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Tron Light Cycles | ||||||||||
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evin Flynn is a young, hotshot computer game programmer wronged by the corporation for which he worked. In an effort to prove he wrote some of the company's most successful games, he sneaks into the computer lab to reveal the truth. The mainframe's operating system, having grown in intelligence and ambition since his days there, digitizes him, bringing him from the world of flesh into the world of digital bits and electronic information. While there, Flynn meets a number of computer programs, including Tron, and with their help, he takes on the Master Control Program to unlock the files that could vindicate him, and perhaps return him home.
Before Reboot, before Digimon, before computer-generated graphics were commonly used in motion pictures, Disney and Steven Lisberger brought computer graphics to the big screen in a stunning film that broke ground in revolutionary ways. Combining monochromatic compositing with live action, as well as computer-generated backgrounds and renderings, Tron was one of the coolest films of the time. While it may seem dated today, to many it remains a classic.
During an incredibly fast-paced and exciting chase, the characters mount light-based motorcycles and proceed to race around a grid course, trying to destroy each other with their solid trails. This remains one of film's greatest chase scenes. In 1982, TOMY introduced four action figures and two of the most popular items from the film—the Light Cycles.
In 2002, for the film's 20th anniversary, NECA has reproduced the popular line of toys, and has done so admirably. Flynn, Tron, the evil Sark and one of his Warriors are molded in clear bright colors, with decorations painted to reflect the look and feel of the film. Each comes with a light disc (a kind of frisbee-shaped boomerang weapon) or a light prod, each of which glows in the dark. The discs fit into slots on the figures' backs.
Along with the four figures, NECA has reproduced two of the Light Cycles, complete with the flywheel mechanism with ripcord.
Toys that double as museum pieces
The four figures—Flynn molded in blue, Tron in a smoky grey, Sark and Warrior in bright red—are very accurate reproductions of the 1982 classic toys. While some differences may exist, they are minor, and to the untrained eye practically non-existent.
The Light Cycles, on the other hand, are obviously different from the originals, but only in color. Where the original Light Cycles were bright yellow and red, these are molded in a more pastel yellow and a light blue that are slightly less vibrant and exciting than the originals, but apart from color they are as wonderful as the originals.
The shells of the cycles flip up, revealing an interior cockpit in which the figures can fit. A ripcord inserts into the rear axle; when it is pulled, the wheel rotates at a high speed. A small wheel in front is suspended by a gentle spring, and is practically invisible while in operation. The heavy metal flywheel in the rear is surrounded with a solid rubber tire, and maintains good momentum and speed as the Light Cycle zips down the hallway.
As toys, the figures are inferior by today's standards, but they are not simply toys, they are accurate reproductions of toys from a simpler time when but a few points of articulation could fuel a child's imagination.
However, as toys, the Light Cycles are highly cool. The revolutionary design of the cycles translates well to plastic. The only thing missing from these bikes is the wall of light that should spring from the rear of the cycles as they zip around the gaming grid.
As an incentive to collectors, some of these figures come on blister cards that are printed with reproduction graphics from the original TOMY run in 1982. Truly, these are aimed at nostalgic collectors who can't afford to shell out for the originals.
For decades, these figures were highly desired and sought after by collectors. In recent years, they could be found at online auction sites, but at a high cost. While collectors may still find the originals must-haves, these new reproductions can put these wonderfully cool toys into the hands of the average toy lover. — Sean
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