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-inch (150 mm) scale, with spin-off lines in the 4-inch (100 mm), 8-inch (200 mm), and 12-inch (300 mm) scale.
The Marvel Legends line initially began as a spin-off of the Spider-Man Classics line, which were also produced by Toy Biz. At its inception in 2002, the Marvel Legends line copied the clamshell packaging and the included comic book that had shipped with the Spider-Man Classics line. 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, the company did continued with the theme of Build-A-Figure pieces however. 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 recognizable 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).
Video Marvel Legends
Toy Biz
The Legendary Riders series comes packaged with a vehicular accessory as opposed to a Build-A-Figure piece.
- Early shipments have a paint error on the Series 8 Captain America. The Ultimate Captain America was supposed to have grey paint on his pants, while the Classic Captain America was not. When the toys were first released, these paint apps were reversed. A running change later corrected the error.
Build-a-Figure (2005-2006)
In 2005, Toy Biz introduced the "Build-A-Figure" (referred to as a "BAF" in the collector community) to the Marvel Legends line, starting with series 9. Each figure in the series was packaged with a piece of a larger figure.--in the initial case. A consumer who bought each figure in the assortment would then have all the complete components to assemble a character unavailable in individual packaging.
NOTE: Some Maestro figures were packaged without the hose for connecting the left arm to the Apocalypse torso piece.
Box Sets (2003-2006)
NOTE: The translucent variants of both Human Torch and Invisible Woman were available in a stand-alone variant gift set. NOTE: All figures were exclusive to this gift pack, and each had a display stand.
Face-Off (2006)
Each Face-Off set included a base with a background.
Maps Marvel Legends
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.
Epic Heroes (2013)
This is the second series that does not include BAF pieces since figures began to ship with Build-A-Figures pieces. Instead, each figure came with a display base, just like in the early series of Marvel Legends, though these bases included much less detail were identical.
Vulture Build-A-Vehicle (May/June 2017)
This wave's theme is Spider-Man: Homecoming. The Build-A-Figure parts form a giant pair of wings for Homecoming Vulture figure. Nicknamed a "Build-A-Vehicle" by Hasbro representatives, this is the first time Marvel Legends has made a BAF that is focused on building an accessory for another figure included in the wave.
2 Packs
Box Set
Ultimate Riders (2018)
Announced
The following have been reported as Toys 'R Us exclusive, however with the closing of the chain, release status remains unknown.
Exclusives
Amazon
Diamond
Puck Series (2013)
Released to coincide with The Wolverine (film), this features BAF Puck. Planned, though not released were an alternate version of Cyclops in his Phoenix Force outfit and a modern version of Rogue as an alternative figure to Emma Frost.
EntertainmentEarth.com (2015)
Guardians of the Galaxy Box Set (Earth-616)
HasbroToyShop.com (2008)
Hasbro has a long tradition of doing "Fans' Choice" figures for their Star Wars license, but this is their first shot for Marvel Legends. In a poll run through ToyFare magazine, fans could pick which of eight Marvel characters they'd want to see as an exclusive, and Sunfire beat out such luminaries as Silver Samurai and Gambit.
The figure is packaged on a unique blister card with a fiery backdrop and a large cardboard wrap around the bottom.
HASCON
Gamestop
International
Disney Store Avengers set
A five-pack featuring rereleased or repainted figures from previous waves, some of which had not previously been available in Europe. It was released in European Disney Stores to coincide with the release of Avengers: Age of Ultron.
Best of Marvel Legends (2016)
This is a re-release of previous available figures and was exclusive to the UK and Australia. It incorporated a repainted Hulkbuster as the Build-A-Figure.
Marvel Unlimited Online
Free with the purchase of a new Marvel Unlimited Plus digital comics subscription at Marvel.com.
San Diego Comic Convention
Box Sets
Target
Red Hulk Series (2008)
This Marvel Legends BAF series consisted of seven figures, each of which is paired with one of the six parts needed to build Red Hulk.
Box Sets
Toys "R" Us
Box Sets
Jubilee BAF Series (2014)
This Marvel Legends BAF series consisted of five figures, four of which was paired with one of the four parts needed to build Jubilee.
This wave was released to Toys "R" Us with poor distribution, it was then supposed to ship to comic shops a few weeks later, but before that could happen Hasbro announced to Diamond that it had sold out of the assortment, making this, ultimately, an exclusive Toys "R" Us collection.
Walgreens
Walmart
Box Sets
Build-a-Figure
Spin-off Lines
Marvel Legends Showdown
Marvel Legends Showdown is a collectible tabletop game in which the primary component is 4-inch (100 mm) action figures and cards. It was a collaboration between Upper Deck Entertainment and Toy Biz. Originally known as Marvel Superhero Showdown, it was renamed Marvel Legends Showdown to tie it in to the Marvel Legends line. The line did not continue when figure production switched from Toy Biz to Hasbro.
Unleashed (2008)
Marvel Legends Unleashed is an 8-inch (200 mm) line. The figures were produced by Hasbro and feature multiple points of articulation.
Icons
The series is 12-inch (300 mm). The Toy Biz figures come with an "Evolution of an Icon" comic sized book including a history and statistics of the character as well as artwork.
Toy Biz
Hasbro
Marvel Legends 12-Inch
In 2016, Hasbro once again began producing Marvel Legends figures in the 12-inch scale, effectively reviving the concept of the Icons line in all but name. The figures are more expensive and are therefore aimed at a more adult collector market.
Marvel Legends Prop Replicas
In 2016, Hasbro announced a line of high end role play accessories under the Marvel Legends label. After the release of the first two items, a poll was held to determine future entries in the line.
See also
Toy Biz had several lines of toys which are related to Marvel Legends in that the toys are Marvel characters, often exhibit comparable articulation, and are similar in scale. With the exception of Spider-Man Classics, which actually pre-date Marvel Legends, these lines do not include comic books and do not ship in the same clamshell packaging. The figures in these related lines also usually include some sort of "action feature," sometimes limiting their articulation and ostensibly intended to make the toys more appealing to children.
Several popular characters (usually villains) that have not appeared under the Marvel Legends brand have made appearances in these lines, and thus are usually the most desired among collectors. These include most of Spider-Man's rogues gallery, as well as some of the Hulk's, Fantastic Four's and X-Men's.
- Fantastic Four Classics (two series, canceled)
- Hulk Classics (two series, canceled)
- Spider-Man Classics (two series, canceled to become simply Spider-Man)
- Spider-Man (19 series, canceled)
- X-Men Classics (three series, cancelled, several new sculpts of both completely original costumes and previously unproduced costumes with repaints of existing figures scattered throughout.)
- DC Universe Classics, a similar line for DC Comics characters
References
External links
- ToyBiz.com Official ToyBiz site
- Hasbro.com Official Hasbro site
- MarvelousNews.com Daily Marvel Legends News, Complete Photo Database and Collector Community
- Stashmatic.com Marvel Legends database with images
- MarvelLegends.Net Marvel Legends Photo Database, News and Forums
- marvellegends.info The Complete Guide To Marvel Legends
- marvellegends.hyves.nl A Marvel Legends site from the Netherlands
- Free Marvel Legends iOS Checklist Application
- Visual and Price guides for Marvel Legends Action Figures
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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