Sure, science may have managed to win out over magic during the course of history, but everything once fashionable usually gets another go around and in the future, magic would re-emerge in the world of the Visionaries: Knights of the Magical Light, a series of action figures with some three-dimensional tricks up their sleeves.

Hasbro introduced their Visionaries:Knights of the Magical Light figures in 1987, a collection of futuristic warriors that fell into one of two distinct camps – the noble Spectral Knights and the evil Darkling Lords. Each carried with them a staff, or “magical totem” that was laden with two holograms - Spectral Knights represented by the loveable unicorn and dragons for their evil counterparts, as well as another image that denoted their particular power (courage, wisdom, destruction, etc.) But wait, there’s more! Each knight had a hologram affixed to their chest, representing their “Mystic Personality” – or, in layman’s terms, a unique animal that each figure was aligned with.

On the side of the knights were Cryotek (bear,) Leoric (lion,) Witterquick (cheetah) and Azron (eagle). Over on the evil side, things got a little more bizarre with Cindarr (gorilla,) Lexor (armadillo,) Cravex (phylot) and Darkstorm (swamp mollusk.) With each figure touting a holographic staff and chest, helmet and a unique weapon, there was virtually nothing these warriors couldn’t accomplish, especially with the help of various vehicles like the Skyclaw and Capture Chariot.

Like all respectable action figures, Visionaries:Knights of the Magical Light were released in conjunction with a 13-episode animated series, as well as numerous accompaniments such as comic books and even lunchboxes. Unfortunately, none of the figures possessed the magical power of longevity and the whole idea ran its course in one short year, making Visionaries:Knights of the Magical Light a rather fleeting glimpse into the future. Even the magic of holograms wasn't quite powerful enough save the day for these little guys.