Marvel Legends is an
action figure
An action figure is a poseable character model figure made most commonly of plastic, and often based upon characters from a film, comic book, military, video game, television program, or sport; fictional or historical. These figures are usually ...
line based on the characters of
Marvel Comics
Marvel Comics is a New York City–based comic book publishing, publisher, a property of the Walt Disney Company since December 31, 2009, and a subsidiary of Disney Publishing Worldwide since March 2023. Marvel was founded in 1939 by Martin G ...
, initially produced by
Toy Biz, then by
Hasbro
Hasbro, Inc. (; a syllabic abbreviation of its original name, Hassenfeld Brothers) is an American multinational corporation, multinational toy manufacturing and entertainment holding company founded on December 6, 1923 by Henry, Hillel and Herma ...
. This line is in the scale, with spin-off lines in the , , and 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
San Diego Comic-Con is a comic book convention and multi-genre entertainment event held annually in San Diego, California, at the San Diego Convention Center. Founded in 1970, originally showcasing primarily comic books and science fiction/fant ...
) 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
Build-A-Figure
In 2005, Toy Biz introduced the "Build-A-Figure" (referred to as a "BAF" in the collector community) starting with series 9. Each figure in the series was packaged with a piece of a larger figure. A consumer who bought each figure in the assortment would then have all the complete components to assemble a character unavailable in individual packaging.
Box Sets
Face-Off (2006)
Each set includes a base with a background and flight stands.
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 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 . The figures were produced by Hasbro and feature multiple points of articulation.
Icons
The series is .
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.
Hasbro
12-Inch
In 2016, 12-inch Legends returned 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.
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.
Box sets
Retro 3.75-Inch
Smaller figures done in the style of the superhero toys made by
Kenner and
Mattel
Mattel, Inc. ( ) is an American multinational corporation, multinational toy manufacturing and entertainment company headquartered in El Segundo, California. Founded in Los Angeles by Harold Matson and the husband-and-wife duo of Ruth Handler, ...
during the 1980s. Each figure features five points of articulation and retro-inspired packaging.
Deluxe Retro 3.75"
Oversized figures and vehicles in the 3.75" scale.
Announced
TBA
Non-BAF waves
Single releases
Box sets
The Infinity Saga
A special series of figures beginning in 2021, featuring characters from the ''
Infinity Saga'' that had not been released in prior movie waves.
Infinity Saga box sets
Black Panther Legacy Collection
Reissues of figures from the first ''Black Panther'' movie to coincide with the release of ''
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever''.
Marvel Studios (2024-)
Rereleases of older figures from the
Marvel Cinematic Universe
The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is an American media franchise and shared universe centered on List of Marvel Cinematic Universe films, a series of superhero films produced by Marvel Studios. The films are based on characters that appe ...
.
Deadpool Legacy Collection
Deluxe
Maximum
Figures with additional accessories, articulation and paint deco work at a higher price point.
Retro
Retro single releases
Mini-Comic waves
Figures that come with miniature comic covers.
Marvel Legends 20th Anniversary
A special premium line dedicated to updating the characters featured in the very first wave of ToyBiz Marvel Legends from 2002, complete with retro-style packaging.
Beyond Amazing
A special Spider-Man-themed promotion designed to coincide with the character's 60th anniversary in 2022.
Beyond Amazing box sets
X-Men 60th Anniversary
A premium line celebrating the 60th anniversary of the X-Men franchise in 2023.
X-Men 60th Anniversary deluxe figures
X-Men 60th Anniversary box sets
Avengers: Beyond Earth's Mightiest
A premium line celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Avengers.
Beyond Earth's Mightiest deluxe figures
Beyond Earth's Mightiest box sets
Wolverine 50th Anniversary (2024)
A series of box sets commemorating the first appearance of
Wolverine
The wolverine ( , ; ''Gulo gulo''), also called the carcajou or quickhatch (from East Cree, ''kwiihkwahaacheew''), is the largest land-dwelling species, member of the family Mustelidae. It is a muscular carnivore and a solitary animal. The w ...
.
Marvel 85th Anniversary (2024)
An anniversary line celebrating Marvel's publishing history.
Box sets
Gamerverse (2025)
A series of box sets inspired by the ''
Marvel vs. Capcom
is a series of Crossover (fiction), crossover fighting games developed and published by Capcom, featuring characters from their video game franchises and comic book series published by Marvel Comics. The series originated as coin-operated arca ...
'' series, with each set including new accessories inspired by the special moves seen in the games.
Amazon
Box sets
GameStop
Box sets
Hasbro Pulse
Box sets
Made-to-order
Hasbro PulseCon
Box sets
HasLab
Marvel Unlimited Online
Free with the purchase of a new
Marvel Unlimited Plus digital comics subscription at Marvel.com.
San Diego Comic-Con
Box sets
Target
Box sets
Walgreens
Walmart
Box sets
See also
*
DC Multiverse (toy line)
*
DC Universe Classics
*
Hulk Classics
*
Iron Man: The Armored Avenger
*
Spider-Man Classics
*
X-Men Classics (action figure)
References
External links
MarvelousNews.com– Daily Marvel Legends News, Complete Photo Database and Collector Community
marvellegends.info– The Complete Guide to Marvel Legends
Visual and Price guides for Marvel Legends Action FiguresMarvel Legends UK– Full interactive collectors website, housing news, reviews, database and mobile app
{{Hasbro
Hasbro products
2000s toys
2010s toys
Marvel Comics action figure lines