By Jim Beard

A new line of Captain Action toys, based on the classic 1960’s super hero action figure, will kick off with Marvel Comics characters. The first two accessory sets, available this October, include costumes and equipment to transform the Captain into Spider-Man and Captain America.

The original 60’s line sported these two heroes, among other comic book and comic strip characters, which makes the new sets a source of pride for the two entrepreneurs who have reinvigorated Captain Action for collectors and kids today.

Captain Action

“The Marvel Universe is really important to me, from my first Fantastic Four comics to my FOOM membership to the wonderful stuff being produced today,” says Ed Catto of Captain Action Enterprises. “To me, Marvel can mean a classic, like an old AVENGERS issue with a [Jack] Kirby cover and Don Heck art, or something fresh and innovative, like [Brian] Bendis and [Stuart] Immonen on NEW AVENGERS. Both Captain Action and the Marvel Universe were born in that wonderful 60’s era, but they’ve both grown so much and are perfect for today’s fans, too.”

“I have always been a big fan of the Marvel Universe, ever since I was four or five,” adds Catto’s partner, Joe Ahearn. “I grew up reading Marvel comics, which fostered my love for art and illustration, and I collected Spider-Man religiously till I graduated college. All that said, it's been a real thrill to be able to feature Spidey and Cap and more through my favorite childhood toy—Captain Action!”

The Spider-Man and Captain America sets feature classic looks for the characters, harkening back to their Silver Age adventures. Ahearn says the mission statement for the Captain Action’s new foray into the Marvel Universe sought to capture a “retro feel with a modern sensibility” for the toys.

Captain America accessory set

“We think we have accomplished that goal with the modern style packaging emblazoned with classic Silver and Bronze Age art,” he continues. “The set-up of the packaging and art are a nod to the [original] Ideal line in some respects, but it is also sleek and modern at the same time. The uniform sets have also been updated to more closely mirror the look of the characters as they appeared in the comics. We've got a Jack Kirby-inspired Captain America and a John Romita Sr.-inspired Spider-Man for starters.

“Fans have been ecstatic and super supportive. We have gotten nothing but positive feedback from even the most critical of collectors. They are very excited about seeing Marvel characters come back into the Captain Action toy universe, but, they ain't seen nothin' yet! The final product will really rock!”

Future costume sets will include classic versions of Thor and Iron Man, as well as super villains the Red Skull, Loki and Doctor Doom when Catto and Ahearn reintroduce the Captain’s arch-nemesis Dr. Eville. But perhaps one of the most intriguing aspects of the relaunch of the classic action figure centers around a “build a costume” concept. Each one of the upcoming individual Marvel sets will include a uniform piece for another popular Avenger: Hawkeye.

“We wanted to give the fans something extra and we liked the idea of a chase character as an added bonus,” explains Ahearn. “Hawkeye is a great character and we felt he would make a great-looking uniform set for collectors to display. And, being Avengers fans, we couldn't pass up the opportunity to use the catch-phrase ‘Assemble an Avenger.’”

Spider-Man accessory set

“Years ago, I would have lunch once in a while with Roger Stern, who was scripting the Avengers at that time,” adds Catto. “What a treat it was when he’d show me the John Buscema AVENGERS pages he’d just received in the mail. He brought Hawkeye back into the Avenger roster a couple of times, and I remember him saying, ‘Hawkeye’s a butt-head, but he’s our butt-head. Everyone loves Hawkeye.’”

Captain Action’s future seems wide-open and both men would love to continue exploring the Marvel Universe through upcoming costume set releases.

“Well, personally I'm hoping we'll also have the opportunity to showcase some of the second-tier heroes as well as the front runners,” notes Ahearn. “We've gotten a lot of great suggestions from the fans.  I'd like to see us do Captain Marvel and Nick Fury. I had an idea about the possibility of doing ‘evolution sets’ to show how certain characters' looks evolved. Captain Marvel has two very distinct uniform styles and of course Nick Fury went from soldier Sgt. Fury to super spy Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. Daredevil would be great for that as well. There are so many great characters to choose from, and so many presentation options. I feel like a kid in a candy store!”
“I too love Nick Fury, and especially the Howling Commandos, so I’d agree with Joe,” says Catto. “My ‘dream characters’ might be a little more eclectic. Ideally, my list would include the western Ghost Rider/Night Rider, Iron Fist, The Black Knight, Nomad and The Patriot. Lady Action sets of Black Widow and Ms. Marvel would be cool, and Doctor Eville just has to have Gladiator and Mysterio costumes one day.

“Oh, and my all-time most outlandish wish would be Captain Action as Stingray.  It certainly isn’t mainstream Marvel—but he’s so colorful and wild!”

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