Who Remembers “Ring Raiders” comic?

By John Freeman on October 15, 2021

32 years ago this month, a chilling issue of Ring Raiders landed in newsagents. One of the best villain characters from all of comics archivist and blogger Philip Boyce’s childhood comics, Skull Leader Chiller was the cover star, as well as being the lead bad guy inside, really piling up the bodies!

Ring Raiders Issue Three - cover by Ian Kennedy (Philip Boyce)

Over on his fabulous OiNK blog, Ring Raiders is another vintage British comic he’s reviewing in real time, a short-lived toy tie-in title – and Issue Three, he reveals, doesn’t pull punches in terms of action adventure.

For those unfamiliar, Ring Raiders were created by toy car makers Matchbox, in partnership with Those Characters From Cleveland (perhaps better known for the Care Bears, My Pet Monster, and Popples). It was a toyline consisting primarily of small plastic toy planes mounted on plastic rings via a detachable display stand, the stands allowing the aircraft a small degree of mobility.

*Ring Raiders Issue One, including free gift*

Ring Raiders Issue One - "Shock Attack", written by Barrie Tomlinson, art by Carlos Pino — *Ring Raiders Issue One – “Shock Attack”, written by Barrie Tomlinson, art by Carlos Pino*

Ring Raiders Issue One - "Freedom Flight", written by Tom Tully, art by Sandy James — *Ring Raiders Issue One – “Freedom Flight”, written by Tom Tully, art by Sandy James*

Fleetway published an eponymous fortnightly comic based on the toy line, edited by Barrie Tomlinson lasting just six issues, launched in 1989 with a mini-comic given away free with other boys comics of the time; featuring strips drawn by artists such as John Cooper, Sandy James, Ian Kennedy and Carlos Pino. A Special that wrapped storylines left hanging after the title’s abrupt cancellation was also published.

The opening page from the four-page Ring Raiders mini-comic that was given away free in Fleetway's boys comics, cover dated 16th September 1989. Art by Ian Kennedy — *The opening page from the four-page Ring Raiders mini-comic that was given away free in Fleetway’s boys comics, cover dated 16th September 1989. Art by Ian Kennedy*

The Ring Raiders animated television series based on the toy line was also short-lived, running for just five episodes.

Ring Raiders was more popular overseas than in the US, with extra series of planes and today, the Fleetway tie-in comic is something of a much sought after collectible, copies of the first issue with free gift offered on eBay for quite eye watering amounts. Two annuals were also published, but lack any art by the comic’s best known regulars.

“It felt like there wasn’t a single ad break without that catchy metal music in the latter half of 1989,” Philip notes in his introductory article to the comic that kicked off his real time reviews.

“Full of great action and even greater characters, this remains my favourite non-OiNK comic to this day,” he adds elsewhere, “so check out the latest review to find out why!

“Plus, how were those rings incorporated into the story? After all, they had to be called Ring Raiders for a reason in the fictional universe too. This is finally answered is spectacular fashion with some superb Sandy James artwork inside.”

Do head over to Philip’s fantastic blog and check out his features on Ring Raiders, and many more comics you may remember from your childhood, especially OiNK, of course! He’s promising a lot more information on the Ring Raiders project, including a look at the ultra rare “style guide” used to develop the comic, in due course.

Introduced by Lesney Products in 1953, Matchbox is now owned by Mattel, Inc, which purchased the brand in 1997. Any reprint of this material would have to be negotiated with them.

• Read Philip’s latest Ring Raiders review here on the OiNK blog

• Read his introductory article to Ring Raiders comic here

• Ring Raiders checklist on Comic Vine

• Richard Sheaf’s Ring Raiders cover checklists on Boys Adventure Comics

• Blog of Doom – Animated Series guide

• Virtual Toy Chest – Ring Raiders toys checklist

With thanks to Philip Boyce and Richard Sheaf

John Freeman

The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.

Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.

He’s the writer of “Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies” for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs” with Dave Hailwood.