Mego Buck Rogers | MEGO CENTRAL |

a big M E G O C E N T R A L thank you
goes out to Martin Gainsford and Jon Peck for their efforts in creating this gallery

BUCK ROGERS IN THE 25th CENTURY-A BACKGROUND

Television producers Glen A. Larson and Leslie Stevens, like many of their industry contemporaries, harnessed well the shock waves created by the explosion that was STAR WARS during the latter part of the 1970s. Having scored a major hit with BATTLESTAR GALACTICA Larson cast his net once more in the hope of catching yet another ratings winner. STAR WARS creator George Lucas had made no secret of the influence of a number of now classic 1930's movie serials upon his most famous work and Larson too looked to this Golden Age for inspiration. With Alex Raymond's hero Flash Gordon already linked to a big-budget movie, produced by Dino De Laurentiis, Larson opted for a character regarded by many as the 'original' Science-Fiction adventure hero of the modern age, Buck Rogers. Having appeared as a character in a one-shot adventure in 'Amazing Stories', during the summer of 1928, Buck Rogers soon gripped the nation with the first of his regular appearances in newspapers some six months later in January 1929. By the mid-1930s Buck Rogers was perceived as the ultimate embodiment of heroism and daring-do by children across America. Buck's newspaper adventures had made an effortless transition to radio with a 'BUCK ROGERS' serial enjoying an eight year tenure in the medium from 1932. Success breeds imitation and Buck Rogers' popularity proved no exception. His rival however would ultimately become even more popular than he and the King Features Syndicate creation Flash Gordon is perhaps the better known today. This popularity can be largely attributed to the 'FLASH GORDON' movie serials starring Buster Crabbe. The one-time Olympic swimmer proved so utterly convincing in the role of the heroic galactic adventurer Flash Gordon that when his inspirational counterpart came to the big screen in 1939 Crabbe was deemed as the only man suitable to assume the mantle. With Buck Rogers' ongoing appearances in newspapers and comic books enjoying a solid popularity for the next decade it came as little surprise that in 1950 the fledgling medium of television would welcome the now legendary hero to their swelling ranks of adventurers. His early television popularity was short-lived however and Buck would not appear again for almost three decades until 1979 when Gil Gerard breathed life into the character as the star of BUCK ROGERS IN THE 25th CENTURY on US cinema screens in March 1979. The 'movie' was intended as an introduction to concepts soon to be seen in Larson's television series. This big-screen outing itself aired on television shortly after it's theatrical release when NBC first screened the series in September 1979. BUCK ROGERS IN THE 25th CENTURY garnered mixed reviews with many growing tired of the largely formulaic story-lines along with the outrageous situations in which the central characters often found themselves. Others however, particularly younger followers of the series, enjoyed the creative design of the costumes, sets and space-craft. Gil Gerard's portrayal of a hero lost in time is appealing enough as is the performance of the beautiful Erin Gray as Wilma Deering. The popular Mel Blanc-voiced robot Twiki also proved an attraction to younger viewers and in terms of all-round family entertainment there is little with which to fault BUCK ROGERS IN THE 25th CENTURY.

Draconian Marauder in Box

Draconian Marauder Instructions

Laserscope Fighter in Box

StarFighter Command Center in Box

BUCK ROGERS IN THE 25th CENTURY-THE CONCEPT

In 1987 NASA launch an exploratory craft into deep space. Commanded by Captain William Rogers, Ranger III is caught in a meteor storm which throws the craft off course. Life support systems preserve Rogers in a state of suspended animation for more than five centuries until in 2491 Ranger III is found by an alien vessel. The Draconia is itself on a journey to Earth carrying ambassador Princess Ardala and her assistant Kane. The pair assist Buck Rogers on his journey back to Earth but the astronaut is unaware he is carrying a device which will allow the evil duo to infiltrate Earth's defences. Accused of treason by his fellow Earth people upon his ill-fated return Buck decides to take responsibility for the situation and returns to the Draconian flag ship intent on foiling their plans of invasion. Having proven his worth Buck Rogers joins the Earth Defence Directorate as an agent of justice and freedom

