In the fall of 1987, toy shelves were glowing…literally. Amid the neon slime, transforming robots, and sword-wielding warriors of the decade, Tonka introduced a line that felt like it crawled out of a haunted comic book: Supernaturals. With holographic faces, glow-in-the-dark weapons, and a backstory steeped in ancient tombs and spectral warriors, this toy line was a bold attempt to blend horror, fantasy, and cutting-edge tech.
At the heart of Supernaturals was its hologram technology. Each figure featured a lenticular hologram on its chest and shield, revealing dual identities…one human, one monstrous. Depending on the angle, a noble knight might morph into a skeletal phantom, or a tribal warrior into a snarling beast. It was spooky, surreal, and totally captivating.
The figures came in two factions:
- Heroic Supernaturals: Brave warriors like Lionheart and Thunderbolt, sworn to protect the realm from evil.
- Evil Supernaturals: Villains like Skull and Burnheart, resurrected from the Tomb of Doom to wreak havoc.
Each figure had a removable cloak, glow-in-the-dark accessories, and a name that sounded like it belonged in a Saturday morning cartoon or a heavy metal album.
Beyond the main figures, Tonka released smaller sidekicks called Ghostlings…tiny, translucent creatures with holographic faces and punny names like Hooter and Spooks. These added a layer of collectibility and charm, perfect for kids who loved pocket-sized weirdness.
There were also playsets and vehicles, including the Tomb of Doom, which served as the central battleground for these spectral showdowns. The packaging and mini-comics included with the toys fleshed out the lore, painting a world where ancient warriors returned from the grave to battle for control of mystical realms.
Unlike contemporaries like Visionaries or Thundercats, Supernaturals never got a full animated series. Instead, Tonka leaned into print media, launching a short-lived comic in the UK through Fleetway Publications. The comic featured spooky stories, character bios, and even a fictional editor named Scary Cat. It lasted just nine issues, but for fans, it added depth to the toy line’s eerie mythology.
Despite its innovative design and haunting aesthetic, Supernaturals was a commercial misfire. Only one wave of figures was released before the line was quietly discontinued. But for kids who owned them, or stumbled across them in a dusty toy bin, they left a lasting impression. The holograms, the cloaks, the glow-in-the-dark weapons… it was like holding a ghost story in your hand.
Today, Supernaturals figures are cult collectibles, cherished by fans who remember the thrill of seeing a toy change faces with a tilt of the wrist. They’re a reminder of a time when toy makers weren’t afraid to get weird, and when Halloween vibes could live year-round in your toy chest.
One of those toys that if you mentioned them by name, I’d have no idea what you were talking about. But seeing them, I recognized them right away.