The World’s Greatest Super Heroes (WGSH) line, produced by the Mego Corporation between 1972 and 1982, isn’t just a toy line—it’s the blueprint for the modern action figure industry. Before Mego, superhero toys were often static figurines or clunky dolls. Mego changed the game by creating 8-inch, poseable figures with real cloth costumes, effectively “objectifying the imagination” for a generation of kids.
1. The Birth of a Legend (1971–1972)
In the early 1970s, Mego was a struggling toy company led by Marty Abrams. After their original “Action Jackson” figure failed to compete with G.I. Joe, Abrams made a visionary (and then-risky) gamble: he acquired the licenses for both DC and Marvel Comics characters.
The line debuted in 1972 at the E.J. Korvette discount store in New York. The “Original Four” were:
- Superman
- Batman
- Robin
- Aquaman
Initially, these figures were sold in “solid boxes” (no windows). Because kids kept tearing the boxes open to see the toys, Mego quickly pivoted to the iconic window boxes and later blister cards, which became industry standards.
2. Evolution of the Line
Mego’s genius lay in its “interchangeable body” system. By using a standard plastic body for most characters, they could keep costs low while focusing on unique head sculpts and cloth outfits.
Key Waves & Additions:
- 1973: Marvel entered the fray with Spider-Man and Captain America, alongside Tarzan.
- 1974 (The Super-Gals & Foes): Mego introduced female heroes like Wonder Woman, Batgirl, and Supergirl, and villains like The Joker, The Penguin, and The Riddler.
- 1975–1976: The Marvel roster expanded significantly with The Hulk, Thor, Iron Man, and the Fantastic Four.
- 1977: The Teen Titans (Speedy, Aqualad, Wonder Girl, and Kid Flash) were added, though they used a smaller 7-inch body.
Rare Gems & “Secret Identities”:
One of the most sought-after sub-sets today is the Secret Identity line (1974), which featured the heroes in their civilian clothes: Bruce Wayne, Dick Grayson, Clark Kent, and Peter Parker. These were produced in limited quantities and are “holy grails” for modern collectors.
3. Beyond the Figures: Vehicles & Playsets
Mego understood that a hero needs a home. They produced legendary playsets that were essentially vinyl-covered cardboard masterpieces:
- The Batcave: Featuring a “Bat-Pole” and a working bat signal.
- The Hall of Justice: The ultimate meeting spot for the Justice League.
- The Mobile Bat Lab: A van that doubled as a forensic headquarters.
- The Spider-Car: Because even Peter Parker occasionally needed a lift.
4. The “Mego Look”
Collectors often point to the charmingly “disheveled” look of vintage Megos. The cloth suits were prone to fraying, and Batman and Robin famously wore oversized, rubber “oven mitt” gloves. While these details might seem rudimentary by today’s hyper-realistic standards, they provided a tactile, “playable” quality that modern plastic statues lack.
5. The End of an Era (and the 2018 Revival)
The downfall of Mego is a famous piece of toy history. In 1976, Mego famously passed on the license for a little-known sci-fi movie called Star Wars. When Kenner’s 3.75-inch Star Wars figures took the world by storm, the 8-inch Mego format began to feel dated. Mego filed for bankruptcy in 1982.
However, the brand’s legacy was so strong that Marty Abrams officially relaunched Mego in 2018. Today, you can find 50th Anniversary WGSH figures in stores that look nearly identical to the 1970s originals, proving that these “World’s Greatest” heroes are truly timeless.
Fun Fact: The very first Mego Batman figures had a “removable cowl,” but the masks were so fragile and easily lost that Mego switched to a painted-on mask almost immediately. Finding a 1972 “Removable Cowl Batman” in good condition today can cost thousands of dollars.
To read my other BASEMENT TOY BOX blogs, click HERE! To read more about this amazing toy line, click on the book cover below.
