Marvel Select Explained

Marvel Select
Type:Action figures
Company:Diamond Select Toys
Country:United States
From:2002
To:present
Materials:Plastic

Marvel Select is a line of 1:10 scale action figures based on characters from the Marvel Universe and Marvel Cinematic Universe manufactured by Diamond Select Toys.

Diamond Select uses the "Select" label for other brands to indicate the 1:10 scale, including Universal Monsters, Star Trek and The Munsters, all of which come in similar packaging.

History

The Marvel Select line was developed by Diamond Select Toys in 2002 with Marvel Comics' toy division, Toy Biz, as a specialty-market counterpart to the larger company's mass-market offerings. Diamond Select handled design, sales and marketing, while Toy Biz handled development and production. At the time, the figures were mostly based on peripheral Ultimate Marvel and Marvel Knights characters, but the line quickly expanded to include core Marvel Universe characters. Diamond Select took over development and production after Toy Biz went defunct.

Early Marvel Select figures focused on sculpting over articulation and typically included detailed, diorama-style bases or accessories that necessitated larger packaging than figures from comparable toy lines. Sometimes, the packaging would even include a second or third figure. These pack-ins helped establish the line as collector-targeted.

Marvel Select's packaging is touted as "display-ready", featuring a large plastic bubble, which allows the figure inside to be seen without opening it. The packaging was originally adorned with distinctive comic artwork of each character. However, beginning in 2021, certain releases saw the traditional comic artwork replaced with promotional photographs of the figures themselves.

The line has received acclaim for its figures of larger characters like the Hulk, which can stand up to ten inches tall.[1] For these releases, bases and accessories were typically reduced in size or omitted completely to accommodate the size of the figures, which could fill the packaging on their own.[2]

Marvel Select eventually expanded to include figures based on the Marvel Cinematic Universe, as well as a small number of Marvel movies by 20th Century Fox and Sony Pictures, particularly the Amazing Spider-Man and Wolverine films. A figure of Mystique was teased at conventions but was ultimately scrapped before production, indicating that the line was planned to expand to the X-Men film series at some point.

Contemporary Marvel Select figures have considerably more articulation than their predecessors. The large diorama-style bases, which were once a staple of the line, are now uncommon for all releases. Instead, smaller accessories and interchangeable parts are included.

Released

width=5%Releasedwidth=10%Figurewidth=30% class=unsortableAccessorieswidth=30% class=unsortableDescriptionwidth=15% class=unsortableVariants
2002Spider-ManBurglar webbed to a wall baseAlthough simply labeled “Spider-Man,” the figure is based on the Ultimate Marvel version
PunisherSmashed pinball machine, arsenal of weapons and unarticulated thug victim figureBased on artwork by Tim Bradstreet from the Marvel Knights imprint
ElektraCastle tower display base, ninja arsenal and alternate limbs
Captain AmericaFlag, shield and WWII battlefield baseAlthough simply labeled “Captain America,” the figure is based on the Ultimate Marvel version, wearing his World War II gear
Black Widow 2Cave wall base, pistol, rifle, knife and storage drumsDepicts Yelena Belova as Black Widow
2003Wolverine

