Classic Toys

SPOTLIGHT ON BATTLESTAR GALACTICA

Battlestar Galactica was a science fiction television series produced by Glen A. Larsson in 1978 which has now gained the status of cult viewing. It actually ran for very few episodes, with the first season being cancelled only after a run of 24. There were several spin-offs and revived versions of the show, as well as movies and the new modern series. But is is the first wave of Battlestar Galactica action figures that has acquired such a strong following and the original Mattel produced figures are now highly prized collectables.

Figures

Mattel released the Battlestar Galactica figures, based on the TV show, released in two series from 1978 to 1979. The first series, which is more common, includes Adama, Cylon Centurian, Daggit, Imperious Leader, Ovion, and Starbuck. The second series, which is more scarce, features Baltar, Boray, Cylon Commander and Lucifer.

Commander Adama is part of the more common first series of Battlestar Galactica figures. Adama´s accessories were a small black gun and a removable blue and white cape with an elasticated neck. This figure is a solid construction with no rubber bands and has 5 points of articulation. These are the neck, the shoulders and the hips. The cardback front description of this character reads “Wise Statesman From The TV Space Saga“.

Lieutenant Starbuck´s accessories are a small black gun and a removable brown and yellow cape with an elasticated neck. The figure is a solid construction with no rubber bands and 5 points of articulation of the neck, shoulders and hips. Starbuck was played by Dirk Benedict, who also played the A-Team’s Face, of whom a 3¾ inch figure was also made.

Cylon Centurian is of solid construction with no rubber bands and 4 points of articulation of the neck, shoulders and waist. Loose figures often have worn chrome, even to the degree that the plastic appears yellow/white instead of silver. Accessories are a large black laser rifle. The cardback description of this character reads “Evil Warrior From The TV Space Saga“.

Imperious Leader is a solid construction with no rubber bands and has 4 points of articulation consisting of the shoulders and hips. Accessories are maroon cape, the neck-hole of which does not fit over the Leader’s large head. The purple “afro” is a seperate molded piece, glued on to the Imperious Leader´s head. Loose examples of this figure often have the hair missing!

Ovion was released in 1978 as part of the more common first series of Battlestar Galactica figures. Of Solid construction (no rubber bands) it has 6 points of articulation: 4 shoulders, hips and comes with a Webbed cape (tears easily). Ovion is one of the most common Battlestar Galactica figures. However, an Ovion with an intact cape is a rarity though.

Daggit was released by Mattel and is of solid construction (no rubber bands). It has 6 points of articulation: neck, 4 legs, and tail. Daggit’s tail is very fragile, and is often missing on loose figures. Two colour variants also emerged, one being the brown version and the other a lighter tan version. On some cards, Daggit is held in place by a twisty. This variation is not present on all carded Daggits. “Daggit” is the generic term for these robots, but Boxey’s Daggit was named “Muffit,” so collectors sometimes refer to this figure as such.

Boray is of solid construction with no rubber bands and has 4 points of articulation, consisting of the neck, the shoulders and the waist. The accessory for the Boray figure is a brown club.

Cylon Commander was released in 1979 as part of the more scarce second series of Battlestar Galactica figures. Of solid construction with no rubber bands, it has 4 points of articulation: the neck, the shoulders and the waist. Comes complete with a large black rifle which was also included with Cylon Centurian. Has a gold head and torso and exactly the same mold as Cylon Centurian.

The Cylon Commander was first available as a mail-away, advertized primarily on the back cover of comics (I particularly remember seeing the ad on the back cover of Star Wars comics). Kids could send in the “front panels” from any four Battlestar figures to get their free Gold Cylon.

Baltar was released in 1979 as part of the more scarce second series of Battlestar Galactica figures. Baltar came with a small black gun which was also included with Adama and Starbuck. Of solid consrtuction with no rubber bands, Baltar has 5 points of articulation: the neck, the shoulders and the hips.

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