BUCK ROGERS IN THE 25th CENTURY-THE MEGO TOY LINE

Along with the figures and accessories based upon THE BLACK HOLE and STAR TREK THE MOTION PICTURE Mego's 'BUCK ROGERS' line was one of the most extensive of their later releases. Comprising 12 Inch figures, 3 and 3/4 Inch figures, along with a variety of play environments and vehicles, the range is remarkably representative of the vast array of Buck Rogers toys which had gone before. As early as 1934 children were lavished with some of the most incredible licensed toys ever then produced. Daisy Rocket Pistols and Inter-Planetary Navigation Helmets, Tootsie Toy Rocket-Ships and Marx Rocket Skates were just a few of the toys available to children in the 1930s. Throughout the following three decades a myriad of Buck Rogers merchandise would appear in toy shops around the World. The 1960's Ideal Toys figure Captain Action enjoyed the luxury of a Buck Rogers costume and can perhaps be regarded as the 'Father' of the Mego BUCK ROGERS IN THE 25th CENTURY line.

The Kenner STAR WARS range boasted figures of two sizes and Mego's BUCK ROGERS IN THE 25th CENTURY series followed this now established standard. The 12 inch line comprised of Buck Rogers himself and two allies. Whereas many action figure lines may be considered lacking in the area of villainy this is not an accusation to be levelled here. A veritable army of enemies was produced all of whom were inspired by characters from the original 'movie'. The box packaging sported the famous movie poster artwork and each character was clearly visible through a window front. The reverse would introduce children to the entire range of figures presented in photographic form and as with all Mego packaging the result is very appealing.

The first choice purchase for all young fans of the television series would of course have been Buck Rogers himself. The figure is a strange hybrid not unlike 'Jaws' from the Mego MOONRAKER range. A huge torso, coupled with the regular 12 inch Mego body, is used to perhaps convey the sense of energy and vigour Gil Gerard instilled in the role. The result however isn't pleasing to the eye, offering the impression that Buck was possibly a steroid abuser! That aside the figure represents well the character. The facial features are recognisable as those of the ruggedly handsome actor and the skilfully crafted two-piece costume is a particular point of merit. Displaying their usual eye for detail Mego even added an important dash of colour to the clinical white outfit with their inclusion of the multi-colour insignia on Buck's right sleeve. A black equipment belt featuring a buckle, with decal, and holstered pistol along with white low-slung footwear and the outfit is complete.

Given the popularity of STAR WARS' robotic duo R2-D2 and C-3PO the appearance of Twiki in the Mego line is perhaps unsurprising. Perfectly scaled to compliment the other figures in the range Twiki is a commendable attempt to create in miniature that which Mel Blanc and Felix Silla had brought to life in the television series itself. Rather than offering a more fully articulated body for Twiki, Mego decided to incorporate into him an 'Action Feature'. "Wind him up. His head turns while he walks." was the claim on Twiki's packaging. And walk he did! Although many Twikis would often topple over after just a few forward paces it was a novel gimmick and proved immensely popular with very young 'BUCK ROGERS' enthusiasts. "Biddi, Biddi, Biddi!!"

Despite Wilma Deering being the most prominent character in the television series, besides Buck, as well as being that rarest of female characters, one as dynamic and heroic as her male counterparts, Mego passed her by as a 12 Inch figure. A strange decision considering that each of the three similar lines produced during this same period, THE BLACK HOLE, STAR TREK THE MOTION PICTURE and MOONRAKER, included female characters none of whom were as potentially 'play worthy' as Wilma for young male toy buyers. Acting as Buck's human partner in Mego's range was Dr Huer played by PEYTON PLACE star Tim O' Connor. As with many action figures the best facial sculpts are those of characters of advanced years or of a more rugged appearance. This is certainly the case with Mego's Dr Huer. O' Connor's distinguished features are immediately recognisable and wearing another fine Mego costume, this time a three piece dress uniform with ceremonial decoration, Dr Huer is a worthy addition to the line having by then been integral to 'BUCK ROGERS' lore for more than half-a-century.

