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I had fun making this with a bunch of people about 2 years ago, so I hope you enjoy the read. The actual article I made up has pictures of every figure listed but I have no clue how to add them to this thread so sorry about that.
THE TOP 20 GREATEST STRETCH FIGURES OF ALL TIME!!
Back in 1974 James O. Kuhn invented the all time classic toy, Stretch Armstrong. When Kenner released this latex corn syrup filled super figure to toy stores in 1976 the reaction was extraordinary. A year later due to popular demand Kenner released Stretch Armstrong's arch-nemesis, the Stretch Monster. After more figures got released Mego Corp decided to copy Kuhn's idea and create their very own line of stretch figures. Throughout the years other toy companies would often try to duplicate these figures with all different shapes, sizes, and fillings. Sometimes the results were good and other times the results were bad. So in honor of the hundreds of stretch figures that have come since Stretch Armstrong's beginnings, I (who has been a stretch figure collector, dealer and historian for over 20 years) have decided to rank the best of the best! But how does one rank a stretch figure? Well I based each and every figure made (plus variations) on character popularity, head sculpt, body, color, detail, tones, chunkiness, authenticity, and overall fun. Not to be biased on my favorites, I also asked fellow collectors, dealers and friends where they ranked their 20 best of the best in the stretch world. It was interesting to see the overall results with some figures that made the list. So sit back and enjoy the 20 greatest stretch figures ever!
20. KING KONG BUNDY
LJN (1987)
Cracking the top 20 is the King Kong Bundy stretch figure that is actually not filled with corn syrup. “The Wrestling Superstars Stretch Wrestlers” figures were filled with a powder substance. Because of this and the weak latex skin they had (which made them burst apart when they were stretched too far) they didn't stretch as well as they're corn syrup counter parts do. But even with these flaws they were still just as fun especially when you put them in a ring and put them into wrestling holds. The figure itself looks authentic to the actual wrestler in head sculpt, body and outfit. But its best feature is the overall thickness (he's the biggest along with George “The Animal” Steele in this 8 figure set).
19. MR. FANTASTIC 1st version
TOYBIZ (2005)
A Mr. Fantastic figure has been way overdue because of his power to stretch. So this figure is as authentic as you can get to the character. That is also why the 1st version of this figure makes the list (even though it's outfit design is based on the 2005 movie with the “4” symbol in the upper left-hand corner rather than the center) it still has the feel of the original classic suite with colors and tones. A 2nd version exists that had an updated paint job to resemble more of the movie and later in 2006 a 3rd version came out to resemble the animated series that was on television at the time. But all in all, this figure is the best of them because of how close it looks like the Stan Lee and Jack Kirby comic-based original.
18. THE MASK
HASBRO (1995)
With a very limited release many people never got to appreciate this stretch figure. The head sculpt is this figures biggest asset with dead on color, big teeth and smirk likeness. The body, even with it's limited detail and paint job (some figures don't have any paint detail while some do) is still pretty close to the overall look of the character. Plus the Mask is a perfect choice for a stretch figure due to his powers to change shape and be extreme.
17. STRETCH X-RAY
KENNER (1978)
The UK version had a Stretch Armstrong see through body. But it's the American version with it's long and lanky frame that exemplifies the true horror that is Stretch X-Ray and gets him into 17th place on this list. The head sculpt is so full of alien evil that even his enemy Stretch Armstrong has to be rolling in his sleep at night. And you can't go wrong with the overall quality, durability and lasting power of a Kenner stretch figure which are by far the best of the bunch.
16. RANDY “MACHO MAN” SAVAGE
LJN (1987)
Randy Savage was one of the most popular wrestlers from the mid 80's until the the late 90's and he had a bunch of figures based on him released during that period. It was no surprise that LJN released a stretch figure of him and did a fantastic job (matter of fact LJN did a great job with every stretch figure from this line). But Randy is just on another level than the others with a fantastic head sculpt, outfit and body that resembles the wrestlers exact detail. The only knock on this figure is it's powder substance and weaker latex skin that hurt it's stretching ability. But that by no means can keep this figure out of the top 20 and rank well.
