World’s Greatest Super Heroes 1972-1980

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Mego began their World’s Greatest Super Hero line in 1972 with DC characters, before being joined by Marvel Comics the following year in 1973. Throughout the decade, Mego released some of the most popular and iconic heroes of the DC Comics world, but this section is all about the many Batman charters from the line, including Batman, Robin, Joker, Penguin, Riddler, Catwoman, and Batgirl. There were also Fist Fighting figures, Secret Identity figures, and multiple Accessories, Playsets & Vehicles. The World’s Greatest Super-Heroes line was the flagship brand for Mego at the time, and one of the most successful selling action figure lines of the decade.

For more information about Mego’s Batman World’s Greatest Super Heroes figures, see bottom of page for a complete summary.

Mego rolled out several memorable and iconic Batman related characters throughout its run, including Batgirl, Catwoman, Joker, Penguin, Riddler, Robin and the main man himself, Batman.

Batgirl

Batgirl
Accessories: Cloth Outfit, Belt, Boots, Gloves, Removable Cowl, Emblem
Years Released: Boxed – 1974 – 1975
Carded – 1976 – 1979
Difficulty To Find: Hard to find on the secondary market in either format
Notes: Batgirl made her Mego debut in 1974 (with the rest of the “Super Gals”) with an open boxed version. Mego switched the packaging format to a carded blister pack from 1976 until 1979, when she was eventually removed from the WGSH lineup. There were no variations from the Boxed to Carded versions. Note that her cowl is removable for all releases, but the mask underneath is painted on.

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Batman (Removable Cowl)

Batman – Removable Mask
Accessories: Cloth Outfit, Belt, Boots, Gloves, Emblem, Cape, Removable Mask
Years Released: Solid Box – 1972
Open Box – 1973 – 1974
Difficulty To Find: Hard to find on the secondary market in either format
Notes: The solid box packaging version of Batman was one of Four original releases in 1972 of the WHSH line. It was only available in select markets and retailers. Mego changed their box packaging beginning in 1973, to a more friendly window version, so buyers could actually see the figure inside. There were no variations from the solid box to the initial open box versions in 1973. Batman came with his cloth outfit and emblem on it, along with his removable mask, belt, boots, and gloves.

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Batman (Non-Removable Cowl)

Batman – Non-Removable Mask
Accessories: Cloth Outfit, Belt, Boots, Gloves, Emblem, Cape
Years Released: Open Box – 1974 – 1975
Carded – 1976 – 1980
Difficulty To Find: Moderate Difficulty – Takes patience and appears less often in either format
Notes: In 1973, Mego changed their packaging to an open window box version, so buyers could actually see the figure inside. The early versions still featured the removable mask, but beginning in 1974, Mego changed to a new painted on version of the mask. In 1976, Mego switched from their regular box packaging to a new carded format for their WGSH lineup. This carded version would remain in production until the line came to an end in 1980. There were no variations from this open box to the carded versions. Batman came with his cloth outfit and emblem on it, along with his belt, boots and gloves.

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Catwoman

Catwoman
Accessories: Cloth Outfit, Boots, Gloves
Years Released: Boxed – 1974 – 1975
Carded – 1976 – 1979
Difficulty To Find: Hard to find on the secondary market in either format
Notes: Catwoman made her Mego debut in 1974 (with the rest of the “Super Gals”) with this open boxed version. Mego switched the packaging format to a carded blister pack from 1976-1979, when she was eventually removed from the WSGH lineup. There were no variations from the Boxed to Carded versions. Catwoman came with her cloth outfit (with tail), boots and gloves. Note that her mask is painted and can not be removed.

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Joker

Joker
Accessories: Cloth Outfit, Coat, Shoes
Years Released: Boxed – 1974 – 1975
Carded – 1976 – 1980
Difficulty To Find: Hard to find on the secondary market in either format
Notes: The crown prince of crime made his Mego debut in 1974 with this open boxed version. Mego later switched their packaging format to a carded blister pack from 1976 until 1980, when the WSGH line eventually came to and end. There were no variations from the Boxed to Carded versions. Joker came with his cloth outfit, Coat and Shoes. Note that Joker’s coat can be removed from the cloth outfit.

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Penguin

Penguin
Accessories: Cloth Outfit, Coat, Shoes
Years Released: Boxed – 1974 – 1975
Carded – 1976 – 1980
Difficulty To Find: Moderate Difficulty – Takes patience and appears less often in either format
Notes: Penguin made his Mego debut in 1974 with the open boxed version. Mego later switched their packaging format to a carded blister pack from 1976 until 1980, when the WSGH line eventually came to and end. There were no variations from the Boxed to Carded versions. Penguin came with his cloth outfit, Coat and Shoes. Note that Penguin’s coat can be removed from the cloth outfit, but his hat is molded onto his head and not removable.