Veteran movie 'bad guy' Henry Silva is recreated to perfection within the 'BUCK ROGERS' line as Killer Kane. The facial sculpt acknowledges fully the actor's famous high cheek bones bringing to life what could have been a largely forgettable figure in comparison to the veritable splendour of his evil comrades. Wearing a fawn tunic, with gold adornment, black trousers and boots the Mego figure represents well the villain of the first Larson-produced adventure prior to Michael Ansara assuming the role. A thick vinyl belt with a metallic buckle is a finishing touch of detail. Could any child have expected less of Mego?

If any of the figures in the range may have benefited from the more muscular, outsized, torso seen on Buck it would have been the brutish Tiger Man played by Duke Butler. With his faintly 'piratical' appearance the figure would not have looked too out of place alongside the Matchbox 'Fighting Furies' characters. Wearing a tiger print bolero waist coat and pants, with black accents, the figure is very much the character to whom viewers were introduced in the Daniel Haller helmed 'feature' film. Boasting many accessory parts including shoes, a wrist strap, biceps band, gold coloured plastic belt and sword the Tiger Man is one of the most visually impressive figures in the range. Collectors are charmed by the almost 'camp' impression the figure offers the jaded adult eye. The Tiger Man's facial detailing is stunning with his distinctive markings and moustache leaving no doubt in the mind of even those with little knowledge of 'BUCK ROGERS' that this is a character not to be crossed.

One of the stoic, elite Draconian Guards also offers himself as an adversary to the Mego Buck Rogers figure. Lacking the trademark helmet seen on screen the figure is still nicely executed. A silver-grey tunic, cut to the thigh, with gold trimming covers his upper body while loose fitting deep red pants match the similarly hued panel on the tunic at the waist. The overall design suggests that of an ancient Samurai Warrior which in itself only adds to the figure's appeal. Confirming the era in which the toys were produced, and indeed the one in which BUCK ROGERS IN THE 25th CENTURY was filmed, the figure exhibits a very '1970s' nod toward his villainy, facial hair. The ''goatee-d' guard is armed with a beautifully realised laser weapon and like many toys of the period is proof that if well produced a 'bad guy' can be every bit as desirable a piece to own as a 'good guy'.

The final release in the 12 Inch range of 'BUCK ROGERS' figures is Draco the character who lent his name to an entire civilisation. Given the re-working of the 'movie' for television screenings most prints of BUCK ROGERS IN THE 25th CENTURY feature very little reference to Joseph Wiseman's character. For collectors today this matters little as Draco is one of the most desirable of the entire range but to children of the early 1980s, the period in which these figures were generally available, a "scary old guy in a dress" probably didn't appear on the wish lists of too many young 'BUCK ROGERS' enthusiasts. The modern Mego collector however is gifted with another bearded villain wearing what could be described by some as a Mego Cher 'cast-off' . From the top of his gold headgear to the tips of his boots, by way of perfectly shaped eyebrows, Draco is 'Glam', 'Glam', 'Glam'!!. Another intricately crafted Mego gown for a figure which was never envisioned as one which may be critiqued some three decades later yet still this flamboyant figure rivals any being produced today.

A curious addition to the range was the 'Laserscope Fighter'. Bearing a passing, if somewhat vague, resemblance to the aforementioned Star Fighter this vehicle was a mixture of role-play toy, video game and standard play vehicle. A character could be placed in the cockpit whilst a child was able to look through a view-screen at an object ahead. Having adjusted the 'Telescopic Focus Controls' and engaged the 'laser' the object 'locked' in the view screen would appear to explode, an impression enhanced by appropriate sound effects. An impressive toy to say the least! So proud of this particular item were Mego that an almost identical toy was sold as part of their European release of toys based on THE BLACK HOLE.

Another vehicle in the 'BUCK ROGERS' range which holds an interest for collectors of two separate Mego lines is the 'Star Searcher'. This extravagant multi-functional land vehicle was not a genuine TV series inspired craft but rather a toy previously seen as part of The Micronauts range. The stunning 'Star Defender' was beautifully repackaged this time featuring the 'BUCK ROGERS' logo. Young admirers of BUCK ROGERS IN THE 25th CENTURY would have cared little for its origins as the toy is truly inspiring and one of the most visually impressive of the entire line.

