Remco Conan the Barbarian Toys: 1984 Vintage Figures Guide

In the early 1980s, when fantasy worlds collided with plastic might, Remco unleashed a line of action figures that captured the raw essence of sword-swinging adventures. These toys transported collectors straight into the savage realms of ancient battles, where brawn met sorcery under forgotten skies. Drawing from the timeless tales of a Cimmerian wanderer who roamed from shadowed tombs to glittering thrones, Remco’s creations offered a tangible grip on epic sagas. For those who remember unwrapping these under holiday lights or scouring toy aisles, they weren’t just playthings—they were portals to thunderous clashes and cunning exploits. Let’s swing our axes through this collection, revisiting Conan and the barbarians and beasts that defined a generation’s imaginary conquests.

Devourer of Souls figure facing off against Conan the Warrior in a battle for the throne.

Conan the Warrior

Picture this: a hulking brute fresh from the frozen north, his muscles coiled like a panther ready to pounce on unsuspecting foes. Remco’s Conan the Warrior figure stands at about 5.5 inches tall, sculpted with a broad chest and limbs that scream “I’ve wrestled bears for breakfast.” He sports a simple loincloth, boots that look like they’ve tromped through a dozen battlefields, and a lion’s pelt draped over one shoulder—a nod to the wild beasts he’s doubtless slain in his travels. His hair is a tousled brown mane, and his face bears a determined grimace, as if he’s mid-snarl at some slithering serpent or rival warlord. Accessories include a hefty sword that fits perfectly in his grip, ideal for cleaving through imaginary hordes, and a shield emblazoned with rugged designs, perfect for bashing back arrows or spells.

Vintage 1984 Remco Conan the Warrior 5.5-inch action figure with sword and shield.

In the stories: this version evokes the young Conan, the one who burst from Cimmeria’s misty hills as a thief and mercenary, his blade ever thirsty for action. He’s the wanderer who sacked Venarium as a teen, then roved across Aquilonia and beyond, turning bandit camps into cautionary tales. Remco captured that untamed spirit—no frills, just pure, unadulterated fury wrapped in plastic. The figure’s articulation is straightforward: swivel hips, shoulders, and head, allowing for dramatic poses like thrusting a sword skyward or shielding against a phantom blow. The paint job holds up remarkably well, with flesh tones that don’t fade into ghostly pallor over decades, and metallic accents on the weapons that gleam like stolen treasure under lamplight.

Review-wise: This toy is a riot for anyone who ever staged backyard battles. Imagine pitting him against your neighbor’s action heroes—he’d laugh off laser blasts with a swing of that broadsword. The lion pelt adds a touch of flair, making him stand out from generic barbarians; it’s like Remco said, “Why not give him a trophy from his first kill?” Playability is high—those joints snap into action without snapping off, though after years of duels, you might find a loose arm begging for a rubber band fix. Collectors love how he scales with other 80s lines, turning shelves into crossover epics. If there’s a quibble, it’s the lack of extra gear; a dagger or chain would have amped up the thieving vibe. But overall, he’s a solid entry point for reliving those tales of plunder and prowess, where Conan outwits kings and outfights monsters without breaking a sweat.

Current average market values reflect his enduring appeal: Loose figures in good condition, with accessories intact, fetch around $120 to $180. If you snag one mint on card, expect to pay $300 to $500, depending on bubble clarity and card creases. Rarity spikes for variants with brighter paint or international packaging, pushing prices higher among dedicated hunters.

Expanding on his lore ties directly to the original narratives. In “The Tower of the Elephant,” Conan scales a jeweled spire in Zamora, blending stealth with savagery to confront cosmic horrors. Remco’s figure embodies that duality—pose him lurking in shadows or charging headlong. Or recall “The Frost-Giant’s Daughter,” where he pursues a ethereal temptress across snowy wastes, his warrior instincts overriding reason. This toy lets you recreate such moments, sword in hand, imagining the crunch of ice underfoot. The design avoids overcomplication, mirroring Conan’s straightforward ethos: strength over subtlety, action over words. For kids of the era, he was the ultimate underdog hero, rising from slave pits to legend. Even now, displaying him evokes that thrill, a reminder of when toys sparked endless stories.