15. DONALD DUCK
MEGO (1980)
Mego did a great job on the design of their Disney characters. And this rare Donald Duck figure is no exception to the rule. It possesses a great head sculpt and outfit that resembles all the lovable goodness of the character. While it lacks overall size and chubbiness that makes a great stretch you can't deny the relevance and pure fun of this toy. Mego had a tough time trying to mimic the quality of the Kenner stretch figures back in the day so finding this toy in good shape is very hard to do.
14. THE STRETCH SERPENT
KENNER (1978)
The mega-rare and mega-valuable Stretch Serpent is a cool and strange looking stretch. It is one of the true holy grails of stretch collecting and locating one is harder to find than the actual Loch Ness Monster of Scotland. A Stretch Serpent that was repaired and complete with box and instructions sold for a hefty 12,500.00 back in 2008! But this list is not based on value and rarity, it's based on playability and greatness. The Serpent looks great in every way with it's big yellow eyes and green scaled body with long flowing tail. But it's lack of versatility hurts this figures overall ranking to be higher up on this list. Most stretch figures have a little more to offer with play value due to their arms and legs. The mighty Stretch Serpent has no such luck and it's this reason alone that keeps it out of the top 10. Even so, this stretch figure is an all time classic especially due to it's overall uniqueness.
13. STRETCH ANDRO
TSUKUDA (1977)
The Stretch Andro (nicknamed the Tsukuda Monster) is actually a Japanese import version of the Stretch Monster made by Kenner. It has the same body as the Monster but a brand new head sculpt that gives this version a life of it's own. Variants historically are cheaper knock-offs of the original but this figure is anything but that and clearly has a place in the top 20. There is even a scarce smaller 6 1/2” variant of the Stretch Andro available that lacks the overall detail of its 13” father. And his enemy is the Tsukuda version of Stretch Armstrong named “Mr. X” that was available but that version falls flat and cannot crack the top 20. A superb job from Tsukuda on this stretch for making it original and fun.
12. BATMAN
MEGO (1979)
By far the most important and valuable stretch figure in existence and one of the most rare! A mint Elastic Batman sold for a whopping 15,100.00 in 2006 and single-handedly started the stretch figure phenomenon, another pitted/complete figure sold for 7,500.00 in 2008! But once again, scarcity and value have no place here. Mego did a great job with Batman in outfit, color and tones but it's the lack of expression in the head sculpt that keeps this stretch out of the top 10. He needs to be more menacing!! Not to mention the blocky bat symbol on his chest, gloves and boots with no coloring or detail. Even with these few negatives, the Elastic Batman cannot be denied in the fun department because of the characters sheer popularity and mystique. It also remains one of the top 5 Batman toys ever made.
11. HULK HOGAN
LJN (1987)
Hulk Hogan is the absolute best and most valuable stretch figure from LJN's “Wrestling Superstars Stretch Wrestlers” line. With a perfect head sculpt and body this stretch cannot be denied it's ranking. Sure his boots should have been yellow instead of black and it's weak latex skin with powder substance filling make this toy lack “full stretch fun”, but this is Hulk Hogan!! And the Hulkster is the most popular and most collectible wrestler ever. Back in 1987 when Hulkamania was running wild all over the world, this was one of the best Hulk Hogan toys to get period!
10. SUPERMAN
MEGO (1979)
The mighty Stretch Top 10 starts off with the mighty Elastic Superman! This Mego stretch had some of the same negatives as it's Batman figure; blocky “S” symbol on chest with no color separation, no boot detail and color, plus no skin color for his hands. But this figure also has a few things that give it total authenticity and putting it into the top 10 faster than a speeding bullet! A sticker decal of a yellow “S” to be stuck on the back of the cape, great outfit with perfect tones and colors, and a fantastic Christopher Reeves-like head sculpt that captures all the magic that is Superman. And being a Superman toy, how could this stretch not be popular and fun for eager kid's? Even though Mego's “Elastic Superheroes” was a stolen idea from Kenner's Stretch Armstrong (which they got sued for), it was still a fun line of toys.
9. MICKEY MOUSE
MEGO (1980)
As one of the most enduring and iconic characters ever created the Elastic Mickey Mouse is second to none when it comes to popularity. Mego did a fabulous job and made this stretch totally authentic to the character in colors, shape, outfit and head sculpt. What holds this figure out of the top 5 is it's overall size and chunkiness (it's a tad on the light side). But this stretch is still a thing of beauty to behold.
