Thundercats – 1987

Thundercats – 1987

After three successful years, LJN ended the Thundercats toy line in 1987. The Thundercats animated show would continue until September of 1989. The third and final series of Thundercats provided eight new figures, along with the previously released 14 figures re-released with new packaging. The exclusive Mummy Mumm-Ra mail-order figure was also available. Two new sub-sets, Ram-Pagers and Laser Sabers, were introduced, as well as a new vehicle, creature and several new accessories.

For more information about LJN’s Thundercats final wave from 1987, see bottom of the page for a complete summary.

Thundercats – Wave 3 (1987): Basic Figures

For the 3rd and final wave of Thundercats action figures, we got 8 brand new figures. Also, the 14 previously released figures were re-released with Series 3.

Bengali

Market Value:
Carded $600 – $800
Loose $150 – $200

Bengali
Accessories: Hammer of Thundera
Years Released: 1987
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on the secondary market
Notes: A survivor from Thundera, Bengali was made an honorary Thundercat and now acts as the team blacksmith. Bengali featured a special Battle-Matic Action lever on the back to move his arms. There are two variations to Bengali with slight color variations to his head.

Captain Cracker

Market Value:
Carded $325 – $425
Loose $125 – $175

Captain Cracker
Accessories: Cutlass Sword
Years Released: 1987
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on the secondary market
Notes: Captain Cracker is the robotic pirate and captain of the Jolly Rogers . Cracker featured a special Battle-Matic Action lever on his side to move his arm with sword. There are no known variations to the Captain Cutlass figure during the 3rd series.

Captain Shiner

Market Value:
Carded $275 – $375
Loose $90 – $120

Captain Shiner
Accessories: Laser Blaster
Years Released: 1987
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on the secondary market
Notes: Captain Shiner is the captain of the Vertus and ally to Mumm-Ra in his fight against the Thundercats . Shiner featured a special Battle-Matic Action lever on the back to move his arms. There are no known variations to the Captain Shiner figure during the 3rd series.

Jaga

Market Value:
Carded $400 – $500
Loose $150 – $225

Jaga
Accessories: Helmet, Sword of Omens
Years Released: 1987
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on the secondary market
Notes: The legendary Jaga is the master of all Thundercats and mentor to Lion-O, along with being the original holder of the Sword of Omens. Jaga featured a special Battle-Matic Action lever on the back to move his arms. There are two variations to Jaga with slight color variations to his arms.

Lynx-O

Market Value:
Carded $350 – $450
Loose $110 – $140

Lynx-O
Accessories: Light Shield
Years Released: 1987
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on the secondary market
Notes: A survivor from Thundera, Lynx-O is now the oldest living Thundercat and acts as the team mentor and guide. Lynx-O featured a special Battle-Matic Action lever on the back to move his arms. There are two variations to Lynx-O with two different types of painted eyes.

Mongor

Market Value:
Carded $275 – $375
Loose $100 – $125

Mongor
Accessories: Scythe
Years Released: 1987
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on the secondary market
Notes: Mongor is an ancient demon who was released from his tomb. Mongor featured a special Battle-Matic Action lever on the back to move his arms. There are no known variations to Mongor during the 3rd series.

Pumyra

Market Value:
Carded $350 – $450
Loose $100 – $150

Pumyra
Accessories: Sling
Years Released: 1987
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on the secondary market
Notes: A survivor from Thundera, Pumyra was made an honorary Thundercat and now acts as the team medic and healer. Pumyra featured a special Battle-Matic Action lever on the back to move her arms. There are no known variations to Pumyra during her toy run.

Safari Joe

Market Value:
Carded $300 – $400
Loose $90 – $120

Safari Joe
Accessories: Safari Gun
Years Released: 1987
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on the secondary market
Notes: Safari Joe is a big game hunter who has come to Third Earth to hunt some Thundercats. Joe featured a special Battle-Matic Action lever on the back to move his arms. There are no known variations to Safari Joe during the 3rd series.

