MEGO USA TOY ARCHIVE
MICRONAUTS
Regular U.S. Mego Micronauts releases, late-run pieces, and prototype entries, built as local museum pages with locally stored reference photos.
Time Traveler Clear
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 orange Time Traveler yellow He also.
Space Glider
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 (otherwise known as a "dash wing"),.
Galactic Warrior
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 missiles. The cannon had a.
Acroyear
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 discs, dagger, and a small accessory.
Biotron
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 chrome head and hands, Biotron was one.
Microtron
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 compartment was located in the.
Galactic Cruiser
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 parts which fit into the numerous.
Hydra
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 with many parts, fully.
Photon Sled
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 marketing and packed a vehicle and figure.
Crater Cruncher
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 marketing and packed a vehicle and.
Ultronic Scooter
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 marketing and packed a vehicle and.
Warp Racer
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 and packed a vehicle and figure.
Hydrocopter
The Hydro Copter 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 pegs which suspended a chair (as it.
Gyrotron
The secret never before seen or released Gyrotron prototype? In the early Micronaut catalogs, this vehicle was pictured along with the other original 1976 releases. Altho at some point proposed, the Gyrotron never made it as a Micronaut toy. What you see here is actually the Microman Escargo, from their "Mecha.
Astro Station
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 on a rotating platform section. The.
MemBros
Membros is one of the organic Micronauts alien figures, remembered for its exposed brain, clawed alien body, and removable accessory play features.
Strata Station
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 itself. The main 13" tall tower.
Pharoid
Based on the Takara Microman 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 basically a direct import from.
Acroyear II
Released in 1977, it should more likely have read, "Most Poorly Designed Figure!" Still mean and nasty despite all that, Acroyear II 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. Acroyear II actually predates Acroyear,.
Baron Karza and Andromeda
Released in 1977, Baron Karza and Andromeda are now previewed together using a package-backed photo showing both the magno villain and his horse mount in one view.
Force Commander and OBeron
Released in 1977, Force Commander and Oberon are now previewed together using a package-backed photo showing both the magno hero and his horse mount in one view.
Galactic Defender
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 figure pictured on the box front..
Rhodium OrBiter
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. One major change was the removal of.
Thorium OrBiter
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 side pods, which were working.
Neon OrBiter
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 implemented with the Micronauts.
Aquatron
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 into 5mm holes in the underside..
Battle Cruiser
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 body section/cockpit that had 1.
PhoBos
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 existing Biotron, therefore Phobos had.
Nemesis
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 Microman cousin. Packed in a medium.
Alpha, Betatron, and Gammatron
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 released, he said he would have never.
Star Searcher
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 consisted of 2 sections, rolling.
Galactic Command Center
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 sets could be assembled in any.
Interplanetary Headquarters
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 sets could be assembled in any.
Microrail City
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 sets could be assembled in any.
Super Space Station
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 glued on the front. The boxed.
Time Traveler Opaque
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 as an anchor to hold the figure.
Repto
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 man/half reptiles do) a set of red.
Antron
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 Blaster and Neutralizer (or.
Taurion
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 small vertical control wings, 2 large.
Solarion
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, and 5mm holes held a horizontal.
Star Defender
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 platform had a small knob, which spun.
Terraphant
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 contained some interesting features. A.
Hornetroid
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 beautifully rendered artwork by Ken Kelly.
Rocket TuBes
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 Microman line. From a 1979 Mego.
Mega City
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 the same time, make their.
Centaurus
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 by the Gig company. Sleekly molded.
LoBros
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 creature and showing no sign of.
Kronos
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 like Kronos was the only Alien.
Emperor and Megas
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 man. Emperor was a much larger boxed.
King Atlas
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 color. Seemed like the Gig.
Green Baron
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 basic color. Seemed like the Gig.
Red Falcon
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. Based on the Takara Death Cross.
Blizzard
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, he ran on 2 "AA" batteries that.
Hyperion
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 body, remolded and doubled over,.
Ampzilla
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 distributed by the Gig Co. in Italy.
LoBstros
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 better creature/vehicle designs..
Sharkos
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 box front seem to tell a different.
Equestron Prototype
An unreleased Micronauts creature prototype preserved in archive imagery rather than regular retail release.
Iguanos Prototype
An unreleased Micronauts creature prototype known from surviving archive imagery and collector documentation.
Research Notes
Primary toy-page text and many item photographs were archived from Inner Space Online's Mego Micronauts pages, with Micro Outpost and Wikipedia linked for wider reference.
Factoid (What You May or May Not Know)
- Micronauts was not just Microman in U.S. boxes: Mego built a North American identity around Takara tooling with the Interchangeable World of the Micronauts and the shared 5mm peg-and-port system.
- Mego may have missed Star Wars because Marty Abrams was reportedly in Japan working on the Takara/Micronauts deal when Fox came by offering the Star Wars license, leaving the door open for Kenner.
- Micronauts became huge business for Mego, with collector interviews often citing a peak around $32 million in sales against a company volume of roughly $110 million.
- Baron Karza, Force Commander, Andromeda, and Oberon carry Takara Magnemo / Kotetsu Jeeg DNA rather than standard small Microman body design.
- Karza is often described by collectors as Azrak spelled backward, a jab at Azrak-Hamway International / AHI, one of Mego's competitors.
- The rubber-brain Aliens such as Antron, Repto, Membros, Lobros, Kronos, and Centaurus were Mego originals rather than simple Takara imports.
- Micropolis traces back to an aborted Takara Microman Build Base concept, making it a ghost branch of Japanese modular playset engineering.
- Rocket Tubes reached Mego after Takara rejected the pneumatic tube concept for Microman, making it one of the stranger cases where the U.S. line used an idea Japan passed on.
- Iguanos and Equestron were cataloged or documented as 1980-era concepts but did not reach regular retail release.
- Palisades nearly revived Micronauts properly in the early 2000s, but factory and production problems damaged the line before planned later waves could land.
- Marvel gave the toys much of their remembered mythology through the Microverse, Homeworld, Baron Karza, Arcturus Rann, Marionette, Bug, and the wider space-opera cast.
- Micronauts has repeatedly almost come back through Palisades, SOTA, Hasbro-era concepts, comics, reprints, and screen-development attempts, but rights and business realities keep complicating full revivals.
- The collector rabbit holes are often the almost-made items: Microman Build Base into Micropolis, Takara rejecting Rocket Tubes, Jeeg Magnemo feeding Magno figures, 1980 prototypes, Palisades Series 3, and the Marvel mythology outliving the toy aisle.