Super Powers Spotlight - Superman

As many of you know (or maybe you don't) I am a huge fan of the Super Powers line by Kenner. Many of the fondest memories I have from my childhood are associated with my love for Super Heroes and Super Powers.  I was always drawn to the colors on both the figures themselves as well as the amazing packaging.  It just screams 80s, vintage, and awesome!

Just a quick bit of background on the line.  It ran from 1984-1986.  There were 3 waves of figures released on varying card types.  There were also many other foriegn toy companies that made Super Powers toys including Playful (Super Amigos), Pacipa(Super Amigos), Gulliver (Super Powers), Estrela (Super Powers), Lily Ledy and many others. 

The first series of figures included the most recognizable characters including: Batman, Superman, Robin, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, Aquaman, Lex Luthor, Joker, Brainiac, Hawkman, Penguin, and Flash.  The first two waves of figures also included mini comics that were numbered in order. I figured I'd follow that order for my Super Powers Spotlights.

Number 1 - Superman

 

It's pretty fitting that Superman be #1 for the iconic Super Powers line.  It seems like even the cardback was modelled using old Supes' colors.

 

Here we have one of my prized possessions. An Action Figure Authority (AFA) graded 80, first series 12 back, fan club offer Superman.  Superman's cardback looks awesome. His pose sums up for me all that is awesome about Superman and brings me back to why I loved him so much as a little kid.  For me this first series Superman is THE Super Powers figure.  I can still vividly remember when I got this guy over 25 years ago.  My brother had a new Batman and I had a new Supes.  I rememeber us both eagerly tearing into them to free our heroic toys!  My 3 year old self was only concerned with defending the Hall Of Justice not collectibility!

Next in my Superman Collection is the Canadian card variation.  These are pretty common and usually have yellowed bubbles (Canadian bubbles are notorious for this). I found this one in amazing condition and picked it up.  I usually don't like Canadian cards so this is one of only two Canadians in my collection.  Notice the French writing in the thought bubble.

For the final carded Superman in my collection I have Super Amigos Superman by the Argentinian toy company Pacipa.  I personally think the foriegn stuff is pretty cool and enjoy collecting them when I can. I actually got this item straight from Argentina.  Special thanks to Google Translate!

Finally I have the mail away Clark Kent. I figured Supes wouldn't mind sharing the spotlight with his secret identity.  Do notice the little green head at Clark's feet.  That is one of my few pre production pieces. It is a first shot mold of Superman's head that Kenner used for product testing before mass producing Superman.  It is made in a non production green color.

 

So that's it for my first of many Super Powers Spotlights. If you want more info be sure to check out The Hall of justice website found here. It's a treasure trove of information regarding all aspects of this line.

 

I'm going to close with a quote from the new "Man of Steel" trailer. I couldn't resist. It just looks so awesome!

 

"My father believed that if the world found out who I really was, they'd reject me. He convinced that the world wasn't ready. . . .What do you think" - Um yes...we're ready!