If you’re searching for a comprehensive Marvel Legends list, you’ve found the right place. The idea for a comprehensive Marvel Legends list was born out of the need for collectors to track and organize their collections.
Marvel Legends represents the gold standard of superhero action figures, offering collectors an extensive universe of meticulously crafted 6-inch-scale figures that capture the essence of their favorite Marvel characters. From iconic Avengers to cosmic guardians, these premium collectibles have revolutionized how fans connect with the Marvel Universe through detailed sculpting, premium articulation, and authentic character representation.
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Marvel Legends: Complete List That Every Collector Needs
The Marvel Legends line spans over two decades with hundreds of unique figures across multiple eras, beginning with Toy Biz in 2002 and continuing under Hasbro from 2007 to the present. Here's the comprehensive chronological list every collector needs:
Toy Biz Era (2002-2006)
The toy biz era established the foundation for what would become the most successful superhero action figure line in history. During this period, innovative packaging, superior articulation, and comic book accuracy set new standards for collectible figures.
Series I (2002)
- Iron Man
- Captain America
- Hulk
- Toad
Series II (2002)
- The Thing
- Namor
- Doctor Doom (with Doombot variant)
- Human Torch
- Hulk (Torn Shirt variant)
Series III (2002)
- Wolverine (masked and unmasked variants)
- Thor
- Magneto
- Daredevil
- Ghost Rider
Series IV (2003)
- Beast
- Elektra
- Gambit
- Punisher
- Goliath (chase figure with mini Ant-Man and Wasp)
Series V (2003)
- Blade
- Colossus
- Mr. Fantastic
- Nick Fury
- Red Skull
- Sabretooth
- Silver Surfer
Series VI (2004)
- Phoenix
- Cable
- Wolverine (brown costume)
- Punisher (variant)
- Deadpool
- Juggernaut
Series VII (2004)
- Goliath
- Vision (with phasing variant)
- Ghost Rider
Series VIII (2004)
- Black Widow
- Captain America (classic)
- Doc Ock
- Doombot
- Iceman
- Iron Man
- Man-Thing
Major Box Sets & Special Releases (2003-2006)
The toy biz era introduced collectors to comprehensive themed releases that would later influence Hasbro's approach to wave construction and character selection.
- X-Men Legends Box Set (Wolverine, Gambit, Beast, Magneto, Rogue)
- Urban Legends Box Set (Spider-Man, Rhino, Carnage, Vulture, Lizard, Daredevil, Elektra, Punisher)
- Spider-Man vs. Sinister 6 Box Set
- X-Men Classics Series
- Legendary Riders Series
- Galactus Series
- Apocalypse Series
- Sentinel Series
- Fantastic Four Box Set featuring Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Johnny Storm, and Ben Grimm
Hasbro Era (2007-Present)
When Hasbro acquired the Marvel license, the company brought manufacturing expertise and global distribution capabilities that would expand the reach of Marvel Legends worldwide. The transition marked the beginning of systematic wave releases and the formal introduction of Build-A-Figure concepts.
Early Hasbro Waves (2007-2008)
Annihilus Series (2007)
- Emma Frost
- X-3 Beast
- Planet Hulk
- Banshee
- Hercules
- Ultimate Iron Man
- Build-A-Figure: Annihilus
Queen Brood Series (2007)
- Black Knight
- Bucky Barnes
- Captain America
- Colossus
- Danger
- Cyclops
- Hydra Soldier
- Marvel Girl
- Build-A-Figure: Queen Brood
Blob Series (2007)
- Quicksilver
- Yellow Jacket
- X-3 Jean Grey
- X-3 Juggernaut
- Ultimate Wolverine
- She-Hulk
- Thor
- Xorn
- Build-A-Figure: Blob
The Return Era (2012-2014)
After a brief hiatus, Hasbro's return to Marvel Legends marked a renaissance in action figure quality and collector engagement. The company had learned valuable lessons during the break and implemented improved manufacturing processes.
