Dino-Riders

In the 1980s, an era marked by toy fever and the animations that accompanied these creations, a phenomenon emerged that captured the imagination of children around the world: Dino-Riders.

Produced by toymaker TYCO, this toy line and the accompanying television series offered a unique experience by transporting youngsters to a world where futuristic technology met the majesty of dinosaurs.

The story:

As was common in the 80’s and 90’s, any toy line was created along with a story told through an animated series or comics.

TYCO launched the 14-episode animated television series “Dino-Riders”. The plot took the toy premise to the next level, immersing viewers in a riveting narrative.

The story follows the Valorians, a peaceful and technologically advanced race, and the Rulons, a group of malevolent humanoid monsters, who are accidentally transported to Earth’s prehistoric past during a battle. Both factions, noticing the abundance of dinosaurs, decide to recruit these creatures as allies in their intergalactic conflict.

Valorians control the power of telepathy, so they are able to communicate with dinosaurs, and through friendship and trust they are able to ally with the beasts and cooperate. On the other side, the evil Rulons use a mind-control helmet with which they can control and enslave dinosaurs to use them in their war against the Valorians.

Throughout the series, Valorians and Rulons fight on top of these armed dinosaurs, engaging in epic battles. As with all eighties series, the series touched on themes such as friendship and loyalty.

In addition to the animated series, comic books were also created to expand on the story of the battles between Valorians and Rulons. A collection of comics produced by Marvel plus some comics that were included in the dinosaur figures.

Toys:

Launched by Tyco Toys in 1988, the Dino-Riders were not simply action figures, but an ingenious combination of dinosaurs and warriors equipped with advanced technology.

Each figure was accompanied by a giant dinosaur, and the toys were designed to allow the characters to ride and bond with their prehistoric beasts, and some of them were even motorized and walked.

In the process of creating the dinosaurs, TYCO collaborated with the “Smithsonian Institution” to make the dinosaurs as close as possible to their real version, thus making the toys Dino-Riders in one of the few lines validated by a group of paleontologists. The figures were so realistic that the dinosaurs themselves were sold in the museums of the Smithsonian Institution, without armor or action figures.

Dinosaurs, armed with futuristic armor and weapons, were not only imposing creatures, but also combat vehicles that transported the brave Dino-Riders into exciting battles. This fusion of prehistoric and futuristic elements not only piqued children’s curiosity, but also offered a new perspective on history and technology.

• Dino-Riders
• Tyco – (1988-1990)

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Several decades later:

Despite their brief run both in terms of toys and television series, the Dino-Riders left a lasting impact on the children of their time. The unique combination of dinosaurs, advanced technology and epic storytelling appealed to a generation of children who still fondly remember their prehistoric adventures today.

Collecting Dino-Riders toys has become a hobby for nostalgic adults looking to relive the magic of their childhood. Moreover, the animated series continues to be remembered as an example of how creativity can transform even the most unlikely premises into unforgettable experiences.