Marvel Select
Encyclopedia
Marvel Select is a line of action figures based on superheroes and supervillains from the Marvel Universe
that has been designed and released by Diamond Select Toys since 2002. Marvel Select figures are available only from comic shops, as well as specialty retailers like the Disney Store
.
, with development and production by Marvel Comics' toy division, Toy Biz, but now that Toy Biz is defunct, all design is done in-house at Diamond Select. The figures were originally based mainly on the Ultimate Marvel
and Marvel Knights
characters, while the mass-market toy lines dealt with the main-universe characters. However, this practice was soon phased out, allowing all the lines to expand, and today the Marvel Select line covers both the core titles as well as most of the Marvel movies. In the early days of the line, figures focused on sculpting over articulation, but they also tended to include large, diorama-sized bases and accessories (sometimes even a second figure) that necessitated large display packaging, distinctively decorated with comic artwork of each character. These pack-ins helped differentiate Marvel Select from similarly scaled toy lines, but as Marvel Select began to tackle more and more large-scale characters, like the Hulk, its appeal with 6-inch scale figure collectors grew, as well.
magazine, allowing respondents to pick which of five characters (also including Sandman
, Thanos, "DoFP" Wolverine and New X-Men Beast
) would be produced as an exclusive for the 2005 summer conventions. Since then, two of the other candidates (Thanos and Wolverine) have been released.
Marvel Universe
The Marvel Universe is the shared fictional universe where most comic book titles and other media published by Marvel Entertainment take place, including those featuring Marvel's most familiar characters, such as Spider-Man, the Hulk, the X-Men, and the Avengers.The Marvel Universe is further...
that has been designed and released by Diamond Select Toys since 2002. Marvel Select figures are available only from comic shops, as well as specialty retailers like the Disney Store
Disney Store
Disney Store is an international chain of specialty stores selling only Disney related items, many of them exclusive. Disney Store is a business unit of Disney Consumer Products. James Fielding serves as the President....
.
History
The line was originally designed, sold and marketed by Diamond Select ToysDiamond Select Toys
Diamond Select Toys was founded in 1999 by sister company Diamond Comics Distributors to create collectibles for children and adults, and has since licensed a variety of pop culture properties, including Marvel Comics, Star Wars, Star Trek, Transformers, Ghostbusters, Halo, G.I. Joe: A Real...
, with development and production by Marvel Comics' toy division, Toy Biz, but now that Toy Biz is defunct, all design is done in-house at Diamond Select. The figures were originally based mainly on the Ultimate Marvel
Ultimate Marvel
Ultimate Marvel is an imprint of comic books published by Marvel Comics, featuring reimagined and updated versions of the company's superhero characters, including Spider-Man, the X-Men, the Avengers, and the Fantastic Four. The imprint was launched in 2000 with the publication of the series...
and Marvel Knights
Marvel Knights
Marvel Knights is an imprint of Marvel Worldwide, Inc. that contains material taking place within the mainstream Marvel Universe .-Production:...
characters, while the mass-market toy lines dealt with the main-universe characters. However, this practice was soon phased out, allowing all the lines to expand, and today the Marvel Select line covers both the core titles as well as most of the Marvel movies. In the early days of the line, figures focused on sculpting over articulation, but they also tended to include large, diorama-sized bases and accessories (sometimes even a second figure) that necessitated large display packaging, distinctively decorated with comic artwork of each character. These pack-ins helped differentiate Marvel Select from similarly scaled toy lines, but as Marvel Select began to tackle more and more large-scale characters, like the Hulk, its appeal with 6-inch scale figure collectors grew, as well.
Scale
Unlike other toy lines, where figure sizes can often be inconsistent, Marvel Select figures are sculpted in a strict 7" scale. In that scale, the larger characters of the Marvel Universe can stand as tall as 9 or 10 inches, and while they would need special treatment in any other toy line, in Marvel Select they simply fill up the line's already ample packaging, which was originally designed to allow plenty of space for bases and accessories. However, since the size of characters in the Marvel Universe can often vary according to the artist, those larger figures can also appear to be in scale with 6-inch scale figures and even 3 3/4-inch scale figures, on occasion, making the line popular with collectors of multiple toy lines. As the line has continued, DST has used the "Select" label for other brands, to indicate that a line is in the 7-inch scale and comes with an elaborate base or accessory.Fan Polls
In 2004, She-Hulk was chosen in a fan poll run by ToyFareToyFare
ToyFare was a monthly comedy and collecting magazine published by Wizard Entertainment that focused on collectible action figures, busts, statues, and maquettes. It previewed new and upcoming lines and figures each month, as well as providing a price guide for toy lines, new and old...
magazine, allowing respondents to pick which of five characters (also including Sandman
Sandman (Marvel Comics)
Sandman is a fictional character who appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. A shapeshifter endowed through an accident with the ability to turn himself into sand, he eventually reformed, and became an ally of Spider-Man...
