Micronauts

Micronauts is a North American science fiction toyline manufactured and marketed by Mego from 1976 to 1980. The Micronauts toyline was based on and licensed from the Microman toyline created by Japanese-based toy company Takara in 1974.

Mego discontinued the Micronauts line in 1980 prior to the company's bankruptcy and dissolution in 1982. Years after Mego's demise, other toy companies, such as Palisades Toys and SOTA (State of the Art) Toys, have attempted to revive the toyline. In 2025, Super7 added Micronauts to their ReAction toyline and plan to release new Micronauts figures in March of 2025.

Description

The Micronauts toyline consisted of action figures which were known for their high number of articulation points relative to other toys of similar size and scale in the 1970s. The toyline also included vehicles, robots, playsets and accessories. Many of the Micronauts toys used interchangeable connectors and ports that allowed parts to be transferred and connected between different toys.

History

Takara

A photo of a Mego (U.S.) Acroyear (Red) action figure which was based on the Takara (Japan) Acroyear 2 (A311 Mad Pink).

A Mego (U.S.) Acroyear (Red) action figure which was based on the Takara (Japan) Acroyear 2 (A311 Mad Pink).

Takara first released Microman toys in Japan in 1974 as a smaller version of their popular and 1972 Henshin Cyborg (Transforming Cyborg) line. Henshin Cyborg figures were based on Combat Joe figures—which themselves were based on Hasbro's G.I. Joe figures—with their bodies molded in clear plastic, exposing their inner workings and supposed cybernetic parts.

By downscaling their size, Takara sought to create a toyline that would offset the sheer cost of producing a full line of plastic-based figures and related playsets as well as acknowledging that basic living space is limited for most Japanese households. Smaller Microman figures would not only cost less to produce during the energy crisis of the 1970s, the line's smaller scale would also take up less physical space in a household and thus be more attractive to space conscious consumers in the Japanese market.

In Japan, the Microman figures themselves were marketed as actually being cyborg entities that hailed from a fictional planet known as "Micro Earth" and disguised themselves as action figures while on Earth.

Mego

A photo of a Micronauts Biotron toy.

A Micronauts Biotron toy.

In 1976, Mego licensed several Microman toys from Takara and marketed the toyline in North America and other countries as Micronauts. During their initial series 1 and series 2 release, Takara produced small quantities of products in Japan before production was officially moved to Mego's facilities in Hong Kong.

While much of the initial Micronaut toyline offerings were simply repackaged versions of Takara Microman equivalents, some items in the Micronaut toyline were original Mego creations that used modified and reconfigured parts from existing Takara toys. For example, the larger, magnetic action figures Baron Karza and Force Commander were re-colorings of the Magnemo Kotetsu Jeeg action figures with newly designed heads. In addition, as the Micronaut line grew in popularity, Mego expanded the line by creating whole new figures from scratch such as the "Aliens" line which included Antron, Repto, Membros, Lobros, Kronos and Centaurus.

The Micronaut toyline sold extremely well for Mego. According to Neal Kublan, Mego’s Executive VP of Marketing/Vice President of Mego Research & Development (1972-1980), the line generated more than $32 million in sales for the $110 million company during one period.

After Mego's 1982 bankruptcy and dissolution, the original molds for many of the toys were sold to Hourtoys/M&D Toys for their Interchangables discount toyline, other original molds were sold to PAC Toys for use in their Lords of Light toyline and even Takara produced several series 5 toys for Italian licensee/distributor Gig's i Micronauti line. Additionally, leftover Micronaut toyline stock from Mego's production run was eventually sold for sale/clearance in North America by Lion Rock Limited under the Micronauts name.

Mego Micronaut releases

Below is a basic overview list of Mego Micronaut toys with size/scale, release dates and Mego series numbers as well as cross-referenced information connected to the Takara equivalent toys they were based on; Microman and otherwise. This is not meant to be a comprehensive list of all Mego releases/variants but rather a high-level overview of their Micronaut line offerings.

