Marvel Legends
The Marvel Legends toy line, renowned for its detailed action figures based on Marvel Comics characters, has evolved significantly since its inception. Initially launched by Toy Biz in 2002 and later taken over by Hasbro in 2007, the line has seen various changes in design, packaging, and scale, maintaining its popularity among collectors and fans of Marvel characters.
Toy Biz Era (2002-2006)
One of the most innovative features introduced by Toy Biz was the Build-A-Figure (BAF) concept, where each figure in a series came with a part of a larger figure. Collecting the entire series allowed fans to assemble this additional figure, adding a unique collectible element to the line[6].
Transition to Hasbro (2007-Present)
In 2007, Hasbro took over the production of Marvel Legends. The transition maintained the line’s name and the popular Build-A-Figure concept but introduced changes in design, such as the elimination of finger joints and comic book pack-ins. Despite initial concerns over quality and articulation under Hasbro’s early releases, the line saw improvements and continued to expand, incorporating characters from both Marvel comics and films.
Hasbro’s Marvel Legends experienced a brief period of uncertainty in the late 2000s, with rumors of cancellation due to slowed production. However, in 2010, Hasbro announced the line’s return in 2012, revitalized by fan requests and the popularity of Marvel movies. This comeback was marked by the introduction of the Marvel Legends Infinite Series in 2013, further broadening the line’s scope with new characters and variants.
Innovations and Expansions
Throughout its history, Marvel Legends has experimented with various scales, including 4-inch, 6-inch, 8-inch, and 12-inch figures, catering to different preferences among collectors[1]. The line has also featured special editions, such as the Ultimate Riders series with figures packaged with vehicles, and exclusive releases through platforms like HasbroPulse.com.
The Marvel Legends line has continued to evolve, introducing figures based on deep-dive favorites and expanding the Marvel toy world with offerings aimed at both younger fans and serious collectors. This includes annual U.K./Australia-exclusive waves that repackage figures and BAFs based on Marvel characters.
Conclusion
From its beginnings with Toy Biz to its current run under Hasbro, Marvel Legends has remained a beloved line among action figure collectors and Marvel fans. Its history reflects a commitment to innovation, quality, and fan engagement, ensuring its place in the pantheon of collectible action figures.
