1977 Micronauts Pack-In Catalog
A package of old Micronauts pack-in catalogs reached me last week, and in looking at this I’m starting to think I’ve collected enough material for a new book that follows Each Sold Separately* and Action Figures Not Included*. Not today, though, because today I’m already loaded down with projects and have enough work to stay busy for the rest of the year.
While we wait for me to finish a few things — the hardcovers of Universe Expanded and Empire of Shadows are set to reach me in a day or two! — let’s enjoy this 1977 Micronauts pack-in catalog. So many cool toys that I never owned!
Related articles
- “Micronaut Classics Are Online” (battlegrip.com)
- 1978 “Kiddie City” and Micronauts (battlegrip.com)
- 1978 Micronauts Boardgame (battlegrip.com)
There’s always been some fun “Easter eggs” in these catalogs as some of the prototypes shown have features that changed from the Japanese originals in the final release, and also a couple of Microman figures never released by Mego mysteriously snuck in some of the shots.
The Battle Cruiser is actually a Microman Transfer Fortress with the blue parts painted white. The final release molded ALL the parts in white and replaced the suction cup darts with large rubber “mushroom” safety missiles (which many of us found out later melt plastic they touch like nobody’s business D:).
The Rhodium Orbiter’s original toy was not from Microman (though it had Microman-labeled tires) but from Go-Wapper 5 and the original toy had magnetic parts as well as a smaller pilot figure that could fit inside the canopy. If you look closely at the pics you will see the Pharoid is really, really crammed inside, and in the display it has one with Karza legs attached (not possible on the final release). The canopy was removed for the final release to allow a figure to properly sit inside.
Astrostation has a couple of non-Mego Microman pilots and its original non-safety missiles. Same for Hydrocopter, Galactic Cruiser, and Hydra, and Galactic Warrior’s “hand bazooka” missile is the Microman original as well.
Lastly, the Micropolis sets have some minor color changes and use Microman girders instead of the final design. 😀