CLASSIC MERCHANDISE: CYLON GOLD!

My own personal favourite figure from the all too few line-up of classic series characters released by Mattel, the Cylon Centurion was in a class of its own, as showcased here in its gold-coloured 'Centurian Leader' form available originally as a mail-a-way (of the product/publicity kind similar to what was being done for the successful Star Wars toy range from Kenner) within advert promotions for Marvel comics and other publications into 1979. 

I don't recall that special figure being released in the UK, but if anyone can correct me on that, please get in touch...

CLASSIC MERCHANDISE: FLY YOUR OWN RAIDER!

The Cylon Raiders' powerful and threatening frame, impressively designed by Joe Johnston and Ralph McQuarrie. made it perfect for toy vehicle merchandising in ways that all young American series fans wanted, of which this Mattel radio control vehicle form was surely a must-have back in the day. 

Was this ever released beyond the US territory? If so, please get in touch.

CLASSIC ART: DEADLY PATROLLERS...

 

There's nothing more ominous to run into than a lethal hunting pack of Cylon Raiders, as seen in this terrific cover art for Mattel's big-selling Cylon Raider toy for the original series back in 1978. The art was once again provided for the memorable range by the toy company's excellent regular box artist, Otto Kuhni.

CLASSIC ART: IN THE DEPTHS OF SPACE...

 

Speeding through space on a mission for the Battlestar Galactica and its Rag-Tag fleet is the Colonial Stellar Probe and satellite, searching the heavens for the lost Thirteenth Tribe whilst also keeping humanity safe from the pursuant Cylons.

Great art by Otto Kuhni for the 1978/79 evolving MATTEL US toy range of Galactica vehicles. It was also released internationally, and in numerous UK toy shops by 1979/80.

CLASSIC ART: COLONIAL SCARAB READY TO ATTACK!

Though not seen in the original series, the Colonial Scarab vehicle/launcher toy was nonetheless a big success within the colourful toy range created by Mattel during 1978, and was surely well used by young fans indulging in imaginative and heroic battles against the Cylons. 

Lovely toy box art from regular Mattel toy artist contributor Otto Kuhni.

'GALACTICA' AT 40: MINI-BATTLESTAR!

I don't ever recall seeing this gorgeous and very cool US MATTEL release in any of the numerous UK toy shops that my mother took me to back in the day, when Galactica was first released in cinemas. But if anyone did get a hold of it, then I'm very jealous!

CLASSIC IMAGE: PLASTIC FANTASTIC!

Sadly, they were never able to give the KENNER STAR WARS figures of the late seventies a run for their money, but over time these classic GALACTICA figures from MATTEL have nonetheless become very desirable collectors items.