ITALIAN GIG BRANCH
i Micronauti
Gig's Italian Micronauti archive now follows the expanded checklist, including Series 1-style releases, Magno figures, Micropolis playsets, late Italy-heavy exclusives, Nuovi Micronauti, and oddities.
Time Traveler / Viaggiatore del TempoViaggiatore del Tempo: vee-ahj-jah-TOH-reh del TEM-poh
Released in 1976, this was the most basic and common Micronaut figure in the line. Based on the Takara Microman M10X type figure, the Time Traveler was molded in clear plastic In 4 different colors. Orange, yellow, blue and transparent or clear. Time Traveler blue Time Traveler o
Space GliderSpace Glider: Italian-market release
Released in 1976, this was a heavy duty figure, made almost entirely out of die-cast metal. Based on the Takara Super Steel Microman M21X, Space Glider came in 3 different colors; blue, gold, and green. Detachable parts included the hands and wrist cuffs, helmet and wingpack (ot
Galactic WarriorGalactic Warrior: Italian-market release
Released in 1976, the die-cast Galactic Warrior was based on the Takara Super Steel 22X Microman figure, and came in 3 colors; blue, green, and red. Galactic Warrior came packaged with a spring loaded missile launcher (otherwise known as the "hand bazooka") and 2 rubber tipped mi
AcroyearAcroyear: Italian-market release
Released in 1976, this villain was composed of die-cast metal and plastic. Acroyear was based, ironically enough, on the Microman's Acroyear II, and came in 3 colors: blue, greenish/gold and pink. The accessories packed with him contained a large wing-pack with chrome spinning
BiotronBiotron: Italian-market release
Released in 1976, and standing at approx. 13" tall, Biotron was the biggest of the Micronauts to be released to date. Based on the Microman "Robotman" from their "Victory Series" line (hence the "VS" on the front of the pelvis) and molded in red, white and blue plastic with chrom
MicrotronMicrotron: Italian-market release
Released in 1976, and like his sidekick Biotron molded in red, white and blue, came Microtron. At 4 ½", Microtron was packed in a medium sized box, with a multitude of accessories. Based on the Microman "Microrobot-1", Microtron required 2 "AA" batteries to function. The battery
Astro StationAstro Station: Italian-market release
Released in 1976 as a medium sized boxed item, the Astrostation was a dual purpose flying battleship or stationary lab. Based on the Microman Connig Station, the Astrostation was an odd looking, but very interesting toy. The main body was an open section that fit 2 black chairs o
Crater CruncherCrater Cruncher: Italian-market release
Released in 1976, the Crater Cruncher was among the second series of vehicles put out by Mego which included a new little twist. Remember the "figure not included" text which graced all 70's (and even still today) packaging? Well Mego took a nod from Takara, and copied their mark
Galactic CruiserGalactic Cruiser: Italian-market release
Released in 1976, the Galactic Cruiser was one of the first series of vehicles put out by Mego. A boxed item, which included both an instruction and sticker sheet, was based on the Microman Space Buggy from their "Cosmo Car" series. Molded in green and grey plastic, it had many p
HydraHydra: Italian-market release
Released in 1976, the Hydra was another interestingly designed vehicle released for the figures. A boxed item packaged with both an instruction and sticker sheet, Hydra was based on the Microman Bulk Lifter from their "Cosmo Car" series. Molded in blue and white plastic, it came
Hydro CopterHydro Copter: Italian-market release
The Hydro Coptoer was a large boxed item that came with many accessories. As a land vehicle, it came equipped with 2 suspension bars which were a 2 piece leg that held a wheel with rubber tire onto the main body. The cockpit was made of a 2 piece clear bubble dome. The dome had p
Mobile Exploration Lab / M.E.L.Mobile Exploration Lab: Italian-market release
Mobile Exploration Lab, or M.E.L., is a large blue-and-white vehicle/base derived from the Microman M-115 Conning Tower, with modular compartments and display/play functions. In the Italian Gig context, it belongs with the i Micronauti checklist rather than the U.S.-only archive.