Diving deeper, the sculpt draws from the era’s fascination with heroic physiques, akin to the illustrations that accompanied Howard’s pulp tales. The broad shoulders and defined abs aren’t just for show—they represent the Cimmerian’s survival in a world of giants, wizards, and treacherous allies. Accessories like the shield harken to battles in “Queen of the Black Coast,” where Conan allies with pirate queen Bêlit, defending against river horrors. The lion pelt? A subtle reference to his encounters with beasts in the wilds of Shem or Kush. Playing with this figure back then meant hours of improvised adventures, perhaps teaming him with allies against makeshift foes. Today, restorers prize originals for their durability; a quick clean reveals details like the textured fur or etched blade patterns. Values fluctuate with condition—paint chips drop it to $80 loose, while pristine examples command premiums at auctions. He’s not just a collectible; he’s a time capsule of 80s fantasy fervor.

Conan the King

Now, ascend the throne with Remco’s Conan the King, a regal evolution of the barbarian archetype. This 5.5-inch figure trades raw wilderness for royal authority, clad in ornate breastplate armor that snaps on over his muscular frame. His crown perches atop that same brown mane, now styled with a kingly poise, and his face holds a steely gaze fit for commanding armies. Accessories elevate the grandeur: a ornate sword for dispensing justice, a shield with intricate engravings, and the chest plate that gleams like polished steel from distant forges. Boots and loincloth remain, but the overall vibe shifts from roving adventurer to sovereign ruler, ready to decree fates from a marble hall.

Remco Conan the King action figure with golden crown, chest plate, and shield.

This incarnation pulls from the later chronicles, where Conan claims the crown of Aquilonia after years of conquests. In “The Hour of the Dragon,” he’s the established monarch, battling ancient evils like the resurrected Xaltotun to reclaim his kingdom. Remco nailed the transition—gone is the feral edge, replaced by symbols of power that still hint at his battle-hardened roots. Articulation mirrors the warrior version: basic swivels for posing on a throne or leading charges. The paint is bolder here, with gold accents on the crown and armor that pop against his tanned skin, though time might dull the shine if not stored properly.

Review time: This one’s a crown jewel for dramatic play. Snap on the armor, and suddenly your toy battles become court intrigues—Conan issuing commands while fending off assassins. The crown’s a fun touch; it stays put during mild tussles but flies off in epic clashes, adding realism. Witty aside: it’s like Remco whispered, “Even kings need to accessorize, or they’ll end up as headless statues.” Durability shines; the plastic holds firm, and joints endure countless coronations. Downsides? The armor can scratch if mishandled, and without a cape, he feels a tad underdressed for royal balls. But in a lineup, he commands attention, perfect for staging sieges or alliances.

Market values crown him a solid investment: Loose complete figures average $140 to $220, with carded versions ranging from $400 to $600 for excellent condition. Variants with variant paint schemes or foreign cards can exceed $700.

To flesh out his kingly saga, consider “The Scarlet Citadel,” where Conan, as ruler, endures captivity and sorcery, emerging to crush his enemies. The figure’s shield evokes defenses against Pictish hordes or Stygian plots. Or “The Phoenix on the Sword,” his first tale as king, thwarting a conspiracy with sheer grit. Remco’s design lets you pose him in council or combat, bridging the gap between throne and battlefield. Collectors often pair him with the warrior version for a “before and after” display, highlighting Conan’s arc from outcast to overlord. Restoration tips: gentle polishing revives the armor’s luster, boosting value. In the 80s, he inspired kids to dream of crowns won by sword, not birthright—a clever twist on fairy tales. Today, his presence on shelves recalls when fantasy toys taught resilience amid opulence.

Jewel Thief

Enter the shadows with Remco’s Jewel Thief, a spectral foe that adds a dash of eerie intrigue to the lineup. This 5.5-inch figure is a standout: cast in translucent red plastic, resembling a crimson skeleton risen from some cursed crypt. His bony frame is accented by a flowing cape that billows like a thief’s cloak in the night wind, and he clutches an axe that’s more guillotine than subtlety. The head is a grinning skull, eyes hollow yet menacing, with limbs that pose in sneaking stances or mid-swing attacks. No flesh here—just pure, ghostly menace, as if he’s phased through walls to snatch gems from under guardians’ noses.

