Johnny Lightning
Encyclopedia
Johnny Lightning is a brand of model cars originally produced by Topper Toys, similar to the hugely successful Mattel
Hot Wheels
die cast racing cars. They were not quite as successful, one major reason was that the styling, casting and finish was not as of high quality as Mattel's Hot Wheels. Their claim to fame at that time was that they were extremely fast compared to other brands of die-cast cars. Their most important technology was to mold in a small hook under the front axle so that they could be propelled by a lever-driven catapult, far faster than could be obtained by either gravity, or battery powered "supercharger" devices.
Johnny Lightning sponsored 5 Parnelli Jones
cars including Al Unser
in the 1970 and 1971 Indy 500 races. Unser was able to capture those victories in his blue lightning bolt decorated Johnny Lightning Special. After the initial 500 victory, sales of the Johnny Lightning cars increased dramatically, from initially having sales falling far behind that of Mattel
to selling one Johnny Lightning to every 3 Hot Wheels
car.
By the end of 1971 Topper Toys was forced to close due to business fraud which brought an end to the Johnny Lightning cars.
Tom Lowe and his Playing Mantis company acquired the rights to the Johnny Lightning trademark and started producing reproductions of the original cars in 1994. About the same time that Hot Wheels introduced a "Vintage" line of cars that were reproductions of original 1960s designs. Sales were moderately successful. Interest soon faded as most collectors weren't that passionate about the cars even when they were new. They also revived the "Sizzlers" name with electric cars similar to the original Mattel cars. Currently, they sell a line of 1/64 scale adult die cast cars with more detail. Jeff Koch, formerly of Hot Rod Magazine, briefly acted as Brand Manager for Johnny Lightning, bringing his unique real automotive expertise to the line from 2001 through 2004.
In the mid 1990's, Tom Lowe at Playing Mantis toy company commissioned Hollywood writer/producer, William Winckler
, and comic book artist Charles Barnett III in New York, who had worked with Marvel Comics
, to produce a comic book toy line called THE ADVENTURES OF JOHNNY LIGHTNING. Previously, William Winckler
had written and optioned a pilot for a live-action kids TV series to compete with The Mighty Morphin Power Rangers called Johnny Lightning, with Tom Lowe's approval, but the series was not made. However, the comic book / toy line was developed and produced.
Not unlike SPEED RACER
, the comic book stories involved young race driver Johnny Lightning, who drove a 1968 Charger, called "The Lightning One." Playing Mantis was to package self contained comic books with die-cast cars featured in the stories. Each comic book was to be packaged in a blister pack with one (1) die cast car.
Several issues were prepared, and sample die cast cars were made. A promotion to the public was made at Comic Con, and it was a huge success with the fans. Tradgically, for unknown reasons, "The Adventures of Johnny Lightning" was cancelled / shelved before Toys R Us, Target, and other retailers were to receive the line from Hong Kong. It is speculated that Playing Mantis toy company did not want to share a small percentage of rights in the new comic book character of Johnny Lightning with comic book creater/writer William Winckler
. . . and this is why the project was shelved. There are public records showing that the comic book creator William Winckler
also sued Playing Mantis in a court of law in South Bend, Indiana, as a result of this aburpt cancellation, and he received a financial settlement.
William Winckler
was also the licensing agent for many early TV and Movie related die-cast cars and plastic model kits for Playing Mantis, including Speed Racer
, Supercar
, Land of the Giants Spindrift and others. Winckler was instrumental in obtaining the Speed Racer
license for Playing Mantis since the U.S. licensee Speed Racer Enterprises initially rejected the offer from Playing Mantis, and Winckler had to go straight to the original Speed Racer
creators / licensors in Tokyo, Japan, Tatsunoko Production Co., Ltd. to secure the license. The Speed Racer
Playing Mantis cars were the first "officially licensed" die-cast vehicles of Speed Racer
sold in the U.S. thanks to Winckler. William Winckler
assisted in the design of the Speed Racer
die-cast cars, coming up with the concept of attachable parts, buzz saws, auto jacks, etc., to the Mach 5 vehicle, and Tom Lowe incorporated Winckler's ideas into the product line. William Winckler
was paid royalties on Speed Racer
and other licensed properties, but then Playing Mantis failed to continue paying owed royalties on Speed Racer
to Winckler. Winckler considered suing Playing Mantis in court for money owed a second time, but never pursued it further.