Mego Micronaut releases

Micronauts (Mego)						Microman & equivalent toys (Takara)
Name	Part#	Type	Size/Scale	Release date	Series	Name	Release date
Acroyear	71003	Action Figure		Template:Dts	1	Acroyear 2 (A31X)	Template:Dts
Astro Station	71061	Base-Playset		Template:Dts	1	Microman Connig Station Base	Template:Dts
Biotron	71053	Tron		Template:Dts	1	Robotman	Template:Dts
Crater Cruncher	71031	Vehicle		Template:Dts	1	Machine Car #3: Bull Crane	Template:Dts
Galactic Cruiser	71020	Vehicle		Template:Dts	1	MIC-01: Space Buggy	Template:Dts
Galactic Warrior	71002	Action Figure		Template:Dts	1	Super Steel Microman (M22X)	Template:Dts
Hydra	71021	Vehicle		Template:Dts	1	MIC-02: Bulk Lifter	Template:Dts
Hydro Copter	71051	Vehicle		Template:Dts	1	Mecha-Cosmo: Marine Copter	Template:Dts
Microtron	71050	Tron		Template:Dts	1	Micro Robot-1	Template:Dts
Mobile Exploration Lab (M.E.L.)	71060	Ship		Template:Dts	1	M115 Conning Tower Base	Template:Dts
Photon Sled	71032	Vehicle		Template:Dts	1	Machine Car #4: Super Jet	Template:Dts
Space Glider	71001	Action Figure		Template:Dts	1	Super Steel Microman (M21X)	Template:Dts
Stratastation	71061	Base-Playset		Template:Dts	1	Road Station Base	Template:Dts
Time Traveler	71000	Action Figure		Template:Dts	1	Microman (M10X)	Template:Dts
Ultronic Scooter	71030	Vehicle		Template:Dts	1	Machine Car #2: Auto Buggy	Template:Dts
Warp Racer	71033	Vehicle		Template:Dts	1	Machine Car #1: Formula Z	Template:Dts
Acroyear II	71015	Action Figure		Template:Dts	2	Acroyear (A30X)	Template:Dts
Andromeda	71006	Magno Figure		Template:Dts	2	Magnemo: Panzeroid	Template:Dts
Baron Karza	71005	Magno Figure		Template:Dts	2	Magnemo: Kotetsu Jeeg	Template:Dts
Battle Cruiser	71054	Ship		Template:Dts	2	Micro Base: Transfer Fortress	Template:Dts
Force Commander	71035	Magno Figure		Template:Dts	2	Magnemo: Kotetsu Jeeg	Template:Dts
Giant Acroyear	71055	Tron		Template:Dts	2	Giant Acroyear	Template:Dts
Neon Orbiter	71038	Vehicle		Template:Dts	2	Spy Car #4: Drag Tiger	Template:Dts
Oberon	71034	Magno Figure		Template:Dts	2	Magnemo: Panzeroid	Template:Dts
Pharoid	71004	Action Figure		Template:Dts	2	Microman Command 2 (M16X)	Template:Dts
Rhodium Orbiter	71036	Vehicle		Template:Dts	2	Gōdam 5: Geso Machine	Template:Dts
Thorium Orbiter	71037	Vehicle		Template:Dts	2	Spy Car #6: Jet Mirror	Template:Dts
Alphatron	71027	Tron		Template:Dts	3
Aquatron	71040	Vehicle		Template:Dts	3	Spy Car #1: Marine Condor	Template:Dts
Betatron	71028	Tron		Template:Dts	3
Galactic Defender	71016	Action Figure		Template:Dts	3	Microman Command 3 (M17X)	Template:Dts
Gammatron	71029	Tron		Template:Dts	3
Micropolis: Galactic Command Center	71072	Deluxe Set		Template:Dts	3	Play Build Series: Build Base	Template:Dts
Micropolis: Interplanetary Headquarters	71071	Deluxe Set		Template:Dts	3	Play Build Series: Build Base	Template:Dts
Micropolis: Microrail City	71073	Deluxe Set		Template:Dts	3	Play Build Series: Build Base	Template:Dts
Micropolis: Satellite Survey Station	71070	Deluxe Set		Template:Dts	3	Play Build Series: Build Base	Template:Dts
Nemesis	71049	Tron		Template:Dts	3	Micro Robot-1	Template:Dts
Phobos	71056	Tron		Template:Dts	3	Robotman	Template:Dts
Star Searcher	71063	Vehicle		Template:Dts	3	Surveyor-1	Template:Dts
Antron	71022	ALIEN Figure		Template:Dts	4
Deluxe Rocket Tubes	71084	Deluxe Set		Template:Dts	4
Hornetroid	71057	Ship		Template:Dts	4
Karrio	71080	Carry Case		Template:Dts	4
Membros	71024	ALIEN Figure		Template:Dts	4
Micropolis: Mega City	71074	Deluxe Set	3.75-inch (9.5 cm)	1979	4
Repto	71023	ALIEN Figure		Template:Dts	4
Rocket Tubes	71083	Deluxe Set		Template:Dts	4
Solarion	71042	Vehicle		Template:Dts	4
Star Defender	71064	Ship		Template:Dts	4	Surveyor-3	Template:Dts
Taurion	71041	Vehicle		Template:Dts	4
Terraphant	71059	Vehicle		Template:Dts	4
Ampzilla	71044	Vehicle		Template:Dts	5
Blizzard	71013	Tron		Template:Dts	5	Blizzard	Template:Dts
Centaurus	71019	ALIEN Figure		Template:Dts	5
Emperor	71011	Magno Figure		Template:Dts	5	Magnemo: Kotetsu Jeeg	Template:Dts
Green Baron	71009	Magno Figure		Template:Dts	5	Magnemo: Kotetsu Jeeg	Template:Dts
Hyperion	71043	Vehicle		Template:Dts	5	Timanic NicMachine 2	Template:Dts
King Atlas	71007	Magno Figure		Template:Dts	5	Magnemo: Kotetsu Jeeg	Template:Dts
Kronos	71017	ALIEN Figure		Template:Dts	5
Lantaurion	71008	Magno Figure		Template:Dts	5	Magnemo: Panzeroid	Template:Dts
Lobros	71018	ALIEN Figure		Template:Dts	5
Lobstros	71046	Vehicle		Template:Dts	5
Megas	71012	Magno Figure		Template:Dts	5	Magnemo: Panzeroid	Template:Dts
Pegasus	71010	Magno Figure		Template:Dts	5	Magnemo: Panzeroid	Template:Dts
Red Falcon	71014	Magno Figure		Template:Dts	5	Death Cross	Template:Dts
Sharkos	71045	Vehicle		Template:Dts	5