Tying to the tales, this character echoes Conan’s own thieving days in cities like Arenjun, the “City of Thieves,” where he pilfered from towers guarded by traps and demons. In “Rogues in the House,” Conan navigates deadly intrigues involving priests and beasts, much like facing this skeletal pilferer. Remco crafted him as an enemy, perfect for ambushes in play scenarios. Articulation allows for creepy crawls or leaps, with the translucent body letting light play tricks, enhancing his phantom allure.

Rare Remco Jewel Thief action figure with blue cowl, axe, and treasure chest.
While many collectors start with the movie-inspired figures, the true hunt begins with the rare 'Enemy' characters like the Jewel Thief, which currently commands some of the highest prices in the vintage 5.5-inch market.

Review: Oh, the irony—a thief so see-through, you can’t hide him from envious collectors. His red glow makes him a visual pop, ideal for nighttime heists in your toy kingdom. Swing that axe, and he’s a whirlwind of bony fury; the cape adds drama, flapping during chases. Chuckle-worthy: he’s the ultimate budget villain—no need for paint when you’re already blood-red. Sturdiness impresses; the plastic resists cracks, though the cape might fray from overzealous capers. Minor gripe: lacks extra tools like a lockpick, but his simplicity fuels imagination.

Values steal the show due to rarity: Loose figures command $400 to $600, while carded ones soar to $1,500 to $2,500, reflecting his elusive status.

Delving into lore, Jewel Thief embodies the underworld denizens Conan encounters in “The God in the Bowl,” slaying a serpentine guardian for forbidden riches. Pose him lurking near treasures, recreating stealthy escapades. Remco’s choice of translucency was innovative, predating glow-in-dark trends, making him a pioneer in eerie effects. For play, he paired brilliantly with Conan, turning games into cat-and-mouse pursuits through imagined bazaars. Collectors hunt him for completeness, often paying premiums for unyellowed plastic. His design sparks debates: is he a undead rogue or demonic pilferer? Either way, he enriches displays with supernatural flair.

Devourer of Souls

Brace for the monstrous with Remco’s Devourer of Souls, a hulking antagonist that looms like a nightmare from the outer voids. At 5.5 inches, he’s a beastly blend: horned helmet atop a snarling face, broad shoulders draped in a jagged black cape, and limbs armored with gauntlets on wrist and ankle. His gray belt crosses the chest like a harness for unholy burdens, and he wields a double-bladed axe that’s pure devastation. The sculpt screams predator, with textured skin suggesting scales or scars from infernal forges, and a limp-evoking pose that adds to his ominous shuffle.

1984 Remco Devourer of Souls skeletal monster figure with horned helmet and mace.

Inspired by the soul-stealing horrors in tales like “The People of the Black Circle,” where sorcerers summon entities that feast on life essence, this figure fits as a demonic enforcer. In “Shadows in Zamboula,” Conan battles cannibals and worse, echoing this devourer’s appetite. Articulation supports menacing advances, with swivels for axe swings or cape flourishes.

Review: This guy’s a soul-sucker in the best way—draining your wallet if you’re not careful, but worth every coin for the terror he brings. His horned helm is a hoot, like he headbutted a ram and kept the souvenir. The axe cleaves through playtime foes effortlessly, and the cape adds a dramatic swirl. Limber joints hold poses, though the limp design might trip up symmetry fans. Fun fact: he’s got that “I’ve eaten worse than you” vibe, perfect for villain monologues. Drawback: missing horns reduce intimidation, but originals roar with presence.

Market averages devour budgets: loose complete at $250 to $400, carded up to $800.

Lore links him to abominations in “Red Nails,” where ancient evils lurk in lost cities, feeding on intruders. Pose him guarding ruins, axe raised. Remco’s detail work—jagged cape edges, metallic axe—elevates him beyond generic monsters. In 80s play, he was the big bad, overwhelming heroes until Conan triumphed. Collectors value him for rarity, with pristine capes boosting prices. He’s a testament to fantasy’s dark side, where toys mirrored story perils.

Thoth Amon

Finally, confront the arcane with Remco’s Thoth Amon, the sinister sorcerer who weaves spells like a spider its web. This 5.5-inch figure is cloaked in mystery: tall and broad, with a hawkish face under a hooded cape, dark skin tones evoking Stygian origins. He grips a staff topped with serpentine motifs, ready to summon tempests or serpents. His robe flows with intricate folds, and accessories include the cape for dramatic reveals, positioning him as the puppet-master behind threats.

