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Super Power Collection (Kenner) – 1984
After Mego’s epic line of World’s Greatest Super Heroes ended in 1980, the DC Comics toy license was back up for grabs. Kenner happily secured those toy rights in the early 1980’s. Since their iconic Star Wars toy line was coming to an end, they needed another big time franchise. They launched their DC Super Powers Collection line in 1984 with twelve action figures, three vehicles, a Hall of Justice playset and an official figure carry case. This premier wave of DC Heroes posted some pretty high sales numbers and were very well-received from the generation of kids of that time.
For more information about Kenner’s 1984 wave of the DC Super Powers Collection line, see bottom of page for a complete summary.
Super Powers Collection: Series One (1984): Basic Assortment
Kenner released 12 brand new figures in 1984 for their first wave of DC Super Powers Collection action figures. Included in the wave were Aquaman, Batman, Brainiac, Flash, Green Lantern, Hawkman, Joker, Lex Luthor, Penguin, Robin, Superman and Wonder Woman. The posted estimates are an average of all releases, but it should be noted that figures from the 1984 wave, called “12 Backs”, tend to sell on the high end of the range or even beyond.
Aquaman
Market Value:
Carded $210 – $280
Loose $40 – $60
Aquaman
Accessories: Trident, Mini-Comic
Years Released: 1984 – 1985
Difficulty To Find: Moderate Difficulty – Takes patience and appears less often
Notes: Aquaman is “The King of the Seven Seas!”. Arthur Curry’s alter ego of Aquaman comes in his traditional look and classic colors. Aquaman has a Power Action Deep Sea Kick that can be activated by squeezing his arms together over his head. He comes with his trusty trident and a mini-comic.
Batman
Market Value:
Carded $350 – $450
Loose $55 – $80
Batman
Accessories: Cloth Cape, Mini-Comic
Years Released: 1984 – 1986
Difficulty To Find: Less Common – Appears often but some hunting needed
Notes: The villains of Gotham should watch out for the Caped Crusader, as Batman battles crime. Batman features a Power Action Bat Punch, activated by squeezing his legs together to deliver a strong blow. This action-packed figure captures Batman’s iconic look, complete with his signature bat emblem. He also comes with a removable Cloth Cape and a Mini-Comic.
Braniac
Market Value:
Carded $200 – $275
Loose $50 – $75
Brainiac
Accessories: Mini-Comic
Years Released: 1984 – 1985
Difficulty To Find: Less Common – Appears often but some hunting needed
Notes: Brainiac is called “The Living Computer” and one of Superman’s deadliest enemies. Brainiac has a Power Action Computer Kick that can be activated by squeezing his arms together. He doesn’t come with any accessories but does include a mini-comic. The loose value for Brainiac tends to lean higher due to its tendency for broken arms.
Flash (The)
Market Value:
Carded $90 – $120
Loose $25 – $35
Flash (The)
Accessories: Mini-Comic
Years Released: 1984 – 1985
Difficulty To Find: Common – Easily found on the secondary market
Notes: The Flash is known as “The Scarlet Speedster”. Barry Allen’s alter ego of The Flash comes in his classic look and colors. Flash has a Power Action Lightning Legs feature that can be activated by squeezing his arms together. He doesn’t come with any accessories, but does include a mini-comic.
Green Lantern
Market Value:
Carded $175 – $250
Loose $45 – $65
Green Lantern
Accessories: Lantern, Mini-Comic
Years Released: 1984 – 1985
Difficulty To Find: Moderate Difficulty – Takes patience and appears less often
Notes: Green Lantern is known as “The Emerald Gladiator”. Hal Jordan’s alter ego of Green Lantern comes in his classic look and colors. Lantern has a Power Action Ring Thrust feature that can be activated by squeezing his legs together. He comes with trusty Lantern and a mini-comic.
Hawkman
Market Value:
Carded $135 – $185
Loose $35 – $50
Hawkman
Accessories: Two Wings, Mace, Mini-Comic
Years Released: 1984 – 1985
Difficulty To Find: Less Common – Appears often but some hunting needed
Notes: Hawkman is known as “The Winged Wonder”. He comes with his classic comic look and colors with a really nice design. Hawkman has a Power Action Flight Wings feature that can be activated by squeezing his legs together. He comes with his Mace, Two Detachable Wings and a mini-comic.
Joker
Market Value:
Carded $125 – $175
Loose $35 – $50
Joker
Accessories: Green Mallet, Cloth Lower Coat Tail, Mini-Comic
Years Released: 1984 – 1985
Difficulty To Find: Common – Easily found on the secondary market
Notes: The Joker is known as “The Clown Prince of Crime” and is Batman’s deadliest arch nemesis. Joker comes decked out with his classic purple suit and iconic white faced makeup. Joker has a Power Action Madcap Mallet feature that can be activated by squeezing his legs together. He comes with his green Madcap Mallet, a detachable Lower Coat Tail and a mini-comic.
