Barnyard Commandos is an action figure line created by toy designer James Groman[2] for American Greetings Corporation and produced by Playmates Toys in 1989.[1]

Barnyard Commandos
TypeAction figures
Invented byJames Groman (American Greetings Corporation)[1]
CompanyPlaymates Toys
CountryUnited States
Availability1989–90
MaterialsPlastic
FeaturesBarnyard Commandos

A four-episode French-American animated series was based on the figures the following year.[3] Produced by Murakami-Wolf-Swenson and the French company IDDH. It features the vocal talents of S. Scott Bullock, Thom Bray, Pat Fraley, Paul Kreppel, John Mariano, Bob Ridgely, Lennie Weinrib, and Danny Wells.[2]

However, the series was not successful enough to merit further production of episodes.[4]

Plot

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The property is based around the concept of farm animals who consumed radioactive materials left over from an abandoned military experiment, mutating them into hyper-intelligent, anthropomorphic paramilitary troops.[5] This consists of two "hilariously harmless" opposing teams: the R.A.M.S. (Rebel Army of Military Sheep) and the P.O.R.K.S. (Platoon of Rebel Killer Swine).

Revival

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On June 19, 2020, it was announced CloudCo with partner Megalopolis Toys would make new Barnyard Commandos figures.[6] In 2025, Nacelle acquired the property with plans for a new toyline, comic book, and animated series.[7]

Action figures

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Two series of Barnyard Commandos were produced, each including several figures from both teams. Similar to Mattel's Food Fighters, the figures are non-poseable and made of soft, hollow plastic much like squeaky toys. They each include a weapon accessory that fastens onto the figure and a brief, humorous character description on the cardback.

Burger King also produced a series of tie-in toys as Kids' Meal premiums.

Series 1

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R.A.M.S.

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P.O.R.K.S.

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  • General Hamfat Lardo
  • Private Side O'Bacon
  • Sergeant Shoat N. Sweet
  • Captain Tusker Chitlins

Series 2

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R.A.M.S.

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P.O.R.K.S.

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  • Corporal Hy Ondahog
  • Staff Sergeant Blaster McBacon
  • Major Piggyback Gunner
  • Captain Hogg Wilde

Vehicles

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  • Bacon Bomber
  • Pork Chopper
  • Pork-A-Pult
  • Ram Tank

Home video

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Only four episodes of the series were released to four NTSC VHS tapes with one episode each.

  • Apple-Calypse Now
  • Back to the Farm
  • Treasure of Ram Pork Mountain
  • Ultimate Quest

References

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  1. 1 2 The BARNYARD COMMANDOS Cartoon Series and Action Figure Line Were Ludicrous by Joey Paur at geektyrant.com, 2020
  2. 1 2 Barnyard Commandos at imdb.com
  3. Barnyard Commandos at filmaffinity.com
  4. Perlmutter, David (2018). The Encyclopedia of American Animated Television Shows. Rowman & Littlefield. pp. 59–60. ISBN 978-1538103739.
  5. Erickson, Hal (2005). Television Cartoon Shows: An Illustrated Encyclopedia, 1949 Through 2003 (2nd ed.). McFarland & Co. pp. 112–113. ISBN 978-1476665993.
  6. "Deals of the Week: Justice, Blue Ant, 9 Story".
  7. https://screenrant.com/barnyard-commandos-nacelleverse-nacelle-company-toys-show-comic/
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