, Thanos, "DoFP" Wolverine and New X-Men Beast
Beast (comics)
Beast , Dr. Henry Philip "Hank" McCoy, is a comic book character, a Marvel Comics superhero and a member of the mutant team of superheroes known as the X-Men...
) would be produced as an exclusive for the 2005 summer conventions. Since then, two of the other candidates (Thanos and Wolverine) have been released.
Released figures
- Ultimate Spider-ManUltimate Spider-ManUltimate Spider-Man was a superhero comic book series that was published by Marvel Comics from 2000 to 2009. The series is a modernized re-imagining of Marvel's long-running Spider-Man comic book franchise as part of its Ultimate Marvel imprint...
with a burglar webbed to a wall base - PunisherPunisherThe Punisher is a fictional character, an anti-hero appearing in comic books based in the . Created by writer Gerry Conway and artists John Romita, Sr., and Ross Andru, the character made its first appearance in The Amazing Spider-Man #129 .The Punisher is a vigilante who employs murder,...
with smashed pinball machine, arsenal of weapons and thug victim figure - ElektraElektra (comics)Elektra Natchios, usually referred to only by her first name Elektra, is a fictional character in publications from Marvel Comics.Elektra is a kunoichi – female ninja assassin – of Greek descent. She wields a pair of bladed sai as her trademark weapon. She is a love interest of the superhero...
with castle tower display base, ninja arsenal and additional hand and leg attachments - Ultimate Captain America with flag, shield and WWII battlefield base
- Black Widow IIBlack Widow (Yelena Belova)Black Widow is a fictional character, a spy in the . She first appears in Inhumans #5 and was created by Paul Jenkins and Jae Lee.-Publication history:...
with cave wall base, pistol and storage drums - Origin Wolverine with forest display and wolves
- Black CatBlack Cat (comics)The Black Cat is a fictional character, a superheroine in comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Marv Wolfman and artist Keith Pollard, she first appeared in The Amazing Spider-Man #194 ....
with apartment wall base, safe, jewels and Spider-Man - Ultimate Iron ManUltimate Iron ManUltimate Iron Man is the name of two comic book miniseries written by Orson Scott Card and published by Marvel Comics. The stories tell the origins of the Ultimate Marvel version of Iron Man, who appears in Ultimates.-Publication history:...
with removable forearm armor and recharging station - Ultimate Hulk with printed scenic city base
- Ultimate Venom (classic Venom variant) with an unmasked Spider-Man webbed to the wall base and symbiote jar
- Ultimate WolverineUltimate WolverineUltimate Wolverine is an alternative version of Wolverine who appears in comics containing stories set in the Ultimate Marvel universe. He first appears in Ultimate X-Men #1 and was created by Mark Millar and Adam Kubert.-Early years:...
with injured Magneto - Green GoblinGreen GoblinThe Green Goblin is a fictional character, a supervillain who appears in the comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character was created by writer Stan Lee and artist Steve Ditko, and first appeared in The Amazing Spider-Man #14 ....
with goblin glider, pumpkin bomb and kidnapped tied-up Spider-Man - Ultimate ThorUltimate ThorUltimate Thor is a superhero in the Ultimate Marvel Universe based on the Marvel Universe version of Thor who is in turn based on the god of the same name of Norse mythology....
with Mjöllnir and defeated Giant-Man base - Dr. Doom with goblet, pistol, a variant hand, and a detailed throne with banners
- Dr. Octopus with Spider-Man
- "Here Comes Tomorrow" PhoenixPhoenix (comics)The Phoenix Force is an entity in the Marvel Comics fictional universe which has bonded with other characters, who often used the alias Phoenix....
(fiery transparent Phoenix variant) with flame base - Emma FrostEmma FrostEmma Grace Frost is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Uncanny X-Men #129 , and was created by writer Chris Claremont and artist/co-writer John Byrne....