Photon SledPhoton Sled: Italian-market release
Released in 1976, the Photon Sled was among the second series of vehicles put out by Mego which included a new little twist. Remember the "figure not included" text which graced all 70's (and even still today) packaging? Well Mego took a nod from Takara, and copied their marketin
Ultronic ScooterUltronic Scooter: Italian-market release
Released in 1976, the Ultronic Scooter was among the second series of vehicles put out by Mego which included a new little twist. Remember the "figure not included" text which graced all 70's (and even still today) packaging? Well Mego took a nod from Takara, and copied their mar
Warp RacerWarp Racer: Italian-market release
Released in 1976, the Warp Racer was among the second series of vehicles put out by Mego which included a new little twist. Remember the "figure not included" text which graced all 70's (and even still today) packaging? Well Mego took a nod from Takara, and copied their marketing
StratastationStratastation: Italian-market release
The first and arguably the best play set released for the Micronauts was the Stratastation. Based on the Microman Road Station, and released in 1976 as a very large boxed item, this combination radar tower and racetrack set had many features, and was mostly powered by the car its
Acroyear II / Prince ShaitanPrincipe Shaitan: PREEN-chee-peh shah-ee-TAHN
Released in 1977, it should more likely have read, "Most Poorly Designed Figure!" Still mean and nasty despite all that, Acroyear ll was based on the Microman Acroyear and came in Silver,Blue, and Red. Why Mego did this name switch is probably due to their release dates. Acroyea
Pharoid with Time ChamberPharoid con Camera del Tempo: Italian-market release
Based on the Takara Micoman M16X Command 2 figure, Pharoid had two head and chamber variations. Both came in the same 3 colors; blue, red, and grey, and are referred to as Type 1 and Type 2. Pharoid blue US Mego "type 2" version Pharoid gray US Mego "type 2" version Type 1 was ba
Baron KarzaBaron Karza: Italian-market release
With Magno power action, and firing fists and missles, leader of the evil Acroyear, enemy of the Micronauts" Released in 1977, the Baron was as evil as it gets. While Geag sported bright candy colors, the Mego Magnos were all molded in one basic color. A boxed item packaged in a
AndromedaAndromeda: Italian-market release
With Magno power action, and firing fists and missles, leader of the evil Acroyear, enemy of the Micronauts" Released in 1977, the Baron was as evil as it gets. While Geag sported bright candy colors, the Mego Magnos were all molded in one basic color. A boxed item packaged in a
Force CommanderForce Commander: Italian-market release
With Magno power action, firing fists and missiles-leader of the mighty Magno powered Micronauts" Released in 1977, Force Commander was molded in a bright shiny white with red highlights, and was a boxed item packed in a styrofoam tray. The magnetic ball/socket joints allowed the
OberonOberon: Italian-market release
With Magno power action, firing fists and missiles-leader of the mighty Magno powered Micronauts" Released in 1977, Force Commander was molded in a bright shiny white with red highlights, and was a boxed item packed in a styrofoam tray. The magnetic ball/socket joints allowed the
Giant AcroyearGiant Acroyear: Italian-market release
Released in 1977, it should more likely have read, "Most Poorly Designed Figure!" Still mean and nasty despite all that, Acroyear ll was based on the Microman Acroyear and came in Silver,Blue, and Red. Why Mego did this name switch is probably due to their release dates. Acroyea
AquatronAquatron: Italian-market release
The Aquatron, a boxed item released in 1976, was a land and water toy. Based on the Marine Condor from the Microman "Spy Car" series, this vehicle was slightly modified from its Japanese cousin. As a land rover, the main body was set up with 3 small wheels and holders, which fit
Battle CruiserBattle Cruiser: Italian-market release
Released in 1977 as a large boxed item and molded entirely in white plastic, the Battle Cruiser was based on the more colorful Microman Transfer Fortress. When in full Battle Cruiser mode, the ship could hold 4 different figures and contained these main body parts: 1. The front
Neon OrbiterNeon Orbiter: Italian-market release
The Neon Orbiter was one, based on the Microman Drag Tiger from their "Spy Car" series. This Orbiter was modified from its original Microman version with the main body cast in metal instead of plastic. A boxed item packed in a styrofoam tray, other additions and subtractions were