Terrax Series (2012) - "Return of Marvel Legends"
- Captain America
- Constrictor
- Deadpool
- Ghost Rider
- Hope Summers
- Iron Man
- Steve Rogers
- Thor
- Build-A-Figure: Terrax
Arnim Zola Series (2012)
- Captain America
- Heroic Age Captain America
- Madame Hydra
- Red Skull
- Ultimate Captain America
- US Agent
- Build-A-Figure: Arnim Zola
The Arnim Zola wave demonstrated Hasbro's commitment to exploring diverse corners of the Marvel Universe while maintaining the Build-A-Figure concept that had proven so successful with collectors. This series included multiple Captain America variants, showcasing the company's understanding that popular characters could support multiple figure releases.
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Modern Hasbro Era (2013-Present)
The modern era has seen unprecedented expansion in character diversity, manufacturing quality, and collector engagement. Hasbro's Marvel Legends line now encompasses movie tie-ins, comic book deep cuts, and premium collector offerings.
Major Wave Highlights:
Epic Heroes and Guardians of the Galaxy Waves
- Star-Lord
- Gamora
- Drax
- Rocket Raccoon
- Groot (Build-A-Figure)
- Nova
- Iron Man
The Epic Heroes line introduced collectors to cosmic Marvel characters who had previously received limited action figure treatment. The Rocket Raccoon figure, in particular, showcased Hasbro's ability to create compelling figures of non-human characters with unique proportions and accessories.
Spider-Man Waves
- Spider-Man (multiple variants)
- Spider-Gwen
- Miles Morales
- Spider-Man 2099
- Venom
- Carnage
- Spider-Woman
Spider-Man waves have consistently been among the most popular releases, with the web-slinger's iconic costume designs and extensive rogues gallery providing endless opportunities for figure variations. Each Spider-Man release showcases the evolution of manufacturing techniques, from basic articulation to advanced joint systems that enable dynamic web-slinging poses.
X-Men Waves
- Wolverine (multiple costumes)
- Cyclops
- Storm
- Jean Grey
- Nightcrawler
- Colossus
- Rogue
- Gambit
The X-Men have remained central to Marvel Legends throughout every era, with their distinctive costumes and diverse powers providing sculptors with opportunities to showcase technical innovation. From Wolverine's retractable claws to Storm's flowing cape, X-Men figures consistently push the boundaries of what's possible in 6-inch scale action figures.
Avengers Waves
- Iron Man (multiple armors)
- Captain America (various eras)
- Thor (classic and modern)
- Hulk variants
- Black Widow
- Hawkeye
- Scarlet Witch
- Vision
Iron Man figures have benefited tremendously from movie tie-ins, with each new Marvel Cinematic Universe release inspiring detailed recreations of on-screen armor designs. The character's technological nature allows for innovative paint applications and metallic finishes that showcase Hasbro's advancing manufacturing capabilities.
Recent Premium Releases (2020-2024)
HasLab Projects
- Sentinel (2021) - 26-inch crowdfunded figure
- Galactus (2022) - 32-inch figure with light-up features
85th Anniversary Waves
- Ghost Rider
- Hulkbuster
- Vintage costume variants
X-Men '97 Waves
- Cyclops
- Jean Grey
- Wolverine
- Storm
- Nightcrawler
- Magneto
Spider-Verse Waves
- Miles Morales
- Spider-Gwen
- Spider-Man 2099
- Spider-Punk
- Peter B. Parker
Exclusive Releases by Retailer
The expansion of exclusive partnerships has created additional opportunities for collecting while providing retailers with unique products that drive foot traffic and foster customer loyalty.
Target Exclusives
- Prowler
- Various retro collection figures
- Holiday-themed releases
- Vintage packaging variants
Walmart Exclusive Releases
- Military-themed figures
- Classic costume variants
- Multi-packs featuring team rosters
The Walmart exclusive releases have often featured characters in their classic comic book appearances, appealing to longtime collectors who prefer traditional costume designs over modern interpretations.
Amazon Exclusives
- Multi-packs
- International characters
- Premium packaging options
- Digital exclusive content
Fan Channel Exclusives
- Premium collector-focused releases
- Convention variants
- Limited edition paint schemes
- Enhanced accessory packs
How to Start Collecting Marvel Legends?
Beginning your Marvel Legends journey requires strategic planning rather than impulsive purchasing. The sheer volume of available figures can overwhelm newcomers, making a systematic approach essential for building a satisfying collection without overspending.
