The Shogun Warriors were the central characters of a line of toys licensed by Mattel Inc. during the late 1970s that consisted of a series of imported Japanese robots based on the then popular anime shows featuring giant robots. Originally manufactured in three sizes: the 24-inch (610 mm) plastic versions, the 3.5-inch (89 mm) diecast metal versions and the slightly taller but much more detailed and articulated 5" diecast versions, several vehicles were also offered as well as a set that could be put together to form the super robot Combattra.
These toys featured spring-loaded launcher weapons such as missiles, shuriken and battle axes. Some were able to launch their fists while the later diecast versions also had the ability to transform into different shapes. Raydeen, for example, could become a birdlike spaceship. These "convertible" editions were the precursors to the Transformers line of toy robots, but unlike the later products, it was not unusual for minor dissasembly to be required to achieve the secondary form.
Giant robot characters that featured in the original toy line were: 17 Robot, Combattra, Daimos, Dangard Ace, Dragun, Gaiking, Grendizer, Great Mazinger, Leopardon, Poseidon, Raiden, Raydeen, Voltes V
In addition, two giant movie monsters from Toho were added to the line: Godzilla and Rodan
Like certain other toy lines of the 1970s, the Shogun Warriors came under pressure over safety concerns regarding their spring-loaded weapons. It was feared that children might launch the weapons and hit other children or pets in the eye. There was also a risk that children might swallow the small plastic missiles and other parts. Toy manufacturers then faced new regulations due to reported injuries received as a result of playing with these toys. Consequently, many toy companies were forced to remodel existing toy lines with child-safe variations (such as spring-loaded "action" missiles that would remain attached to the toy). For this reason, as well as declining sales, the Shogun Warrior line had disappeared by 1980.
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