“We come in peace”
Released in 1996 by Trendmasters, the Mars Attacks! Martian Flying Saucer brought the delight and terror of Tim Burton’s science fiction comedy film to toy shelves — a tangible reminder of the movie’s unique and darkly humorous spirit.
Based on the eponymous Topps trading card series, the Tim Burton-directed film reimagined the classic alien invasion trope with a distinct visual style and his signature dose of absurdity. The Trendmasters toy line, including the Martian Flying Saucer, perfectly captured this aesthetic, translating the film’s retro sci-fi menace into a playable — and collectible — form.
The battery-operated toy was true to its inspiration with a classic flying saucer shape, domed cockpit with lights, retractable landing gear, spring-loaded missile launcher, two missiles, and Martian pilot figure. Five Martian battle sounds augmented the experience: disintegrator ray, pulse laser blast, shrink ray, freeze ray, and levitation ray.
A green 3.5-inch floppy computer disc for the Windows operating system bridged the gap between analogue and digital play. While the Mission Disc did not augment the play pattern of the toy itself, it did add a unique and enticing element to the mid-’90s toy.
The exterior of the box included a “Try Me” button that tempted consumers with a brief example of the toy’s interactive elements.
COLLECTOR CONSIDERATIONS
Toys, games, and collectibles for Mars Attacks! were produced in a relatively limited quantity compared to more mainstream science fiction properties. While collectibles for properties such as Star Trek and Star Wars are fairly common and have established, often large, collector bases, Mars Attacks! objects occupy a more niche segment. In addition to the Martin Flying Saucer, Trendmasters produced the Doom Saucer, Supreme Martian Ambassador, Martian Spy Girl, Martian Leader, and others.
Watch a commercial for Trendmasters’ Mars Attacks! collection on the Toy Tales YouTube channel.
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