Kids these days may not know that Superman, Spider-Man, and Batman (among many, many others) hailed from glorious comic books first published in the 1930s, costing someone 10 cents an issue on the stands. They also may not realize how well some have held their value, being that the very first Superman comic, Action Comics No. 1, supposedly goes for $3.2 million dollars—but let’s not get too sidetracked.
The real point here is that today, September 25, is National Comic Book Day, and it’s hard to imagine the toy aisles without the superheroes and villains who once upon a time, were neither action figures nor stars on the silver screen played by big-league actors and actresses; but instead, started out as hand-illustrated drawings on a comic strip.
So, being that this is a toy column, I’m going to use the rest of this article to highlight some of the very best (and my personal favorite) licensed toys and video games based on characters who may be bigger than big now, but had their very first debut in comics:
- 11-Inch Interactive Talking Turtles (Playmates Toys): With these monster-sized Leonardo, Raphael, Michelangelo, and Donatello turtle figures, kids can role play as their favorite characters and fight crime in the sewers of New York City. Watch as the gang is able to communicate back and fourth with one another, exchanging turt-ally awesome phrases and responses.
Disney Infinity Marvel Super Heroes 2.0 (Disney Interactive): Great for kids ages 10 and up, Disney Infinity brings physical characters from the real world into the game, allowing kids to play as their favorite Disney stars. This year (and just in time for the holidays), kids can place Marvel superheroes, including Captain America, Spider-Man, Hulk, and more on the Infinity Base and play in a new storyline. In addition, the game includes a virtual Toy Box where players can re-create their favorite movie and comic moments.
DC Comics Joker Helicopter (World Tech Toys): A lot of the time it’s just as fun to play as the villain, and this unique R/C gives the Joker wings so kids can fly him around on bad-guy missions indoors or outside.- Lego Batman 3: Beyond Gotham (Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment): For the first time, Lego Batman leaves Gotham and sets off into space to multiple Lantern Worlds, including Zamaron, Odyn, and more. With tons of twists and surprising character disguises, kids will have to escape mazes, battle in arenas, and race to prevail in this virtual world. In addition, kids will also be able to visit iconic DC Comics locations, including the Hall of Justice, the Batcave, and the Justice League Watchtower to access shops, trophy rooms, and hero and vehicle customizers.
Although it being National Comic Book Day is a great excuse to embrace these awesome toys, they’ll all be around for the holidays as well!
For more commentary from Deanna, check back often. Views expressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Toy Book as a whole. We hope that you will share your comments and feedback below. Until next time!
