Following the Disney animated film 'Atlantis: The Lost Empire' in 2001, Mattel released some really cool toys and models based on the designs in the film.
Production design for the creatures and a lot of the architecture was by Mike Mignola of 'Hellboy' fame and his arcane influence is clearly visible.
There's a good steampunk vibe to the submarines and land vehicles and the Atlantean craft all have a biomechanical look to them, with the natives riding huge sharks and fish. The Mattel submarines and vehicles have a number of interchangeable parts and a range of small figures, about an inch high, very similar to the Hot Wheels/Matchbox Megarig line.
In a similar biomechanical vein, the Tomy Zoids line also features two great mechanical fish - the Hammerhead shark and a Coelocanth-like one too, both with clockwork motors that can send them swimming in water, thanks to floats hidden in the bodies.
These are seriously beautiful toys. I've never even heard of that film! But the design is lovely - steampunk as you say, but with a touch of retro in there. Thanks for sharing! SFZ
ReplyDeleteNice designs overall, but the fish submarines look like knock offs of the Titan Terror Fish from Stingray.
ReplyDeleteAtlantis The Lost Empire is one of my guilty animation pleasures. The soundtrack was magnificent and the design and character work was great. It was probably Disney's last semi- traditional animated feature, with CGI firmly in the ascendancy. It doesn't have a lot of love in the popularity stakes and it's somehow less than the sum of it's parts, but I still love it!
ReplyDeleteMe too, Looey. It’s a wonderfully designed film and quite a fun watch. Some great characterisations in it too!
DeleteTreasure Planet was great too, but didn't really have good toys apart from some naff McDonalds stuff Bill
DeleteI really like this series of vehicles and they actually fit quite nicely with O-gauge trains, but to-date I only ever bought one of them.
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