Company Bluebird Toys | Availability 1986–1991 | |
Manta Force was a line of toys produced by a British company called BluebirdPlc in 1987. The toyline was initially divided into two main factions: the heroic Manta Force and their opponents, the evil Viper Squad. Following the popularity of the Manta Force toy range, an additional enemy was introduced in 1989; known as the Karnocks. In the subsequent year, Bluebird PLc also released the Skinkhorns, who were the enemy of both Manta Force and the Viper Squad. By the early 1990s however, the popularity of the toy range began to decrease and eventually production was stopped.
Contents
Background Story
By 2012, humans had colonised many planets throughout the solar-system, including Mars, Jupiter, Venus and Saturn. The planet Earth however, had become polluted and over populated. In an attempt to save mankind, President Battaille ordered the creation of the M.A.N.T.A ship. M.A.N.T.A was an acronym for Multiple-Air-Naval-Terrain-Assault Force and was the most advanced Earth ship ever built. It was designed to work in any environment and its engine was fuel by a substance called Thorium.
Following the successful launch of the M.A.N.T.A ship, the World Government created the Red Venom to help Manta Force colonise New Earth. On Saturn however, many of the people had grown tired of living in plastic bubbles and believed New Earth should belong to them. During its test runs therefore, the Red Venom was hijacked by a group of highly skilled soldiers called the Viper Squad. Under the command of Major Vex, the Viper Squad attempted to use the Red Venom to hijack the M.A.N.T.A ship, so they could be the ones to colonise New Earth.
Later the two opposing sides joined forces to fight off attacks from an alien known as Karnock who was served by an army of robots. Another enemy emerged as well in the form of Stinkhorn who led the 'vile' Stenchoids who appeared to be either another alien grouping or the native dominant life-form on New Earth.
Manta Force toys:
Smaller sets:
Literature
In September 1987, Eagle Comics released a comic-strip based on the Manta Force toyline. Starting with a prologue illustrated by Ian Kennedy in issue 285, the main series ran between issues 286 - 305. It was written by Alan Hebden and illustrated by Mike Dorey. The purpose of the comic-strips was to provide a back-story to Manta Force universe and help to promote the Bluebird toy range. Following the conclusion of the comic-strip in Eagle Comics, Marvel Comics UK produced a one-shot special in 1989. Presently, it is unknown if Marvel Comics UK had planned to produce additional one-shot specials or even an ongoing series. Bluebird also published two promotional comics in the late 1980s, to promote the Black Barracuda and Vile Stinkhorn toy ranges. These promotional comics were generally found in the packages of other Manta Force toys. In July 1989, Carnival released two books based on the Manta Force toyline. Both books were written and illustrated by Royston Drake. Similar to the comic-strips found in Eagle Comics and Marvel Comics UK, these books were designed to provide a more detailed back-story, while also promoting the
Eagle Comics
Marvel Comics UK
Bluebird Comics
Carnival Books