1983 LJN Advanced Dungeons & Dragons catalog

1983 LJN Advanced Dungeons & Dragons catalog

In 1982, LJN toys beat out rival toymake Mego for the rights to produce toys based on the popular TSR role play game “Dungeons and Dragons” and a great underrated series of toys was born. The LJN D&D line was sort of a grown up version of Masters of the Universe with it’s Elves, Wizards and Orcs populated a fun middle earth environment. Sadly, the line didn’t fare well, most likely due to then strong opposition to the game itself and it’s themes.
Despite being kicked out of my sole D&D game when I was 12 (I didn’t really “get” role playing and decided to instead be an ass) I really dug these toys and bought much of the first wave of figures. Click on the images below to see larger pages with descriptions:

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About The Author

Mantooth
AKA Brian Heiler author of "Rack Toys: Cheap, Crazed Playthings" and co-editor of "Toy-Ventures Magazine". Co-Host of the "Pod Stallions" podcast. Host of the Brick Mantooth Youtube channel, painter, designer, writer, mental health advocate, toy collector, Mego, and Mego Knock-Off enthusiast. I have large feet, ADHD and I live in Canada. Talk toys, not others.

4 Comments

  • John III on May 15, 2011

    Still have a couple of these lying around.

  • Dolly the Bird on May 16, 2011

    OMGosh! I love these! I didn't have any though, and I don't recall any of my friends having them either. What a shame! I remember all the D&D controversy from when I was little…and how much I adored the cartoon that came on Saturday am's. Of course I also remember Mazes & Monsters with Tom Hanks. I've always thougth that movie didn't do much to help the rep of D&D!

  • Lance on May 16, 2011

    I've a ton of these still. Including most of the card backs. The early elf was called Peralay and the later releases had him as Melf the Elf. Best thing on the cards was the Tim Truman art.

  • Danadoll on November 23, 2011

    I got a bunch of these back in the day…Love them. I'm still trying desperately to complete my collection.

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