Thundercats – Wave 3 (1987): Re-Issued Figures

All 14 figures from Series 1 and 2 were re-released in Series 3 with the same white starburst cardback as Series 2, but four of those figures were unique due to them losing their accompanied PVC companion figures. The Series 3 versions had these four figures being solo on the white starburst cardback

Cheetara
(Series 3)

Market Value:
Carded $200 – $300
Loose $50 – $75

Cheetara
Accessories: Baton
Years Released: Solo white starburst card available in 1987
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on the secondary market
Notes: The Series 3 version of Cheetara was the same as the previous Series, without the Wilykit figure. There were minor color variations to Cheetara throughout all waves.

Lion-O
(Series 3)

Market Value:
Carded $400 – $600
Loose $75 – $100

Lion-O
Accessories: Sword of Omens, Claw Shield, Power Ring
Years Released: Solo white starburst card available in 1987
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on the secondary market
Notes: The Series 3 version of Lion-O was the same as the previous Series, without the Snarf figure. The battery for the power ring in Series 1 was removed.

Mumm-Ra
(Series 3)

Market Value:
Carded $300 – $400
Loose $50 – $75

Mumm-Ra
Accessories: Sword, Dagger, Headdress, Power Ring
Years Released: Solo white starburst card available in 1987
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on the secondary market
Notes: The Series 3 version of Mumm-Ra was the same as the previous Series, without the Ravage figure. The battery for the power ring in Series 1 was removed.

Tygra
(Series 3)

Market Value:
Carded $300 – $400
Loose $50 – $75

Tygra (Older Version)
Accessories: Bolo Whip
Years Released: Solo white starburst card available in 1987
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on the secondary market
Notes: The Series 3 version of Tygra was the same as the 2nd Series version, without the Wilykat figure. Tygra is the only Thundercats character to get two completely different molds during the cat’s toy run.

Thundercats – Wave 3 (1987): Ram-Pagers Figures

The Ram-Pagers was a new sub-set to the Thundercats line in 1987. There was originally going to be three figures in the set, but the proposed Mad Bubbler Ram-Pager figure was never officially released.

The Driller

Market Value:
Carded $1,500 – $2,000
Loose $750 – $900

The Driller
Accessories: None
Years Released: 1987
Scarcity Factor: This item is rare and it will cost you
Notes: The Driller featured a special Battle-Matic Action lever on its back that would allow the drill to spin. There are no known variations to Driller during the 3rd series. The Driller Ram-Pager remains among the harder to find Thundercats items from its toy run.

The Stinger

Market Value:
Carded $1,200 – $1,500
Loose $300 – $450

The Stinger
Accessories: None
Years Released: 1987
Scarcity Factor: This item is rare and it will cost you
Notes: The Stinger featured a special Battle-Matic Action lever on its abdomen that would flap its wings. There are no known variations to Stinger during the 3rd series. The Stinger Ram-Pager remains among the harder to find Thundercats items from its toy run.

Thundercats – Wave 3 (1987): Exclusive Figures

Mummy Mumm-Ra was the first and only mail order or exclusive action figure released for the Thundercats line and was available in 1986 and 1987.

Mummy Mumm-Ra

Mummy Mumm-Ra Offer Form

Mumm-Ra (Mailer Box)

Market Value:
Boxed $70 – $100
Loose $20 – $35

Mummy Mumm-Ra
Accessories: Staff
Years Released: 1986, 1987
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found but getting tougher each year
Notes: The Mummy-Mumm-Ra figure was the only figure ever to be offered by LJN as a mail order exclusive. It could be obtained by sending in proof of purchase points from the Thundercats packaging and was never offed in actual carded form. There was no Battle-Matic feature to Mummy Mumm-Ra, but he did have poseable arms and legs. There are no known variations to the Mummy figure.

Thundercats – Wave 3 (1987): Accessories

Two brand new action figure accessories were released for Wave 3 in 1987, with alternate versions of each that included action figures, Lion-O and Mumm-Ra.