Rhodium OrbiterRhodium Orbiter: Italian-market release
The Rhodium Orbiter was one, based on the Takara Magnemo vehicle Gesomachine, from the Godam 5 series. This was one of two vehicles based on non-Microman toys. A boxed item packed in a styrofoam tray, this Orbiter went thru some major changes before it became a Micronaut ride. On
Thorium OrbiterThorium Orbiter: Italian-market release
The Thorium Orbiter was one, based on the Microman Jet Mirror from their "Spy Car" series. This Orbiter was modified from its Microman version, with the main body cast in metal rather than plastic. A boxed item packed in a styrofoam tray, the other accessories included 2 large si
Galactic DefenderGalactic Defender: Italian-market release
Released in 1977, the Giant Acroyear was 5 toys in 1, and was one of the only robots sharing the same name as the toy he was based on, the Microman Giant Acroyear. A large thin boxed item, Giant Acroyear came packed in a plastic tray, disassembled, and not recognizable as the fi
Alphatron / Betatron / GammatronAlphatron, Betatron e Gammatron: Italian-market release
Released in 1978 as boxed items, and widely considered the lamest of all the Micronaut toys came Alphatron, Betatron and Gammatron. The Trons would always get a bad rap. It was rumored, that when Mego head honcho Marty Abrams was shown the Trons after they had already been releas
NemesisNemesis: Italian-market release
Released in 1978 Nemesis was meant to be the evil counterpart to Microtron. This was during the latter Mego years, when they began to branch off into their own designs. And it showed…molded in black and pink(?) plastic, Nemesis was based solely on Microtron and not having any Mic
PhobosPhobos: Italian-market release
Released at the same time as his sidekick Nemesis in 1978, Phobos was a large boxed item molded in a very nice red and black plastic, with chrome head and hands. About this time, Mego was designing it's own toys for the Micronauts line, and they based Phobos on the already existi
Star SearcherStar Searcher: Italian-market release
The Six Wheeled Compact Multi-Purpose Planet Exploration Vehicle" Released in 1978 as a semi large boxed item, and based on the Microman Surveyor 1,the Star Searcher was a multi purpose land vehicle that could be either 1 or up to 4 or 5 different vehicles. The main body consist
Galactic Command CenterCentro Comando Galattico: CHEN-troh koh-MAN-doh gah-LAHT-tee-koh
Released in 1978 as a very large boxed item, the city sets were designed to stimulate a childs creative ability, and at the same time, make their fingertips very sore! Based on the snap together building panels included with the Microman Build Base play set, the Micropolis city s
Interplanetary HeadquartersQuartier Generale Interplanetario: kwahr-TYEHR jeh-neh-RAH-leh een-tehr-plah-neh-TAH-ryoh
Released in 1978 as a very large boxed item, the city sets were designed to stimulate a childs creative ability, and at the same time, make their fingertips very sore! Based on the snap together building panels included with the Microman Build Base play set, the Micropolis city s
Microrail CityCitta Microrail: CHEET-tah mee-kroh-RAIL
Released in 1978 as a very large boxed item, the city sets were designed to stimulate a childs creative ability, and at the same time, make their fingertips very sore! Based on the snap together building panels included with the Microman Build Base play set, the Micropolis city s
Satellite Survey StationStazione di Rilevamento Satellitare: Italian-market release
Released in 1978 as a Montgomery Wards catalog item, the box was slightly different than the other building set boxes. The IPHQ, GCC, etc…had removable box tops, while the SSS was a 1 piece white cardboard box printed on the sides, and had a color printed photo of the structure g
AntronAntron: Italian-market release
The Six Limbed Invader from the Faraway Galaxy of Thoraxid" Released in 1979, this ant-like armored monster had a definite "hand up" on the good guys. Molded in purple and blue plastic, Antron with his four appendages looked very menacing, but he came with some strange weapons.A
MembrosMembros: Italian-market release
Membros is one of the organic Micronauts alien figures, remembered for its exposed brain, clawed alien body, and removable accessory play features. In the Italian Gig context, it belongs with the i Micronauti checklist rather than the U.S.-only archive.
