Alexei Volkov
Marvel Legends is a line of toys manufactured by Hasbro. In recent years, some users have noticed that the plastic used in the figures feels softer and more rubbery than previous iterations. This change is likely due to cost-cutting measures and safety standards, as Marvel Legends are classified as toys in most regions and must pass rigorous durability and drop tests. The softer plastic, mainly PVC, is used for the limbs and joints, while the torso typically uses a more rigid type of plastic called ABS. While some users have expressed dissatisfaction with the quality of the plastic, others have noted that the quality of the figures has improved in recent years. Additionally, in 2019, Hasbro announced the removal of clear plastic from their product packaging for environmental reasons, a decision that has sparked mixed reactions from collectors.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic type | ABS plastic for the torso, PVC plastic for the limbs and joints |
| Plastic feel | Soft, slightly rubbery |
| Plastic quality | Some figures are more prone to wilting or sagging under their own weight |
| Packaging | Switched to non-plastic packaging in 2019 |
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What You'll Learn
- Marvel Legends figures use a combination of rigid ABS plastic and flexible PVC plastic
- The plastic used in Marvel Legends figures is softer than that used in imports
- Softer plastic is used to meet safety standards and to avoid sharp pieces if a figure breaks
- Some users have complained about the quality of the plastic used in Marvel Legends figures
- In 2019, Hasbro announced it would be removing plastic from Marvel Legends product packaging
Marvel Legends figures use a combination of rigid ABS plastic and flexible PVC plastic
Marvel Legends figures are made from a combination of rigid ABS plastic and flexible PVC plastic. The rigid ABS plastic is typically used for the torso, while the flexible PVC plastic is used for the limbs and joints. This combination of plastics ensures that the figures are durable and can withstand being dropped or broken, without causing sharp edges that could injure children.
The exact mix of PVC plastic used can vary, leading to some figures being more prone to wilting or sagging over time. In recent years, there have been reports of softer plastic being used for Marvel Legends figures, particularly on the joints. This change has been attributed to cost-cutting measures and the need to meet safety standards, as Marvel Legends are classified as "toys" in most regions and must pass rigorous durability and drop tests.
Marvel Legends are manufactured by Hasbro, with production sites located in other countries, such as China. Each figure requires a specific master mold before being mass-produced. In 2019, Hasbro announced that it would be removing the clear plastic used in its product packaging for environmental reasons, switching to plastic-free packaging. However, this change has also been met with some criticism from collectors due to concerns about figure swapping and the inability to inspect the figures for quality control issues.
Overall, the combination of rigid ABS plastic and flexible PVC plastic in Marvel Legends figures ensures durability and safety, while also allowing for articulation and poseability. The choice of materials and manufacturing processes contribute to the overall quality and collectability of these figures.
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The plastic used in Marvel Legends figures is softer than that used in imports
Marvel Legends figures are manufactured by Hasbro, with production sites located in countries like China. The plastic used in Marvel Legends figures is softer than that used in imports, and this can be attributed to safety standards and the product's classification as a "toy". The softer plastic is combined with more rigid ABS plastic for the torso and flexible PVC plastic for the limbs and joints. This combination reduces the likelihood of sharp pieces if a figure is dropped or broken, enhancing safety for children.
The softer plastic in Marvel Legends figures has been a recent development, with some users noticing a change in the past few years. The COVID-19 pandemic may have contributed to this shift, as factory issues in Asia led to quality control problems and production challenges. Despite some improvements in figure quality, the transition to softer plastic has been accompanied by reduced accessories and increased costs, drawing criticism from collectors.
In contrast, imports such as Mafex figures are classified as imported "collectibles" and are not subject to the same rigorous durability and drop tests as toys. As a result, they can utilize harder plastics like ABS more extensively, which may appeal to collectors seeking a different feel or texture for their figures.
While the softer plastic in Marvel Legends figures primarily serves safety purposes, it also contributes to the overall experience of playing with the toys. The rubbery texture adds a unique tactile dimension to the figures, enhancing their interactive appeal. This quality may be especially enjoyable for younger fans who can safely handle and pose the figures without worrying about sharp edges or breakage.
The use of softer plastic in Marvel Legends figures showcases the brand's attention to safety standards and their target audience's preferences. By prioritizing child safety and creating a tactile experience, the brand has established a unique position in the market, catering to both collectors and younger fans who value the fun and interactive aspects of the toys. This strategic choice in materials balances safety and play value, contributing to the overall success and popularity of the Marvel Legends line.
