Marvel Super Heroes Secret Wars was a huge event that took place in the pages of the 12 issue Marvel Comics mini-series of the same name from May 1984 - April 1985. A very abbreviated synopsis of this series goes something like this...The Beyonder transports a group of Marvel's best heroes and worst villains to a place called Battleworld. While there these characters are challenged to defeat each other in a battle royale where the winner will receive all that they desire. Even though this concept seems simplistic, some cool changes were made to the status quo of these characters. Spider-Woman Julia Carpenter is introduced, Colossus breaks up with Kitty, Thing leaves the Fantastic Four, Spider-Man gets his symbiote suit and an amazing toy line was created by Mattel!
This toy line ran for 3 series from 1984-1985 with the first 2 series released in the US and the 3rd only being released internationally. Me and my brother loved these figures and for the most part it was our introduction to these wonderful Marvel characters. We didn't have the whole set, but we had quite a few. Now in my 30s I am looking to regain that collection. Some of the figures I currently own are from our original collection and some were purchased online. Either way these are great toys with huge nostalgia value to me. I most vividly remember playing under our beds with the figures and using that as the bad guys underground lair while the heroes occupied the top of the bed. We may not have been familiar with all of the characters, I called Baron Zemo "Heat Panel" for the longest time, but it was fun, we used our imaginations and they bring back amazing memories. Here is the collection so far!
By looking at the pictures above, I'm sure you can see that these are not mint specimens by any means, but that's okay with me. This is what our toys looked like. How many of you broke off Doc Ock's arms, ripped Doctor Doom's holster or chewed on Captain America's wings? I know I did. These guys are a good start to my collection, but there are a few omissions that I would like to have again.
Most notably these include a Daredevil figure, Captain America figure, Turbo Cycle and a Marvel Super Heroes Secret Wars Sticker Adventure book. I hope I was able to take you with me as I traveled down memory lane to those times when we were kids and didn't have any cares in the world and our biggest issue was figuring out how Spider-Man could take down Baron Zemo. Enjoy a commercial for these classic figures below & EXCELSIOR!!!
I absolutely loved these toys when I was a kid, and in recent years have slowly been trying to complete the set myself. It's funny too that one of my earliest memories in general is of me finding Daredevil on the ground at a public park. All of the black paint was worn away, so because of all of the red I thought it was The Flash, and continued to play with him as The Flash for a number of years afterwards -- and even though I have a fairly clean looking figure now, with the D's, I still can't look at him without thinking of The Flash.
ReplyDeleteThat is a great memory. Reminds me of the time I saw a green Mego Hulk arm sticking out of the ground. I thought I hit the jackpot and was going to get a sweet new action figure! I pulled it up, only to find out it was indeed just a Hulk arm!
DeleteMy second all time favorite action figure line!
ReplyDeleteWhat is the first?
DeleteTotally agree. I'm trying to finish the American release figures. Then, if I hit the lottery I'll try to get the international releases.
ReplyDeleteG.I. Joe 3.75.Up until 88 ,anyways.The line got a little wonky from 89 and up.
ReplyDeleteI should have known.
DeleteThese are awesome. I remember collecting the comic book Limited Series. While I saw the action figures, I had just hit that point in junior high/high school where I thought I was too old for toys so never purchased any. I kept my eye on the black spider-man cause I thought it was such a cool costume change. Great start to the collection.
ReplyDeleteThanks. I also had some of the coloring books and sticker albums when I was a kid in addition to the comics. Would be cool to have those back in the collection too.
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