Marvel Legends, an iconic action figure line rooted in the rich tapestry of Marvel Comics, initially took shape under the guidance of Toy Biz and later continued its legacy with Hasbro at the helm. Unveiled in 2002 as an offshoot of Spider-Man Classics, Marvel Legends swiftly carved its niche with a 6-inch (150 mm) scale, featuring additional lines in 4-inch (100 mm), 8-inch (200 mm), and 12-inch (300 mm) scales.
The journey began in 2002, drawing inspiration from Spider-Man Classics’ clam-shell packaging and bundled comic books. The inaugural wave showcased beloved characters like Iron Man, Captain America, and the Hulk, alongside the mischievous Toad as the villain. Hasbro assumed the reins on January 1, 2007, ushering in a new era for Marvel Legends. The packaging underwent a transformation, omitting the comic book inclusion and altering the molds by bidding farewell to finger joints while preserving the Build-A-Figure tradition.
In the late 2000s, whispers circulated that Marvel Legends might face cancellation due to slowed production. However, a revelation at the 2010 San Diego Comic-Con dispelled these concerns. Fueled by fan demand and the impending release of Marvel character-based movies, the line staged a triumphant comeback in 2012, returning to store shelves in January of that year.
The 2013 San Diego Comic-Con heralded a fresh start for Marvel Legends as the Marvel Legends Infinite Series, marked by the Mandroid series. The line’s earlier use of the “chase” concept, introducing figures of lesser-known characters in limited quantities, evolved into variants within the same series. These figures, characterized by alternate heads or color schemes, continued to captivate collectors.
Marvel Legends’ inception showcased a diverse array of characters, each accompanied by unique accessories and thematic display bases. The introduction of the Build-A-Figure concept in 2005 added an exciting dimension. Buyers completing a series amassed the components to assemble characters unavailable individually, fostering a sense of anticipation and completion.
With Hasbro taking the reins, Marvel Legends maintained its commitment to Build-A-Figure elements, albeit with modifications to molds and packaging. Noteworthy changes included the removal of finger joints and the absence of comic book pack-ins, marking a departure from the Toy Biz era.
The saga continued with waves like Terrax and Arnim Zola, each heralded by a “The Return of Marvel Legends” sticker. Innovative waves such as Hit-Monkey, Rocket Raccoon, and Jubilee embraced the “Mini” Build-A-Figure concept, adding a miniature twist to the tradition.
Marvel Legends, with its enduring legacy, remains a testament to the timeless appeal of Marvel Comics characters in the world of collectibles, delighting fans and collectors alike with each new iteration.
We have indexed over 1800 figures here on Marvel Legends UK so you can add and build your collection digitally too.
