It looks like I may have started the slide down yet another slippery slope. For the past couple of years, I’ve been enthralled by the Nerd Nook’s posts and Youtube videos chronicling his incredible collection of Kenner Super Powers action figures. When it comes to DC characters, I tend to focus my collecting efforts on Batman and Superman items produced before the 80’s and the Super Powers figures came out in 1984, so I thought I could ignore the series. That resolve came to a crashing halt not too long ago.
While I was out on a recent toy hunt, I came across a boxed Hall of Justice, and the seller also had the Superman and Batman figures with their capes. I had been wanting those two figures for a while, and would have been fine stopping there, but sometimes things don’t go as planned. The figures and the playset came home with me, and not a week went by before I received an email from John, over at the Clawful Punch, who was looking to trade some of his Super Powers figures. It was fate.
Now that I have these toys, I honestly can’t believe I avoided them for so long. With the exception of Robin, I have the entire set of Series 1 good guys and a few others. It may be premature to call these figures an obsession, but you can bet I’ll be looking for a Robin, and it would be nice to get some carded figures…
This slope is awfully slick.
CT says
I still have most of my Super Powers figures from when I was a kid and three of the vehicles. I never had the Hall of Justice set from that line, but I did manage to complete the Young Justice HoJ just so I could put it with my Super Powers. I think I lack four from the line and unfortunately, they’re all four ones that are pricier to obtain. I still think in the back of my mind, I’ll grab the missing ones someday.
Here’s my online gallery (which includes a few others from that same scale/style): CT’s Super Powers Figures
Brian says
Can’t see the gallery, but I think I remember seeing photos of your collection before. The Hall of Justice is pretty cool, but it’s soooo big. I’m not sure how long it will stick around these parts — shelf space is very precious!
CT says
Try this link. Google and their settingsβ¦
https://plus.google.com/photos/+CarlinTrammel/albums/5406647363502830145
Brian says
That worked. Nice!
Rich - Nerd Nook says
YES! I love that you finally caved! They look great in that shot with the collector case and Hall in the background. Such awesome colors! Now that you’re officially hooked I’ll warn you from experience that the slope you’re referring to is way more slippery than you realize! Thanks for the shout out π
You need to visit the nook next time you’re in my area!
Brian says
That might actually happen this summer — talking about taking a road trip with the family and Philadelphia is on our list of possibilities. I might need a few recommendations from you. π
Rich - Nerd Nook says
Definitely, let me know!
HowardTheDeck says
Fantastic. I had 5 of them as a kid, and 2 of them have stayed with me. Having those 2 combined with scoring a few at a toy show last year has pushed me fully into the line as well. Currently holding firm at around 11 of them, but Martian Manhunter and a Batmobile are calling me loudly.
As an aside, the feature on them in issue one of the magazine is one thing I always show people, it was REALLY well done.
Brian says
You know, I fully intended to mention that article in my post but completely dropped the ball — thanks for the reminder. It was written by Rich (see above), the indisputable king of Super Powers collecting.
https://www.coolandcollected.com/product-category/cool-collected-magazine/
Tommy says
Now I feel bad for taking that Robin off your hands π
Brian says
Ha! No worries, that was the Toy Biz version I think — I have another loose one of those. π
Batfan says
That’s awesome! I have the SP Green Lantern but, I’ve always wanted to pick up the Batman figure too (so … if you happen to run across another…).
Brian says
I’ll be on the lookout!
hobgoblin238 says
Had em as a kid too. Like I said this week I planned on doing a Hall of Justice but it has been sidetracked for now. Those super powers are too expensive for me at this time.
The Toy Box says
If you’re going to get a Super Powers Robin, you have to get this one;
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Super-Powers-ROBIN-Clone-12-Vintage-Action-Figure-Batman-Mint-in-Package-/171263030402?pt=TV_Movie_Character_Toys_US&hash=item27e0127482#ht_911wt_886
Brian says
Ha! That would go perfect with my Spider-man figure!
https://www.coolandcollected.com/remember-when-spider-man-was-in-the-kenner-super-powers-line/
Rich - Nerd Nook says
I laughed out loud when that ebay page loaded, LOL!
Tintod says
My god that is fantastic! He looks like Mark Mothersbaugh: http://imgur.com/I2K5L8Z
Chris (Stunt Zombie) says
Great collection you have there Brian. I still maintain that this was one of the best DC character lines ever produced. I’m kicking myself for selling off the few that I had. They really look nice on a shelf.
John Gaither says
Am so glad you liked everything Brian and it all went to a great home. : )
I was going to start to collect Super Powers but as much as i love them i just can’t get my heart into them…at lest for now.
Brian says
Thanks again John!
Kal says
That is too funny. I too am on my own quest for vintage Super Powers figures. Did the fever hit us all at the same time. I got the Delta Probe One a few weeks ago – mint in box. It’s a thing of beauty.
Brian says
I think it’s the 30-year itch. You think Ninja Turtles are popular now, just wait until 2019 — that’s when I will be unloading my loose figures all over eBay.
I saw your boxed Delta Probe in one of your posts. Very nice!
Jon says
I love this line and consider it to be my favorite line of toys ever. I have all the Batman related figures and vehicles , loose and packaged (except I need a carded Mr. Freeze). Found Clark Kent and Wonder Woman loose at a thrift store last year. Couldn’t believe it! Dug around to try and find vehicles but did not.
Brian says
Excellent score for a thrift store!
Shawn Robare says
I did awful awful things to my Super Powers Robin figure as a young teen. With a lot of red Testors glossy paint I attempted to recreated a scene from A Death in the Family story. It was messy… ;p
Chris (Stunt Zombie) says
I did something similar with my X-men figures and red crayons.
Shawn Robare says
Nice!
Mike Gutierrez says
I have the Batman figure, still on card, although said card is beat to heck. I have been wanting a Batmoble for quite sometime, but after seeing Rich’s videos on YouTube (I’m a fan as well) I have been thinking about picking up a few of these figures as well as the Hall Of Justice at some point.
Great pick ups Brian.
Brian says
Thanks Mike. I’d like to think that I’ll be able to stop once I have a carded Batman and Superman but we’ll see. π
Stacey Rader says
We love the Super Powers at my house! Brad spent about a year putting together a complete loose collection of figures and mini-comics. We also have a complete Hall of Justice, collector’s case, Justice Jogger (because it’s the dumbest thing ever), and Batmobile.
Here’s an article about the custom display of Super Powers and DCUC we have in our living room. I didn’t think I’d like living with a giant yellow rectangle in my house, but it’s definitely grown on me.
http://www.actionfigureinsider.com/super-powers/brad-raders-custom-super-powersdcuc-display
Brian says
That is awesome! Thanks for sharing Stacey!