Conan The Barbarian Action Figure Checklist (1982-2026)

As a dedicated Conan the Barbarian enthusiast, I’ve compiled this comprehensive checklist of action figure interpretations spanning over four decades, starting with Remco’s pioneering 1982 line inspired by the comics and film. This guide details each toy line, including figure names, production years, companies, other characters, and key notes. It’s designed as a handy checklist for collectors, but note that it’s a work in progress. I’ll be providing photos for the figures in my collection and updating with more images as I acquire additional pieces. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to Hyboria, this resource aims to catalog every major release up to the present day.

The History of Conan the Barbarian in Action Figure Form

Conan the Barbarian, the iconic sword-and-sorcery hero created by Robert E. Howard in 1932, has captivated audiences through literature, comics, films, and television. His transition into action figures reflects broader trends in the toy industry, evolving from simple playthings in the 1970s to highly detailed collector’s items today. This analysis traces the chronological development of Conan action figures, highlighting key lines, companies, cultural influences, and shifts in design philosophy. Drawing from toy checklists, historical overviews, and collector insights, it examines how Conan’s plastic incarnations have mirrored his enduring popularity while adapting to market demands for nostalgia, articulation, and fidelity to source material. Note that while early figures emphasized playability and tie-ins to media like films and cartoons, modern releases prioritize sculptural detail and premium features for adult collectors.

Early Beginnings: The 1970s and the Dawn of Plastic Barbarians

The first Conan action figure emerged in the mid-1970s, predating the character’s big-screen debut. Mego Corporation, known for its 8-inch cloth-costumed figures of superheroes like Spider-Man and Star Trek characters, released a Conan figure around 1975. This early interpretation was basic: a muscular body with fabric clothing, a sword accessory, and minimal articulation. Inspired by Howard’s pulp stories and the growing popularity of fantasy in comics (Marvel’s Conan the Barbarian series launched in 1970), it captured Conan’s rugged essence but lacked the bombast of later designs. Mego’s line was short-lived, with no other Hyborian characters included, reflecting the era’s focus on affordable, mass-market toys rather than expansive worlds. This figure set a precedent for Conan as a toy icon, but it was the 1980s that truly launched him into the action figure arena.

The 1980s: Film Tie-Ins and Muscular Mayhem

The 1982 release of John Milius’s Conan the Barbarian film, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, ignited a toy boom. Remco, a company specializing in budget-friendly action figures, capitalized with its 1982 Conan line. These 5.5-inch figures blended comic book aesthetics with film influences, featuring exaggerated muscular builds akin to Mattel’s Masters of the Universe (MOTU). Key releases included Conan the King, Conan the Warrior, and characters like the Jewel Thief. Other characters rounded out the line: the villainous Thoth-Amon, Devourer of Souls, and Skifell. Accessories like weapons, capes, and armor encouraged imaginative play, but the line was limited to one series due to moderate sales. Notably, Remco’s designs faced legal scrutiny from Conan Properties, who alleged similarities to MOTU, highlighting early IP tensions in the toy world. This era marked Conan’s shift toward heroic fantasy toys, emphasizing brute strength and adventure, though production quality was rudimentary compared to today’s standards.

The 1990s: Animated Adventures and Gimmick-Driven Play

By the early 1990s, Conan’s popularity waned post-film sequels, but the 1992 animated series Conan the Adventurer revived interest. Hasbro produced a tie-in line from 1992-1993, featuring 5-inch figures with action features like spring-loaded weapons and removable armor. Conan variants included the Adventurer, Explorer, Warrior, and Ninja versions, often with horses like Thunder Battle Stallion. Supporting characters expanded the universe: heroes like Greywolf and Zula, villains such as Skulkur and Wrath-Amon, plus playsets and vehicles. Inspired directly by the cartoon’s family-friendly tone (toning down Howard’s grit), these figures prioritized play gimmicks over detail, aligning with Hasbro’s success in lines like G.I. Joe. The line ended after two years, reflecting the short lifespan of animated toy tie-ins, but it introduced Conan to a new generation of kids.

