Spider-Man - Action Figures
In the golden era of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Spider-Man still reigns as Marvel’s most popular superhero. Spider-Man appeals to fans because of his accessibility. Until the fateful radioactive spider bite, Peter Parker was a normal teenage boy. His sudden jump into a new position of power and visibility mirrors the universal experience of growing up. And even as fans do grow older, their love of Spidey still remains. The love for Spider-Man is so strong that his merchandise makes for the biggest share of an individual hero in Marvel’s domain. For Spider-Man fans who want to display their love, three of the best figures are “ArtFX+ The Amazing Spider-Man,” “Pop! Movies: Spider-Man: Homecoming Spider-Man w/ Headphones,” and “Meisho Manga Realization Ultimate Spider-Man Onmitsu Black Spider-Man”
The Amazing Spider-Man (ArtFX+) Figure
From Kotobukiya’s ArtFX+ line is the Amazing Spider-man figure. This partial assembly kit leads to a beautifully sculpted Spidey in 1/10 scale. Once assembled, Spider-Man is crouched low, one arm raised behind him while the other slings a web. The superhero physique shines with the artist detail on the back muscles and the spider on the suit curves along those contours. The mask also bumps out slightly in the front to include room for Peter Parker’s nose instead of going completely smooth. Magnets in his feet allow for firm placement on any magnetic surface, or simply on the Spider-Man logo base. This figure would work as a standalone or part of a larger Marvel set, or full diorama display.
Product Name: ArtFX+ The Amazing Spider-Man
Manufacturer: Kotobukiya
Sculptor: Junnosuke Abe (Restore)
Specifications: Painted, non-articulated, 1/10 scale easy-to-assemble figure kit
Height (Approx.): 85mm | 3.4"
Pop! Movies: Spider-Man: Homecoming Spider-Man w/ Headphones Figure
Funko’s headphone-wearing Spider-Man figure lives up to the brand’s playful reputation in this addition to the Pop! Movies line. This small, big-headed Spidey draws inspiration from the Spider-Man: Homecoming movie poster. He wears the same large headphones and yellow blazer style coat with contrasting collar and lapel. The only difference is this Spidey can’t lay down and take a break from crime-fighting. Instead, he’s a bobblehead! With one eye squinting smaller than the other, a single tap will make Spider-Man into your own personal music critic. His small size and chilled out demeanor make tiny Spidey the perfect office companion.
Product Name: Pop! Movies: Spider-Man: Homecoming - Spider-Man w/ Headphones
Manufacturer: Funko
Specifications: Painted, non-articulated, non-scale vinyl figure
Meisho Manga Realization Ultimate Spider-Man Onmitsu Black Spider-Man
This figure from Bandai shows Spider-Man in a completely reimagined form. As part of the Meisho Manga Realization line, Spider-Man undergoes a complete feudal Japan transformation. Using the Symbiote Suit, or the “Black Suit,” as a base, sculptor Takeya Takeyuki redesigns Spider-Man as an onmitsu, or ninja spy. The face mask features the familiar radiating web design and eyes synonymous with Spider-Man. However, the web-like pattern continues down the rest of the armor, carved to appear like functional chainmail. His spider emblem appears on his grooved chest plate. While Spidey isn’t known for weaponry, the figure includes a katana, which Spidey can wield with the figure’s full articulation. There is also a kaginawa web hook set, much more fitting for the arachnid hero.
Product Name: Meisho Manga Realization Ultimate Spider-Man Onmitsu Black Spider-Man
Manufacturer: Bandai
Specifications: Painted, articulated, non-scale figure with stand
Materials: ABS, PVC
Height (Approx.): 190mm | 7.5"
Includes:
4 interchangeable hands
Japanese katana set
Kaginawa web hook set
Spider-Man Series Story
Peter Parker is a nerdy high school student in Queens, New York. Orphaned at a young age, he lives with his Aunt May and Uncle Ben. At a science exhibit, Peter is bitten by a radioactive spider giving him heightened senses and spider-like climbing skills. He uses his talent for science to create a device that allows him to shoot an adhesive web-like material. After using his new powers and identity as “Spider-Man” to gain fame, he fails to stop a criminal that kills his Uncle Ben. He learns the series’ famous maxim “with great power comes great responsibility.” Over time, Spider-Man fights similarly powered villains including the Green Goblin and Doc Ock. Different storylines and love interests developed over time as well as alternate versions of a hero bitten by a radioactive spider that exists in the Spider-man multiverse.
Spider-Man Series Development
In 1962, Marvel Comics editor Stan Lee followed his success with The Fantastic Four brainstorming new story ideas. The concept for Spider-Man arose from a teenage demand for comic books and a pulp fiction crime-fighting hero, “The Spider.” The first Spider-Man story appeared in an anthology issue in August of 1962 and it received a solo series in March 1963. Spider-Man quickly became a cultural icon and favorite superhero among younger fans all over the world. Since 1967, Spider-Man has appeared in multiple television and live-action series as well as film adaptations. As Marvel’s flagship character, Spider-Man merchandise outsells other superheroes in the company and superheroes overall. Spider-Man’s origin story has seen several retellings in other media and is considered one of the best superhero origin stories of all time.
Links
ArtFX+ The Amazing Spider-Man
Pop! Movies: Spiderman Homecoming Spider-Man w/ Headphones
Meisho Manga Realization Ultimate Spider-Man Onmitsu Black Spider-Man
Marvel Comics Figures
Spider-Man Label