Sectaurs: The 80s Insect-Inspired Toys That Missed the Mark
Tales from the Toy Bag Ep. 1 – Sectaurs
Sectaurs 80s toys have been on my mind for decades. But until recently, I couldn’t remember that they were called “Sectaurs.”
When thinking back on the toys that I played with as a child, I always think about these 2 figurines that my brother and I had back in the mid-late 80s. I know exactly what they look like, but for the life of me, I couldn’t remember what they were called.
One year, we each received a toy from a somewhat obscure toy line from our Uncle at Christmas time. I remember our Uncle telling us that these toys were going to be the next big thing. However, I was pretty sure that prediction never came to fruition.
A few weeks ago, I decided to finally try to look up some info on these mysterious toys. To my surprise, when I did a quick google search for “80s figurines giant insects and riders insectoids,” I immediately hit on the toys that I was thinking of!
Turns out they were called “Sectaurs.” Do you remember Sectaurs from the 80s?
For decades, I mistakenly thought that they may have been called “Insectoids.” Thanks to the magic of modern day internet, my mistake wasn’t detrimental in completing my quest to find these figurines.
Introducing: “The Toy Bag“
Our Sectaurs figurines (or “figures” as our family called them), lived in a Transformers duffle bag in the bottom of our closet. That bag was home to a variety of figures from all different toy lines, like: GIJoe, He-Man, Marvel, DC, WWF, and then a few oddball lines like the two Sectaurs 80s Toys we owned.
Our toy bag was a source of endless entertainment. Despite our mom always telling us not to dump out the entire contents, we regularly emptied that sucker out on the floor of our shared bedroom. Each time, we did, we usually found some forgotten figure, or accessory like Superman’s forever missing cape, or Green Lantern’s little plastic lantern.
Memories Are Strange Things
My memories of the toy bag and its contents are so vivid, that I decided to create a series of posts called “Tales From the Toy Bag.” Lucky for you, you’ve stumbled upon the inaugural edition.
Sorry for that little tangent; that’s how my mind works (or maybe doesn’t work?).
When I think about things from my childhood, it’s kind of like my brain plays a word-association game with itself. It’s more of a visual memory-association game involving images of things I remember from the past.
Some random toys like the Sectaurs will pop into my mind, and the next thing I know, I’ll be thinking about a Transformers Tent and matching sleeping bags…
…Then about playing toy guns with my cousin. That will remind me of watching “the Adams Family” after school at my Grandma’s house with my siblings and cousins…
…That’ll remind me of eating misty mints out of Grandma’s candy dish…
…Then about the windbreaker I used to have. The one that was mostly black, except for a few narrow triangles of neon yellow and neon pink…
…The neon pink was the same colour as the bristol board I used for my Science Fair project one time…
Does your brain work like that?
I can remember all sorts of weird, obscure things, but the important stuff seems to get forgotten.
Wait, where were we? Right; Sectaurs. Stay tuned after this commercial and I’ll tell you what I found out about the Sectaurs.
A Brief Overview of Sectaurs 80s Toys
The Sectaurs toy line was launched by Coleco in 1985.
Not to get us to off track again, but I went down a bit of a rabbit hole with regards to Coleco. The name Coleco was familiar to me. I remember one of my friends had a ColecoVision gaming system.
But I don’t remember Coleco also being a maker of toys. My memories of toy manufacturers are of giants like Hasboro, and Mattel.
You may already know this, but Coleco had a number of struggles as they tried to establish themselves as a major player in the video gaming, and then in the plastic toy manufacturing industries in the early to mid 80s.
Sectaurs were one of the company’s unfortunate misfires, despite what first looked like it would be a lucrative franchise.
Origin and Development
Sectaurs were created by Lawrence Mass, Tim Clarke, and Maureen Trotto.
The Sectaurs lore included a backstory set on the planet “Symbion.” That’s where a genetic experiment led to the creation of hybrid creatures that were part human and part insect.
Each of the original characters within the world of the Sectaurs had a detailed backstory. It appeared that their creators did try in earnest to fully flesh out their concept for the toy line.
Innovative Design
The Sectaurs figures were noted for their ahead-of-their-time design, sculpture, and articulation.
They were larger than many of their counterparts, featuring detailed accessories and the innovative “hands-In-Action” feature for the ride-on creatures that served as their vehicles.
The ride-in creatures were essentially hand puppets of giant insects. But when combined with their plastic figurine rider, they became a unique play experience compared to other toys.
Market Impact and Challenges
Despite their innovative design and the backing of Coleco, Sectaurs faced challenges in a crowded toy market. The market was already dominated by powerhouse franchises like “GI Joe,” “He-Man,” and “Transformers.”
You have to give Coleco credit for trying to wade into this pool. The creation and marketing of the Sectaurs was an ambitious undertaking.