Nowadays Johnny Lightning has a good following by a loyal group of collectors. JL makes cars which haven't been done before, or are quite rare, like the Citroën DS. Also they make a lot film-inspired cars, like the Ghostbusters
Cadillac, the Green Hornet
's Black Beauty, Batman
's Batmobile
, the James Bond
Aston Martin, Dukes Of Hazzard-related models, etc.
In 2005, Playing Mantis was bought by RC2 Corporation
and Playing Mantis disappeared. Johnny Lightning products are now produced and distributed by the RC2 corporation in Chicago. RC2 was previously known as Racing Champions and produced NASCAR
die cast models. Carrying over from the Playing Mantis era was Mac Ragan who was responsible for many of the popular models. Ragan wrote the definitive guide to Johnny Lightning cars in the Johnny Lightning Tomart Guide. Also in 2005 RC2 brought in a popular automotive and die cast designer, Eric Tscherne of Hot Wheels
and Jada Toys
fame.
Johnny Lightning received a major overhaul of its image in 2006. A new clamshell style package arrived stores in January 2007 with the release of the new Johnny Retro series. A new logo treatment was also introduced and the logo and package design were products of a partnership with Design Force and directed by Tscherne among others. Additional overhauling of the brand included updating many of the long-time collector favorite series like Classic Gold and Musclecars which received new graphic treatments developed in the West Coast office by Jeremy Cox and Tscherne. A large price increase coincided with the new package, leaving many collectors upset with RC2's management and decision making associated with the beloved Johnny Lightning brand. in September 2007 Mac Ragan left the RC2 and Johnny Lightning. Tom Zahorsky is currently the Design Manager associated with the brand today as is responsible for picking castings, themes and developing paint schemes and decorations on the little cars. Tom is also a member of the Diecast Hall of Fame.
Johnny Lightning vehicles are today sold by Learning Curve Inc., formerly known as RC2. In 2007 Johnny Lightning expanded to offer more than just adult collectibles by introducing Battle Wheels. Battle Wheels is a line of remote controlled robots that battle one another. They also introduced the world's first transforming RC vehicle the V_BOT.
Mattel
Mattel, Inc. is the world's largest toy company based on revenue. The products it produces include Fisher Price, Barbie dolls, Hot Wheels and Matchbox toys, Masters of the Universe, American Girl dolls, board games, and, in the early 1980s, video game consoles. The company's name is derived from...
Hot Wheels
Hot Wheels
Hot Wheels is a brand of die cast toy car, introduced by American toymaker Mattel in 1968. It was the primary competitor of Matchbox until 1996, when Mattel acquired rights to the Matchbox brand from Tyco.-Models:...
die cast racing cars. They were not quite as successful, one major reason was that the styling, casting and finish was not as of high quality as Mattel's Hot Wheels. Their claim to fame at that time was that they were extremely fast compared to other brands of die-cast cars. Their most important technology was to mold in a small hook under the front axle so that they could be propelled by a lever-driven catapult, far faster than could be obtained by either gravity, or battery powered "supercharger" devices.
Johnny Lightning sponsored 5 Parnelli Jones
Parnelli Jones
Rufus Parnell "Parnelli" Jones , is a retired American racing driver and racecar owner. He is most remembered for his 1963 Indianapolis 500 win, and almost winning the 1967 Indy 500 in a turbine car...
cars including Al Unser
Al Unser
Alfred "Al" Unser is a former American automobile racing driver, the younger brother of fellow racing drivers Jerry and Bobby Unser, and father of Al Unser, Jr....
in the 1970 and 1971 Indy 500 races. Unser was able to capture those victories in his blue lightning bolt decorated Johnny Lightning Special. After the initial 500 victory, sales of the Johnny Lightning cars increased dramatically, from initially having sales falling far behind that of Mattel
Mattel
Mattel, Inc. is the world's largest toy company based on revenue. The products it produces include Fisher Price, Barbie dolls, Hot Wheels and Matchbox toys, Masters of the Universe, American Girl dolls, board games, and, in the early 1980s, video game consoles. The company's name is derived from...
to selling one Johnny Lightning to every 3 Hot Wheels
Hot Wheels
Hot Wheels is a brand of die cast toy car, introduced by American toymaker Mattel in 1968. It was the primary competitor of Matchbox until 1996, when Mattel acquired rights to the Matchbox brand from Tyco.-Models:...
car.