ReptoRepto: Italian-market release
Released in 1979, Repto was molded in green plastic and came with 2 nasty weapons, a Blaster and a Buzz-saw! Talk about violence toward Time Travelers...! These weapons fit into the removable green cuffs, and were molded in orange plastic. Repto also came with (as all evil half ma
Opaque Time TravelerViaggiatore del Tempo opaco: Italian-market release
The chestplates were detachable, along with the wrist cuffs and hands, ankles or "spats", and feet. Time Traveler was packaged with one accessory, an "L" shaped peg that fit into the 5mm hole in his back. A seemingly useless accessory, this important little piece of plastic acted
Centaurus / CentaurionCentaurus: Italian-market release
The Conqueror Gladiator from the Far Away Planet Equestris" (translated from the Italian) Bearing a 1979 copyright date, Centaurus was a slight departure from the first series of Aliens. Centaurus had a slightly limited release in the US, with a more common Italian distribution b
KronosKronos: Italian-market release
The Carrier of Destruction with Claws from the Forbidden Planet of Udanax" (translated from the Italian ) Copyrighted 1979, Kronos shows the most changes from the three 2nd series Aliens. With a more limited US release and a more common Italian one by the Gig company, The insect
Lobros / LobstrosLobros: Italian-market release
The Scaly Creature from the Deep Oceans of Zenon" (translated from the Italian) One of the weirdest looking Aliens in the 2nd series, released in 1979, Lobros saw a more limited US release and more common Italian one by the Gig company. Obviously modeled after a mutated lobster c
HornetroidHornetroid: Italian-market release
The Fearsome Myriapod From The Far Off Galaxy Of Thoraxid" Hands down the best creature/machine hybrid design done for the Micronauts line, Hornetroid was released in 1979, and came molded in menacing black, orange and purple plastic. A semi large boxed item that featured beautif
SolarionSolarion: Italian-market release
The Solarion was one of these. Released in 1979 in a box, This vehicles design would be used many times over throughout different Mego lines. Molded in red, yellow, and white plastic, Solarion was an odd looking mode of transportation. The main body has a clear snap-on canopy, an
Star DefenderStar Defender: Italian-market release
A 3-section lower rolling body was basically identical to the Star Searchers, containing a front section with 2 snap on wheels and the "hidden compartment", a middle connecting section which had 2 side seats, and a rear section that contained 4 snap on black wheels. The back plat
TaurionTaurion: Italian-market release
Released in 1979 in a box, This vehicles design would be used many times over throughout different Mego lines. Molded in red, white and grey plastic, the main body came with a clear snap-on canopy. Being designed as a small and compact vehicle, it came with few accessories. 2 sma
TerraphantTerraphant: Italian-market release
The Terrifying Mammoth From The Remote World Of Visceros" Terrifying indeed... the Terraphant certainly lived up to its name! Released in 1979, a large boxed item featuring beautifully rendered artwork by Ken Kelly, it was molded in black, green and purple plastic, and containe
AmpzillaAmpzilla: Italian-market release
The Dangerous Reptile From The Distant Planet Saurian" (translated from the Italian) Is Ampzilla a creature or a vehicle...or both? Much like Sharkos, it's a bit of a mystery. Released late 79 early 80 toward the end of the Mego run as a small boxed item, Ampzilla was mostly dist
Lobstros / CrabrosLobstros / Crabros: Italian-market release
The Awesome Creature From The Distant Planet Of Hydra" Billed more as a creature, Lobstros definitely had more vehicle features than anything else. Released in late 79 early 80 by Mego, with a limited US release and a wider one in Italy by the Gig Co., Lobstros was one of the bet
Sharkos / IcarusSharkos / Icarus: Italian-market release
The Silent Predator From The Underwater World Of Isaurus" (translated from the Italian) Is Sharkos a vehicle, a creature or both? This descripton from the box makes it seem like a Micronaut adversary, but the seat affixed to it's body and the picture of Antron riding it on the bo
Rocket TubesTubi Razzo: TOO-bee RAHT-tsoh
The Transportation System of the Future" Resembling something right out of the movie Logan's Run came the Micronauts Rocket Tubes. Released in 1979 as a very large and heavy boxed item, the Rocket Tubes were snapped up by Mego when Takara rejected the design for use in their Micr
Deluxe Rocket TubesTubi Razzo Deluxe: Italian-market release
The Transportation System of the Future" Resembling something right out of the movie Logan's Run came the Micronauts Rocket Tubes. Released in 1979 as a very large and heavy boxed item, the Rocket Tubes were snapped up by Mego when Takara rejected the design for use in their Micr
Karrio Carrying CaseKarrio: Italian-market release
Karrio is the Italian-market carrying case entry from the later Micronauti checklist, important as storage/display support rather than a figure or vehicle. In the Italian Gig context, it belongs with the i Micronauti checklist rather than the U.S.-only archive.
