Our Hero: Strongheart the Paladin

The 3 3/4" LJN Action Figure is mightier than his height

In 1983, the animated Dungeons and Dragons series debuted as a part of CBS’s Saturday morning cartoon lineup. That same year, LJN was awarded the license for Advanced Dungeons & Dragons (AD&D) action figures. Unlike LJN’s previous licenses (including E.T. and Magnum P.I.), the characters LJN’s AD&D figures were based on were not well known. In fact, most of the characters only made a single appearance in the cartoon series.

Strongheart made his cameo appearance in the eighth episode of the series, Servant of Evil. He also made an appearance that same year in a D&D module, “The Shady Dragon Inn.” For everyone else who missed those two minor blips (and for people who weren’t aware that Paladins were required to be of Lawful/Good alignment) the phrase “Good Paladin” was printed on the figure’s packaging directly below his name. An additional banner that read “GOOD ACTION FIGURE” was also placed over the upper left hand corner of the card.

LJN’s AD&D figures used joints more like G.I. Joe figures than Star Wars figures, but that added mobility unfortunately affected their longevity. Often times, loose figures found in the day are too wobbly to stand on their own, assuming they still have all their limbs. Additionally, many of the included weapons did not age well. As you can see, the sword included with my Strongheart figure has bent and warped over time.

The figure itself is well sculpted, with detail comparable to similar figure lines from the early 1980s. Along with his sculped armor (and sweet mustache), Strongheart comes with a permanently-affixed cloth cape. Due to the shape of the figure’s head and sculped helmet Strongheart can’t turn his head too far in either direction, but a good Paladin always keeps his eyes straight ahead in search of approaching evil or those in need of help, so it’s not a huge problem.

Due to lower production runs, the price of LJN’s AD&D figures continue to climb. While loose figures missing accessories can be picked up for $20 or less, complete figures command higher prices, and figures mint on the card routinely sell for hundreds of dollars.

As a part of Dungeons and Dragons’ 50th anniversary, NECA has released updated versions of the Strongheart and Warduke action figures. Time will tell if the new ones age better than the originals, although times have changed and it’s possible none of these will ever be opened or played with.