Marvel’s Shogun Warriors

Giant Robots, Cosmic Battles, and Nostalgia

The Shogun Warriors were born from a unique collaboration between Marvel Comics and Mattel. Inspired by the Japanese toy line licensed from Popy, these diecast figures represented characters and vehicles from super robot anime and live-action Sentai shows. Marvel, fresh from their success with Godzilla, King of the Monsters, embarked on an exciting venture. The comic featured three main Shogun Warriors: Raydeen, Dangard Ace, and Combatra. Stan Lee enlisted writer Doug Moench and artist Herb Trimpe for this thrilling project.

Within the pages of Shogun Warriors, a trio of young heroes emerged. Recruited by the Followers of Light, they piloted the eponymous mecha against the evil Maur-Kon and the Followers of Dark. Doug Moench, known for his darker stories, crafted a mythos that combined action with intelligence. The human characters received as much attention as the robots, grounding the series in relatable emotions. The Shogun Warriors battled their foes across the Marvel Universe, occasionally referencing Godzilla’s Red Ronin, a giant robot created in house by Marvel which always reminded me of a red Raydeen.

Shogun Warriors left an indelible mark. It was an early example of American toy companies importing Japanese toys for the domestic market. Although the toy line featured over a dozen figures, the comic focused on three iconic warriors. The series ran for 20 issues, captivating readers with its originality and thrilling battles. Transformers and Power Rangers would later follow a similar pattern, but Shogun Warriors lead the way.

Back in 1980, this was the first issue of SWs that I had picked up at a toy shop in Linda, California. I also picked up Micronauts no. 17 along with Green Lantern v1 no. 127. Yeah, I remember this stuff.

If you’re a collector or a fan of vintage comics, Shogun Warriors holds a special place. Issues like Shogun Warriors no.1, featuring the debut of these mechanized heroes, can be found in various conditions. Whether it’s a CGC 7.5 or a pristine CGC 9.6, prices vary, but the nostalgia remains priceless. So, dust off those old comic boxes and relive the intergalactic adventures of Raydeen, Dangard Ace, and Combatra!