Table of Contents
Introduction
When you think of Kenner Toys, images of blockbuster franchises like Star Wars and The Real Ghostbusters might immediately come to mind. Kenner was a titan of the toy industry in its heyday, known for revolutionizing the action figure market. However, beyond the household names and pop culture juggernauts, Kenner crafted a treasure trove of lesser-known toy lines that still hold a special place in the hearts of collectors. These "forgotten gems" are steeped in nostalgia and stand as hidden treasures for anyone passionate about vintage toys. Let’s take a closer look at these underrated lines that deserve a moment in the spotlight.
1. M.A.S.K.
(Mobile Armored Strike Kommand):
The Action-Adventure Hybrid That Almost Made It Big Picture a world where G.I. Joe meets Transformers: that’s M.A.S.K. Kenner introduced this action-packed line in 1985, combining transforming vehicles with heroic characters. Each figure came with a specialized mask granting unique abilities, and the vehicles—like the Thunderhawk sports car that transformed into a jet—were truly ahead of their time. M.A.S.K. had its own animated series, but it never quite reached the cultural zenith of its contemporaries. Collectors today cherish M.A.S.K. toys for their intricate designs and nostalgia-inducing storyline.
Collector’s Tip:
Keep an eye out for intact masks and vehicles with working mechanisms—they’re rare and in high demand.
2. Bone Age:
The Dino-Fantasy Toyline
That Came and Went Long before dinosaurs became a roaring trend again with Jurassic Park, Kenner dabbled in dino-themed toys with Bone Age in 1987. This short-lived series combined caveman figures with buildable dinosaur skeletons. The unique twist? You could reassemble the dinosaur bones into vehicles or other tools. While it didn’t garner commercial success, its creativity was undeniable, and today, Bone Age pieces are rare and sought-after relics for collectors who appreciate outside-the-box design.
Why It Was Forgotten:
Overshadowed by flashier toy lines and marketing missteps.
3. Silverhawks:
The Shiny Cousin of ThunderCats
Although the ThunderCats often steal the nostalgic thunder, Kenner’s Silverhawks were just as groundbreaking. Released in 1986, this sci-fi action line featured metallic, bird-inspired heroes who battled the villainous Mon*Star. The toys came with chrome finishes and included exciting play features like spring-loaded wings. While Silverhawks had a modest run on TV, its toys never reached the ubiquity of ThunderCats.
Why Collectors Love Them Today:
The chrome-plated figures are a visual treat, even decades later.
4. Centurions:
Power Xtreme and Playability
Supreme Kenner’s Centurions introduced a world where “Man and Machine Power Combine!” The line showcased three main characters—Ace McCloud, Max Ray, and Jake Rockwell—who could equip themselves with modular weapon systems. The action figures were unusually large for their time, making them distinct on store shelves. Each character’s gear snapped onto their body, adding an engineering flair that appealed to imaginative kids.
Why They’re Underrated:
Despite a cult following, Centurions was overshadowed by the media dominance of other toy brands.
5. Sky Commanders:
Danger at New Heights
In 1987, Kenner introduced the adventurous Sky Commanders, a line built around high-altitude cable-rigged action. The figures came with zip-line accessories that allowed kids to string up elaborate play environments. It was an innovative concept, but it didn’t quite capture mainstream attention.
What Makes It Special Today:
For collectors, the challenge lies in finding complete sets with all the small rigging pieces intact.
6. Mega Force:
A Micro-Military Marvel
Before micro-scale toys became mainstream, Kenner’s Mega Force line in the late ’80s brought intricate military-themed playsets to the table. Featuring miniature tanks, jets, and battle units, this series appealed to kids who loved strategy-based play. Although its lack of a media tie-in limited its appeal, today, it’s beloved by those who admire micro-scale detail and imaginative design.
Collector’s Favorite Pieces:
Look out for intact dioramas and unique camouflage paint jobs.
7. The Adventures of Indiana Jones:
Treasure Hunting Ahead of Its Time
Despite Indiana Jones being one of the most iconic film franchises, its Kenner toy line often gets overlooked. Released in 1982, these figures were well-detailed for their time but struggled to compete with Kenner’s own Star Wars juggernaut.
Why They’re Underrated:
The line’s short shelf life makes it highly collectible today, especially figures like Toht or Marion Ravenwood.
8. Shrunken Treasures:
Kenner’s “Pocket Lines”
In the late ’80s, Kenner experimented with compact playsets, including Sky Commanders Microplay and others that could fit into a pocket. These weren’t as robust as Polly Pocket but captured imaginations with their tiny designs and quick-play appeal.
What Makes Them Special:
Their rarity and delicate builds make complete sets a treasure for micro toy enthusiasts.
Why These Gems Deserve the Spotlight
What makes these toy lines truly special is their unique creativity and craftsmanship. Unlike today’s media-saturated toy industry, where everything revolves around big-budget tie-ins, Kenner often took bold risks with innovative concepts. While not all of these gambles paid off commercially, they left behind a legacy of imaginative design that still resonates with collectors.
Collector’s Corner:
Tips for Hunting These Forgotten Gems
Search Online Auctions:
eBay and other auction sites often feature rare Kenner toys, but be prepared to bid competitively for mint-condition pieces.
Attend Toy Conventions:
Events like RetroCon and Toy Hiest are hotspots for discovering Kenner rarities.
Network with Collectors:
Join forums or social media groups dedicated to vintage toys for trade opportunities and tips.
Inspect Quality:
Look for intact pieces, working mechanisms, and original packaging whenever possible.
Conclusion
Kenner’s lesser-known toy lines may not have the universal recognition of Star Wars or Ghostbusters, but they carry a charm that only true enthusiasts can fully appreciate. Whether it’s the engineering brilliance of Centurions or the adventurous spirit of Sky Commanders, these forgotten gems have earned their place in the spotlight. So, the next time you’re on the hunt for vintage treasures, don’t overlook these incredible toys—they might just become the crown jewels of your collection.