Alright, let’s hop in the ol’ time machine and crank it back to 1987—the year the Bionic Six hit the scene, courtesy of LJN. Now, here’s where things get interesting: unlike a lot of toy lines where the cartoon comes after the toys (or vice versa), Bionic Six was a full-on coordinated attack of awesome. The toys and the animated series were born together, hand in hand like two besties out to conquer Saturday mornings and the toy aisles.
The Die-Cast Difference
So, what made these figures flex a little harder than their plastic peers? Die-cast metal, my friends. Yep, these weren’t your run-of-the-mill hollow plastic figures. The Bionic Six crew came packing some serious heft, with metal parts that gave them a solid, premium feel—kind of like the Western cousin of those slick Japanese Chogokin collectibles. It was unusual at the time and oh-so-satisfying to hold.
Each figure rocked these cool transparent sections to show off their “bionic” upgrades, just like their animated counterparts. And let’s not forget the detailed helmets, weapons, and accessories—they really went the extra mile to make sure what you saw on TV matched what you were smashing together in the living room.
Bionic Six Action Figures
The Bionic Six action figures were released on blister cards in 1986, standing about 3.75 to 4 inches tall (similar to G.I. Joe scale). Each figure came with character-specific accessories. Packaging varied by region, with Canadian releases featuring bilingual cards. The toys themselves remained consistent across regions.
This guide covers every Bionic Six toy released worldwide—figures, vehicles, and the playset—with details on accessories, packaging variants, rarity rankings, and collector tips. Let’s dive into the lineup!
Complete List of Bionic Six Figures:
The Good Guys
Jack Bennett (“Bionic-1”) Accessories: Mask, air supply bag, propeller blade Search on ebay
Helen Bennett (“Mother-1”) Accessories: Shoulder bag Search on ebay
Meg Bennett (“Rock-1”) Accessories: Belt (waist belt) Search on ebay
Eric Bennett (“Sport-1”) Accessories: Baseball bat, baseball glove Search on ebay
J.D. Bennett (“IQ”) Accessories: Cowboy hat, mini-computer, handheld scanner Search on ebay
Bunjiro “Bunji” Tsukahara (“Karate-1”) Accessories: Laser rifle Search on ebay
F.L.U.F.F.I. (robot gorilla) Accessories: None Search on ebay
The Bad Guys
Dr. Scarab Accessories: Removable belt, “techno-gripper” claw Search on ebay
Glove Accessories: Hand blaster, glove weapon attachment Search on ebay
Madame-O Accessories: Shoulder bag, laser rifle Search on ebay
The vehicles and playset are where things get truly rare. These were produced in smaller quantities than the figures and are highly sought after today.
Vehicles:
Bionic Dirt Bike Accessories: Two exhaust pipe weapons, two front cannons, sticker sheet Search on ebay
M.U.L.E.S. Van (Mobile Utility Energizing Station) Accessories: Rear ramp, side doors, sticker sheet Rarity: Very Rare Search on ebay
Playset:
“Special Projects Lab” Secret Headquarters Features: Multiple modular sections, statue pillars, elevator tube, ion cannon, computer console, ionizer chamber, connecting floor pieces, instruction manual, and sticker sheet Search on ebay
Note: Vehicles and the playset are generally much scarcer than the action figures. Complete examples, especially boxed, can command high prices.
Prototypes, Paint Jobs & Packaging Quirks
Now, for you hardcore collectors (or just the curious), here’s where it gets juicy: prototypes for the line were already making the rounds at toy fairs and in catalogs as early as late ’86. Some of these early birds showed off different paint apps, funky color schemes, and alternate accessory colors that didn’t make the final cut. Oh, what could have been!
And if you’re into box variants (and who among us isn’t, right?), there were several packaging differences floating around—like bilingual boxes and cards for the Canadian market. But here’s the kicker: there have long been whispers about unreleased figures and vehicles that were supposedly in the works for future waves. Concept art and behind-the-scenes designs suggest we were this close to getting more bionic goodness, but so far, no confirmed production samples of these rumored treasures have turned up.
Collectors’ Tips for Bionic Six Toys
1. Watch for Wear and Paint Damage
The die-cast parts are prone to chipping. Always inspect edges and joints for wear. Some figures may also show rust if stored improperly.
2. Accessories Matter
The small accessories are often missing, so buying complete figures saves the hassle of hunting down individual parts.
3. Packaging Variants
Canadian releases feature bilingual text. While these don’t typically raise the value significantly, they’re fun for completists.
4. Where to Buy
eBay is your best bet, but check vintage toy shops, collector forums, and toy shows. Networking with other collectors can help you snag those harder-to-find pieces.
5. Grading and Condition
Sealed examples are rare and often show packaging wear due to age. Graded toys (AFA, CAS) can fetch higher prices, but loose, mint-condition pieces are great for display and more budget-friendly.
6. Preservation
Store in a cool, dry place. Use stands for figures and wrap items carefully if storing. Remove any old batteries from vehicles to prevent damage.
Bonus Collectibles
Beyond the toys, keep an eye out for Bionic Six collectibles like VHS tapes, lunchboxes, coloring books, and promotional items. These pieces add extra charm to any collection.
Value Trends
Bionic Six toys have been steadily climbing in value, especially the vehicles and playset. Loose common figures remain affordable, while rare vehicles and the Secret Headquarters playset can command top dollar.
Collecting this line is a blast from the past—and with some dedication, completing the set is totally within reach. Happy hunting, and remember: Bionics… ON!