The price for Sectaurs figures was higher than that of its competitors figurines. This was likely due to their bigger size requiring more materials to manufacture them, as well as their small batch production. Unfortunately the market wasn’t receptive to the higher price point, and the Sectaurs didn’t sell well.
The Sectaurs distinctive insect-themed design, turned out not to be as universally appealing as the creators had hoped. This also contributed to the line’s limited commercial success.
Media Tie-ins and Legacy
To support the Sectaurs toys, Marvel Comics released a limited series of Sectaurs comics. A five-episode animated mini-series was also produced. But the franchise failed to establish a secure footing in the uber-competitive market of the late 80s.
Many of the toys sat on shelves collecting dust a year after they were released, and production was abandoned.
Although Sectaurs did not achieve lasting commercial success and were discontinued within a year, the toy line has maintained a small cult following.
Some collectors, particularly those who enjoy a good underdog story, are trying to keep the Sectaurs story alive. There are a number of fan exposés, appreciation videos on youtube, and a number of online posts, all commemorating people’s beloved Sectaurs.
Revival Efforts
In recent years, there have been efforts to revive the Sectaurs brand.
ZICA Toys launched a Kickstarter campaign for a new line of modern Sectaurs figures back in 2018. Between the campaign launch date and 2020, it attracted 598 backers, and raised $54,354. A figure large enough to fund the creation of a small batch of updated, smaller-sized Sectaurs. Each of which was shipped directly to campaign contributors.
The Nacelle Company has also introduced updated versions of Sectaurs figures, combining classic designs with modern articulation. These rare toys cater to both nostalgic collectors and new fans.
Maybe there will be a day when the Sectaurs finally hit their stride?
Maybe they were ahead of their time?
Or, maybe they will continue to toil as a dwindling reminder that the toy market is tough to break into, despite best efforts, creative designs, and advertising.
Consumers can be a fickle bunch, and sometimes timing is everything. Would the Sectaurs have been more successful if they landed before He-Man?
It’s interesting to think about. I think the toys had the potential to be somewhat more successful commercially than they actually were.
Final Thoughts on Sectaurs 80s Toys (at least for now)
I was happy to finally be able to put a name to my memories of these obscure Sectaurs 80s Toys. Online searches helped me rediscover that the name of the one I had, was Mantor.
I actually liked the bigger size of these figurines. Growing up, I was what polite folks referred to as “big-boned.” I was always bigger than most of my peers, at least until around middle school. Then people slowly started catching up.
I liked the fact that my Sectaur was big too. He was often the leader of the good guys, during the epic duels that took place in my bedroom.
Don’t tell Mantor’s creators, but I actually snipped off his antennae to make him look more human than bug. This helped him appeal to “She-Ra.” From time-to-time she wandered over from my sister’s room, and took up arms alongside Mantor as his girlfriend.
Despite their limited success, Sectaurs have won over the hearts of the 80s kids who keep their legacy alive. Who knows? Maybe, just maybe, the Sectaurs will one day ride again.
Do you remember Sectaurs 80s toys ? What was your favourite figurine growing up?
We kept our figures in a Transformers duffle bag, what did you use to house your figurine collection?
As always, we’d love to hear from you and we encourage you to drop a comment below.
Thanks for stopping by.
Have a rad rest of your day!
FAQ
What are Sectaurs?
Sectaurs were a line of action figures released by Coleco in 1985. They are unique for their hybrid designs, combining human and insect features. They were also accompanied by innovative “Hands-In-Action” creatures that enhanced play.
Why did Sectaurs fail to achieve lasting commercial success?
Despite their innovative design and a strong start, Sectaurs struggled in a crowded market, dominated by established franchises. Priced higher than their competitors toys, the insect-inspired characters didn’t appeal to everyone.
Are Sectaurs collectible today?
Yes, Sectaurs have maintained a cult following and are considered collectibles, especially among fans of vintage toys and 80s memorabilia. Their unique design and rarity make them sought after by collectors.
Was there any media tie-in for the Sectaurs toy line?
Yes. To support the Sectaurs toy line, Marvel Comics released a limited series of Sectaurs comics. A five-episode animated mini-series was also produced. However, these media tie-ins were not enough to secure a lasting place in the market.
Have there been any efforts to revive the Sectaurs brand?
In recent years, there have been efforts to revive Sectaurs. There was a Kickstarter campaign by ZICA Toys for a new line of more modern Sectaurs figures. Updated versions of the toys were recently produced by the Nacelle Company as well.
Can I still find Sectaurs toys for sale?
Yes, Sectaurs can be found on various online marketplaces, including eBay, and through collectors’ forums. Availability and condition vary, so prices can range significantly.
Craig is a partner, and proud father of a teenage daughter, and two dogs. He's an avid blogger who loves researching and discussing 80s and 90s nostalgia. When not working on his website or hanging with his fam, Craig enjoys playing guitar, watching lacrosse, and being near water.