LJN Dune Catalog from 1984

LJN Dune Catalog from 1984

It’s hard to believe that toymakers thought the next merchandising blitz would come from a David Lynch film but that’s exactly what happened in 1984. Dune got the full treatment with colouring books, bed sheets and of course a selection of action figures produced by LJN. The movie wasn’t particularly kid (or for that matter general public) friendly and as a result, the spice warriors of Dune resided in the clearance aisle.

What’s perplexing to me is most of this stuff got made, yet the gigantically more kid-friendly “Last Starfighter” toy line never saw the light of day. Aggghhh!

LJN bought a lot of trade ads for this line, anticipating it be the movie hit of the Christmas season..

 

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Lady Jessica never made it to the marketplace.

Gurney Was also cut from the team, however, the world would not be deprived of Patrick Stewart action figures for very long. Notice they mention several sandworms and they weren’t allowed to show them. I find that weird seeing as they were largely phallic symbols.

Click to see a bigger image, the weapons giftset was canceled.

click to see a bigger images, the bad guy vehicle never saw it to the marketplace.

 

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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

  • Bill McFarland on January 27, 2021

    I should add these to my complete set of Eraserhead plush dolls and color-by-numbers Blue Velvet poster set.

  • Walter J Keegan on January 27, 2021

    The back of the early Dune cards had the Sandworm blacked-out, much like the Ewoks on the early Jedi cards.

  • YesterdayIsNow on February 1, 2021

    The vehicles look lame beyond belief – not one that a kid would be excited by. But that trooper in the black helmet looks pretty cool.

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