Start with your favorite character, whether that's Spider-Man, an X-Men member, or an Avengers hero, and then gradually expand your collection through a systematic approach. This focused beginning allows you to develop expertise in specific character variations while avoiding the paralysis that comes from too many choices.
- Character-First Strategy: Focus on one character and collect different costume variations before expanding to related characters. This prevents overwhelming decisions while building expertise in specific character designs and variations. For example, a Spider-Man collector might start with the classic red and blue costume, then add the black symbiote suit, followed by various movie versions.
- Team-Based Collecting: Choose a superhero team like the X-Men or Avengers and work toward completing the roster. This approach creates clear completion goals and impressive display opportunities when finished. Team collecting also provides natural stopping points that help prevent collection sprawl.
- Wave Completion Strategy: Purchase entire waves to obtain Build-A-Figure pieces while ensuring you don't miss potentially valuable figures. This systematic approach often provides better value than individual purchases while guaranteeing access to the complete BAF.
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Building Your Collection Strategy
- Budget Management: Establish annual collection budgets based on anticipated releases. Patient collectors often find significant savings through sales, clearances, and secondary market opportunities rather than paying premium prices for immediate availability. Track your spending to ensure the hobby remains financially sustainable.
- Research Before Purchasing: Investigation prevents costly mistakes and ensures optimal acquisition decisions. Check multiple sources for price comparisons, read collector reviews, and understand differences between various releases of the same character. Some figures receive multiple releases with improvements, making timing crucial for value-conscious collectors. Be sure to check out community review sections and review videos to gather feedback and opinions before making a purchase.
- Storage and Organization: Implement systematic storage approaches for loose figures, accessories, and mint-in-package pieces. Digital catalogs help track acquisitions and identify gaps in the collection, while proper storage helps prevent damage to the collection. Consider climate-controlled environments for long-term preservation.
- Display Planning: Create dedicated display areas that effectively showcase your collection. Proper lighting, backdrop selection, and figure positioning can transform a simple shelf into an impressive showcase. Rotate displays periodically to keep them fresh and interesting.
The Marvel Exclusive Funko Soda Vinyl Figure Agent Venom represents another excellent addition to mixed-scale Marvel displays, offering a unique artistic interpretation alongside traditional action figures.
Understanding Build-A-Figures (BAF)
Build-A-Figure pieces represent one of the most innovative collecting concepts in the Marvel Legends line. Each figure in a wave includes one piece of a larger character, requiring complete wave purchases to assemble impressive figures that would be cost-prohibitive as individual releases.
The build-a-figure system creates powerful collecting incentives while enabling character representations that would otherwise be impossible within standard retail price points. Large characters, such as Galactus, Sentinel, and various kaiju-sized villains, become accessible through this distributed approach.
Notable Build-A-Figures:
- Galactus (HasLab)
- Sentinel (HasLab)
- Hulkbuster
- Thanos
- Apocalypse
- Juggernaut
- Rhino
- Groot
- Fin Fang Foom
- Dormammu
- Sauron
Each BAF typically requires purchasing 6-8 figures to complete, with some waves including variant pieces or additional accessories. The system encourages collectors to explore characters they might otherwise overlook while ensuring that even less popular figures find buyers.
Our Marvel collection features complementary items that enhance Build-A-Figure displays, creating a cohesive Marvel-themed collecting experience.
Advanced Collecting Techniques
- Wave Tracking: Stay informed about upcoming releases through collector forums, social media, and official announcements. Understanding release schedules helps with budget planning and prevents missed opportunities for exclusive figures.
- Condition Assessment: Learn to evaluate figure quality, paint applications, and joint functionality. These skills become essential when purchasing from secondary markets or trading with other collectors.
- Market Analysis: Monitor pricing trends for figures you're considering. Some releases appreciate quickly while others become widely available at discounted prices. Understanding these patterns improves purchasing decisions.
- Customization Opportunities: Consider figures as platforms for customization projects. Many collectors enjoy modifying paint schemes, swapping parts, or creating entirely new characters by using existing figures as a base.
Community and Resources
The Marvel Legends collecting community provides valuable support, information, and trading opportunities. Engaging with fellow collectors enhances the hobby experience while providing access to rare figures and expert knowledge.
- Online communities: They encompass forums, social media groups, and dedicated websites that provide news, reviews, and trading opportunities. These platforms connect collectors worldwide and provide insights into upcoming releases and market trends.