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Softer plastic is used to meet safety standards and to avoid sharp pieces if a figure breaks
Marvel Legends figures are made with safety standards in mind, especially since they are classified as "toys" in most regions and need to pass rigorous durability and drop tests. To meet these standards and avoid sharp pieces if a figure breaks, softer plastics are used in their production. This is a notable difference when compared to imported "collectibles" like Mafex figures, which are not classified as toys and thus do not have to pass the same safety tests.
The use of softer plastics in Marvel Legends figures is a recent change, with some older figures from 2021 and before having a rougher texture. The newer figures utilize a combination of rigid ABS plastic for the torso and flexible PVC plastic for the limbs and joints. This combination ensures that if a child drops or breaks a figure, the pieces are less likely to cause injury.
However, the switch to softer plastics has also raised concerns about quality control and durability. Some collectors have noticed that newer figures have inferior detail and accuracy compared to older ones. Additionally, the exact mix of PVC used can vary, leading to some figures sagging or wilting under their own weight over time.
While the softer plastic enhances safety, it has also led to discussions about the impact on the overall quality and longevity of the figures. This change, along with price increases and character selection issues, has caused some dissatisfaction among collectors. The switch to cardboard packaging, while environmentally friendly, has also been criticized for making it easier for people to swap out new figures for old ones in stores.
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Some users have complained about the quality of the plastic used in Marvel Legends figures
In response to these concerns, some collectors are considering switching to imported "collectibles" like Mafex figures, which use more ABS plastic and are not subject to the same durability and drop tests as toys. Additionally, the new packaging for Marvel Legends figures, which is completely plastic-free, has also received some criticism. Collectors have expressed concerns about the impact on quality control and the potential for figure swapping, where individuals purchase a figure, swap it with an older or less desirable one, and return it to the store.
However, it's important to note that the softer plastic used in Marvel Legends figures may be intentional to meet safety standards. As Marvel Legends are classified as "toys" in most regions, the use of flexible PVC plastic for limbs and joints reduces the risk of sharp pieces and injuries if a child drops or breaks a figure. While some users have expressed disappointment with the plastic quality, others have noted that the quality of the figures has improved in recent years.
Overall, while there have been complaints about the softness and rubbery feel of the plastic in Marvel Legends figures, there may be valid reasons for this choice, and the quality of the figures is subject to individual perceptions and preferences.
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In 2019, Hasbro announced it would be removing plastic from Marvel Legends product packaging
In 2019, Hasbro announced that it would be removing the plastic used in Marvel Legends product packaging for environmental reasons. The new packaging would instead feature a non-window design, with an image of the figure inside. This change was first revealed during a Marvel Legends live stream, showcasing the Spider-Man 60th Anniversary line.
The removal of the clear plastic window is a significant shift, as it was previously used to display the figure inside the box. However, with the new packaging, collectors will no longer be able to inspect the product for quality control issues, such as paint errors, crossed eyes, or scratched suits. This is especially problematic for figures purchased in physical stores, as some people may attempt to swap new figures for older ones without a visible window.
Hasbro has faced some criticism for this decision, with some collectors expressing concerns about the potential increase in waste due to the use of more cardboard and the lack of an attractive box design. Additionally, there are worries about the impact on retail sales, as the ability to inspect the product before purchase was one advantage of buying from physical stores over online ordering.
It is worth noting that this change in packaging specifically refers to the removal of plastic from the product packaging and does not indicate a change in the plastic used for the Marvel Legends figures themselves. The figures continue to use a combination of rigid ABS plastic for the torso and flexible PVC plastic for the limbs and joints, resulting in a softer, rubbery feel to improve safety standards.
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Frequently asked questions
Marvel Legends figures use a combination of the rigid ABS plastic for the torso and flexible PVC plastic for the limbs and joints.
The use of PVC plastic ensures that if a child drops or breaks a figure, the pieces are less likely to be sharp or cause injury.
Some figures may feel softer due to variations in the exact mix of PVC being used, which can change over time.
Yes, some users have reported that newer figures feel softer, possibly due to cost-cutting measures or factory issues during the COVID pandemic.
In 2019, Hasbro announced the removal of clear plastic from their Marvel Legends product packaging for environmental reasons, switching to cardboard boxes.