Palisades Toys

In 2002 Palisades Toys acquired the rights to manufacture a new line of Micronauts toys from Abrams Gentile Entertainment, LLC, the company which was formed in the aftermath of Mego's collapse to retain and manage Mego's licensing contracts, rights and deals. This licensing agreement was done by Palisades under the assumption that the original manufacturing tooling and molds from the 1970s Mego toyline were still available. When Palisades discovered the manufacturing tooling and molds were not available, it turned to the Micronaut/Microman collector's community to donate vintage toys so Palisades could create new molds to replicate the figures. Most of the Palisades reissues were Mego Micronaut figures based on Takara designs, but several original alien designs from the original Mego toyline (such as Repto, Membros and Centaurus) were included in the line as well.

When initial manufacturing of the Palisades figures was completed and the new, retro line shipped to consumers and stores, many figures were found to have defective or broken parts caused by manufacturing practices followed by the first Chinese factory. Many consumers who returned defective merchandise were inadvertently given defective replacements by Palisades.

Facing these issues, Palisades developed the Series 2 figures which utilized other, more reputable factories in China, but ended up losing more money than expected. As a result, retailers were wary of carrying the new Micronauts toyline, which resulted in the abrupt cancellation of a third series which was already in development. The whole series of events contributed to Palisades’ bankruptcy in 2006.

Palisades Toys Micronaut releases

Below is a basic overview list of Palisades Toys Micronaut toys with size/scale and release dates. This is not meant to be a comprehensive list of all Palisades Toys releases/variants but rather a high-level overview of their Micronaut line offerings.

Palisades Toys Micronaut releases

Name	Type	Size/Scale	Release date	Series
Acroyear	Action Figure		Template:Dts	1
Baron Karza & Andromeda	Action Figure		Template:Dts	1
Membros	Action Figure		Template:Dts	1
Force Commander & Oberon	Action Figure		Template:Dts	1
Time Traveler	Action Figure		Template:Dts	1
Space Glider	Action Figure		Template:Dts	1
Battle Acroyear	Action Figure		Template:Dts	1.5
Radioactive Membros	Action Figure		Template:Dts	1.5
Space Commander	Action Figure		Template:Dts	1.5
Time Traveler Medic	Action Figure		Template:Dts	1.5
Centaurus	Action Figure		Template:Dts	2
Emperor & Megas	Action Figure		Template:Dts	2
Galactic Defender	Action Figure		Template:Dts	2
Pharoid	Action Figure		Template:Dts	2
Red Falcon	Action Figure		Template:Dts	2
Repto	Action Figure		Template:Dts	2

SOTA Toys

In January 2005, SOTA (State of the Art) Toys unveiled plans for a collector's toyline called "Micronauts: Evolution" which would be a redesign of the Micronauts figures presented in a slightly larger size. Concept art was released and prototypes displayed at the 2005 Toy Fair, with a projected release of late 2005. The figures appeared at the 2006 San Diego Comic-Con.

The initial series was planned to include renditions of Lobros, Baron Karza, and Space Glider. Plans changed to an online-only box set of all three characters, available on SOTA's website as smaller figures.