(Diamond transparent Emma variant) with detailed fireplace and mantle display base - Black Costume Spider-ManSpider-ManSpider-Man is a fictional Marvel Comics superhero. The character was created by writer-editor Stan Lee and writer-artist Steve Ditko. He first appeared in Amazing Fantasy #15...
with rooftop gargoyle ledge - She-HulkShe-HulkShe-Hulk is a Marvel Comics superheroine. Created by writer Stan Lee and artist John Buscema, she first appeared in Savage She-Hulk #1 ....
with crushed car (ToyFare exclusive) - Ultimate Carnage with Gwen Stacy corpse
- ThanosThanosThanos is a fictional character that appears in comic books and other media published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Iron Man #55 and was created by writer-artist Jim Starlin....
with alternate Infinity GauntletInfinity GemsInfinity Gems, sometimes referred to as the Soul Gems, are six immensely powerful gems featured in the fictional Marvel Universe. Whoever holds all six gems in the Infinity Gauntlet gains omnipotence, omniscience, omnipresence, and God-like power, and has absolute dominion over the universe...
hand and DeathDeath (Marvel Comics)Death is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Captain Marvel #27 Death is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Captain Marvel #27 Death is a fictional...
(with separate face-mask) - "Days of the Future Past" Wolverine with Katherine Pride and wanted poster ruins base
- Uatu the WatcherUatuUatu, often simply known as The Watcher, is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Stan Lee and designed by artist Jack Kirby, he first appeared in The Fantastic Four #13 ....
with moon stand - Spider-Woman ISpider-Woman (Jessica Drew)Spider-Woman is a fictional character, a superheroine in the Marvel Comics Universe. The character first appeared in Marvel Spotlight #32 , and 50 issues of an ongoing series titled Spider-Woman followed...
(first Appearance variant with short hair,Spider-Woman II secret wars SDCC exclusive and Spider-Woman II modern costume variant) with Hydra Agents and Hydra mansion base - Moon KnightMoon KnightMoon Knight is a fictional character, a mercenary-turned-superhero appearing in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character exists in the Marvel Universe and was created by Doug Moench and Don Perlin...
with Khonshu Statue - Cloak & DaggerCloak and Dagger (comics)Cloak and Dagger are a fictional comic book superhero duo in the . They were created by writer William "Bill" Mantlo and designed by artist Edward Hannigan.-Publication history:...
with light knives - Iron Spider with rooftop gargoyle ledge (ToyFare exclusive repaint of the Black Costume Spider-Man)
- MephistoMephisto (comics)Mephisto is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appears in Silver Surfer #3 and was created by Stan Lee and John Buscema, loosely modeled on Mephistopheles - a character from the Faust legend.Debuting in the Silver Age of comic books,...
with throne - Ghost RiderGhost Rider (comics)Ghost Rider is the name of several fictional supernatural antiheroes appearing in comic books published by Marvel Comics. Marvel had previously used the name for a Western character whose name was later changed to Night Rider and subsequently to Phantom Rider.The first supernatural Ghost Rider is...
with fiery highway base - Alien Legends - SkrullSkrullThe Skrulls are a fictional race of extraterrestrial shapeshifters that appear in publications by Marvel Comics.-Publication history:The Skrulls first appeared in Fantastic Four #2 and were created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby....
and BroodBrood (comics)The Brood are a race of insectoid, parasitic, extraterrestrial beings that appear in the comic books published by Marvel Comics, especially Uncanny X-Men. Created by writer Chris Claremont and artist Dave Cockrum, they first appeared in Uncanny X-Men #155 .The Brood possess wings, fanged teeth and...
2-pack - Zombie Spider-Man with detachable leg and Silver Surfer pieces base
- Zombie Captain America with removable skull, shield and Silver Surfer pieces base
- Zombie Hulk with Silver Surfer pieces base -
- Skrull Elektra and "Alien Legends" Skrull repaints (SDCC exclusive)
- Modern Costume ThorThor (Marvel Comics)Thor is a fictional superhero who appears in publications published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Journey into Mystery #83 and was created by editor-plotter Stan Lee, scripter Larry Lieber, and penciller Jack Kirby....
with Mjölnir and Asgard base - Incredible HulkHulk (comics)The Hulk is a fictional character, a superhero in the . Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, the character first appeared in The Incredible Hulk #1 ....
