Marvel Legends

Marvel Legends is an action figure line based on the characters of Marvel Comics, initially produced by Toy Biz, then by Hasbro. This line is in the 6 in scale, with spin-off lines in the 4 in, 8 in, and 12 in 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) 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).

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
NOTE: The translucent variants of both Human Torch and Invisible Woman were available in a stand-alone variant gift set. NOTE: All figures were exclusive to this gift pack, and each had a display stand.

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 4 in 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 8 in. The figures were produced by Hasbro and feature multiple points of articulation.

Icons
The series is 12 in.

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.

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.

Retro 3.75-Inch
Smaller figures done in the style of the superhero toys made by Kenner and Mattel 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.

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.

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.

Deadpool Legacy Collection
Reissues of older 20th Century Fox X-Men figures to coincide with the release of Deadpool & Wolverine.

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.

X-Men 60th Anniversary
A premium line celebrating the 60th anniversary of the X-Men franchise in 2023.

Avengers: Beyond Earth's Mightiest
A premium line celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Avengers.

Wolverine 50th Anniversary (2024)
A series of box sets commemorating the first appearance of Wolverine.

Marvel 85th Anniversary (2024)
An anniversary line celebrating Marvel's publishing history.

Marvel Unlimited Online
Free with the purchase of a new Marvel Unlimited Plus digital comics subscription at Marvel.com.