A Collector’s Guide to Tonka’s Super Naturals Toy Line

In 1987, Tonka released Super Naturals, a unique action figure line that blended supernatural horror themes with cutting-edge holographic technology. While it failed commercially, the line has since earned cult status among vintage toy collectors.

This guide covers the history, figure lineup, and collecting tips for one of the 1980s’ most intriguing toy experiments.

What Were the Super Naturals?

Super Naturals was Tonka’s attempt to break into the booming action figure market with a gimmick that had real visual punch: holograms. Instead of traditional painted or sculpted chests, each figure had a holographic panel that showed off a ghostly transformation. Think skeletal warriors, fire spirits, animal avatars and ancient warlords brought back to haunt the living.

The storyline centered around a mysterious Tomb of Doom that resurrected ancient warriors as ghostly beings called Super Naturals. These characters were split into two factions: Heroic and Evil.

Tonka launched the line at the 1987 New York Toy Show with an eye-catching holographic display. The figures came in two main sizes: larger Warrior figures and smaller Ghostlings, along with a few vehicles and one playset. Unfortunately, only a single wave was released before the line was discontinued.

The Appeal — and the Challenges

Super Naturals stood out on toy shelves for several reasons:

• Holographic chests and faces that changed depending on how the figure was tilted
• Glow-in-the-dark weapons like maces, staffs and swords that added a spooky element
• Clip-on armour and shields to disguise or “hide” the ghostly forms underneath

But the very technology that made them unique also made them expensive. The production costs for holograms pushed prices higher than many competitors, and without a major cartoon or media tie-in, they struggled to compete with the likes of He-Man, G.I. Joe and Transformers.

The Story Behind the Toys

According to the lore included with the toys, ancient warriors from across time sought power within the Tomb of Doom. Instead of gaining treasure, they were transformed into ghostly beings, cursed to roam the Earth with supernatural powers. Each character’s spirit form reflected their history, with transformations into animals like lions, snakes and eagles, or elemental beings like fire spirits or lightning warriors.

The UK-exclusive comic series, published by Fleetway from October 1987 to March 1988, expanded the lore with serialized stories and introduced the characters through both action and humor. The series lasted just nine issues but offered a memorable peek into the Super Naturals mythos.

Complete Figure Lineup

Here’s a full list of figures, vehicles and playsets released in the single Super Naturals wave.

Heroic Warriors

Evil Warriors

Heroic Ghostlings

Evil Ghostlings

Vehicles

Playset

Tomb of Doom
The haunted centrepiece of the toy line, representing the supernatural gateway that brought the
warriors back.

Prices on ebay

Marketing and Media Tie-ins

The most notable tie-in outside of the toy line was the Super Naturals comic published in the UK.

• The main serialized story The Legend of the Super Naturals
• A humorous strip based on the Ghostlings
• Short, creepy, standalone horror stories loosely tied to the brand

There was also a hardcover Super Naturals Adventure Book released in early 1988. It served as a final piece of content before the brand disappeared entirely from retail shelves.

Why Did Super Naturals Fail?

Despite strong visuals and an original concept, Super Naturals had several major obstacles:

• High retail cost due to holographic production
• Lack of media support outside the UK
• Only one wave of toys, limiting variety and collectability
• Stiff competition from more established lines

Toy industry retrospectives often point to Super Naturals as a victim of trying to do too much, too soon, without enough long-term planning or brand support.

What to Look for as a Collector

Because the line had only a single wave, every figure and accessory is now considered rare. Some tips for collectors:

• Check for completeness – Shields, cloaks and weapons are often missing.
• Ghostlings are harder to find than Warriors.
• The Tomb of Doom and vehicles are the rarest pieces and can command high prices even in incomplete condition.
• Look out for UK comic issues and the hardcover annual to round out a complete collection.

If you’re lucky enough to find a sealed or carded Super Naturals figure today, you’re holding a true artifact from a short but unforgettable chapter in 1980s toy history.