The Origin

Forest display and unarticulated wolvesBased on Origin
Black CatApartment wall base, safe, jewels and unarticulated crawling Spider-Man
Ultimate Iron ManRemovable forearm armor and recharging station
Ultimate HulkUnprinted scenic city baseReissued with a matte gray finish
Ultimate VenomUnmasked Spider-Man webbed to the wall base and symbiote jarWith emblem
2004Ultimate WolverineInjured Magneto base
Ultimate ThorMjölnir and defeated Giant-Man base
Green GoblinGoblin glider, pumpkin bomb and tied-up unmasked unarticulated Spider-Man accessoryBased on artwork by John Romita Sr., specifically The Amazing Spider-Man #39
Doctor DoomGoblet hand, pistol and detailed throne with banners
2005Spider-Man vs. Doctor OctopusRemovable, flexible tentaclesDoctor Octopus’ design is based on artwork by Staz Johnson from the miniseries Spider-Man/Doctor Octopus: Negative Exposure
PhoenixFlame baseBased on Here Comes TomorrowFiery transparent variant
Emma FrostHellfire Club fireplace display base with removable fireDiamond transparent variant
Web of Spider-ManRooftop gargoyle baseBased on the cover of Web of Spider-Man #1, featuring Spider-Man in his black costume
She-Hulk (ToyFare poll winner/convention tour exclusive)Crushed car
Ultimate CarnageGwen Stacy corpse
ThanosAlternate Infinity Gauntlet hand and Death (with separate face-mask)
WolverineUnarticulated Kate Pryde and wanted poster ruins baseBased on the Days of Future Past story arc/the cover of Uncanny X-Men #141
The WatcherMoon stand
2006Spider-WomanDetachable web shot, unarticulated Hydra agents and Hydra mansion baseThe Jessica Drew version of Spider-WomanClear glider wings, yellow glider wings, first appearance with full cowl
Spider-Woman (2006 SDCC exclusive)Unarticulated Hydra agents and Hydra mansion baseThe Julia Carpenter version of Spider-Woman; repaint of the previous Spider-Woman figure
Moon KnightCrescent blades and Khonshu statue
Cloak & DaggerLight knives
Iron Spider (ToyFare exclusive)Rooftop gargoyle baseRepaint of 2005's Web of Spider-Man figure
2007MephistoThrone
Ghost RiderFiery highway base
Alien Legends: Brood and Skrull 2-Pack
Zombie Spider-ManDetachable leg and Silver Surfer buildable base piece
Zombie Colonel AmericaRemovable skull, shield and Silver Surfer buildable base piece
Zombie HulkSilver Surfer buildable base piece
Skrull Elektra (2010 SDCC exclusive)Articulated Skrull figure, ninja arsenal and alternate limbsThe main figure is a repaint of 2002's Elektra
2008ThorMjölnir and Asgard baseBased on Olivier Coipel's Thor design
Incredible HulkRubble-strewn base
Iron ManBlast-off base
Stealth Iron ManBlast-off baseBlue repaint of previous Iron Man
What If...? Captain America (Big Bad Toy Store exclusive)Blast-off base and shieldRed, white and blue repaint of Iron Man
Captain America (Bucky Barnes)Pistol, canteen, sheathed blade and eagle ledgeBucky Barnes version of Captain AmericaUnmasked variant
Red Hulk (Big Bad Toy Store exclusive)Rubble-strewn baseRepaint of Incredible Hulk figure, later reissued as non-exclusive
ArachneHydra agents and Hydra mansion baseThe Julia Carpenter version of Arachne, from Best of Marvel Select Series 3. Repaint of 2006's Spider-Woman figure
Skrull Multi-PackFrom Best of Marvel Select Series 3. Includes three Skrull soldiers, reissued from Brood and Skrull/Skrull Elektra
2009Captain MarvelCrashed Skrull ship base[Genis-Vell]] variant and Genis-Vell variant in Kree navy uniform with pistol
Anti-VenomSymbiote base
WolverineWeapon X baseFirst appearance variant
Brown Uniform Wolverine (Big Bad Toy Store exclusive)Samurai armor base
Unmasked Wolverine (Phat Collectibles/Hastings Entertainment exclusive)Samurai armor baseSame figure as the Big Bad Toy Store exclusive Brown Uniform Wolverine, but with a new head sculpt
SabretoothDamaged Weapon X facility base
First Appearance Sabretooth (CMDStore.com exclusive)Damaged Weapon X facility baseRetooling of previous Sabretooth figure
DaredevilCathedral rooftop baseUnmasked variant with loose cowl
2010Marvel GirlHalf of the X-Mansion gateRachel Summers variant
X-Men Origins

Wolverine

Dumpster
Spider-ManDestroyed car base
Iron Man 2

Iron Man Mark VI Armor

Armory base
Iron Man 2

Iron Man Mark IV Armor (Borders exclusive)

Armory base
Iron Man 2

War Machine

Hammer armory baseWar Machine MK I with a red arc reactor
Iron Man 2

War Machine (Borders exclusive)