Lex Luthor
Market Value:
Carded $90 – $120
Loose $25 – $35
Lex Luthor
Accessories: Removable Armor Chest Plate, Mini-Comic
Years Released: 1984 – 1985
Difficulty To Find: Common – Easily found on the secondary market
Notes: Lex Luthor is known as “The Sinister Scientist” and is the arch nemesis of Superman. Lex has a fanatical hatred of Superman and is obsessed with revenge. He comes with a Power Action Nuclear Punch which is activated by squeezing his legs together. Lex Luthor comes with a removable Armor Chest Plate and a Mini-Comic.
Penguin (The)
Market Value:
Carded $210 – $280
Loose $45 – $65
Penguin (The)
Accessories: Umbrella, Mini-Comic
Years Released: 1984 – 1985
Difficulty To Find: Less Common – Appears often but some hunting needed
Notes: The Penguin is known as “The Master of Fowl Play” and is another of Batman’s dangerous enemies. Penguin’s alter ego is Oswald Cobblepot, who uses an arsenal of different umbrellas as weapons. He comes with a Power Action Umbrella Arm feature which is activated by squeezing his legs together. Penguin comes with a colorful Umbrella and a Mini-Comic.
Robin
Market Value:
Carded $250 – $350
Loose $40 – $60
Robin
Accessories: Cloth Cape, Mini-Comic
Years Released: 1984 – 1986
Difficulty To Find: Moderate Difficulty – Takes patience and appears less often
Notes: Robin is known as “The Teen Wonder” and is the trusted partner of Batman. Robin’s alter ego is Dick Grayson, who lost his parents in a tragic trapeze accident that led him to being a ward of Bruce Wayne. He comes with a Power Action Karate Chop which is activated by squeezing his legs together. Robin comes with a removable Cloth Cape and a Mini-Comic.
Superman
Market Value:
Carded $250 – $350
Loose $50 – $75
Superman
Accessories: Cloth Cape, Mini-Comic
Years Released: 1984 – 1986
Difficulty To Find: Common – Easily found on the secondary market
Notes: This version of Superman is an iconic figure that captures the iconic hero in vibrant detail. His action feature is his Power Action Punch, which is activated by squeezing his legs together, perfect for battling villains. A nostalgic favorite, this figure combines playability with vintage superhero charm. Superman also comes with a removable Cloth Cape and a Mini-Comic.
Wonder Woman
Market Value:
Carded $200 – $260
Loose $40 – $60
Wonder Woman
Accessories: Golden Lasso, Mini-Comic
Years Released: 1984 – 1986
Difficulty To Find: Common – Easily found on the secondary market
Notes: This classic Wonder Woman action figure captures the Amazonian warrior in her timeless red, blue, and gold costume, ready for battle and justice. She has a Power Action Deflector Bracelets feature which is activated by squeezing her legs together. Wonder Woman also comes equipped with her signature golden lasso accessory and an exciting mini-comic.
Super Powers Collection (1984): Accessories
There were lots of merchandise released with the DC Super Powers logo during the mid 80’s, but Kenner only released one action figure related accessory that was not a vehicle or playset, and that was the Super Powers Carry Case.
Super Powers Carry Case
Market Value:
W/ Original Packaging $150 – $200
Loose $50 – $75
Super Powers Carry Case
Accessories: Data File Compartment, Super Armory Compartment
Years Released: 1984
Difficulty To Find: Moderate Difficulty – Takes patience and appears less often
Notes: Every great action figure line needs a case to put those amazing figures inside of, and DC Super Powers Collection was no exception. This carry case came with five individual open compartments for storing figures, along with a closed compartment for weapons and another for data files. The coolest part of the case was the inside flap, which featured a beautifully illustrated comic page.
Super Powers Collection: Series One (1984): Playsets
Kenner released only one large scale playset for their 5″ DC Super Powers Collection line, and that was the epic Hall of Justice Playset in 1984. This set was super (puns intended) memorable and a highly sought after piece by DC fans and collectors.