- Local Collecting Groups: Many areas have local collecting groups that meet regularly for trading, discussion, and friendship. These gatherings offer the opportunity to examine figures in person before making a purchase.
- Convention Circuit: Comic conventions provide opportunities to meet fellow collectors, view rare figures, and occasionally purchase exclusive releases. Many collectors plan their convention attendance around the release of exclusive figures.
- Trading Networks: Established trading relationships with other collectors can provide access to figures that might be difficult to find through retail channels. Reputation and trust are essential components of successful trading relationships.
The Evolution of Marvel Legends
The line's evolution from simple action figures to premium collectibles with electronic features, extensive articulation, and movie-accurate details reflects both technological advances and growing collector sophistication. Build a figure concepts, exclusive releases, and HasLab premium offerings create multiple collecting tiers that accommodate different budgets and interests.
The Marvel Legends line continues to evolve, with new characters, improved manufacturing techniques, and innovative collecting concepts keeping the hobby fresh and exciting. From the foundational releases of the toy biz era to Hasbro's modern innovations, each figure represents a piece of Marvel magic preserved in three-dimensional form.
FAQs
Are Marvel Legends figures worth collecting?
Yes, Marvel Legends offers exceptional value through premium articulation, authentic character designs, and detailed accessories. The line consistently delivers high-quality figures that retain their value, providing years of display enjoyment. Many figures, especially exclusives and anniversary editions, appreciate over time in secondary markets, with some characters being retooled along the way for improved accuracy. Collectors often bookmark this page to track releases and monitor which figures gain long-term value.
How often are new Marvel Legends released?
Hasbro typically releases new Marvel Legends waves every few months, with approximately eight to twelve waves released annually. Release schedules often coincide with major Marvel media events, comic book storylines, or seasonal retail periods. Convention exclusives and special releases provide additional collecting opportunities throughout the year.
What's the difference between Marvel Select and Marvel Legends?
Marvel Select figures are typically 7-inch scale with more detailed sculpting and higher price points, while Marvel Legends maintains 6-inch scale with extensive articulation and lower individual costs. Marvel Legends focuses on building complete teams and universes, whereas Marvel Select emphasizes individual character showcase pieces.
What is the rarest Marvel Legends figure?
Some of the rarest Marvel Legends include early convention exclusives, production variants like the blue Wasp figure, and limited promotional releases. Certain toy biz era figures, HasLab crowdfunded releases, and retailer exclusives with distribution issues command significant secondary market premiums among dedicated collectors.
How do I determine if a figure is authentic?
Authentic Marvel Legends figures feature high-quality paint applications, tight joints, and official Hasbro/Marvel licensing marks. Compare the suspected figures with official product photos, especially characters like War Machine, known for their detailed battle armor, and be cautious of unusually low prices, as these may indicate counterfeit products. Always purchase from trusted sources to ensure you're adding genuine force to your collection.
What's the best way to store loose figures?
Store loose figures in climate-controlled environments away from direct sunlight. Use acid-free storage materials and consider individual plastic bags for long-term preservation. Keep each weapon and accessory organized in labeled containers to prevent loss, especially for figures like Iron Monger, Hit Monkey, or Absorbing Man, which often include multiple small parts that are easily misplaced.
Key Takeaways
Marvel Legends collecting offers rewarding experiences for fans willing to approach the hobby with strategic thinking and realistic expectations. The comprehensive Marvel Legends list above demonstrates the remarkable scope of this collecting universe, spanning over 500 unique figures across two decades of continuous production.
Success depends on taking the first steps with focused, passion-driven objectives rather than attempting to collect everything immediately. Whether you're building an Avengers team with giant man, collecting X-Men variations, or focusing on Spider-Man figures like the Green Goblin, the extensive character roster provides options for every Marvel fan.
Whether you're a model collector displaying curated figures or a newcomer exploring your first figures, this comprehensive Marvel Legends list provides the foundation for building your dream Marvel collection through strategic, informed purchasing decisions. Start your collecting journey today by exploring our complete Marvel collection and discover how these exceptional figures can bring your favorite characters to life in your display space.
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Citations:
[1] https://legendsverse.com/checklist/marvel-legends/waves
[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Marvel_Legends_Hasbro_action_figures
