Hello, and welcome back, Spider-Man fans! It’s good to see you again! Just like how it’s always good to see our favorite Spider-Man characters return, whether it’s in the comics, movies, or, as is the subject of this month’s Spider-Tracer article would suggest, the Marvel Legends toy line. To be more specific, we’ll be looking at some looks and designs in dire need of a figure for characters that have already received a figure of some sort. Let’s begin with…
Classic Owl
This year, the Owl got his first figure ever! It’s a nice figure, but, alas, it’s a very modern design. It’s my hope that, sooner than later, Leland Owlsley will receive a figure more in line with his classic design; that’s the design I want on my Spider-Man Villains shelf, as it’s the look he sported for the “Owl/Octopus Gangwar” story.
Riot
Riot received a figure, along with Venom and Agony, in a 3-pack of figures that was exclusive to Amazon. While the Riot we got is nice, and sporting his more modern design, I prefer the grey, smaller look of the 90’s; the look he sported in “Lethal Protector” and “Separation Anxiety”. Hasbro stated that they put him on the bigger base body that originated in the 2018 Monster Venom Build-A-Figure wave because they needed to use a base body bigger than the current standard Venom that came in the 3-pack. Sure, Riot is bigger than Venom, but I’d argue this was took big. I would have preferred that they waited until they had a better base body, or if they had used their body typically used for Colossus, but with a new head, arms, and feet. I hope Riot’s grey, smaller, 90’s look is still in the cards. Perhaps he could come in a 2-pack with Lasher, as Lasher’s original figure was poorly made the first time; I know I’d love to upgrade both characters in one fell swoop.
The Beetle’s Original Costume
I love the 80’s armored Beetle we got in the MCU Vulture wings BAF wave, but a part of me also wants to see a figure made of his original design, which he used to first fight Spider-Man in “The Amazing Spider-Man” Vol. 1, #21. It was the design he wore all throughout the rest of the 60’s and 70’s, including more bouts with Spider-Man. There’s a jumpsuit body that would serve as a perfect base for the figure, and it would only require just a few new parts. You could place this figure in so many different places in the collection display, as he fought everyone from Spidey, to Daredevil, to the Human Torch, and Iron Man, too, all while wearing this original design!
Sandman (Frightful Four Costume)
The Sandman has had quite a few comic figures over the years, but none of them were of his all-green look that he used to fight alongside the Frightful Four. While Sandman used this look to fight the Fantastic Four, which he started using during Jack Kirby’s legendary run on that title, he fought Spider-Man in it a few times, including the first issue of “Marvel Team-Up”! It’s a look I’d love to have in my collection.
Classic Boomerang
Back in 2014, Boomerang received a figure in his more modern, Superior Foes of Spider-Man costume. And, while the figure was okay, I’ve been dying for a classic version of the villain ever since, so as to finally complete the original Sinister Syndicate team on my Spidey Villains shelf. Classic Boomerang would be a day one pre-order purchase!
Classic Man-Wolf
Last year, Hasbro made a Man-Wolf in his Star-God costume in their Magic the Gathering/Marvel Legends crossover line. While the figure itself looks cool, I would have much preferred getting his original yellow moon-suit design, which first showed up in “The Amazing Spider-Man” #124. I know that ToyBiz made this design years ago in their Spider-Man Classics toyline, but this figure is sorely in need of an update.
Kraven the Hunter (“Last Hunt”)
While Kraven has had several figures over the years (none of them great as we covered in a recent Spider-Tracer article), there hasn’t been a figure of his “Last Hunt” design, despite one figure even using art from the story on its packaging. I’d love to add Kraven in this look to the shelf, as it’s not only his best story, but one of Spider-Man’s best stories, as well!
Chameleon (Robed)
There have only been two Marvel Legends Chameleon figures. One was in a blue dress suit, while the other was in his 90’s Animated Series design. The suited figure is showing its age, while the Animated Series version isn’t a design I want with my comic figures, so I ended up kitbashing a better suited Chameleon figure using parts from Animated Chameleon and a Matt Murodck figure, which was part of the “Spider-Man: No Way Home” line of figures. And while that kitbashed Chameleon is a nice figure (he looks just like he did on the bottom right of the cover of “Web of Spider-Man” #52), I can’t help but want a Chameleon figure in a robe. It’s a look that stretches clear back to the Ditko era, and, as a result, it’s a design I closely associate with the character. Were Hasbro to released a robed Chameleon, I have no doubt that it would be the Chameleon I display on my Spider-Man villains shelf.
Doc Ock (Armani Suit)
While I normally prefer Doc Ock’s orange and green jumpsuit, I must admit that I also enjoy when the villain wears a dress suit, especially a white one, just as he did when Erik Larsen was depicting the character. It’s a great look alternate look for the not-so-good doctor, and it perplexes me that this look was never made by Hasbro, or ToyBiz, for that matter.
Spider-Armor MK I
A few years ago, Hasbro made a Spider-Armor MK I figure on a Retro Spider-Man card, and it was very clearly NOT a comic figure. After wanting the design as a figure for years, it came as a humongous disappointment to me. The figure was actually based on the armor’s appearance in the 2018 Sony “Spider-Man” game. As a result, I’ve never liked this figure, even after Marvel used the armor in “Spider-Man: The Lost Hunt”. I still want a Spider-Man MK I armor, but I want it accurate to its appearance in “Web of Spider-Man” #100, as depicted by Alex Saviuk. It’s worth noting that ToyBiz made a classic version of this armor twice; once in the 5″ toy line based on the Animated Series, and one in Spider-Man Classics, however, that figure was ruined by an unfortunate, silly action feature.
And with that, we conclude our list! What alternate looks for Spider-Man and the characters inhabiting his world do you want figures of? Perhaps there’s someone out there wanting some of those “Spider-Man: Chapter One” looks (Vulture might be cool, but Electro? No thanks!)? Either way, let me know in the comments section below!
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