Luna Lasher

Market Value:
Boxed $375 – $475
Loose $100- $175

Luna Lasher
Accessories: Instructions
Years Released: 1987
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on the secondary market
Notes: The Luna Lasher was a backpack that one of the bad guy figures could wear to wreak havoc on the Thundercats. The Luna Lasher had a special action feature that allowed it arms to make a pounding motion by activating a trigger on the back of it. There are no known variations to the Luna Lasher during the series.

Luna Lasher w/ Mumm-Ra

Market Value:
Carded $700 – $900
Loose $175 – $250

Luna Lasher w/ Mumm-Ra
Accessories: Instructions
Years Released: 1987
Scarcity Factor: This item is rare and it will cost you big bucks
Notes: This Luna Lasher variant was the same exact Lasher accessory, except that LJN changed the packaging from a boxed to a carded version and they included a Mumm-Ra figure. The Mumm-Ra figure was the same as other previous issues, minus the light up eyes and battle-matic motion. This was done so the Luna Lasher would actually fit on the character’s back.

Thunderwings

Market Value:
Boxed $375 – $475
Loose $100- $175

Thunderwings
Accessories: Instructions
Years Released: 1987
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on the secondary market
Notes: The Thunderwings was a backpack used by the Thundercats to wear on their back to fly. The Thunderwings had a special action feature that allowed it to make wings flap by activating a trigger on its back. There are no known variations to the Thunderwings during the series.

Thunderwings w/ Lion-O

Market Value:
Boxed $1,200 – $1,700
Loose $250- $450

Thunderwings w/ Lion-O
Accessories: Instructions
Years Released: 1987
Scarcity Factor: This item is rare and considered a “Holy Grail” item for this line
Notes: This Thunderwings variant was the same exact wings accessory, except that LJN changed the packaging from a boxed to a carded version and they included a Lion-O figure. The Lion-O figure was the same as other previous issues, minus the light up eyes and battle-matic motion. This was done so the Thunderwings would actually fit on the character’s back.

Thundercats – Wave 3 (1987): Laser Sabers

The Laser Sabers were a new set of accessories to be used with the various Thundercats figures. They were worn on the character’s back and could interact with the Cat’s Lair Playset.

Black Laser Saber

Market Value:
Carded $175 – $250
Loose $75 – $115

Black Laser Saber
Accessories: None
Years Released: 1987
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on secondary market
Notes: The Black Laser Saber was an energy Pack for use with the Mutant figures and capable of interacting with the Cats Lair playset – If it hits the target, it would make an exploding sound with a laser sight and sound feature.

Blue Laser Saber

Market Value:
Carded $175 – $250
Loose $75 – $115

Blue Laser Saber
Accessories: None
Years Released: 1987
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on secondary market
Notes: The Blue Laser Saber was an energy Pack for use with the Thundercat figures and capable of interacting with the Cats Lair playset – If it hits the target, it would make an exploding sound with a laser sight and sound feature.

Orange Laser Saber

Market Value:
Carded $175 – $250
Loose $75 – $115

Orange Laser Saber
Accessories: None
Years Released: 1987
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on secondary market
Notes: The Orange Laser Saber was an energy Pack for use with the Thundercat figures and capable of interacting with the Cats Lair playset – If it hits the target, it would make an exploding sound with a laser sight and sound feature.

Red Laser Saber

Market Value:
Carded $175 – $250
Loose $75 – $115

Red Laser Saber
Accessories: None
Years Released: 1987
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on secondary market
Notes: The Red Laser Saber was an energy Pack for use with the Mutant figures and capable of interacting with the Cats Lair playset – If it hits the target, it would make an exploding sound with a laser sight and sound feature.

Thundercats – Wave 3 (1987): Creatures

LJN Toys released one new creature for the 3rd and final series of figures in 1987, and it just so happens to be the rarest and hardest to find Thundercats toy every made.

