With the emergence of the enormously popular 1977 film, Star Wars, came the realization that kids still loved all things space-related. It therefore came as no surprise when the competing forces came up with their own films and television shows based on galaxy dwellers, and of course, a complete line of accompanying toys. Most were short-lived but one particular TV show caught on – 1978’s Battlestar Galactica. And the toys that followed were pretty darn cool in their own right.

Following the adventures of a fleet of spaceships as they attempt to locate the mythical planet Earth, Battlestar Galactica pitted Commander Adama and Lt. Starbuck against the sinister Cylon robots and their leader, Ovian, in a battle of good vs. evil that took place in prime time. To help young viewers bring the galactical battle to their bedrooms, Mattel was ready from the starting gate with a full line of accompanying toys. And as the series popularity grew, toy sales rose respectfully. Standing a full 3 3/4” in height, children could chose from a collection of figures that included Boray, Lucifer and Baltar, as well as two larger foot-tall figures, the Cylon Centurion (complete with an ever-scanning red light built into his visor, just like on TV!) and Colonial Warrior. Both commanders were also armed with illuminating weapons, thanks to the help of a couple of batteries (not included, of course.)

 

Of course, what good are a bunch of spacemen without some trusty transportation. Never fear, a plethora of vehicles were also released to haul these guys around and engage in battle against each other. Depending on your penchant for good or evil, you could purchase the Colonial Viper, Colonial Stellar Probe or Colonial Scarab vehicles for the good guys or the evil Cylon Raider, also available w/ optional remote control. And while the good guys might not have had an RC-controlled vehicle, they had the option of a lofty Viking Launch Station to mull around in between battles.

The space vehicles also had the ability to fire torpedoes at each other. Unfortunately, they also fired them with a significant amount of force, enough for kids to injure themselves with. It didn’t take long before the complaints came in and Mattel had to dial back launching power after a kid was, you guessed it, hurt by one of the projectiles.

Still, the toys remained on the market until the television show’s popularity waned. Even a sequel couldn’t revive the brand and by the 80s, the Battlestar Galactica line of toys had all but disappeared. Of course, like all classics, they have re-emerged and remain popular with collectors and fans of the show to this day - convinced that the galactic battle of good vs. evil rages on.