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Riddler

Riddler
Accessories: Cloth Outfit, Belt
Years Released: Boxed – 1974 – 1975
Carded – 1976 – 1979
Difficulty To Find: Moderate Difficulty – Takes patience and appears less often in either format
Notes: Riddler made his Mego debut in 1974 with the open boxed version. Mego switched the packaging format to a carded blister pack from 1976 until 1979, when he was eventually removed from the WGSH lineup. There were no variations from the Boxed to Carded versions. Riddler came with his cloth outfit and a belt. Note that Riddler actually came with no shoes, so don’t think that you’ve lost them.

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Robin (Removable Mask)

Robin – Removable Mask
Accessories: Tunic, Shorts, Belt, Cape, Shoes, Gloves, Emblem, Removable Mask
Years Released: Solid Box – 1972
Open Box – 1973 – 1974
Difficulty To Find: Hard to find on the secondary market in either format
Notes: The solid box packaging version of Robin was one of Four original releases in 1972 of the WHSH line. It was only available in select markets and retailers. Mego changed their box packaging beginning in 1973, to a more friendly window version, so buyers could actually see the figure inside. There were no variations from the solid box to the initial open box versions in 1973. Robin came with his cloth tunic and emblem on it, along with his removable mask, shorts, belt, cape, shoes and gloves.

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Robin (Non-Removable Mask)

Robin – Non-Removable Mask
Accessories: Tunic, Shorts, Belt, Cape, Shoes, Gloves, Emblem
Years Released: Open Box – 1974 – 1975
Carded – 1976 – 1980
Difficulty To Find: Moderate Difficulty – Takes patience and appears less often in either format
Notes: In 1973, Mego changed their packaging to an open window box version, so buyers could actually see the figure inside. The early versions still featured the removable mask, but beginning with the 1974 releases, Mego changed to a new painted on version of the mask. In 1976, Mego switched from their regular box packaging to a new carded format for their WGSH lineup. This carded version would remain in production until the line came to an end in 1980. There were no variations from this open box to the carded versions. Robin came with his cloth tunic and emblem on it, along with his shorts, belt, cape, shoes and gloves.

World’s Greatest Super-Heroes (1975-1976): Fist Fighting Figures

Mego re-released a series of four popular figures that were altered with a special Fist Fighting action feature. This was basically a small lever on the waist to move the hands up and down. The series was short lived, but additional Fist Fighting figures did make it to production in foreign markets.

World’s Greatest Super-Heroes (1974): Secret ID Figures (Montgomery Ward Exclusive)

Mego produced a set of four Secret I.D figures for the Montgomery Ward Department Store in 1974, that featured the most popular figures at the time, but in their secret alter ego form. These figures were only sold through the Montgomery Ward catalog and were shipped in plain brown boxes. They were never sold in carded form. They are very rare and hard to find on the secondary market.

World’s Greatest Super-Heroes (1977-1980): 12 Inch Figures

Mego produced several 12″ figures from 1977 to 1979, with some of the biggest names in the super hero world from both DC and Marvel. The Batman and Robin figures were released in various versions, including Standard, Fly Away or Magnetic action.

Batman

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Robin

World’s Greatest Super-Heroes (1972-1980): Accessories

There were only a handful of action figure related accessories released for the 8″ WGSH line, but among the coolest was the Batman Command Console.

Batman Command Console

Market Value:
Boxed $150 – $225
Loose $50 – $75

Batman Command Console
Accessories: Command Console
Years Released: 1977
Difficulty To Find: Moderate Difficulty – Takes patience and appears less often
Notes: The Batman Command Console was essentially a re-branded Star Trek Communication Console. It transmits voice and sound to nearby walkie talkies. The console itself had flashing lights and sounds, with two different alert signals that warn of danger. There was even a special code key that can send Morse Code using alphabet and numerals. Overall, this thing was actually pretty cool looking and does look like something Batman might have in his Batcave.

World’s Greatest Super-Heroes (1972-1980): Playsets

Mego only released three large scale playsets for their 8″ WGSH line, and two of them were all about our favorite caped Crusader. There was the massive Wayne Foundation playset and the iconic Batcave. Each was super memorable and have definitely reached an iconic level. They are now considered highly sought after items in today’s market.

