In 1984, Kenner released the Super Powers Collection, a line of four-inch action figures based on the heroes and villains of DC Comics. Each figure featured a hidden mechanism that would trigger a special action feature when the figure’s arms or legs were squeezed. The collection included such notable characters as Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Lex Luthor, and Darkseid. It remained in circulation until 1986 and featured vehicles like the Batmobile and even a Hall of Justice playset.
During its three-series run, the line also featured a special mail-away promotion and enjoyed numerous product tie-ins with partners including Burger King, Hanna Barbera, and in Canada, Shell gas stations. In the years since its inception, the line has undergone an impressive resurgence in popularity and became one of the most collected lines of the 1980s.
Now, McFarlane Toys is bringing it back with the DC Super Powers assortment!
Launched in 2022 as an offshoot of the company’s fantastic DC Multiverse line, each of the new Super Powers figures encompasses a near-perfect mixture of modern design and vintage charm. Crafted in four-inch scale just like the original toys, it features a strong array of characters both old and new, each packaged on a classically styled blister card. While the trademark action features have not been carried over, each DC Super Powers figure promises to embody most of everything fans loved about the originals: bright colours, retro articulation, and soft-goods capes. The sensibility hearkens back to a simpler time before things turned broody and moody.
The upcoming fourth assortment arrives this summer with four new figures and a pair of really exciting vehicles. Wonder Woman, based on her Rebirth design, includes a cloth cape; Aquaman embodies a slightly more vintage look and comes complete with a trident accessory. A classic detective version of Batman and a Tim Drake version of Robin round out the quad, complete with fabric capes.
Wonder Woman’s Invisible Jet, crafted completely from translucent plastic, and a two-seater Batmobile that looks as though it was ripped out of the pages of a Neal Adams sketchbook, also make their debut. Both vehicles are compatible with old and new figures and sport a selection of special features. Wonder Woman’s Invisible Jet includes a pop-up canopy and lasso capture claw, while the Batmobile includes both a button-activated battering ram and fold-out jet engine.
The four figures and two vehicles are all available for pre-order through several online outlets, including the official McFarlane Toy Store. Each figure is priced at $9.99 USD. The Invisible Jet retails for $19.99 USD and the Batmobile is stickered at $29.99 USD. A six-piece bundle was also available for pre-order at the cost of $89.94 USD and is now sold out.
Scheduled to begin shipping out to retailers later this month, the next wave of DC Super Powers figures arrives at retailers this July.
