Power Lords - The Extra-Terrestrial Warriors is a science fiction themed action figure line produced by Revell in 1983. Revell hired Wayne Barlowe (author/artist of Barlowe's Guide to Extraterrestrials) to design the toys.
Contents
- The story
- The heroes
- Arkus and His Warriors
- Unaffiliated villains
- Vehicles creatures etc
- 2013 Power Lords Relaunch
- References
Each figure has an action feature. Adam Power can change into Lord Power by pushing a button to turn his torso around to reveal the Lord Power side; Shaya is a 2-sided figure who is changed by turning her cape around and removing her helmet; Arkus' wings flap. Each figure also includes a file card, which provides a brief dossier on the character and demonstrates how to initiate its special feature.
DC Comics published a 3-issue Power Lords comic book series beginning in December 1983. A video game, board game, jigsaw puzzle and coloring book based on the characters were also released that same year.
The story
Adam Power is an earthling, given the cosmic Power Jewel to protect the galaxy from the evil dictator, Arkus. Arkus is a nigh invincible foe, determined to take the Power Jewel as well as Volcan Rock, Adam Power’s secret stronghold, in his quest to conquer the galaxy.
Two heroes join Adam Power in the war against Arkus. They are Shaya, the Queen of Power and Sydot the Supreme.
But evil Arkus also has helpers...
The heroes
Origin: Planet Earth (although the comic version states he is originally from Toran)
Weapon: Power Jewel, Lazer Rifle
The Power Jewel, an item of vast cosmic might, allows Adam Power to become Lord Power, a blue-skinned, red-veined humanoid who wears the gem implanted in his forehead.
Origin: The Ancient Planet Meru
Weapon: Laser Whip
A human-like fur-clad female warrior with a third eye and cosmic might that equals Adam Power. She can change into a red alien form that gives off an intense heat.
Origin: Rana, The Water Planet
Accessory: Binoculars
An alien scientific genius who looks like an orange man-sized, sleepy-eyed Tyrannosaur with game show host-style capped teeth.
Arkus and His Warriors
Origin: Hatched at the center of an unknown red sun
Weapon: Wrist lasers
A purple insectoid-like creature with crab-like claws and red wings who leads the evil Extraterrestrial Alliance. Arkus is nigh invincible - never needing to eat or sleep.
Origin: Flozar VIII, the Frozen Planet
Weapon: Laser Gun
Origin: The Planet Ferrikon
Weapon: The Super Mace (laser weapon)
Ggripptogg used to rule the galaxy before Arkus took over. Now Ggripptogg is reduced to being Arkus' servant, about which Ggripptogg is most resentful.
Origin: The Planet Twearth
Tork could spin his torso and use the natural spikes which covered it as a weapon.
Origin: The Planet Growton
Weapon: Cosmic War Club
Could change its face four times and alter itself in height.
A monstrous three-legged green alien steed with crushing pincer-like jaws. Trigore functions both as a living starship as well as a sort of cosmic bloodhound.
Unaffiliated villains
Origin: Militron, the War Planet
Could shoot quills from his back. Longs to be as formidable a threat as Arkus.
Origin: The Planet Frigidor.
A longtime enemy of Arkus. Once freezing Arkus' wings when demonstrating his ability to shoot icy cold water out of his chest. Drrench is feared throughout the galaxy.
Vehicles, creatures, etc.
2013 Power Lords Relaunch
In late 2012 toy sculptors Four Horsemen Studios announced they had acquired the license to produce new Power Lords action figures. Using the Glyos joints created by Onell Design, the new Power Lords figures were first released at SDCC in 2013 and are currently offered at the Four Horsemen Studios online store.