Hall of Justice Playset
Market Value:
Boxed $750 – $900
Loose $250 – $325
Hall of Justice Playset
Accessories: Vehicle Pad, Elevator, Computer Command Center, Security Doors, Trap Door, Jail Cell, Revitalization/Storage Chamber, Bench
Years Released: 1984
Difficulty To Find: Less Common – Appears often but some hunting needed
Notes: Kenner released only one playset for their Super Powers Collection line, and that was the Hall of Justice Playset in 1984. According to the box, it’s described as the “Headquarters for the Battle of Good vs. Evil” and the home of the mighty Justice League. The playset is completely portable and could fold inwards with a carrying handle on top. Inside, there were quite a few super fun accessories are separated areas of play, such as a vehicle pad, elevator for quick access to the roof, computer command center, working security doors to protect against attack, a secret trap door, jail cells, and a revitalization and storage chamber that fits up to 10 figures. Also, it would be a crime to not mention the beautiful artwork on the box exterior. The Hall of Justice Playset is tough to find in its complete boxed version, and commands top dollar on the secondary market.
Super Powers Collection: Series One (1984): Vehicles
There were three awesome vehicles released for the first wave of Super Powers action figures in 1984, with Lex-Soar 7, the Supermobile and the iconic Batmobile.
Batmobile
Market Value:
Boxed $250 – $350
Loose $80 – $110
Batmobile
Accessories: Vehicle, Bat-Claw, Battering Ram, Decals
Years Released: 1984
Difficulty To Find: Less Common – Appears often but some hunting needed
Notes: Any action figure line that contains Batman & Robin absolutely must have the iconic Batmobile in it somewhere! The Batmobile had very nice looking “Bat-Eye” pop-up headlights, along with a Battering Ram which could extend from the front to knock villains down. There was also a rear spring loaded catching claw to make sure the bad guys didn’t get away. There have been many versions of the Batmobile produced over the years, but this is among my favorites with its beautiful color and detail.
Lex-Soar 7
Market Value:
Boxed $80 – $110
Loose $25 – $40
Lex-Soar 7
Accessories: Vehicle, Laser Cannons, Claw, Canopy, Kryptonite crystal, Decals
Years Released: 1984
Difficulty To Find: Less Common – Appears often but some hunting needed
Notes: The Lex-Soar 7 was an original vehicle created for the Super Powers Collection in 1984. This acted as the main ride for Lex Luthor, the arch nemesis of Superman. The vehicle had an opening canopy, a gripper claw, laser cannons, power cables inside the cockpit that can plug into Lex’s power suit and a Kryptonite crystal to weaken Superman.
Supermobile
Market Value:
Boxed $125 – $175
Loose $40 – $60
Supermobile
Accessories: Vehicle, Opening Canopy, Krypton Action Ram, Decals
Years Released: 1984
Difficulty To Find: Moderate Difficulty – Takes patience and appears less often
Notes: I know what you’re probably thinking…why would Superman need a flying vehicle? Well, this particular vehicle has the ability to shield Superman from Kryptonite. The Supermobile has an opening canopy, Krypton action ram and a captivator underneath the vehicle to capture bad guys. This was a simple vehicle but still pretty cool looking with a fantastic Superman-esque paint job.
After Mego’s epic line of World’s Greatest Super Heroes ended in 1980, the DC Comics toy license was back up for grabs. Kenner happily secured those toy rights in the early 1980’s. Since their iconic Star Wars toy line was coming to an end, they needed another big time franchise. They launched their DC Super Powers Collection line in 1984 with twelve action figures, three vehicles, a Hall of Justice playset and an official figure carry case. The world of DC comics was doing quite well at the time, and with so many iconic characters to chose from, a superhero line just made sense. This premier wave of DC Heroes posted some pretty high sales numbers and were very well-received from the generation of kids of that time.
Kenner needed to make a splash with its premier wave of DC Super Powers figures, so they released 12 figures in 1984 which included some heavy hitters in the DC universe. Featured in the wave were Aquaman, Batman, Brainiac, Flash, Green Lantern, Hawkman, Joker, Lex Luthor, Penguin, Robin, Superman and Wonder Woman. All of the characters were true comic book icons, so you can’t blame Kenner for playing it safe with their bread and butter for the first wave. Most figures (not all) came with some type of accessory and all figures had a unique action feature for each. In addition to the figures, Kenner also gave us three vehicles Batmobile, Lex-Soar 7, Supermobile) and one awesome playset with the Hall of Justice. There was also a figure carrying case to put all those amazing figures into.
The packaging for the Super Powers Collection figures was bright and colorful with beautiful artwork. Each figure was on a traditional blister card, which allowed for those great packaging graphics. The general color scheme was an attractive blue with a wide yellow stripe going across horizontally. The figure was to the left of the card, with the classic “Super Powers Collection” logo directly above. To the right of the blister card was a beautiful illustration on the particular character with the name above the illustration. There was a small talk bubble above the character illustration with each figure’s action feature inside of it. Each card back featured all of that wave’s figures and accessories, along with a small card bio of the character. Overall, the Super Powers Collection has become an iconic staple of the decade and its packaging certainly lends to that status.
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