The final item in the Mego BUCK ROGERS IN THE 25th CENTURY series is the 'Star Fighter Command Center'. Eye-catching period 'Zipper' typeface draws attention to a most attractive playset. Representing well, with some licence, the environment in which Buck and his friends spent much of their time the 'Command Center' is one of the nicer playsets produced by Mego in this scale. Sadly the landing area, integral to the playsets authentic appearance, is only available for play if cut from the reverse of the box in which the playset itself was packaged. This factor alone contributes to the comparative rarity of the playset in relation to other Mego toys of the period in mint and boxed condition. Appraised purely as a toy of the late 1970s however there can be little doubt that any child receiving this playset, along with a vehicle or two and a handful of figures, would have been the happiest he could ever have wished to be.

Although not enjoying the hugely enthusiastic following of perhaps STAR TREK or the 'James Bond' films BUCK ROGERS IN THE 25th CENTURY has a loyal fan-base and any admirer of the series will no doubt covet much of what has been examined here with good cause. The toys and figures rank amongst Mego's finest in terms of accuracy of facial sculpting, detail of costuming and all-round play value. Toys of this excellence will rarely be seen again in this or any other century.

Although many believe that Mego's venture into the realm of 3 and 3/4 Inch action figures was largely in response to Kenner's STAR WARS line this supposition is only in part correct. The lines made available in this size for THE BLACK HOLE, STAR TREK THE MOTION PICTURE and BUCK ROGERS IN THE 25th CENTURY were of course created with the STAR WARS consumer in mind. The subject matter alone made them perfect playmates for Han Solo, Darth Vader and Luke Sywalker in the minds of children but Mego had actually championed this sized figure previously. The popular Comic Action Heroes were among the first figures to have been produced to this scale some five years earlier.

The 3 and 3/4 Inch line reflected that which was similarly available in the larger scale series. Buck was joined as before by Twiki and Dr Huer with the trio facing off once more against Killer Kane, Draco, Tiger Man and a Draconian Guard, sporting on this occasion his famous head gear. Two welcome additions to the smaller range of characters however were Wilma Deering and the beautiful villainess Ardella (sic). Like their companion figures in the series both characters would be produced wearing costumes sculpted onto their bodies authentically inspired by the designs of Jean Pierre Dorleac. Although perfectly in scale with other figures of the period, including Kenner's STAR WARS line, Mego's 'BUCK ROGERS' figures stand out from their contemporaries due to the then staggering level of articulation bestowed upon them. With ten points of movement these figures surpassed any being produced in that scale within the industry and remain as a 'yard stick' by which other similarly sized figures ability to articulate can be still be judged today.

Due to the size of these smaller characters vehicles in which they could be placed, for added play value, were high on Mego's list of production options in 1979. Regarded as the most potentially popular vehicle in the range for youngster was the 'Star Fighter'. This much sought toy represented the vehicle flown by both Wilma and Buck in the television series and was produced by a variety of other companies too as a die-cast vehicle, construction kit and even a 'flying' model. Mego's authentic interpretation is very close in contour to the vehicle that young 'BUCK ROGERS' enthusiasts of the period would have recognised. Featuring drop down landing gear and an opening cockpit, allowing any figure in the range to be placed within, the Star Fighter in its colourful solid box was much sought by children during the height of the television programme's popularity. The most fortunate youngsters of the period would likely boast ownership too of a fearsome 'Draconian Marauder' to engage in combat with Buck's Star Fighter. Similarly scaled, the Marauder mirrored the features of its adversary appearing on toyshop shelves in identically designed packaging too except for the use of a photograph of the Marauder piloted by Killer Kane waiting for take-off as a Draconian Guard prepares the craft for flight. "AUTHENTICALLY STYLED FROM OFFICIAL BUCK ROGERS BLUEPRINTS!" claimed text appearing on the box of the BUCK ROGERS IN THE 25th CENTURY 'Land Rover'. The claim was not without substance as a vehicle very similar in appearance had indeed appeared in the television series. The robust tank-like vehicle allowed youngsters to place figures inside and with its "Real Motor Sound" and decals any young follower of 'BUCK ROGERS' was able to fulfil their wishes for terrain-based adventures with the Land Rover.