12 Vintage Comic Book Action Figures Worth Collecting

Collecting comic book action figures brings together nostalgia and a love for classic heroes and villains. Many figures from past decades remain popular with fans thanks to their unique designs and ties to favorite stories. Here are some vintage pieces worth adding to any collection.

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1974 Mego 8-Inch Comic Superheroes

Mego’s 8-inch superheroes remain some of the most recognized vintage comic figures. Released during the 1970s, they included Batman, Superman, Spider-Man, and even X-Men characters in soft fabric costumes. Their size made them stand out at the time, and the wide character selection kept them appealing for decades.

Collectors often focus on the quality of the clothing and joints, since wear is common on loose figures. Boxed versions with intact costumes can sell for high amounts at auction. Displaying them together captures the charm of an era when comic figures were just starting to gain mass popularity.

1979 Knickerbocker Fiddlesticks Superman / Clark Kent

This unusual figure let kids switch Superman into his Clark Kent alter ego. The gimmick made it memorable, and because Knickerbocker produced fewer toys than larger companies, it is harder to track down today. The combination of playability and rarity gives it lasting interest among collectors.

Loose examples often show heavy play wear, but mint boxed versions are prized. Since it represents both the hero and his civilian side, it adds variety to a display case full of capes and masks. Finding one in good condition can be a rewarding challenge.

Batman World’s Greatest Super Heroes Retro Two-Face

Two-Face received a figure in Mego’s retro “World’s Greatest Super Heroes” line, which paid homage to classic 70s styling. His half-scarred face and dual-color outfit make the figure visually striking. Fans of Batman villains often consider him one of the standouts from the set.

Because Batman’s foes are just as popular as the hero himself, villain figures often rise in value. Carded Two-Face examples hold strong demand due to limited releases compared with the more common Batman figures. He remains a must-have for anyone focusing on vintage Gotham collectibles.

World’s Greatest DC Heroes Sinestro

Sinestro is another villain who gained recognition through Mego’s throwback line. His bright colors and comic-accurate look add personality to collections centered on Green Lantern. While he may not be as iconic as Batman’s rogues, his presence completes the heroic and villainous balance.

Many collectors focus on the retro packaging as much as the figure itself. Bright backing cards with classic DC artwork help create nostalgia. Over time, complete Sinestro figures have become harder to find in mint condition, making them more desirable to long-time fans.

Marvel Legends Retro The Amazing Spider-Man

This figure draws inspiration from the early comic designs of Spider-Man, complete with retro card art. The six-inch scale makes it compatible with modern displays while still carrying that vintage flavor. Collectors often enjoy the blend of modern articulation with nostalgic packaging.

Spider-Man remains one of the most collected heroes, so retro versions tend to sell quickly. Some buyers keep them sealed to preserve the cardback, while others display the figure alongside earlier Toy Biz releases. Either way, it remains a standout piece for Marvel enthusiasts.

Marvel Legends Retro Captain America

Captain America received his own retro Marvel Legends release that highlights classic red, white, and blue colors. The figure’s accessories and shield nod to earlier designs, while the card art connects back to vintage toy lines. It appeals to both longtime Marvel readers and modern figure fans.

In many cases, this figure is bought in pairs, with one opened for display and another kept mint on card. The bold imagery on the packaging alone makes it display-worthy. With Captain America’s popularity across comics and films, this figure bridges generations of collectors.

DC Universe Classics Red Tornado

Red Tornado might not be the most mainstream character, yet the DC Universe Classics line treated him with care. His flowing cape, bright colors, and solid articulation made him stand out in that era of releases. For collectors building full Justice League rosters, he holds a special place.

Since the DC Universe Classics line ended years ago, these figures are no longer found on store shelves. Online marketplaces are now the main source, and prices tend to rise for rarer characters like Red Tornado. He shows how second-tier heroes can still shine in a focused collection.

McFarlane DC Retro Clock King

The McFarlane retro Clock King adds personality to a Batman collection, thanks to his quirky costume and unusual design. Unlike more common figures such as Joker or Penguin, Clock King reflects the deeper cuts of DC’s catalog. That makes him interesting for collectors who enjoy less familiar villains.

Packaging in the retro series gives him added value, especially when kept sealed. Since he is part of a newer wave styled to look vintage, he offers the best of both worlds. Modern quality with nostalgic design appeals to both new collectors and those who grew up with earlier lines.

Captain Action (1966–1968 by Ideal)

Captain Action was one of the first figures that let kids change costumes to become other heroes such as Batman, Superman, and Spider-Man. This unique gimmick meant one figure could serve multiple roles depending on which outfit was added. Because the line ran for only a short time, complete sets are rare today.

Collectors look for boxed costumes with all accessories intact, as missing capes or masks are common. When found in full condition, Captain Action and his outfits command strong prices. For many fans, he represents the beginning of superhero toy collecting in the modern sense.

Kenner Super Powers Collection (1984–1986)

Kenner’s Super Powers line was a highlight of the 1980s, bringing bright, comic-accurate versions of DC heroes to store shelves. Each figure had an action feature, like Superman’s punching arms or Flash’s running legs, that added to the fun. The sculpting and packaging captured the Saturday morning cartoon feel of the time.

While Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman are easier to find, later waves with characters like Cyborg or Firestorm are prized. Condition plays a big role, as loose figures often have faded paint or broken parts. Complete carded figures, especially from the final wave, remain highly collectible.

Mattel Secret Wars Figures (1984–1985)

Marvel’s answer to DC’s Super Powers line was Mattel’s Secret Wars figures. Released during the height of the comic crossover event, the figures featured simple sculpts and lenticular shields showing different images. Characters like Wolverine, Spider-Man, and Captain America were favorites.

Though simple by today’s standards, these figures carry nostalgia from the comic storyline and 80s toy shelves. Scarcer releases such as Kang or Doom Patrol fetch higher prices. The line connects comics, toys, and the first wave of major superhero crossovers, which gives it lasting appeal.

Toy Biz X-Men Figures (1991–1995)

Toy Biz launched a massive line of X-Men figures in the 1990s, inspired by both the comics and the animated series. These toys reached a generation of kids who grew up in the height of X-Men mania. Characters like Wolverine, Cyclops, and Magneto had action features and colorful sculpts.

Though mass-produced, the line’s scope makes it collectible today, especially mint-carded figures. Some figures, like Archangel or Gambit, remain especially desirable for fans of the cartoon. For many collectors, these toys marked their entry into superhero collecting, blending nostalgia with wide availability.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.