After M.A.S.K. — Kenner’s Vor-Tech Action Figure Series
With Hasbro applying for new M.A.S.K. trademarks we’re all left wondering what the company has in mind. It’s certainly not going to be only toys because the company, as their corporate site states, is all about:
From toys and games, to television programming, motion pictures, digital gaming and a comprehensive licensing program, Hasbro strives to delight its global customers with innovative play and entertainment experiences.
So whatever happens with M.A.S.K., I suspect that at the very least we’ll see a new animated series to accompany the toys. And thinking of a new series of M.A.S.K. toys has me wondering if any of Hasbro’s last attempt at relaunching the M.A.S.K. concept will find its way into a new program.
From 1996/1997, Vor-Tech (see Albert Penello’s Vor-Tech page and Virtual Toy Chest) featured common autos/vehicles that transformed into battle-ready machines. Some of the toys even shared designs with the M.A.S.K. toys of the eighties, making this effectively a second generation of the M.A.S.K. toyline.
The short life means that not many toys were ever produced, but the M.A.S.K. connection makes Vor-Tech toys far pricier than we should expect from a toyline that failed so quickly. Will any of these characters or concepts make it into a relaunched M.A.S.K. series? Maybe. All we can do is wait and see what Hasbro has planned with the newly-applied M.A.S.K. trademarks.
Related articles
- 1988 Kenner M.A.S.K. Ad from ToysRUs (battlegrip.com)
- Hasbro Becomes Oversold (forbes.com)
- Wanted: “Hasbro History” Kreons (battlegrip.com)
I have that Sonic Stinger, and I can say they are not as good as the MASK toys. No automatic transformations, everything had to be pulled out by hand or flipped or opened.
Never knew this line existed. The time it came out, I was wrapping up college, getting married, and touring with my band. The only toys I was buying were POTF2.
Never heard of MASK when I was a kid — I think it must have aired a little before my time. Naturally now I’m bummed out that I missed it, because the toys looked incredibly cool!
Never heard of Vor-Tech either — did it have a cartoon to go with it? Nonetheless, looked like fun. I am looking forward to see what Hasbro does with the license, cause it could be great fun.
Maybe — though it seems unlikely given its reduced retail presence at the moment — they could be introduced to the live-action world via the upcoming third G.I. Joe movie, as a special squadron for the team.
There was a cartoon but its really hard to find any episodes anywhere, youtube just has a few bad VHS clips.
I’m hoping the mask reboot is a imaginext-style line for kids/adults. They could do similar sized vehicles for reasonable prices!