By the end of 1971 Topper Toys was forced to close due to business fraud which brought an end to the Johnny Lightning cars.
In the mid 1990's, Tom Lowe at Playing Mantis toy company commissioned Hollywood writer/producer, William Winckler
William Winckler
William Winckler is an American filmmaker best known for writing, producing and directing cult movies, horror films and English dubbed anime. He produced the English version of the classic Tatsunoko Production Co. Ltd. anime series Tekkaman the Space Knight, as well as the horror film Frankenstein...
, and comic book artist Charles Barnett III in New York, who had worked with Marvel Comics
Marvel Comics
Marvel Worldwide, Inc., commonly referred to as Marvel Comics and formerly Marvel Publishing, Inc. and Marvel Comics Group, is an American company that publishes comic books and related media...
, to produce a comic book toy line called THE ADVENTURES OF JOHNNY LIGHTNING. Previously, William Winckler
William Winckler
William Winckler is an American filmmaker best known for writing, producing and directing cult movies, horror films and English dubbed anime. He produced the English version of the classic Tatsunoko Production Co. Ltd. anime series Tekkaman the Space Knight, as well as the horror film Frankenstein...
had written and optioned a pilot for a live-action kids TV series to compete with The Mighty Morphin Power Rangers called Johnny Lightning, with Tom Lowe's approval, but the series was not made. However, the comic book / toy line was developed and produced.
Not unlike SPEED RACER
Speed Racer
Speed Racer is an English adaptation name of the Japanese manga and anime, which centered on automobile racing. Mach GoGoGo was originally serialized in print form in Shueisha's 1958 Shōnen Book, and was released in tankōbon book form by Sun Wide Comics, re-released in Japan by Fusosha...
, the comic book stories involved young race driver Johnny Lightning, who drove a 1968 Charger, called "The Lightning One." Playing Mantis was to package self contained comic books with die-cast cars featured in the stories. Each comic book was to be packaged in a blister pack with one (1) die cast car.
Several issues were prepared, and sample die cast cars were made. A promotion to the public was made at Comic Con, and it was a huge success with the fans. Tradgically, for unknown reasons, "The Adventures of Johnny Lightning" was cancelled / shelved before Toys R Us, Target, and other retailers were to receive the line from Hong Kong. It is speculated that Playing Mantis toy company did not want to share a small percentage of rights in the new comic book character of Johnny Lightning with comic book creater/writer William Winckler
William Winckler
William Winckler is an American filmmaker best known for writing, producing and directing cult movies, horror films and English dubbed anime. He produced the English version of the classic Tatsunoko Production Co. Ltd. anime series Tekkaman the Space Knight, as well as the horror film Frankenstein...
. . . and this is why the project was shelved. There are public records showing that the comic book creator William Winckler
William Winckler
William Winckler is an American filmmaker best known for writing, producing and directing cult movies, horror films and English dubbed anime. He produced the English version of the classic Tatsunoko Production Co. Ltd. anime series Tekkaman the Space Knight, as well as the horror film Frankenstein...
also sued Playing Mantis in a court of law in South Bend, Indiana, as a result of this aburpt cancellation, and he received a financial settlement.
William Winckler
William Winckler
William Winckler is an American filmmaker best known for writing, producing and directing cult movies, horror films and English dubbed anime. He produced the English version of the classic Tatsunoko Production Co. Ltd. anime series Tekkaman the Space Knight, as well as the horror film Frankenstein...
was also the licensing agent for many early TV and Movie related die-cast cars and plastic model kits for Playing Mantis, including Speed Racer
Speed Racer
Speed Racer is an English adaptation name of the Japanese manga and anime, which centered on automobile racing. Mach GoGoGo was originally serialized in print form in Shueisha's 1958 Shōnen Book, and was released in tankōbon book form by Sun Wide Comics, re-released in Japan by Fusosha...
, Supercar
Supercar
Supercar is a term used most often to describe an expensive high end car. It has been defined specifically as "a very expensive, fast or powerful car"...