Hammer armory baseWar Machine MK I with a blue arc reactor
ThingPrinted group scene Fantastic Four base
AbominationDestroyed ground base
DeadpoolRifle, pistol, two swords, two sais and shot-up back alley baseUnmasked variant
2011CyclopsInterchangeable mask-less head and Danger Room baseX-Factor variant
MagnetoDestroyed X-Mansion baseWithout helmet variant
JuggernautPrinted rubble baseWithout helmet variant
Thor

Loki

Scepter, Heimdall's sword and half of Bifröst gate base
Thor

The Mighty Avenger

Mjölnir and half of Bifröst gate baseThor from Thor
GambitInterchangeable hands, charged-cards, staff and Danger Room baseLong-haired variant

Captain America

Shield, pistol and half of a Cosmic Cube base

Red Skull

Pistol and half of a Cosmic Cube base
Hawkeye (Disney Store exclusive)Perched Wasp arrow and slain Ultron baseHawkeye's classic costume. Originally a Disney Store exclusive, but later saw a wider release
Thor (Disney Store exclusive)Mjölnir and rock baseThor's classic costume. Originally a Disney Store exclusive, but later saw a wider release
Captain America (Disney Store exclusive)Shield and platform baseCaptain America's classic costume
Black Widow (Disney Store exclusive)Ant-Man miniature and slain Ultron baseCostume has a metallic purple sheen
2012ColossusDanger Room base
Green GoblinGlider baseA modern take on Green Goblin
The Avengers

Hulk

The Avengers

Hawkeye

Bow and Pershing Square railing base
The Avengers

Chitauri Footsoldier

Pershing Square railing base
The Avengers

Iron Man

Alternate hands, armory baseReissue of 2010's Iron Man Mark VI Armor from Iron Man 2
The Amazing Spider-Man

Lizard

The Amazing Spider-Man

Spider-Man

Interchangeable hands and awning base
The Amazing Spider-Man

Unmasked Spider-Man (Disney Store exclusive)

Interchangeable head, alternate hands and awning base
The Amazing Spider-Man

Metallic Spider-Man (Disney Store exclusive)

Interchangeable hands and awning base
UltronAnt-Man and Wasp (fallen heroes) base
StormDanger Room base with torch attachmentShort hair variant
Unleashed Hulk (Disney Store exclusive)Based on art by Marc Silvestri. Originally a Disney Store exclusive, but later saw a wider reissue
Agent Venom (Disney Store exclusive)Revolver pistol, modern pistol and wreckage base
Lizard (Disney Store exclusive)Brick wall and sewer cover base
Barbarian Hulk
Rhino
2013VenomInterchangeable hands, alternate heads, extra limbs and multi-headed “backpack” attachmentThe Eddie Brock version of Venom, featuring parts based on the Venom: The Madness storyline
NightcrawlerTeleportation base
Iron Man 3

Iron Man Mark XLII Armor

Interchangeable unmasked head, alternate hands and armory base
Iron Man 3

War Machine

Interchangeable unmasked head, shoulder cannon and armory base
Iron Man 3

Iron Patriot (Disney Store exclusive)

Interchangeable unmasked head, shoulder cannon and armory baseRepaint of War Machine
Iron Man 3

Battle Damaged Iron Man Mark XLII Armor (Disney Store exclusive)

Interchangeable unmasked head, alternate hands and armory baseRepaint of regular Mark XLII figure
The WolverineTwo interchangeable heads, bone claw hands, adamantium claw hands, sheathed claw hands and a swordWolverine as he appears in the movie The Wolverine

Thor

Mjolnir and half of a rocky display base

Jane Foster

Interchangeable aether-possessed head, dark elf sword and half of a rocky display base
Silver SurferSurfboard, energy blasts, alternate hands, infinity gauntlet and energy trail base
Winter Soldier (Disney Store exclusive)Pistol, machine gun, sniper rifle, crate and shattered window display base
2014The Superior Spider-Man (Disney Store exclusive)Display base depicting the aftermath of a battle with the Sinister Six team established in The Superior Foes of Spider-Man

Captain America

Shield and helicarrier-inspired display baseCaptain America's stealth suit

Unmasked Captain America (Disney Store exclusive)

Masked head, shield with stripped paint and helicarrier-inspired display baseRetooling of the previous Captain America figure