Micropolis Mega CityMega City: Italian-market release
Released in 1979 as Sears department store exclusive, it was a very large boxed item. Mego's use of repackaging the city sets was utilized to the maximum with this set that contained a whopping 579 parts. The city sets were designed to stimulate a childs creative ability, and at
EmperorEmperor: Italian-market release
The Great Emperor of all the Micronauts" (translated from the Italian) Released toward the end of the Micronauts run, approximately 1980/81, with a limited US release by Lion Rock and a much wider one by the Gig co. in Italy, the Emperor was truly decked out to be the big boss ma
MegasMegas: Italian-market release
The Great Emperor of all the Micronauts" (translated from the Italian) Released toward the end of the Micronauts run, approximately 1980/81, with a limited US release by Lion Rock and a much wider one by the Gig co. in Italy, the Emperor was truly decked out to be the big boss ma
Green BaronGreen Baron: Italian-market release
A much rarer Magno figure, Green Baron was released at the end of the Micronauts run almost exclusively in Italy by the Gig co. Featuring a new head sculpt, and molded mostly in a olive green color with black highlights, he is identical to that of the King Atlas save for the basi
PegasusPegasus: Italian-market release
A much rarer Magno figure, Green Baron was released at the end of the Micronauts run almost exclusively in Italy by the Gig co. Featuring a new head sculpt, and molded mostly in a olive green color with black highlights, he is identical to that of the King Atlas save for the basi
King AtlasKing Atlas: Italian-market release
A much rarer Magno figure, King Atlas was released at the end of the Micronauts run almost exclusively in Italy by the Gig co. Featuring a new head sculpt, and molded mostly in a maroon red color with black highlights, he is identical to that of the Green Baron save for the basic
LantaurionLantaurion: Italian-market release
A much rarer Magno figure, King Atlas was released at the end of the Micronauts run almost exclusively in Italy by the Gig co. Featuring a new head sculpt, and molded mostly in a maroon red color with black highlights, he is identical to that of the Green Baron save for the basic
Red FalconRed Falcon: Italian-market release
The Winged Prince of all the Micronauts" (translated from the Italian) A very large boxed item packed in a styrofoam tray, Red Falcon was released at the end of the Micronauts run by the Gig co. almost exclusively in Italy, and had possibly the coolest feature of all the Magnos.
BlizzardBlizzard: Italian-market release
A boxed item packed in a Styrofoam tray, Blizzard was a bit of a departure from the rest of the line. There were 4 different Blizzard figures released in the Microman line, and the Micronaut's Blizzard was based on just one of them - Ceres. Molded in red, blue and yellow plastic,
HyperionHyperion: Italian-market release
The Nicmachine was basically a flat vehicle built for a larger scale figure, so Mego removed a small section from the surface, and added a Stratastation chair molded in behind that opened area to allow the 3 3/4" figure to sit. The side rocket thrusters were also shaved off the b
Nuovi Micronauti Magno SetNuovi Micronauti: NWOH-vee mee-kroh-NOW-tee
In the Italian Gig context, it belongs with the i Micronauti checklist rather than the U.S.-only archive.
MicroniteMicronite: mee-kroh-NEE-teh
In the Italian Gig context, it belongs with the i Micronauti checklist rather than the U.S.-only archive.
Factoid (What You May or May Not Know)
- GiG's i Micronauti was not just a straight translation exercise; Italian packaging, naming, release mix, and availability created its own collector branch.
- Several creature and vehicle releases are better documented in Italy than in the United States, which is why Italian names often matter when researching late Mego-era pieces.
- Italian packaging frequently preserved the modular fantasy while changing names into more dramatic or local-market forms, giving collectors two parallel vocabularies for the same mold family.
- The Nuovi Micronauti Magno set is closely tied to Inter-Changeables tooling and presentation, blurring the line between Italian Micronauti and post-Mego discount releases.
- GiG material is especially useful for tracking Lobros, Lobstros, Hornetroid-style creatures, and later catalog items that can be thinly documented in U.S. sources.
- Pronunciation notes help because the Italian names are part of the archive record, not decorative subtitles; they help separate GiG names from Mego and Takara equivalents.