I recently lucked upon a couple super cool and super cheap
DC Super Powers action figures at the flea market -
Mantis and
Brainiac! I don't generally collect Super Powers figures (I still don't even have a Batman from the line!) but Jack Kirby Fourth World stuff is always epic and of course this is one badass Brainiac design, so how could I resist at fifty cents each?
First up is Brainiac. This robot skeletonesque design has grown into my favorite Brainiac design of all time. I have the
DC Superheroes version put out way back when Mattel could only make Superman and Batman heroes and villains. Had we only known what the future held for us!
Like all Super Powers figures, Brainiac has a lame action feature. You squeeze his arms and one leg pops out like he's trying out for the Rockettes or something. I couldn't resist humming the 'Start spreading the news' intro every time I did it. I almost made you fine folks a video of that too. Maybe someday.
Another bonus to this figure is tha vac-metal finish. He's all shiny!
My intern helped set up a meeting between Brainiac and Kalibak...
...but they had nothing in common. Kalibak just steamed up Brainiac's finish with his gruntish breathing until Brainiac simply turned and strutted away to the tune of "Start spreadin' the news!"
Next up...Mantis!
This is the re-designed Super Powers version of Mantis. Kirby's original version was more of a bug suited guy with a cape tied to his wrists and ankles. This version is more robotic (or is it a full on robot this time?)
Very Stormtrooperish. I like this design because it is more space-suity but also because it's a neat alternative version of a wacky Jack Kirby character from Apokolips, and you can't have too many of those around the house!
I also like the scale of the Super Powers Mantis against the scale of my
DCUC Kalibak. A couple fun Kirby creations indeed!
I found a "Mantis" figure ( $5.oo back in the late 90's)...But have never been able to find a "Brainiac"... I too love the design of this version...
ReplyDeleteIt's a great day when you can find any SuperPowers figures. I just found a cheap Hawkman though he didn't have his mace but still nice for three bucks. We never see anything really good at our garage sales, usually.
ReplyDeleteWhat a deal! You never see Super Powers that cheap in the wild you lucked out on these buddy. : )
ReplyDelete50 cents each is a steal. Great scores. Super powers is my favorite line from the 80s!
ReplyDeleteThose are great. My Brainiac has a broken arm from me squeezing it so much to make it kick when I was a kid.
ReplyDeleteI love the Super Powers line. You always find the greatest deals with these. Especially, that Batmobile you picked a while back. I really need to work on my Super Powers collection. However, there is a new toy line on my radar for this year. ;-)
ReplyDeleteI remember seeing a Brainiac hanging on a peg at People's Drug for a few years. I'm pretty sure it was still there when I headed off to college and CVS took it over. I kinda wish I had given him a home now.
ReplyDeleteThats a great find for a great price! You sir, have found my two all-time favorite Super Powers figures (with Steppenwolf and Martian Manhunter coming in not too far behind).
ReplyDeleteThe SP figures and Guardians of the Galaxy introduced me to the New Gods; and I've loved them and pretty much anything Jack Kirby ever since. Also this is only version of Brainiac I was aware of for many years; therefore he has a special place in my heart.
I no longer have my SP figures, but I do have these versions of the DCUC figures; but after reading your review I'm thinking I may need to get these old figures somewhere.
Super Powers are amazing!
ReplyDeleteSo glad I kept the ones I had as a kid!!
Isaac and I love them.