Falcon

Battle damaged helicarrier-inspired display base
The Amazing Spider-Man 2

Spider-Man

Interchangeable right hand, web lines and awning baseInterchangeable hands, web lines, fire helmet and fire hose nozzle
The Amazing Spider-Man 2

Spider-Man

Interchangeable right hand, web lines and awning baseSame as previous figure, but with different accessories
The Amazing Spider-Man 2

Unmasked Spider-Man (Disney Store exclusive)

Interchangeable head, alternate hands and web linesSame as previous figure, but with different accessories
Savage Hulk (Disney Store exclusive)Rubble-strewn baseBased on early appearances of the Hulk
Black WidowAnt-Man miniature and slain Ultron baseBlack repaint of 2011's Disney Store exclusive Black Widow
Electro (Disney Store exclusive)Transformer tower display baseAlso available in two-pack with a reissue of 2010's Spider-Man figure
Zombie MagnetoRubble base and severed Green Goblin limb
Bleeding Edge Iron Man (Disney Store exclusive)Demolished plane wing display base
Captain America (Disney Store exclusive)Alternate head, shield and platform baseCaptain America's classic costume. Reissue of 2010's Captain America with the addition of an unmasked head
2015The Mighty Thor (Disney Store exclusive)Alternate fist, Mjölnir, spinning Mjölnir accessory and peg standBased on Thor's Marvel Now! design by Esad Ribić
The Mighty ThorAlternate head and fist, Mjölnir, spinning Mjölnir accessory and peg standSame as the Disney Store exclusive but with the addition of a helmet-less alternative head. Based on Thor's Marvel Now! design by Esad Ribić
CableDefeated Stryfe base, pistol, shoulder mounted gun, oversized gun, two large guns and a knife
CarnageInterchangeable heads, blades and tendrils
Iron Man Hulkbuster (Disney Store exclusive)Based on the art of Adi Granov from The Invincible Iron Man #12 (2006)
Ant-Man

Ant-Man

Interchangeable hands and unarticulated Ant-Man figurine
Ant-Man

Ant-Man (Disney Store exclusive)

Interchangeable helmet, hands and unarticulated Ant-Man figurineUnmasked version of the general release

Hulk

Thor

Half of rubble baseRepaint of the 2013 figure made for

Black Widow

Two escrima sticks, pistol and half of rubble base
Zombie SabretoothRubble base featuring a damaged chunk of Green Goblin's Goblin Glider
Dr. StrangeEye of Agamotto amulet, energy blast and Sanctum Sanctorum window base
Avenging Hawkeye (Disney Store exclusive)Alternate head, various trick arrows, compound bow, crossbow pistol and unarticulated Lucky the Pizza DogBased on David Aja's design
2016The Spectacular Spider-Man (Disney Store exclusive)Unmasked head, loose mask, interchangeable hands and camera
Black Panther (Disney Store exclusive)Tree base
Avenging Captain AmericaShield, Hydra baseA modern interpretation of Captain America

Iron Man Mark 46

Interchangeable hands and part of Avengers Facility base

Captain America

Shield, interchangeable hands and part of Avengers Facility base

Winter Soldier

Rifle, interchangeable hands and part of Avengers Facility base

Captain America (Disney Store exclusive)

Alternate head, shield, interchangeable hands and part of Avengers Facility baseSame as the general release, but with the addition of an unmasked head
Dr. Strange (Disney Store exclusive)Alternate head, Eye of Agamotto amulet, energy blast and Sanctum Sanctorum window base.Dr. Charles Benton/Asmodeus Masked variant of previous year's Doctor Strange figure
DestroyerInterchangeable Odin head and sword
2017Doctor Strange

Doctor Strange

Interchangeable hands, magic sphere and Sanctum Sanctorum window base
Star-Lord (Disney Store exclusive)Interchangeable unmasked head and hand, two blasters, rock fragment, jet-flame boots, flight stand and interlocking environment base
Groot (Disney Store exclusive)Interlocking environment base
Drax (Disney Store exclusive)Battle axe, sword, interchangeable hands and interlocking environment base
Gamora with Rocket (Disney Store exclusive)Gamora has three sets of interchangeable hands, a sword, a knife, a laser rifle and two laser pistols; Rocket includes two blasters with the interlocking environment base
Lady DeadpoolTwo katanas, shotgun, waist knife, bazooka, interchangeable hands and base with Headpool
Planet Hulk (Disney Store exclusive)Axe and shield

