon system as it also carries a Hydrogen Bomb to increase Max’s attacks under water. It is also a self contained submersible with torpedoes, a periscope and also a depth charge – Mine (Hydrogen Bomb).

Then there’s of course the Sea Bat. For which only came out later in the middle of the season episodes cartoon. And also a surface system with guns and missiles, similar to a manta ray in appearance. Also along side with the Fathom Fan – Assault weapon system resembling an Air boat with missiles and a small laser in the chest. Unfortunately, not all the weapon assault systems are available for me to post, so really sorry for that, I guess if you did managed to see them, then my friends consider your self alucky fan.

[ The Centurions by Kenner 1986/1987 ]

POWER XTREME!! Thanks for Reading...

The Illusion On DVD

[DVD Box Set: too awesome]
Written by GL

Released just this year, M.A.S.K. is available for you to own on a totally cool, 4 DVD disc box set (complete with snazzy box cover - shown above). This is no joke. It's the ultimate re-issued of the cartoon from 1985, enhanced and fixed up for your viewing pleasure.

As it states on the box cover, illusion is the ultimate weapon. Led by the always cool Matt Trakker, the Mobile Armored Strike Kommand (M.A.S.K.) is a secret organization that fights crime a special way; by donning specially charged masks they gain extraordinary powers. Oh, and they have super vehicles too (if you haven't already heard), capable of a wide range of defensive and offensive actions, from changing a car into a jet or becoming a submarine.

Trakker meets each unusual situation by picking the agents best suited for the job. As each agent has special talents some are better for a particular mission than others. VENOM, led by always uncool Miles Mayhem, always has their hands full when their evil plans for control are met by the crusading forces of M.A.S.K.

Collection 1 includes episodes 1-38. Can you wait for the next collection? Other details include:

• Region: 1 (US,CANADA)
• Studio: Vortex Films
• Disc Type: DVD-9 (dual-layer)
• Audio: Dolby Digital Stero 2.0
• Run Time: approx. 760 Min

For the lover of those old school cartoons, I recommend this (and a multi-region player, if you don't already have one). Get it while it's hot.

Leader Of The Horde

[The Villain: standing on a trap door and doesn't even know it]
Written by GL

I will be the first person to admit that I enjoyed watching She-ra. Come on, she was like He-man but hotter and just as entertaining. But this blog entry isn't about She-ra. We're going to talk about a dastardly, evil villain named Hordak - the meanest guy in the She-ra character line.

Hordak is the leader of the Evil Horde, an army of savage warriors, most of whom wear a red bat symbol on their chests to convey their allegiance. He is the former mentor of Skeletor, the franchise's main villain. According to most story media, Skeletor betrayed Hordak and trapped him in another dimension before beginning his own conquest of the planet Eternia. Hordak then returned with a vengeance to take over Eternia for himself.

Hordak is recognizable by his grotesque white face, with sharp red eyes, his flat snout-like nose, red vampire-like fangs and pointed bat-like ears. He wears a collar of bones and black armor over his chest, emblazoned with the Horde bat symbol. His appearance resembles a vampire or bat-like creature, although in some media he appears more cyborg-like.

Hordak is generally recognized as being the lead villain of the She-Ra cartoons, in which he is the archnemesis of She-Ra, He-Man's twin sister. In this series he rules the planet of Etheria with an army of Horde Troopers. It should be noted that in a few episodes, he does make attempts and mentions of trying to conquer Eternia, but never come close.

[The Action Figure: patented He-man style articulation and detail]

Hordak and his Evil Horde were introduced into Mattel's Masters of the Universe toy line (not the She-ra: Princess of Power line) in 1985 to inject new blood into the line by introducing a new army of villains, as adversaries to both He-Man and Skeletor. Hordak was on the shelves alongside his Evil Horde soldiers.

I remember this Series as one of the more cooler ones. And remember, a hero is only as good as his (or her) villains.

