What comes to mind when you hear the phrase "Autobots, roll out?" No doubt you picture the giant robotic alien heroes, The Transformers. But just how much do you know about the precursors to those iconic heroes?

The Shogun Warriors were the central characters of a line of toys licensed by Mattel Inc. during the late 1970s. These imported Japanese robots were based on various anime and tokusatsu shows staring giant robots. After acquiring the licensing in 1979, Marvel Comics produced a 20-issue series written by Doug Moench and drawn by Herb Trimpe. In the comics, the Shogun Warriors were created by a mysterious group called the Followers of Light.

Unlike the Transformers who controlled themselves, the Shogun Warriors needed to be piloted. Raydeen was piloted by American stuntman Richard Carson, Combatra was piloted by the Japanese test pilot Genji Odashu, and Dangard Ace was piloted by the Madagascar oceanographer Ilongo Savage. These classic characters were firmly rooted within the Marvel Universe and even had interactions with the Fantastic Four.

Sadly, during the 1980s, the Mattel line came under a lot pressure over safety concerns with the toys. Many were worried that children would shoot their eyes playing with the spring-loaded weapons. (Cue scenes from A Christmas Story). Eventually, the popularity over the series deteriorated and the Mattel line ended.

Not to worry though! Hake's Americana & Collectibles Auction #218 has gone live with several exciting lots featuring those classic heroes, including the Marvel series and Mattel line.

Lot 1612 features Shogun Warriors issues #1-19, published by Marvel Comics in 1979 through 1980. Overall these issues are in very fine condition, with only slight wear on issue #1.

Lot 2412 is a very fine example of the Shogun Warrior, Mazinga, from the Mattel toy line. The figure includes the original instruction sheet, warranty skip, removable Space Ship Brain, and a hand that fires three spring-loaded rockets. The only thing missing are both of the character's swords.

Lot 2413 showcases a complete boxed figure set of the Mattel Collectors Shogun Warriors. This six-figure series includes the Great Mazinga, Grandizer, Poseidon, Combatra, Gaiking, and Dragun. All figures are mint as packaged.

Lot 2416 includes original production art pieces of Shogun Warriors Colorforms. From an image of a futuristic city assaulted by fighter jets, to color press proofs with lid art images of Dragun, Mazinga, and Raydeen. As well as, three pieces for the instruction booklet and three camera proofs showing the box lid, platform and the Colorform vinyl playing pieces.

Head over to hakes.com to get in on the action, bidding on all of these remarkable pieces end July 12-14, 2016.