Dr. Kromedome was an unofficial toy sold exclusively through the Montgomery Ward catalogue. It was made by Mego, rather than the genuine bionic licensee, Kenner. According to the Mego Museum, a Montgomery Ward buyer, who was looking to find a way to expand the range of bionic-themed products for Christmas 1975, asked Mego to make a suitable "bionic villain" to counter the Steve Austin doll. Dr. Kromedome was the result.