The Forgotten Thundercats

[Re-vamp: the glory of the ThunderCats]
Written by GL

I remember the ThunderCats - who wouldn't? The awesome adventures and the endless enemies and the feel-good messages at the end of each episode. It just so happened that I was looking around the net at some ThunderCats information, and I realized that there were a couple members that had over-looked my mind.

At the start of the series' second season, it was revealed to Lion-O (after having a recurring dream about the final moments of the destruction of Thundera) that there are three more Thunderians living on Third Earth. They survived the cataclysm and were rescued by a Ro-Bear Berbil scoutship piloted by two Berbils. The ship, damaged in the final explosion of the planet, made it to Third Earth, landing on an unknown island somewhere in the northern sea.

These were the new ThunderCats; the feline group members people forgot.

[Screenshots: the new ThunderCats of the second season]

After Mumm-Ra tries to capture them to use as bait to destroy the others, these three are rescued and brought back to Cat’s Lair, where Lion-O anoints them as new ThunderCats. They initially come to live in Cat's Lair, but after the arrival of the Lunataks, they are stationed at the Tower of Omens.

[Ben-Gali: the punk ThunderCat]

Firstly, there is Ben-Gali, one of two younger Thunderians among the trio. This warrior is a skilled blacksmith like his father before him. This talent proves valuable after the Sword of Omens is once again broken. Fast and agile like Tygra, Ben-Gali is called ‘brother’ by him, but it isn't likely that they a true familial bond. (The new ThunderCats repeatedly call the originals "Nobles" while referring to themselves as "mere Thunderians".)

In combat, Ben-Gali wields a weapon called the Hammer of Thundera. It can shoot energy blasts, and carries smoke pellets in the handle, to allow him to cause confusion and provide cover for withdrawal from a fight. (Voiced by Peter Newman.)

[Pumyra: the cutest, girl-next-door ThunderCat]

Second is Pumyra, another female Thunderian, second only to Cheetara. This young woman is a talented healer and medic. She uses her knowledge of Thunderian medicine, combined with the wide range of medicinal supplies to be found on Third Earth to help heal and cure her fellow ThunderCats. Her compassionate nature lends to offering an alternative perspective, solving problems or conflict without fighting by using compromise and understanding. She is quite possibly, the hottest Thundercat ever.

Possibly the most agile ThunderCat next to the ThunderKittens, Pumyra employs an incredible leaping ability — often able to vault higher than even great jumpers like Tygra or the ThunderKittens. In combat, she uses a special whipcord, which resembles a ‘cat’s tail’, that can launch special pellets and spheres like an ancient-type sling. (Voiced by Gerrianne Raphael.)

[Lynx-O: the only ThunderCat named after underarm deodorant]

Then there's Lynx-O, the oldest of the trio. Lynx-O was spared the sight of the destruction of their homeworld by a cruel twist of fate: an intense heat and fire blinded him moments before he and his two younger companions were rescued. Because of this injury, Lynx-O has had to adapt to survive on Third Earth, and has done so by honing his other senses to superhuman levels. His sense of touch, smell, taste and hearing are far above those of the other ThunderCats, and this affords him a type of ‘sixth-sense’ (although not like the one Cheetara has).

Though blind, Lynx-O is still a formidable fighter. His sense of touch allows him to find pressure points on a foe’s body to knock them off balance or stun them. He can also feel vibrations, which allow him to evade attacks and capture, and can use a Sonic Reflector as a weapon in combat.

His greatest skill comes in utilizing a special 'braille board' — a device that allows him to translate information coming from sensor systems inside the Tower of Omens, enabling him to see into the gloom of Dark Side. This same device also allows him to pilot the Thunderstrike aircraft through the Valley of Mists when the ThunderCats need to find a way through to Dark Side. (Voiced by Doug Preis.)

[The Trio: original packaging]

ThunderCat action figures were produced by a company named LJN and featured only about five points of articulation; neck, shoulders and legs. Each figure had an action feature of some sort, and the line also included a unique "laser" light-up feature that interacted between the Cats Lair playset, some figures, and some accessories.

[Sexy: the only new ThunderCat action figure that I had growing up]

The new ThunderCats were featured in Series III of the line, which appeared in 1987. Get the cartoons if you want the in-depth information; always a fun watch.