Tongue-A-Saurus

Market Value:
Boxed $5,000 – $7,500
Loose $1,500 – $2,500

Tongue-A-Saurus
Accessories: Tongue, Handle
Years Released: 1987
Scarcity Factor: This item is rare and considered a “Holy Grail” item for this line
Notes: The Tongue-A-Saurus was the largest figure in the Thundercats line, and had an action feature with a tongue that would reach out and grab other figures, then pull them into its mouth. The tongue would move by turning the handle to the left or right. Many Thundercats items released in 1987 are hard to find, but the Tongue-A-Saurus creature is THE hardest Thundercats to find.

Thundercats – Wave 3 (1987): Playsets

After releasing two iconic large scale playsets in 1986, LJN Toys decided to not release any new sets in 1987 for the final series.

Thundercats – Wave 3 (1987): Vehicles

We only got one new Thundercats action figure vehicles for the 3rd and final series in 1987.

Stilt Runner

Market Value:
Boxed $500 – $600
Loose $250 – $350

Stilt Runner
Accessories: Sticker Sheet, Instructions
Years Released: 1987
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on the secondary market
Notes: The Stilt Runner was the Thundercats Ground Transporter Craft. It had an actual running legs action feature that was activated by pushing the trigger on its back. Push the button and watch it stomp up and down.

After three very successful years on the market, the Thundercats toy line by LJN came to an abrupt end at the completion of the Series 3 wave in 1987. Toy sales in 1986 proved to be fantastic but the new products in 1987 just weren’t selling as well as they had the previous year and many companies that were producing other Thundercats merchandise, stopped releasing new items. There are several reasons for this unexpected cancellation, but among the biggest reasons, aside from slipping toy sales, was quite simply the massive competition they faced on store shelves. In 1987, the male toy world was dominated by Transformers and GI Joe, and there were no signs of slowing down. Thundercats wasn’t even the top selling toy line at LJN with that title belonging to the WWF Wrestling line in 1987. So to put it quite simply, LJN got out while the pot was still warm. Many toy lines go on way past their prime, but the Thundercats line went out while they were still at a successful point, which is quite unique. They still had one of the more successful animated shows on television, which would go on to last for 130 episodes until September of 1989. They also still had a very popular comic book line from Marvel Comics, through their Star Brand, which would go on through 1988. So whether it was a crafty business decision, or just the effects of a smaller toy company not having the deep pockets of bigger companies, LJN closed the door on the Thundercats toy line at the end of 1987.

The 3rd and final series of the Thundercats line, gave us 8 brand new figures, along with the previously released 14 figures being re-released on the new cardbacks. The new wave featured four good guys and four bad guys. For the heroes, we got Bengali, Pumyra, Lynx-O and the legendary Jaga. The bad guys got Captain Cracker, Captain Shiner, Mongor and Safari Joe. The exclusive Mummy Mumm-Ra mail-order figure that had been offered for 1986 was also available in 1987. In addition, a new sub-sets called Ram-Pagers was introduced. In addition to some great new figures, we got two new accessories in the Thunderwings and Luna Lasher with variants of each with Lion-O and Mumm-Ra figures being added. Also, a new series called Laser Sabers were released to to be worn by the figures and interact with the Cat’s Lair playset. For the final wave, LJN decided to not release any large scale playsets, but did give us a new creature in the Tongue-A-Saurus and one new vehicle called the Stilt Runner. Several more figures and accessories were planned for the later half of this wave and beyond, but never made it to release.

The packaging for the Thundercats line in Series 3, was identical to the previous series in 1986 with the large white starburst shape behind each figure under the bubble. The rest of the packaging remained the same as the previous years with the Thundercats logo siting at the very top of the card, just above the figure bubble, which was slightly to the left of the card. On the right side of the card, there was a small diagram or photo with the special action feature that particular figure had. Finally, the actual name of the character was on the very bottom of the figure bubble. Overall, the Thundercats packaging was simple but attractive, which was helped by the iconic and flashy Thundercats logo.