Marvel Legends

Marvel Legends is an action figure line based on the characters of Marvel Comics, initially produced by Toy Biz, then by Hasbro. This line is in the 6 in scale, with spin-off lines in the 4 in, 8 in, and 12 in scale.

The line initially began in 2002 as a spin-off of Spider-Man Classics, both produced by Toy Biz. It copied the clam-shell packaging and the included comic book that had shipped with the Spider-Man Classics line. The first wave featured the heroes of Iron Man, Captain America, and the Hulk, with Toad as the villain. Beginning January 1, 2007, Hasbro became the new license holder to the rights to produce toys and games based upon the Marvel Universe. The new Hasbro packaging did not include a comic book and the new molds eliminated finger joints, which were a mainstay during the Toy Biz era, but the company did continue with the theme of Build-A-Figure pieces. During the late 2000s, production on the Marvel Legends line slowed down to the point where it was rumored that it may be cancelled, but Hasbro revealed (at the 2010 San Diego Comic-Con) that due to fan requests and the upcoming movies based on Marvel characters, the line would be making a comeback in 2012, and in January 2012, Marvel Legends returned to store shelves.

At the 2013 San Diego Comic Con, Hasbro announced that Marvel Legends would be given a new start as the Marvel Legends Infinite Series starting with the Mandroid series. Initially, the Marvel Legends line has used the "chase" concept to introduce figures based on less popular or recognisable characters. These got their nickname by being shipped in fewer quantities than the rest of the figures, thus causing collectors to chase after them. Eventually, rather than entirely new figures, the chase concept evolved into variants (such as an alternate head or a different colour scheme) of a figure released in that same series. These figures retained being sought after by collectors. A Marvel Legends Flatman "figure" was included as a joke cut-out in the GLX-Mas Special (2005). It featured "infinite" points of articulation and three action phrases (to be said with one's own voice).

Toy Biz

Hasbro

After Hasbro gained the rights to produce Marvel toys, the company continued with the theme of Build-A-Figure pieces. Also, Hasbro's new molds mostly eliminated finger joints, a mainstay of the Toy Biz era, and the comic book pack-ins.

• All the figures in the Terrax and Arnim Zola waves were labelled with a "The Return of Marvel Legends" sticker.
• The Hit-Monkey, Rocket Raccoon, and Jubilee waves used the "Mini" Build-A-Figure concept.

Exclusives

Marvel released multiple exclusive toys in the series.

Showdown

Marvel Legends Showdown is a collectible tabletop game in which the primary component is 4 in action figures and cards. It was a collaboration between Upper Deck Entertainment and Toy Biz. Originally known as Marvel Superhero Showdown.

Unleashed (2008)

Figures are 8 in. The figures were produced by Hasbro and feature multiple points of articulation.

Icons

The series is 12 in.

Prop Replicas

In 2016, Hasbro announced a line of high end role play accessories. After the release of the first two items, a poll was held to determine future entries in the line.[1]

Retro 3.75-Inch

Smaller figures done in the style of the superhero toys made by Kenner and Mattel during the 1980s. Each figure features five points of articulation and retro-inspired packaging.

Announced

TBA

See also

• DC Multiverse (toy line)
• DC Universe Classics
• Hulk Classics
• Iron Man: The Armored Avenger
• Spider-Man Classics
• X-Men Classics (action figure)

External links

• Marvel Legends (Toy Biz) checklist at figurerealm.com
• Marvel Legends (Hasbro) checklist at figurerealm.com
• The Complete Guide to Marvel Legends website
• Visual and Price guides for Marvel Legends Action Figures