Flea Market Hunting : Shogun Warriors

As a kid the Shogun Warriors were the toys I've always wanted... and never got. Now 30 years later I finally own one, GAIKING!!!

The Shogun Warriors were the central characters of a line of toys licensed by Mattel Inc. during the late 1970s that consisted of a series of imported Japanese robots based on the then popular anime shows featuring giant robots.

These toys featured spring-loaded launcher weapons such as missiles, shuriken and battle axes. Some were able to launch their fists while the later diecast versions also had the ability to transform into different shapes.

Gaiking is one of many robots released back in the days. The one we found still has its spring-loading fist but was missing his missiles. Most of the stickers are still there. Overall he is in great condition.

Like certain other toy lines of the 1970s, the Shogun Warriors came under pressure over safety concerns regarding their spring-loaded weapons. It was feared that children might launch the weapons and hit other children or pets in the eye. There was also a risk that children might swallow the small plastic missiles and other parts. Toy manufacturers then faced new regulations due to reported injuries received as a result of playing with these toys. Consequently, many toy companies were forced to remodel existing toy lines with child-safe variations (such as spring-loaded "action" missiles that would remain attached to the toy). For this reason, as well as declining sales, the Shogun Warrior line had disappeared by 1980.

Shogun Warriors were licensed in 1979–1980 for a 20–issue series by Marvel Comics, written by Doug Moench and featuring art by Herb Trimpe. In the comic, the Shogun Warriors were created by a mysterious group called the Followers of the Light. Human operators were chosen from all around the world to operate the massive robots in order to battle evil.

Here is Gaiking compared to two of our most prized bigger action figures. Gaiking is 24 inches tall! A gigantic robot and now one of our most beloved figure in our ever growing collection.