Batcave

Market Value:
Boxed $350 – $450
Loose $100 – $150

Batcave
Accessories: Plastic Playset Pieces, Vinyl Mat, Bat Pole, Bat Signal Light, Bat Computer, Batmobile Exit w/ Latch
Years Released: 1974
Difficulty To Find: Moderate Difficulty – Takes patience and appears less often
Notes: The Batcave playset was the first of its kind that was released by Mego for the WGSH line in 1974 and became an instant classic. Re-cycled from the Action Jackson Lost Continent Playset and the Planet of the Apes Village Playset, the Batcave stands on its own as an iconic and memorable playset for the 8 Inch figures. The Bat Signal was truly the most awesome accessory in the set, with a flashing action, it was amazing to be able to shine the Batman symbol all over the house when the lights were off. The set was simply constructed with two main “halves” and a vinyl mat that would lay down and connect them. This was a very cool playset for the WGSH line with a ton of fun accessories and high playability factor. It can still be easily found on the secondary market in boxed or loose condition but the prices remain high due to its immense popularity.

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Wayne Foundation

Market Value:
Boxed $1,250 – $1,750
Loose $450 – $650

Wayne Foundation
Accessories: Four Levels, Computer Console, Trophy Case, Conference Table w/ Screen, Chairs x 4, Secret Bookcase Room, Landing Platform, Elevator
Years Released: 1977
Difficulty To Find: Hard to Find – Occasionally listed, and usually sells quickly
Notes: Of all the amazing and well-done playsets and vehicles released for the WGSH line by Mego, the Wayne Foundation Playset stands alone as not only the biggest accessory made, but also the most fun. Standing at a whopping 40 Inches tall and 2 Feet wide, this thing really had it all, with a ton of accessories. It featured four levels of fun, along with a working elevator. The artwork alone was beautifully done with a lot of nods to Batman history and lore. This was the Barbie Town House for boys! Boxed Versions of the Wayne Foundation are extremely tough to find and even loose complete sets are very hard to track down due to all the pieces. These playsets remain in high demand and can command top dollar on the secondary market.

World’s Greatest Super-Heroes (1972-1980): Vehicles

There were no shortage of vehicles produced for the WGSH line, as five of the eight released vehicles were related to Batman. There was the Batcopter, Batcycle, Batmobile, Jokermobile and the Mobile Bat Lab.

Batcopter

Batcopter
Accessories: Vehicle, Propeller, Landing Wheels
Years Released: 1974
Difficulty To Find: Hard to Find – Occasionally listed, and usually sells quickly
Notes: One of four different “Bat Vehicles” released by Mego to be used with the Batman & Robin figures. The Batcopter was only the “flying vehicle” that Mego made, so there was that. There were actually three different packaging variations to the Batcopter, as one had a standard looking box with beautiful art work, another being a more plain box with a photo of the vehicle on it, and the last being an open display card. All three are tough to track down in their original boxes, but the open display card version does seem to pop up more often.

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Batcycle

Market Value:
Boxed $300 – $400
Loose $100 – $140

Batcycle
Accessories: Vehicle, Sidecar, Kickstand, Engine Block
Years Released: 1974
Difficulty To Find: Hard to Find – Occasionally listed, and usually sells quickly
Notes: One of four different “Bat Vehicles” released by Mego to be used with the Batman & Robin figures. The Batcycle was Batman’s motorcycle, with a side-car for Robin. There were two different color variations to the Batcycle with the standard one being blue (as the package shows) and the more rare version being black. This item isn’t as rare as other Mego vehicles but can still be tough to find.

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Batmobile

Batmobile
Accessories: Vehicle, Wheels, Decals
Years Released: 1974
Difficulty To Find: Moderate Difficulty – Takes patience and appears less often
Notes: What would a Batman line of vehicles be without the most popular one of all, the Batmobile. One of four different “Bat Vehicles” released by Mego for their Batman & Robin figures. The Batmobile was Batman’s main ride and one of the most famous vehicles ever created in pop culture. There were two different box variations to the Batmobile with one having the standard beautiful Mego artwork and the other being an actual photo of the vehicle with Batman and Robin figures inside of it. A rare open display card also exists but is not easily found.

