This is Mego's 12" Magnetic Batman from 1978.After substantial success with their 8" line of action figures, Mego started to go the "foot tall" route with some of their action figure lines. Superheroes were at the top of Mego's list for 12 inchers along with lines like Star Trek: the Motion Picture and the rock group, Kiss.
This particular 12" figure is somewhat unique, in that, it has magnets in its hands and feet. This makes it difficult for the figure to stand on it's own but allows for some fun play on the family fridge and what-not. Mego also produced a Robin with magnets, as well. This allowed Batman and Robin to perform heroic feats... circus acrobat-style. Hey, you could even take Batman for a ride to the supermarket on the hood of your car, if you were so inclined...thanks to his magnetic ability.Mego, to my knowledge, never produced a 12" Magnetic Spiderman...which would have been an ideal use of the magnetic hands and feet feature. Mego, did produce a 12" Spiderman figure sans magnets, however.
One thing I find very interesting about this figure is the head sculpt. He has a very determined, grim facial expression that wasn't common to Batman figures from the 1970s. Most toys depicted him to be much more mild-mannered and friendly. This is not a Batman you want to mess around with...and don't forget, he's got magnets, too. Getting pummeled by magnets is not fun.A complete 12" Mego Magnetic Batman should include his jumpsuit with attached cape, belt, plastic forearm covers, and plastic boot tops.
Wow - that is a cool and innovative idea! I never knew a magnetic Mego Batman even existed!
ReplyDeleteVery nice. I always see pictures of one of these and a Robin hanging from the ceiling at the Mego Meets. I wonder why no Spider-man?
ReplyDeleteThis is cool.
ReplyDeleteI really like the way it looks. Classic.
I didn't know they ever put magnets in action figures before the more recent "The Batman" cartoon toys.
Those were recalled before I got one.
Here is the story with pictures.
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07269.html
I had this figure when I was eight. Great toy.
ReplyDeleteI had this toy as a kid too. Loved it.
ReplyDeletewe acquired one of these batman guys from an estate sale...he is missing arm guards and the sticker off his shirt, but has all his clothing and his boot guards, belt and cape...magnets are intact. We want to place this guy on EBAY. Anyone know what a fair price would be?
ReplyDeleteI had one of these as a kid & it was by far my favourite toy at the time. If only I had kept it!!
ReplyDeleteThe last picture you place here would have been way better if the Logo on Batman's chest didn't have the bat's ears curved to the sides... but still it looks pretty nice and makes of a good idea.
ReplyDeleteI had one as well. A really great toy, one of my most memorable. I wore the belt as a wrist band.
ReplyDeleteTEARS IN MY EYES!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteGOT 1 FOR X-MAS AROUND 1979 LOVE IT AND REMEMBER IT TILL TODAY. DOES ANY ONE KNOWS HOW O WHERE I CAN BUY IT AGAIN????????????????????
I have Batman and robin in near mint in the original boxes. Email me if interested in purchasing them
DeleteI have 1 in great shape he's super cool
ReplyDeletei had one also i seem to remember mine had the bakc pack with zip line that mafe him climb when you pulled the string
ReplyDeleteyou have for sale?
ReplyDeleteyou have for sale?
ReplyDelete