Spider-Man

Interchangeable hands and rooftop base

Spider-Man (Disney Store exclusive)

Interchangeable hands and rooftop baseUnmasked variant of the general release, does not include masked head
Daredevil

Daredevil

Interchangeable hands, two-part baton, elevator base and flight standBased on his appearance in later episodes of season 2
Spider-GwenInterchangeable hands, defeated robot base and unmasked head
2018Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2

Star-Lord

Includes articulated Rocket Raccoon, one of Star-Lord's Element guns and two blasters for Rocket
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2

Drax

Includes articulated Baby Groot, interchangeable hands and two daggers
Thor Ragnarok

Gladiator Hulk

Alternate head, alternate hands, axe and hammer
Thor Ragnarok

Thor

Interchangeable hands, swords, and lightning effect pieces
Thanos (Disney Store exclusive)Interchangeable head
Black Panther

Black Panther

Vibranium rock display base and interchangeable hands
Marvel's BeastHanging bar attachment danger room base

Iron Man MK50 (Disney Store exclusive)

Interchangeable hands, two sets of nanotech hand blades and nano repulsor cannon

Spider-Man

Interchangeable hands and articulating mechanical legsIron Spider costume

: Thor & Groot

Interchangeable hands for Thor, Stormbreaker and Groot's handheld video game

Captain America

Grass display base, interchangeable hands and shields
Venom (Disney Store exclusive)Interchangeable heads, hands and backpiece tendril attachmentRetooling of 2013's Venom. All alternate heads are based on artwork from specific comics such as Venom: Dark Origin and Venom vs. Carnage
2019Ant-Man and the Wasp

The Wasp (Disney Store exclusive)

Interchangeable hands and miniature Scott Lang Ant-Man & The Wasp figures
Ant-Man and the Wasp

Ant-Man (Disney Store exclusive)

Interchangeable hands and miniature Janet van Dyne Wasp, Hank Pym Ant-Man and Sub-Atomic Ant-Man figures
RogueInterchangeable hands and mounted gun Danger Room base
PsylockePsy-blade, psy-energy mask effect, interchangeable head and hands and wing chun dummy attachment Danger Room base
SandmanInterchangeable hands, sand spiked hammer, sand spiked flail and sandstorm base
Captain Marvel

Starforce Captain Marvel

Interchangeable cowl head, hands, blast-off base and GooseCaptain Marvel's green Starforce costume
Gamerverse: Spider-ManAlternate hands, spider-drone and web shield
2020

Spider-Man (Disney Store exclusive)

Union Jack flag pole and interchangeable hands
Captain Marvel

Captain Marvel (Disney Store exclusive)

Interchangeable cowl head, hands, energy blasts, two flight stands and GooseRepaint of 2019's Starforce Captain Marvel

Hulk (Disney Store exclusive)

Interchangeable hands

Nano-Gauntlet Hulk

Interchangeable hands and Nano-GauntletDoes not share a sculpt with the Disney Store exclusive version of Endgame's Hulk despite depicting the same costume

Thanos (Disney Store exclusive)

Interchangeable forearm with infinity gauntlet and dual-sided bladeDepicts Thanos in his armor

Iron Man MK 85

Interchangeable hands, interchangeable forearm with Nano-Gauntlet, snapping fingers hand and Avengers facility base
Taskmaster (Disney Store exclusive)Sword, shield, pistol, bow and arrows, interchangeable head and hand
Black Widow

Taskmaster

Sword, shield, bow and arrows and interchangeable hands
Carnage (Disney Store exclusive)Interchangeable heads, interchangeable bladed hands, tendrils and “backpack” attachmentRetooling of 2015's Carnage. Each alternate head is based on specific comic art
2021Immortal HulkInterchangeable hands, alternate cyborg headDespite being named “Immortal Hulk,” it features a more classic depiction of Hulk than the one in the series Immortal Hulk
The Falcon and the Winter Soldier

