SPECIALIZING IN VINTAGE TOY LINES FROM THE 80s AND 90s
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SPECIALIZING IN VINTAGE TOY LINES FROM THE 80s AND 90s
This page contains affiliate links. As a partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase.
Home > Vintage Toy Lines: ThunderCats
From the iconic, soaring theme song to the legendary cry of the Sword of Omens, ThunderCats defined the golden age of Saturday morning cartoons. Explore our curated selection of vintage ThunderCats action figures, vehicles, and playsets to find Lion-O, Mumm-Ra, and the rest of the Third Earth crew.
ThunderCats is a popular TV series that debuted in the year 1985. A toy line was launched at the same time, produced by LJN. The toyline lasted three years and had quite a small distribution. This is why the ThunderCats action figures (especially the ThunderCats figures 1985) are relatively hard to find (at least when compared to other toy lines from the 80s, such as Transformers or He-Man and MOTU).
The leader and hereditary Lord of the ThunderCats.
Architect, scientist, and member of the ThunderCats.
Cheetara has amazing speed and is a member of the ThunderCats.
Chief mechanic, engineer, and pilot for the ThunderCats.
Lion-O & The Sword of Omens
As the hereditary Lord of the ThunderCats, Lion-O is the centerpiece of any serious collection. Driven by the legendary Sword of Omens and wearing the iconic Claw Shield, his 1985 LJN figure is an absolute must-have. When hunting for a vintage Lion-O, collectors always keep an eye out for the condition of his red hair (which prone to paint rubbing) and whether he still has his original, unbent plastic sword accessory.
The vintage ThunderCats action figures are about six inches tall and made of both hard rubber and plastic. Most of them have articulations at the shoulders, hips, and neck and can attack with their weapons. A couple of Thundercat figures also have eyes that lit up when you press a ring in the back. The line was called “Battle-Matic ,Action” (a term that was also used by other lines such as D&D toys). LJN also made smaller poseable figures for companions and allies. Some of these original 1985 LJN ThunderCats figures are quite expensive today (for example, Bengali is usually around $300!), however, you can get the common ones for a little over $10 each.
Panthro, Tygra, and Cheetara
The core noble team brings massive visual variety to a shelf. Panthro, the powerhouse engineer, is famous for his spiked nunchucks. Tygra, the scientist, featured a distinct bolo-whip made of fragile plastic strings that are incredibly rare to find intact today. Cheetara, the lightning-fast warrior, remains one of the most sought-after female action figures of the 1980s, valued for her striking design and staff weapon.
For children of the 1980s, the booming orchestral theme song and the cry of “ThunderCats, Ho!” are hardwired into our collective nostalgia. But why are these specific figures skyrocketing in popularity today?
Mumm-Ra the Ever-Living
Every great hero needs an iconic villain, and Third Earth’s ancient sorcerer fits the bill perfectly. LJN brilliantly captured Mumm-Ra by offering him in two distinct versions: his shriveled, mummified state, and his massive, muscular “Ever-Living” form. Finding a vintage Mumm-Ra with his original fabric cape and dual-bladed dagger is a major win for any retro toy hunter.
Main themes: Action, adventure, heroes.
Main themes: Fantasy, friendship, fun.