In September 2006, SOTA president Jerry Macaluso said "the retail environment for collectibles is in the gutter right now", and many stores wishing to order the "Micronauts: Evolution" line were going bankrupt. He noted that the Palisades line "disaster…had a huge negative effect", with retailers rejecting SOTA’s upcoming series. Macaluso hoped to release the line in 2007 before SOTA's license expired, and considered funding it himself but the line was never produced.

Proposed SOTA Micronaut releases

Below is a basic overview list of proposed SOTA Micronauts releases. Since no products were actually produced this is simply a high-level overview of their proposed Micronaut line offerings.

Proposed SOTA Micronauts releases

Name	Type	Figure size/scale	Release date	Series
Baron Karza	Action Figure		Template:Dts	1
Lobros	Action Figure		Template:Dts	1
Space Glider	Action Figure		Template:Dts	1

Hasbro

A photo of packaging for Hasbro’s limited edition Micronauts Classic Collection action figure set to be released at the 2016 San Diego Comic Con.

Packaging for Hasbro’s limited edition Micronauts Classic Collection toy set released at the 2016 San Diego Comic-Con.

In June 2016, Hasbro announced the special release of a limited edition Micronauts Classic Collection toy set. The set included three Micronaut characters: Galactic Warrior, Pharoid and Orbital Defender and featured packaging artwork by artist Ken Kelly. The set debuted at San Diego Comic-Con.

Hasbro Micronaut releases

Below is a basic overview list of Hasbro Micronaut toys with size/scale and release dates.

Hasbro Micronaut releases

Name	Type	Size/scale	Release date
Galactic Warrior	Action Figure		Template:Dts
Orbital Defender	Action Figure		Template:Dts
Pharoid	Action Figure		Template:Dts

Super7

In January of 2025, Super7 announced their ReAction toyline would include the first new Micronauts figures since Hasbro's 2016 limited edition Toyfair set. In January of 2025, Super7 began taking pre-orders for their new Baron Karza and Biotron figures which were released in early March, 2025. In previous versions, Baron Karza and Biotron were large figures (Karza being a "magno" figure as well) but the Super7 releases reduce their sizes to 3.75 inches for the first time.

Super7 Micronaut releases

Name	Type	Size/scale	Release date
Baron Karza	Action Figure		Template:Dts
Biotron	Action Figure		Template:Dts

In other media

Comic books

Several comic book series based on the Micronaut toyline have been published by Marvel Comics (from 1979–1986), Image Comics (2002–2003), Devil’s Due Publishing (2004), and IDW (2016–2018).

Film

Feature-film developments

In November 2009 during an "Investor Day" event held at Hasbro's headquarters in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, Hasbro's VP of Global Designs, Brian Chapman, announced the company's re-introduction of the Micronaut toyline and hinted that director J. J. Abrams’ Bad Robot was in negotiations to produce a film based on the Micronauts property. In March 2013, Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick mentioned they were working on a screenplay and the film was on Paramount's list of possible productions. Wernick said that they wrote a couple of drafts with Bad Robot and their script was deviating from the comic, but described the adaptation as "cool and different". The planned project made little progress, though in November 2015, Paramount said that it was still planning a Micronauts film adaptation.

That December, Hasbro and Paramount were planning a cinematic universe combining Micronauts with G.I. Joe, Visionaries: Knights of the Magical Light, M.A.S.K. and Rom. Several writers such as Michael Chabon, Brian K. Vaughan, Nicole Perlman, Lindsey Beer, Cheo Coker, John Francis Daley, Jonathan Goldstein, Joe Robert Cole, Jeff Pinkner, Nicole Riegel and Geneva Robertson-Dworet joined the writers room in April 2016. The release date was originally scheduled for October 2020, before it was pushed for June 2021.

In 2019, Dean DeBlois was attached as the writer and director of the film, but the film was pulled from the release schedule in November 2020.

Animation

In 1998, AGE, Annex Entertainment, Gribouille and Kaleidoscope Media Group planned to produce a Micronauts animated series starting with a five-part miniseries to air on the Sci Fi Channel in Fall of 1998, followed by a syndicated 26 episode Micronauts animated series for 1999, with action figures and a Marvel tie-in comic announced. The project was later cancelled.

Boulder Media Limited (a then-subsidiary of Hasbro Studios) planned to develop a new Micronauts animated series in 2018, but has long since been shelved due to the closure of Allspark Animation in 2020 and the live-action film being pulled from schedule. In 2022, Hasbro sold Boulder Media to Australian media company Princess Pictures. According to writer Eric Rogers, 52 episodes of the series were produced, and confirmed the series received a tax write-off.