Captain America (Disney Store exclusive)

Wing pack, shield and alternate hands
Winter Soldier (Disney Store exclusive)Pistol, machine gun, sniper rifle, crate and window dioramaRepaint of 2013's Winter Soldier figure, inspired by The Falcon and the Winter Soldier
Loki (Disney Store exclusive)Staff, sword, dagger, interchangeable arms, removable coat and unarticulated Kid LokiBased on Loki: Agent of Asgard
Silver Centurion Iron ManInterchangeable unmasked heads, hands, removable “backpack” and blast effectsThe MK VII armor
Human TorchAlternate head, fire effects and flame baseIncludes parts to change it into the Jim Hammond Human Torch
Titanium ManInterchangeable head and hands
WandaVision

The Scarlet Witch

Interchangeable head, hands and hex effects

Spider-Man

Alternate hands and two web linesThe black and gold, inside-out Upgraded Suit
2022Hawkeye (Disney Store exclusive)Alternate head, various trick arrows, compound bow, crossbow pistol and unarticulated Lucky the Pizza DogRepaint of 2015's Avenging Hawkeye with a new color scheme inspired by the Hawkeye Disney+ series
Moon Knight (Disney Store exclusive)Two crescent darts and Egyptian temple baseRepaint of the 2006 Moon Knight with a new color scheme inspired by the Moon Knight Disney+ series
Miles Morales Spider-Man (Disney Store exclusive)Alternate head, alternate hands, spider-sense attachment, two web lines and unarticulated Spider-Ham figurine
Black Panther (Disney Store exclusive)Repurposed wall base from 2002's Black Widow 2 figureRepaint of 2016's Black Panther with a new color scheme inspired by the comics
Beta Ray BillStormbreaker and swinging Stormbreaker accessory
VisionAlternate head, interchangeable hands and blast accessories
2023Red HulkInterchangeable handsRetooling of 2021's Immortal Hulk figure
Super SkrullInterchangeable hands, alternate head and voice blast effectBased on the Super Skrull that fought the Illuminati using their combined powers
ApocalypseInterchangeable weapon attachments
BladeInterchangeable head and hands, knife, sword, club, guns, UV and foldable blade
IcemanInterchangeable head, hands and belt, ice blast effects and ice base
Mister FantasticInterchangeable hands, stretched hands, torso extensions, stretched neck, wrap-around base and Ultimate Nullifier
Invisible WomanInterchangeable hands, interchangeable invisible forearms, interchangeable invisible legs, forcefield shield, psionic bubble, and psionic blast base
2024Crimson DynamoInterchangeable hands, alternate unmasked head, blast effects and swappable faceplates for helmet
Captain AmericaTwo shields, alternate heads and necks, interchangeable hands, removable harness for shield, removable utility belt and loose cowl pieceNew edition of Captain America's classic costume, similar in design to 2011's release, but with less prominent scales and brighter colors

Announced

Disney Store Gift sets

All figures were also released individually.

SetCharacters Universe Release Accessories
Fearsome Foes of Spider-ManGreen GoblinEarth-616Holiday 2012
Lizard
Spider-Man
Agent Venom
Electro and Spider-ManElectroSummer 20142 transformer towers
Spider-Man

Best of Marvel Select

"Best of Marvel Select" allowed retailers to re-order popular, sold-out figures, sometimes repainted or repackaged. Arachne and the Skrull Multi-Pack were originally offered in this configuration.

Year Character Universe Description
2006 Green Goblin Earth-616
Thanos
HulkUltimate
Spider-Man
2007Emma FrostEarth-616normal
translucent diamond form
PhoenixEarth-15104normal
translucent orange
Venom Ultimate
2008 HulkUltimate
Iron Man
Julia CarpenterEarth-616 Arachne
Punisher
Skrulls 3-pack
2010Black CatEarth-616
Doctor Doom
Thanos
2011 Hulk Ultimate
Hulk Earth-616
Red Hulk

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Exclusive Marvel Select Groot Figure Review & Photos . 27 February 2017 .
  2. http://www.superheroesbase.com/action-figure-reviews/marvel/marvel-select-hulk.html "Superheroes Base Review: Marvel Select Hulk"