The 2000s: Collector Focus and Comic Fidelity

The new millennium saw Conan figures mature into collector-oriented products. McFarlane Toys led with its 2004 Conan Series 1, offering 6-inch, highly detailed figures based on Howard’s stories. Releases included Conan of Cimmeria and Conan the Indomitable, alongside characters like Belit, Fire Dragon, and Xaltotun. The 2005 Series 2 (Hour of the Dragon) continued with King Conan and variants, emphasizing intricate bases and accessories but sacrificing articulation for statue-like poses. McFarlane’s approach, influenced by Dark Horse Comics’ Conan revival, targeted adults nostalgic for the barbarian’s literary roots.

In 2007, Toy Biz (under Marvel Toys) released a Legendary Comic Book Heroes 2-pack with Conan and Wrarrl (Devourer of Souls). This 6-inch figure boasted better articulation and compatibility with Marvel Legends, drawing from Marvel’s long-running comics. It was a one-off, but it bridged Conan’s comic heritage with mainstream superhero toys.

The 2010s: Movie Revivals and Retro Revamps

The 2011 Conan the Barbarian remake (starring Jason Momoa) prompted NECA’s line, though it focused on the 1982 Schwarzenegger film. 7-inch figures like Pit Fighter Conan, War Paint Conan, and exclusives featured movie-accurate details and accessories, but limited posing. This collector shift highlighted a trend toward film nostalgia over new adaptations.

Mid-decade, Figures Toy Company revived Mego-style 8-inch figures in 2015, including Conan alongside Kull the Conqueror and Solomon Kane. Cloth outfits and accessories like axes evoked 1970s charm, appealing to retro collectors.

Funko’s 2018 Savage World line offered 5-inch, MOTU-inspired muscle figures: Conan and Thulsa Doom, with crossovers to other franchises. Simple articulation and weapons emphasized fun, budget-friendly play.

The 2020s: Premium Collectibles and Ongoing Expansions

Super7 dominated from 2019 onward with multiple lines. The Ultimates! (7-inch) features highly articulated movie and comic-inspired figures like Iconic Pose Conan, War Paint variants, and characters such as Thulsa Doom, Valeria, and Kull. Accessories abound, including swappable heads and the Throne of Aquilonia set. The ReAction (3.75-inch, 2020-present) offers retro Kenner-style carded figures from the 1982 film, with minimal articulation and glow variants. Vintage (5.5-inch, 2024-present) nods to Remco/MOTU with muscular sculpts.

Mezco’s One:12 Collective (6-inch, 2020-present) delivers hyper-articulated, cloth-outfitted premiums: Conan the Barbarian, Conqueror, and Frazetta-inspired variants with multiple accessories.

Recent additions include Frazetta Girls’ 2024-2025 1/12-scale figure based on Frank Frazetta’s art, crowdfunded with deluxe options. Kaustic Plastik/Infinite Statue’s 2025 1/6-scale Maestro line recreates the 1982 film in premium fabric. Heroic Signatures’ 2025 Battle of the Black Stone 7-inch figure ties to new comics, with weapons and stop-motion promotion. Boss Fight Studio’s Immortal Champions (5.5-inch, 2025) brings classic Conan with sword and shield.

Evolution and Cultural Impact

Conan’s action figure history illustrates the toy industry’s maturation: from 1970s simplicity to 1980s film-driven play, 1990s gimmicks, 2000s comic depth, and 2010s-2020s premium collectibles. Influences range from Howard’s tales and Marvel/Dark Horse comics to Schwarzenegger’s films and animations. Early lines faced challenges like legal disputes and short runs, but modern revivals by companies like Super7 and Mezco thrive on nostalgia and high-end features, with scales varying from 3.75-inch to 1/6 for diverse collectors. As of 2025, ongoing releases ensure Conan’s legacy endures, blending barbaric adventure with sophisticated craftsmanship—by Crom, the barbarian’s plastic conquest continues.