with rubble-strewn base - Extremis Armor Iron Man (stealth armor variant and Captain America armor BigBadToyStore exclusive variant) with blast off base
- New Captain America (unmasked variant) with canister, sword in hostler, and gargoyle ledge
- Red Hulk with rubble-strewn base (BigBadToyStore exclusive)
- Captain Marvel (Genis-VellGenis-VellGenis-Vell, also known as Legacy, Captain Marvel, and Photon, is a fictional superhero in the Marvel Comics universe. He is depicted as the son of Mar-Vell of the extraterrestrial Kree Empire, who was the first character to be known as Captain Marvel in the Marvel Universe...
variant and Genis-Vell variant with Kree navy uniform) with crashed Skrull ship base - Anti-Venom with symbiote base
- Wolverine (first appearance variant and uncanny costume variant) with Weapon X base
- Marvel GirlJean GreyJean Grey-Summers is a fictional comic book superheroine appearing in comic books published by Marvel Comics. She has been known under the aliases Marvel Girl, Phoenix, and Dark Phoenix and is best known as one of five original members of the X-Men, for her relationship with Cyclops, and for her...
(Rachel SummersRachel SummersRachel Anne Summers is a fictional character, a comic book superheroine created by writer Chris Claremont and artist/co-writer John Byrne for Marvel Comics....
variant) with half of the Xaiver mansion gate - X-Men Origins: WolverineX-Men Origins: WolverineX-Men Origins: Wolverine is a 2009 American action film based on the Marvel Comics' fictional character Wolverine. The fourth installment in the X-Men film series, it was released worldwide on May 1, 2009...
with dumpster - SabretoothSabretooth (comics)Sabretooth is a fictional character, a Marvel Comics supervillain created by writer Chris Claremont and artist/co-writer John Byrne. The character first appeared in Iron Fist #14...
(first appearance variant) with damaged Weapon X facility base - DaredevilDaredevil (Marvel Comics)Daredevil is a fictional character, a superhero in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character was created by writer-editor Stan Lee and artist Bill Everett, with an unspecified amount of input from Jack Kirby, and first appeared in Daredevil #1 .Living in the Hell's Kitchen neighborhood...
(unmasked variant) with cathedral roof top - Spider-Man with destroyed car base
- Iron Man 2: Iron Man Mark VI Iron Man 2Iron Man 2 is a 2010 American superhero film featuring the Marvel Comics character Iron Man, produced by Marvel Studios and distributed by Paramount Pictures. It is the sequel to 2008's Iron Man, the second film in a planned trilogy and is a part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Directed by Jon...
(Ironman Man Mark IVIron Man (film)Iron Man is a 2008 American superhero film based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name. Directed by Jon Favreau, the film stars Robert Downey, Jr. as Tony Stark, an industrialist and master engineer who builds a powered exoskeleton and becomes the technologically advanced superhero, Iron...
BordersBorders GroupBorders Group, Inc. was an international book and music retailer based in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The company employed approximately 19,500 throughout the U.S., primarily in its Borders and Waldenbooks stores....
variant) with armor assembly station base - Iron Man 2: War MachineWar MachineWar Machine is a fictional character, a comic book superhero appearing in comic books set in the Marvel Comics universe. The character of James Rhodes first appeared in Iron Man #118 by David Michelinie, John Byrne and Bob Layton...
with armor assembly station base - The ThingThing (comics)The Thing is a fictional character, a founding member of the superhero team known as the Fantastic Four in the Marvel Comics universe. He was created by Jack Kirby and Stan Lee in The Fantastic Four #1...
with printed group scene Fantastic Four base - AbominationAbomination (comics)The Abomination is a fictional character, a supervillain that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics...
with destroyed ground base - CyclopsCyclops (comics)Cyclops is a fictional character, the leader of the X-Men superhero team in the . A mutant, Cyclops emits a powerful energy beam from his eyes...
(X-Factor variant) with interchangeable mask-less head and danger room base - Deadpool (unmasked variant) back alley base
- MagnetoMagneto (comics)Magneto is a fictional character that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. He is the central villain of the X-Men comic, as well as the TV show and the films. The character first appears in X-Men #1 , and was created by writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby...
with destroyed Xavior mansion base - JuggernautJuggernaut (comics)The Juggernaut is a fictional character that appears in publications published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in X-Men #12 , and was created by writer Stan Lee and artist/co-plotter Jack Kirby....