, Land of the Giants Spindrift and others. Winckler was instrumental in obtaining the Speed Racer
Speed Racer
Speed Racer is an English adaptation name of the Japanese manga and anime, which centered on automobile racing. Mach GoGoGo was originally serialized in print form in Shueisha's 1958 Shōnen Book, and was released in tankōbon book form by Sun Wide Comics, re-released in Japan by Fusosha...
license for Playing Mantis since the U.S. licensee Speed Racer Enterprises initially rejected the offer from Playing Mantis, and Winckler had to go straight to the original Speed Racer
Speed Racer
Speed Racer is an English adaptation name of the Japanese manga and anime, which centered on automobile racing. Mach GoGoGo was originally serialized in print form in Shueisha's 1958 Shōnen Book, and was released in tankōbon book form by Sun Wide Comics, re-released in Japan by Fusosha...
creators / licensors in Tokyo, Japan, Tatsunoko Production Co., Ltd. to secure the license. The Speed Racer
Speed Racer
Speed Racer is an English adaptation name of the Japanese manga and anime, which centered on automobile racing. Mach GoGoGo was originally serialized in print form in Shueisha's 1958 Shōnen Book, and was released in tankōbon book form by Sun Wide Comics, re-released in Japan by Fusosha...
Playing Mantis cars were the first "officially licensed" die-cast vehicles of Speed Racer
Speed Racer
Speed Racer is an English adaptation name of the Japanese manga and anime, which centered on automobile racing. Mach GoGoGo was originally serialized in print form in Shueisha's 1958 Shōnen Book, and was released in tankōbon book form by Sun Wide Comics, re-released in Japan by Fusosha...
sold in the U.S. thanks to Winckler. William Winckler
William Winckler
William Winckler is an American filmmaker best known for writing, producing and directing cult movies, horror films and English dubbed anime. He produced the English version of the classic Tatsunoko Production Co. Ltd. anime series Tekkaman the Space Knight, as well as the horror film Frankenstein...
assisted in the design of the Speed Racer
Speed Racer
Speed Racer is an English adaptation name of the Japanese manga and anime, which centered on automobile racing. Mach GoGoGo was originally serialized in print form in Shueisha's 1958 Shōnen Book, and was released in tankōbon book form by Sun Wide Comics, re-released in Japan by Fusosha...
die-cast cars, coming up with the concept of attachable parts, buzz saws, auto jacks, etc., to the Mach 5 vehicle, and Tom Lowe incorporated Winckler's ideas into the product line. William Winckler
William Winckler
William Winckler is an American filmmaker best known for writing, producing and directing cult movies, horror films and English dubbed anime. He produced the English version of the classic Tatsunoko Production Co. Ltd. anime series Tekkaman the Space Knight, as well as the horror film Frankenstein...
was paid royalties on Speed Racer
Speed Racer
Speed Racer is an English adaptation name of the Japanese manga and anime, which centered on automobile racing. Mach GoGoGo was originally serialized in print form in Shueisha's 1958 Shōnen Book, and was released in tankōbon book form by Sun Wide Comics, re-released in Japan by Fusosha...
and other licensed properties, but then Playing Mantis failed to continue paying owed royalties on Speed Racer
Speed Racer
Speed Racer is an English adaptation name of the Japanese manga and anime, which centered on automobile racing. Mach GoGoGo was originally serialized in print form in Shueisha's 1958 Shōnen Book, and was released in tankōbon book form by Sun Wide Comics, re-released in Japan by Fusosha...
to Winckler. Winckler considered suing Playing Mantis in court for money owed a second time, but never pursued it further.
Nowadays Johnny Lightning has a good following by a loyal group of collectors. JL makes cars which haven't been done before, or are quite rare, like the Citroën DS. Also they make a lot film-inspired cars, like the Ghostbusters
Ghostbusters
Ghostbusters is a 1984 American science fiction comedy film directed by Ivan Reitman and written by Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis. The film stars Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Sigourney Weaver, Harold Ramis, and Rick Moranis and follows three eccentric parapsychologists in New York City, who start a...
Cadillac, the Green Hornet
The Green Hornet (TV series)
The Green Hornet is a television show on the ABC US television network. It aired for the 1966–1967 TV season, and starred Van Williams as the Green Hornet/Britt Reid and Bruce Lee as Kato.- Episodes:...
's Black Beauty, Batman
Batman
Batman is a fictional character created by the artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger. A comic book superhero, Batman first appeared in Detective Comics #27 , and since then has appeared primarily in publications by DC Comics...
