In 1985, Kenner — which already dominated the previous years with Star Wars action figures, playsets and vehicles — was running out of steam. With no new Star Wars films in the foreseeable future and the Power of the Force lines collapsing, along with the weak sales of Droids Cartoon figures and toys as well as Ewoks Cartoon toys, they needed to fill their coffers.
It was the time of the rise of transformer toys. M.A.S.K. was the Kenner answer to the Mattel Takara partnership.
M.A.S.K. stands for Mobile Armored Strike Kommand. The series included 2.5 inch action figures with removeable masks and transforming vehicles.
When I first read about this series, I thought it was a larger action figure set. Imagine my surprise when these fellas showed up in a lot of action figures and I did the identification on them! I have several of the vehicles and more action figures coming shortly, because they are a pretty awesome line. I can see how they have become a sought after a collectible toy!
For more on M.A.S.K. check out the M.A.S.K. Collector’s Guide on Transformerland.com.
Yoda on my Shoulder 