If you’re a longtime Superman fan or a collector of DC action figures, Spin Master has just delivered a surprise blast from the past that you didn’t know you needed: a retro-style line of action figures based on Superman: The Movie (1978)!
While on an anniversary trip, I stumbled upon these figures completely by accident at a local Target store, and I couldn’t believe my eyes. Sitting quietly on the pegs were 3.75-inch figures of Superman, Lex Luthor, General Zod, and Jor-El. They are designed with that classic late ’70s/early-’80s Kenner-style aesthetic that instantly sparks nostalgia. With cardbacks that feel straight out of the Super Powers or Star Wars vintage era, these figures are pure gold for collectors who grew up believing a man could fly.
Each figure in the line features five points of articulation, sculpted details reminiscent of the era, and accessories straight from the film. Superman comes with a Kryptonite necklace, Lex Luthor includes a wig and Daily Planet newspaper, Zod comes with a Phantom Zone tile, and Jor-El features a Kryptonian crystal shard. The attention to retro authenticity is impressive, though not without a few quirks—Superman’s plastic cape, for example, could have been improved with a vinyl version, and the figure scale is slightly larger than vintage Kenner figures, which may be a drawback for scale purists.
At the time of this writing, the full first wave includes:
- Superman (Christopher Reeve)
- Lex Luthor (Gene Hackman)
- General Zod (Terence Stamp)
- Jor-El (Marlon Brando)
- Lois Lane (Margo Kidder)
- Jor-El Variant (Black Suit Variant)
Sadly, with the DC license winding down at Spin Master, this incredible line may end at just one wave, making these figures even more essential for collectors. My wish for a potential Wave 2 would include Ursa, Non, Clark Kent, Jimmy Olsen, or Perry White, but that dream may be Kryptonian dust in the wind. For now, we’re lucky to have this unexpected gem of a toyline.
If you’re a Superman collector, a fan of the 1978 film, or just love retro action figures, you’ll want to track these down immediately. They’re hitting Targets now, and given their low-profile release, many collectors may not even realize they’re available.
If you don’t want to wait for them to hit Target, you can always go the eBay route.
- Superman – https://ebay.us/MLuYd7
- Jor-El – https://ebay.us/PdFYlz
- Lex Luthor – https://ebay.us/CpFYea
- General Zod – https://ebay.us/7e9FGq
Will you be snagging these Retro Superman: The Movie Figures from Spin Master? Leave your thoughts in the comment section below!