's Batmobile
Batmobile
The Batmobile is the automobile of DC Comics superhero Batman. The car has evolved along with the character from comic books to television and films. Kept in the Batcave, which it accesses through a hidden entrance, the Batmobile is a gadget-laden vehicle used by Batman in his crime-fighting...
, the James Bond
James Bond
James Bond, code name 007, is a fictional character created in 1953 by writer Ian Fleming, who featured him in twelve novels and two short story collections. There have been a six other authors who wrote authorised Bond novels or novelizations after Fleming's death in 1964: Kingsley Amis,...
Aston Martin, Dukes Of Hazzard-related models, etc.
In 2005, Playing Mantis was bought by RC2 Corporation
RC2 Corporation
The RC2 Corporation is a toy design, marketing and distribution company headquartered in Oak Brook, Illinois, USA. They market brands such as Thomas the Tank Engine and Lamaze....
and Playing Mantis disappeared. Johnny Lightning products are now produced and distributed by the RC2 corporation in Chicago. RC2 was previously known as Racing Champions and produced NASCAR
NASCAR
The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing is a family-owned and -operated business venture that sanctions and governs multiple auto racing sports events. It was founded by Bill France Sr. in 1947–48. As of 2009, the CEO for the company is Brian France, grandson of the late Bill France Sr...
die cast models. Carrying over from the Playing Mantis era was Mac Ragan who was responsible for many of the popular models. Ragan wrote the definitive guide to Johnny Lightning cars in the Johnny Lightning Tomart Guide. Also in 2005 RC2 brought in a popular automotive and die cast designer, Eric Tscherne of Hot Wheels
Hot Wheels
Hot Wheels is a brand of die cast toy car, introduced by American toymaker Mattel in 1968. It was the primary competitor of Matchbox until 1996, when Mattel acquired rights to the Matchbox brand from Tyco.-Models:...
and Jada Toys
Jada Toys
Jada Toys, Incorporated of Industry, California, USA is a manufacturer of collectible diecast model cars and radio controlled vehicles. It was founded in 1999 by husband and wife Jack and May Li...
fame.
Johnny Lightning received a major overhaul of its image in 2006. A new clamshell style package arrived stores in January 2007 with the release of the new Johnny Retro series. A new logo treatment was also introduced and the logo and package design were products of a partnership with Design Force and directed by Tscherne among others. Additional overhauling of the brand included updating many of the long-time collector favorite series like Classic Gold and Musclecars which received new graphic treatments developed in the West Coast office by Jeremy Cox and Tscherne. A large price increase coincided with the new package, leaving many collectors upset with RC2's management and decision making associated with the beloved Johnny Lightning brand. in September 2007 Mac Ragan left the RC2 and Johnny Lightning. Tom Zahorsky is currently the Design Manager associated with the brand today as is responsible for picking castings, themes and developing paint schemes and decorations on the little cars. Tom is also a member of the Diecast Hall of Fame.
Johnny Lightning vehicles are today sold by Learning Curve Inc., formerly known as RC2. In 2007 Johnny Lightning expanded to offer more than just adult collectibles by introducing Battle Wheels. Battle Wheels is a line of remote controlled robots that battle one another. They also introduced the world's first transforming RC vehicle the V_BOT.
See also
- Jada ToysJada ToysJada Toys, Incorporated of Industry, California, USA is a manufacturer of collectible diecast model cars and radio controlled vehicles. It was founded in 1999 by husband and wife Jack and May Li...
- Hot WheelsHot WheelsHot Wheels is a brand of die cast toy car, introduced by American toymaker Mattel in 1968. It was the primary competitor of Matchbox until 1996, when Mattel acquired rights to the Matchbox brand from Tyco.-Models:...
- MatchboxMatchbox (toy company)Matchbox is a popular toy brand which was introduced by Lesney Products in 1953 and is now owned by Mattel, Inc. The brand was so named as the original die-cast Matchbox toys were sold in boxes similar in style and size to those in which matches were sold...
- Chip FooseChip FooseChip Foose is a hot rod shop owner, automotive designer and fabricator, and former star of the reality TV series Overhaulin on TLC.-Life and career:...
- Diecast Collector MagazineDiecast Collector MagazineDiecast Collector is a British magazine dedicated to the hobby of collecting diecast metal vehicles. Published monthly, it is a thick, glossy magazine featuring a variety of articles on toy and model cars, trucks and buses....