Friday, January 31, 2025

Ideal 4771-2 Zerak the Blue Destroyer

Ideal 4771-2 ZERAK the Blue Destroyer Box Front
Zerak the Blue Destroyer was originally the leader of the initial three Zeroids. I think he's something of a favorite among collectors. I find his "claw" shaped hands a bit less useful than some of the others as they don't hold things very well, but they are good for grabbing and pulling things.

Zerak is in a gray plastic case with a clear cover that hinges downward to provide a ramp for him to exit - not sure how you can do that without turning him on first so it's not as cool as it sounds. As with the other two zeroids, Zerak comes with a throwing hand with two yellow missiles and a magnetic hand. 

Ideal 4771-2 ZERAK the Blue Destroyer Box Side

Packaging:

The first three Zeroids were all marketed in a window-boxed sleeve that fully exposed the case. It's taller than the case extending downward an inch and upward almost three inches (there's a cardboard insert above the case and below the box flap to add some rigidity). 

Instructions:

Ideal 4771-2 Zerak the Blue Destroyer Instructions

Ideal Catalog Specifications:

(First appearance: Ideal Toy Corporation 1968 "Toys - Games - Dolls - Vinyl" Catalog Page 33)

4771-2 ZERAK - THE BLUE DESTROYER - "Turn him on" while he's still in his control station package and lookout! His brute strength unhinges the transparent plastic cover which drops to provide an exit ramp for Zerak. Employs unique hooks for hands plus magnetic and throwing hands.
Pack per doz.: 6/12 Wgt.: 8 1⁄2 lbs.

Variations:

I've seen some images of Zerak with a different shade of blue used in the body color - it's much more brilliant, more of a "peacock blue" and usually associated with the later market "Zerak" box.

John's Notes:

Zerak often has his antenna missing or the wings broken off - very common. One of mine has hardened glue around the knee joints (not that they move anyway but it's not pretty) - I think this was from heat exposure or something - the Zeroid still works and is minty otherwise.

The box sleeves of the initial three are very difficult to find intact. They crush pretty easily and rip around the window area - it's common to see them in pieces. I don't own an example of the packaging - the images above are from an old eBay ad.


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