Poll Results: Which Was Possibly The Coolest Retro Villain Ever?

Written by GL

Here's the poll result for this week. Thanks to all those who vote. I'd like to ask all visitors to Classic Articulation to please drop in a vote on the polls because I'd just like to hear what you all think. It's refreshing.

Megatron and Mumm-ra; two real baddies with real bad attitude. I, personally, wouldn't have been able to decide between either one - both are good picks. Needless to say, there were a lot more villains out there, and this poll was just a narrowed down list. Keep voting, people.

The Toughest Law Man There Ever Was

[Bravestarr: coolest pose ever]
Written by GL

I think it's a fairly statement to make that there were a lot cartoons back in the 80's, most of them good. There were so many that the hardest thing about maintaining this blog is trying to remember what those cartoons were. Remembering Bravestarr came purely by luck. I hope this entry helps you , dear reader, remember him too.

BraveStarr was an animated space western. The original episodes aired from September 1987 to February 1989 and from it came a set of action figures. It was the last cartoon series produced by the companies, Filmation and Group W Productions.

Like He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, a moral lesson is taught the end of each episode. One notable episode was titled 'The Price', in which a boy buys a drug called Spin, becomes addicted to it and dies from an overdose.

The story is set in the 22nd century on a distant planet called New Texas, which has 'a sky of three suns'. New Texas has a native population of Prairie People, which are small humans who look a little like prairie dogs. New Texas was colonized by a multi-planet government. A mineral called Kerium, a rare and powerful crystal of great importance in space-faring societies, is discovered there, giving the planet a valuable natural resource. Most of the episodes revolved around Bravestarr preventing the villains from stealing Kerium ore.

[The Cartoon: Bravestarr versus the Carrion Bunch]

New Texas was almost home, not only to humans but also by various aliens and robots too.

Of course, the coolest guy there is Marshall Bravestarr. Surprisingly (and this never registered to me as a kid) he is a Native American, who can call upon the power of spirit animals. In addition, he carries a laser pistol called a Neutra-laser. His spirit animal powers are:

• Eyes of the Hawk: Lets him see great distances
• Ears of the Wolf: Gives him super-hearing
• Strength of the Bear: Gives him super-strength
• Speed of the Puma: Gives him super-speed

Although many of you may remember the Marshall himself, you may have forgotten Thirty/Thirty, Bravestarr's talking techno horse, who can transform from four-legs to two at a whim. He carries a giant energy rifle he refers to as 'Sarah Jane'. He is the last survivor of an ancient civilization called the Equestroids, a cybernetic breed of sentient equines, and has strength approximating Bravestarr's bear strength.

[Super Friends: Bravestarr and Thirty/Thirty]

And the biggest problem Bravestarr has to face is Tex Hex, the ugly, pasty-faced leader of the Carrion Bunch. Tex was mutated and given magic powers by a big boss called Stampede. Tex's powers include energy bolts, the power to blow up mountains, transformation, and summoning creatures called fire-snakes.

[The Villain: Tex Hex]

Mattel released Bravestarr in 1986, based on the Filmation cartoon series. These figures were large for the time at nearly 8" in height. Each of the figures had its own unique action that they could do. Marshall Bravestarr and Tex Hex were also packaged with a Laser Fire Backpack which shot infra-red beams and had sound effects. Each of the figures were also packaged with one or more kerium nuggets. A second series of figures were designed but never produced, including characters called Dingo Dan, Judge JB, Long Arm John, Rampage and the Starr Hawk vehicle.

[Super Figures: Bravstarr and Thirty/Thirty]

Amazingly enough, the Bravestarr action figures has some of the best articulation points ever, for figures of that time.

[Tex Hex: check out the accessories and the Kerium ores that came along with the figure]

There were also two vehicles made plus the vehicles that came with the Deputy Fuzz and Outlaw Skuzz figures. Last but not least, a playset version of Fort Kerium was also released.

Now that was a storyline if there ever was one.