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Joker Mobile

Market Value:
Boxed $500 – $700
Loose $200 – $300

Joker Mobile
Accessories: Vehicle, Wheels, Removable Roof, Hatch, Rear Boxing Glove Trap, Squirting Flower
Years Released: 1975
Difficulty To Find: Hard to Find – Occasionally listed, and usually sells quickly
Notes: Along with the Mobil Batlab, the Jokermobile was one of two groovy VW Van inspired vehicles, but with different paint jobs and accessories. The Jokermobile came with fun special features, such as a Squirting Flower, Boxing Glove Trap and a revolving platform for “spying”. The Jokermobile also had some of the most beautiful artwork produced by Mego, and that’s saying a lot because Mego was known for the their gorgeous packaging. The Jokermobile is tough to find on the secondary market and very tough to find in its original box.

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Mobile Bat Lab

Market Value:
Boxed $400 – $550
Loose $125 – $200

Mobile Batlab
Accessories: Vehicle, Wheels, Removable Roof, Hatch, Rear Winch, Bat Grappling Hook, Cage
Years Released: 1975
Difficulty To Find: Hard to Find – Occasionally listed, and usually sells quickly
Notes: Along with the Jokermobile, the Mobile Batlab was one of two groovy VW Van inspired vehicles, but with different paint jobs and accessories. The Batlab came with a working winch, connected to a Bat-Grappling Hook, as well as a secret front-end bad guy trap and a revolving “Bat-Platform for spying. The Batlab also had some of the most beautiful artwork produced by Mego, and that’s saying a lot because Mego was known for the their gorgeous packaging. The Mobile Batlab is tough to find on the secondary market, especially in its original box.

When you think of iconic toy lines for each decade, Mego’s action figures of the 1970’s stand out as one of the biggest things that ever happened to toys. Along with Star Wars and GI Joe, Mego has earned their place on the action figure Mount Rushmore, but their journey to becoming an iconic toy brand went through quite a few trials before finally becoming the mighty toy line we all know and love. The Mego Toy Company was founded in 1954 by David Abrams in New York City. The company was a big producer of dime store type toys and dolls with steady sales for many years. Mego Toys was a known name in the toy industry but very far from the household name that it would later become. When David Abrams’ son, Marty, came to power within the company, he decided to change things up a bit and created a brand new line of action figures to compete with the mega successful GI Joe line, but in an 8 Inch format called “Action Jackson”. Mego also created an interchangeable body system that utilized several different head sculpts that could fit onto a couple of different body types. This helped to reduce production costs and made the figures more cost effective. After Mego’s intial action figure line, Action Jackson, Marty Abrams decided to swing for the fences by going out and acquiring the toy rights to produce action figures based on DC Comics and Marvel Comics characters. The rest, as they say, is history, as the World’s Greatest Super Heroes line went on to become the flagship franchise with Mego and one of the most successful selling action figure lines of the decade.

During its run, Mego gave us some truly iconic action figures for the World’s Greatest Super-Heroes line from, which included some of the biggest names in the DC Comics Universe. All together, there were 20 different DC characters made into action figures, or 23 if you want to count the three DC Secret ID figures. Since Mego changed their packaging a few times, there are several different variants of each figure, with minor degrees of variation on each. The first four figures (Batman, Robin, Superman, Aquaman) were released in 1972, but were only available in limited retail locations at a few regional locations. The figures continued to expanded with several new additions including Tarzan, Shazam, Penguin, Joker, Riddler, Mr. Mxyzptlk, Wonder Woman, Batgirl, Supergirl, Cat Woman, Green Arrow and Isis. Mego also released the Teen Titans (Wonder Girl, Speedy, Aqualad, Kid Flash) in 1977. In addition, Mego also released the Fist Fighting Figures with Batman, Robin, Joker and Riddler. Mego finally ceased production on their flagship World’s Greatest Superheroes line in 1980.

The packaging for the basic assortment of the World’s Greatest Super Heroes figures was colorful and eye catching with absolutely beautiful artwork, which was a staple for Mego’s packaging. The initial packaging for Mego’s D.C Comics figures in 1972 had each figure in a solid box package, adorned with a nice illustration of each character. The following year in 1973, Mego switched to a more consumer friendly open window box covered with a celophane. The character’s name was at the top of the box, with the classic WGSH logo resting at the bottom. The exceptions to this were Isis and Penguin, who had their character names on the bottom. Multiple colors were utilized for each character’s box to standout from one another. From 1973-1975, Mego released several figures with exclusive packaging for the Kresge Department Stores. These figures featured a smaller and narrower card, with the figure postioned inside of a bubble at the middle of the card. Mego switched to a more traditional blister card in 1976, which allowed for additional packaging graphics, such as portraits of other characters in the line. Depending on which series and year the figure was released, determined which set of other characters adorned the package.