From the stories, Thoth-Amon is the arch-nemesis, a Stygian wizard in “The Phoenix on the Sword,” wielding a serpent ring to unleash doom. Remco captured his aloof menace, with articulation for gesturing incantations.

1984 Remco Conan the Barbarian Thoth-Amon action figure with red robes and staff.

Review: Sly as a serpent, this figure’s a spellbinding addition—cast him in roles, and watch chaos ensue. His staff’s a wand of wonders, perfect for zapping foes from afar. The hood adds secrecy, like he’s plotting your collection’s takeover. Articulation aids mystical poses, though the cape might snag. Amusing: he’s the brain to Conan’s brawn, turning brawls into magical mismatches. Con: lacks extra artifacts, but imagination fills the void.

Values enchant: loose $150 to $250, carded $400 to $700.

His canon role spans intrigues, like aiding plots in “The Hour of the Dragon.” Display him scheming, staff aloft. Remco’s sculpt honors his towering presence, making him essential for balanced collections.

Why These Figures Command a Premium:

  • The Jewel Thief Factor: This is widely considered the “holy grail” of the Remco 5.5-inch era. Packaged examples are disappearing into private collections, driving the MOC price well over the $1,000 mark.

  • The Devourer of Souls: Because this figure has a more “monstrous” skeletal sculpt, it is highly sought after by Masters of the Universe collectors who want to pose it with Skeletor. This “cross-line” appeal keeps the price high.

  • The “Condition Trap”: Remco figures from 1984 often suffer from “sticky leg syndrome” where the plastic begins to break down. Figures with clean, non-sticky limbs and intact paint on Thoth-Amon’s red robes will sell at the top end of these ranges.

Foreign Releases, Combat Chariot & Monster

Beyond U.S. shores, Remco’s line found new life in foreign markets, particularly France via Delavennat. These editions often featured unique packaging, with bilingual cards or window boxes that showcased the figures’ details. Variants included brighter colors or slight mold tweaks, appealing to international collectors. The real gems? The Combat Chariot and Monster set, a boxed powerhouse. The chariot, a rugged vehicle with spiked wheels, is pulled by a hulking monster— a reptilian beast with gaping jaws and clawed limbs, reminiscent of Howard’s prehistoric horrors in tales like “Beyond the Black River.” Included is a Mikola figure from Remco’s Lost World line, repurposed as a driver or ally, adding crossover fun. The monster also appeared solo in baggies, a budget terror for quick playsets.

These pieces expand battles: hitch the chariot for charges, or unleash the monster in solo rampages. Values: complete sets $500+, individuals $200-400.

Conclusion

Remco’s Conan toys endure as badges of a bolder era, where plastic captured the clash of steel and sorcery. They remind us of adventures unbounded, inviting new generations to grasp the sword and charge forth. Whether on shelves or in stories, their legacy swings eternal.

Conan may have defined the 5.5-inch ‘muscular buck’ style in 1984, but that same design philosophy is currently fueling a massive retro-revival. If you appreciate the grit and interchangeability of the classic Remco Conan figures, you’ll find that same ‘Zolo-logic’ alive and well today. Discover how the Cimmerian’s influence shaped a modern epic in our Comprehensive Realm of the Underworld Figure Guide.

Remco Thoth-Amon vs King Conan 1984 Action Figure Battle

1984 Remco Conan: Rare & Variant Value Guide

CharacterLoose (Complete)Mint On Card (MOC)Rarity Level
Jewel Thief$395 – $550$1,350 – $1,600+Ultra Rare
Devourer of Souls$180 – $260$450 – $600Rare (Monster)
Thoth-Amon$80 – $115$350 – $425High (Villain)
Conan the King$70 – $110$550 – $750High (Regal Variant)
Conan the Warrior$65 – $95$450 – $525Moderate (Classic)

Market Note: Toy values are based on recent 2024-2025 secondary market sales and can fluctuate. The biggest factor in value for Remco toys is the condition of the plastic (watch out for ‘sticky leg’ syndrome) and whether original weapons are present, as these are frequently lost.

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