(unmasked variant) with rubble base - Thor (film)Thor (film)Thor is a 2011 American superhero film based on the comic book character of the same name published by Marvel Comics. It is the fourth film released as part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe...
: LokiLoki (comics)Loki is a fictional character, a supervillain that appears in publications by Marvel Comics. He is the adoptive brother and archenemy of the superhero Thor. He is based on the being of the same name from Norse mythology...
with bifröst gate base - Thor (film)Thor (film)Thor is a 2011 American superhero film based on the comic book character of the same name published by Marvel Comics. It is the fourth film released as part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe...
: ThorThor (Marvel Comics)Thor is a fictional superhero who appears in publications published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Journey into Mystery #83 and was created by editor-plotter Stan Lee, scripter Larry Lieber, and penciller Jack Kirby....
with bifröst gate base - GambitGambit (comics)Gambit is a fictional character, a Marvel Comics superhero that has been a member of the X-Men. Created by writer Chris Claremont and artist Jim Lee, the character first appeared briefly in Uncanny X-Men Annual #14 , weeks before a more comprehensive appearance in Uncanny X-Men #266...
(long-haired variant) with danger room base - Captain America: The First AvengerCaptain America: The First AvengerCaptain America: The First Avenger is a 2011 American superhero film based on the Marvel Comics character Captain America. It is the fifth installment of the Marvel Cinematic Universe...
: Captain America with machine base - Captain America: The First AvengerCaptain America: The First AvengerCaptain America: The First Avenger is a 2011 American superhero film based on the Marvel Comics character Captain America. It is the fifth installment of the Marvel Cinematic Universe...
: Red Skull with machine base - HawkeyeHawkeye (comics)Hawkeye , also known as Goliath and Ronin, is a fictional character that appears in the comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Tales of Suspense #57 and was created by writer Stan Lee and artist Don Heck. Hawkeye joined the Avengers in Avengers Vol. 1 #16 Hawkeye...
(Disney Store exclusive) with slain Ultron base - ThorThor (comics)Thor has appeared as a character in various comics over the years, appearing in series from a range of publishers.-Marvel Comics:Thor is a Marvel Comics superhero, based on the thunder god of Norse mythology...
(Disney StoreDisney StoreDisney Store is an international chain of specialty stores selling only Disney related items, many of them exclusive. Disney Store is a business unit of Disney Consumer Products. James Fielding serves as the President....
exclusive) with rock base - Captain America - Disney Store exclusive with platform base
- Black Widow Disney Store exclusive with Antman and severed Ultron limbs base
- ColossusColossus (comics)Colossus is a fictional character, a superhero in the Marvel Comics universe. Created by writer Len Wein and illustrator Dave Cockrum, he first appeared in Giant-Size X-Men #1...
with danger room base
Announced Figures
- Green GoblinGreen GoblinThe Green Goblin is a fictional character, a supervillain who appears in the comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character was created by writer Stan Lee and artist Steve Ditko, and first appeared in The Amazing Spider-Man #14 ....
with glider base. - Spider-ManSpider-ManSpider-Man is a fictional Marvel Comics superhero. The character was created by writer-editor Stan Lee and writer-artist Steve Ditko. He first appeared in Amazing Fantasy #15...
(from The Amazing Spider-Man movie) with building wall base
Best of Marvel Select
DST occasionally offers "Best Of Marvel Select" assortments, allowing retailers to re-order popular, sold-out figures. Best of Marvel Select #1 included Ultimate Spider-Man, Ultimate Hulk, Green Goblin and Thanos. "Best Of Marvel Select #2 included Ultimate Venom, Phoenix (plus fiery transparent variant) and Emma Frost (plus diamond transparent variant). Best Of Marvel Select #3 included Ultimate Hulk, Punisher, Skrull Three-Pack, Ultimate Iron Man and Spider-Woman II (modern costume variant). Best Of Marvel Select #4 included Thanos, Dr. Doom and Black Cat. Best Of Marvel Select #5 included Hulk, Red Hulk and Ultimate Hulk.External links
- Marvelous News Database - Marvel Select Checklist
- DiamondSelectToys.com - official DST site
- ArtAsylum.com - official DST blog
- Facebook - Diamond Select's official Facebook page
- @CollectDST - Diamond Select's official Twitter account