The Tyco X-Men Wolverine is a radio controlled car for kids, based on the popular TV cartoon series, it was manufactured by Taiyo (Japan) for Tyco Toys, and released into the global market in 1993.
The X-Men animated series first aired in October 1992 on Fox Kids, and would go on to become one of the most popular, memorable, and influential cartoons of our youth. It follows the adventures of the X-Men, a team of mutant superheros who battle against threats to humankind and their own. Adapted from the original Marvel Comics, it featured iconic characters like Wolverine, Cyclops, Storm, Jean Grey, and Professor X.
With the Tyco RC car releasing just one year later, at a time when both the cartoon series and RC toys were at their peak, I'd have expected this toy to sell extremely well. And maybe it did, however there's something strange going on with the Tyco X-Men Wolverine... it's everywhere. Brand new, and in box. 30 years later.
Something strange is going on
Why is that?
Some people may point to the most obvious reason that there are so many of these around - they did'nt sell well, because they're an objectively bad R/C car. They are a 1 channel reverse-turn only vehicle, which means they go forward, and to turn you need to reverse and it will turn backwards 90 degrees, reducing the cost of manufacture, and aiming it strictly at the younger kids market (think 5-6 years old).
Yet the audience for the X-Men cartoon would have been slightly older, I'd assume perhaps 8-12 years old, and so unless their uninformed parents or grandparents (or Santa) bought this car for them, I can't see any child begging to receive it for Christmas.
Features and Performance
With 2 x AA batteries, reverse-turn only, and no suspension, this wasn't anything like a Turbo Hopper or Bandit. Strictly indoors only on smooth flat floors, I can see these being entertaining for younger kids, who then nagged to use their elder brothers "proper car".
Performance aside, as a product it's well presented and I wouldn't be surprise if it eventually became quite collectable - after all, most Tyco RC cars now selling for $500+ were once listed for a fraction of their current value, and it wasn't until much later that their audience would be found.
The box artwork is bright and colorful, and the car itself is well styled and complete with Wolverine himself in the drivers seat. It's hard not to like this model purely for its commitment to the concept.
Recommendation
So is this X-Men Wolverine an item worth adding to your collection? Well, if you're a fan of the comics, TV shows, or movies, then perhaps it is. But as a collector looking for items of value, will this bargain priced overstocked curiosity gain value over time? It's hard to say. But I won't be saying no to one, at the right price.
