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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, including Superman, Batman, Robin, Aquaman, Shazam, Joker, Penguin, Riddler, Mr. Mxyzptlk, Green Arrow, Isis, Tarzan, Catwoman, Wonder Woman, Supergirl, Batgirl and the Teen Titans (Aqualad, Kid Flash, Speedy, Wonder Girl). 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 DC Comics World’s Greatest Super Heroes figures, see bottom of page for a complete summary.

Mego secured the toy rights for DC Comics characters in 1971, and rolled out the first four action figures in 1972. It was on a limited scale to test the market but was a massive success. Mego rolled out several more DC characters during the run of the WGSH line until it came to an end in 1980.

Aquaman

Aquaman
Accessories: Cloth Outfit, Gloves, Emblem
Years Released: Solid Box – 1972
Open Box – 1973 – 1975 Carded – 1976 – 1978
Difficulty To Find: Hard to find on the secondary market in either format
Notes: The solid box packaging version of Aquaman was one of Four original releases in 1972 of the WGSH line. It was only available in select markets and retailers. Mego changed their box packaging beginning in 1973, with a more friendly window version, so buyers could actually see the figure inside. Beginning in 1976, Aquaman switched packaging once again, but this time to a new carded blister pack, along with the rest of the WGSH figures. This carded version would remain in production until Aquaman was removed from the WGSH lineup in 1978. Aquaman came with his cloth outfit and emblem on it, along with his gloves. Note that Aquaman did not come with any type of footwear.

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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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Green Arrow

Green Arrow
Accessories: Cloth Outfit, Boots, Bow, Quiver, Hat
Years Released: Boxed – 1974 – 1975
Carded – 1976 – 1978
Difficulty To Find: Hard to find on the secondary market in either format
Notes: Green Arrow 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 1978, when he was eventually removed from the WSGH lineup. There were no variations from the Boxed to Carded versions. Green Arrow included lots of little accessories, which are often lost with many loose versions on the secondary market. Arrow came his cloth outfit, boots, hat, quiver and of course, his signature bow. It should also be noted that his mask is painted on and not removable.

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Isis

Isis
Accessories: Cloth Outfit, underwear, Sandals, Bracelets
Years Released: Boxed – 1976
Carded – 1977 – 1978
Difficulty To Find: Boxed figures are Moderate Difficulty, while Carded figures are Hard to Find
Notes: Isis was released in 1976 with the open box format used at the time. It should be noted that Isis’ box has a different design than others in the series. She switched over to the carded blister pack format until 1978, when she was eventually removed from the WSGH lineup. Isis is included with the DC characters, due to her DC comic book published during this time period. Isis came with her cloth outfit, undergarments, sandals and bracelets. Note that the headpiece for Isis is not removable and molded onto her head.

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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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Mr. Mxyzptlk

Mr. Mxyzptlk
Accessories: Cloth Outfit, Belt
Years Released: Boxed – 1974 – 1975
Carded – 1976 – 1978
Difficulty To Find: Moderate Difficulty – Takes patience and appears less often in either format
Notes: Mr. Mxyzptlk 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 1978, when he was eventually removed from the WSGH lineup. There were no variations from the Boxed to Carded versions. Mr. Mxyzptlk came with his cloth outfit and belt. Interesting that Mxyzptlk was made, but no Lex Luthor.

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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.

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Shazam

Shazam
Accessories: Cloth Outfit, Boots, Cape, Emblem
Years Released: Boxed – 1974 – 1975
Carded – 1976 – 1980
Difficulty To Find: Boxed figures are Moderate Difficulty, while Carded figures are Hard to Find
Notes: Shazam made his Mego debut in 1974 with this open boxed version. Mego switched their packaging format to a carded blister pack from 1976-1979, when he was removed from the WSGH lineup. There were no variations from the Boxed to Carded versions. Shazam came with his cloth outfit and emblem on it, along with his boots and cape. Note that Shazam’s cape differed from others with its high collar.

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Supergirl

Supergirl
Accessories: Cloth Outfit, Belt, Cape, Shoes, Emblem
Years Released: Boxed – 1974 – 1975
Carded – 1976 – 1979
Difficulty To Find: Hard to Find – Occasionally listed, and usually sells quickly in either format
Notes: Supergirl 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, along with the rest of the WGSH lineup. There were no variations from the Boxed to Carded versions. Supergirl came with her cloth outfit and emblem on it, along with her belt and shoes. Note that the cape can be removed from the cloth outfit.

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Superman

Superman
Accessories: Cloth Outfit, Boots, Cape, Emblem
Years Released: Solid Box – 1972 ; Open Box – 1973 – 1975
Kresge Card – 1973 – 1975 ; Carded – 1976 – 1980
Difficulty To Find: Moderate Difficulty – Takes patience and appears less often in either format
Notes: Superman made his Mego debut in 1972 with a Solid Box Package, which was one of four original releases that year, and ushed in the WGSH line. It was only available in select markets and retailers at the time. Mego changed their packaging beginning in 1973, with a more friendly window box version, so buyers could actually see the figure inside. Also in 1973, Mego produced an exclusive packaged version of their WGSH figures for the Kresge (K-Mart) Department Store, which ran until 1975. Beginning in 1976, Mego switched to a new Carded Blister Pack format for their WGSH lineup. This carded version would remain in production until the line came to an end in 1980. Superman came with his cloth outfit and emblem on it, along with his cape and boots.

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Tarzan

Tarzan
Accessories: Cloth Outfit, Boots, Bag
Years Released: Boxed – 1973 – 1975
Carded – 1975 – 1976
Difficulty To Find: Moderate Difficulty – Takes patience and appears less often in either format
Notes: Tarzan was released in 1973 with the open box format used at the time. He switched over to the Kresge carded format in 1975, which was an exclusive packaging variant only sold at the Kresge Department Store. Tarzan was eventually removed from the lineup in 1976, and never released on the regular blister card packaging. Tarzan is included with the DC characters due to his DC comic published during this time period. Tarzan came with his cloth bodysuit, Tarzan outfit and a knife, which is commonly missing with loose versions.

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Wonder Woman

Wonder Woman
Accessories: Cloth Outfit, Boots
Years Released: Boxed – 1974 – 1975
Carded – 1975 – 1976
Difficulty To Find: Hard to Find – Occasionally listed, and usually sells quickly in either format
Notes: Wonder Woman was released in 1975 with the open box format used at the time. She switched over to the Kresge carded format in 1975, which was created as an exclusive package only sold at the Kresge Department Store. Wonder Woman was eventually removed from the lineup in 1976, and was never released on the regular blister card packaging format. Wonder Woman came with her cloth outfit and boots. It should be noted that her headpiece is affixed to her head and cannot be removed.

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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.

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.