8. THE INCREDIBLE HULK
DENYS FISHER (1979)
The ever elusive UK exclusive Denys Fisher Stretch Hulk is a variant of the Mego Elastic Hulk. Denys Fisher was a company in Europe licensed under Kenner and Mego which produced versions of Stretch Armstrong, Stretch Monster, and the like overseas. In 1979 they went after the Hulk popularity pie that was all the rage in the late 70's and made a stretch Hulk figure for Mego that was only available in Europe. The Hulk has a flawless head sculpt that is true to the green goliath with traditional trademark snarl. His colors and outfit are top notch and perfect that make this figure as authentic as they come. Denys Fisher also produced this stretch with great quality so this toy is much more durable and reliable for hours of fun and stretching pleasure. The only knock is the size of the Hulk. Denys Fisher used the same mold as Stretch Armstrong to produce his body and thus he lacks his Hulk-like mass that fans are used to. Still this figure remains in the top 5 most wanted Hulk collectibles ever.
7. CASPER THE FRIENDLY GHOST
MEGO (1980)
The only thing hurting Casper from entering the top 5 is that he is not as popular as a few other big names on this list (especially the Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck figures from this set). But this stretch figure is better than most of them. That is because Mego did such a great job on the head sculpt, body, colors, tones and even his small stature is made into lovable chunkiness with his plump round belly. It is totally authentic to the character in every way and yet remains true to what a stretch figure should be. It's a shame Casper was not produced in it's planned numbers due to the lawsuit that Kenner had with Mego that halted it's Elastic line of stretch figures. So attaining one in any condition is almost impossible to do.
6. HOMER SIMPSON
CHARACTER TOYS (2005)
As being the star of the greatest animated series of all time, Homer Simpson does one better than the Mego Casper stretch figure just in popularity alone. And this figure is as authentic as you can get in head sculpt, body, colors, tones, and outfit (which is hilarious to see Homer in his “tighty whiteys”). However the underwear is molded onto the body and not cloth (which would've made the figure more fun when stretched). Regardless this is by far the best stretch to come out of the new millennium.
5. THE INCREDIBLE HULK
MEGO (1979)
And now entering the top 5 is the Mego Elastic Hulk! Mego is famous for their excellent head sculpts with amazing detail and this one is no exception. This Hulk figure could well be the best Hulk ever produced by Mego (all their Hulk figures have been top notch). It is totally authentic to the character in colors, tones, outfit, and body with the sheer size that only the Hulk could pull off. This stretch remains one of the biggest and heaviest figures ever made and is also one of the most in demand. It is widely considered the “Holy Grail” of all Hulk collectibles and considering how rare it is, it will always sell for big bucks in the collectors market (a mint one sold for 7,400.00 back in 2006).
4. PLASTIC MAN
MEGO (1979)
If there was any character perfect to be a stretch figure it was Plastic Man (this was his first figure ever made). Mego went all out in the authenticity of this figure with head sculpt, colors, tones, outfit, and body. It is probably the most perfect stretch ever made based on a character and remains one of the most elusive. It's anyone's guess which figure is more rare, Plastic Man or the Stretch Serpent, for both are impossible to find. While he is not as in demand as the other heroes from the “Elastic Superheroes” line, he can still command a hefty price tag (a mint one sold for 5,800.00 in 2008).
3. STRETCH ARMSTRONG
KENNER (1976)
The vintage original and founding father of all the stretch figures is the wrestler known as Stretch Armstrong. He has many variants in other countries (some having different names like “Elastic Man” from France or “Mr. X” from Japan). Later in the 90's CAP Toys remade Stretch Armstrong for a new age of fans but it's the original Kenner 1976 version that is by far the best of the bunch. It's hard to rank this figure because he is basically the measuring stick to all the others figures. He is essentially the quintessential stretch. His only knock at not being the top dog on this list is his cool factor. Sure he looks cool for what he represents (a blond haired muscular man) but the other two above him just look cooler.
2. THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN
MEGO (1979)
The Elastic Spider-man was the most produced and most sold figure in the entire Mego “Elastic Superheroes” toy line. This is because of the popularity of everyones favorite wall-crawler (he is one of the top 3 greatest superheroes ever created). Plus the figure just looks cool in every way so kid's had to have one. It's totally authentic in colors, tones, outfit, design and possesses the best head sculpt Mego produced in the entire line. It's constant demand makes this toy sell regularly in various conditions with prices ranging between 400.00 to 4,000.00 dollars. It also ranks as a premier Spider-man piece to collectors and despite the few that are still available, it's very difficult to find in flawless condition. As amazing as this figure is only one other stretch can claim to be greater than Spider-man...
AND THE NUMBER 1 STRETCH EVER IS....
1. STRETCH MONSTER
KENNER (1977)
When Stretch Armstrong hit the shelves in 1976 as a stretching Tarzan-like man, who would've thought that a year later Kenner would produce an adversary for the hero to fight and take it to such extremes in creativity. The Stretch Monster was totally different in every way and looked so incredibly cool. The head sculpt is second to none in detail and expression, the body is flawless and it's scaly skin just adds to the terror that this monster can strike into the hearts of innocents. A year later Kenner tried another attempt at making another villain for Stretch Armstrong to fight with Stretch X-Ray but this figure was no where near the level of the Stretch Monster. There were also a few oversea versions of the Monster made (such as the Stretch Andro from Japan which is ranked 13th on this list) due to it's popularity. When you look at this overall list you could make an argument for the stretch figures between 20 thru 2. But there can be no doubt that the menacing Stretch Monster ranks as the greatest stretch ever made! It should be noted that when I was asking for a top 20 list from others, the Stretch Monster was unanimously voted as the top stretch. And even in today's market the first stretch figure a collector wants seems to always be the Stretch Monster so there can be no denying this figures influence and greatness.
AND THE WORST STRETCH EVER???
BOBY GOMA
SULC (1993)
There have been a ton of bad stretch figures to hit the market through the years but none can be as bad as the Argentian funny man Boby Goma from Sulc toys. As a stretch figure itself, it wasn't so bad although it was only 8.3 inches tall and came in a variety of colors. The box was well designed and the figure was packaged neatly. But why Boby Goma?? I could think of literally hundreds of better people or characters that would be made into a better stretch figure. Once again, why Boby Goma? WHY??
THE TOP 20 GREATEST STRETCH FIGURES OF ALL TIME!!
Back in 1974 James O. Kuhn invented the all time classic toy, Stretch Armstrong. When Kenner released this latex corn syrup filled super figure to toy stores in 1976 the reaction was extraordinary. A year later due to popular demand Kenner released Stretch Armstrong's arch-nemesis, the Stretch Monster. After more figures got released Mego Corp decided to copy Kuhn's idea and create their very own line of stretch figures. Throughout the years other toy companies would often try to duplicate these figures with all different shapes, sizes, and fillings. Sometimes the results were good and other times the results were bad. So in honor of the hundreds of stretch figures that have come since Stretch Armstrong's beginnings, I (who has been a stretch figure collector, dealer and historian for over 20 years) have decided to rank the best of the best! But how does one rank a stretch figure? Well I based each and every figure made (plus variations) on character popularity, head sculpt, body, color, detail, tones, chunkiness, authenticity, and overall fun. Not to be biased on my favorites, I also asked fellow collectors, dealers and friends where they ranked their 20 best of the best in the stretch world. It was interesting to see the overall results with some figures that made the list. So sit back and enjoy the 20 greatest stretch figures ever!
20. KING KONG BUNDY
LJN (1987)
Cracking the top 20 is the King Kong Bundy stretch figure that is actually not filled with corn syrup. “The Wrestling Superstars Stretch Wrestlers” figures were filled with a powder substance. Because of this and the weak latex skin they had (which made them burst apart when they were stretched too far) they didn't stretch as well as they're corn syrup counter parts do. But even with these flaws they were still just as fun especially when you put them in a ring and put them into wrestling holds. The figure itself looks authentic to the actual wrestler in head sculpt, body and outfit. But its best feature is the overall thickness (he's the biggest along with George “The Animal” Steele in this 8 figure set).
19. MR. FANTASTIC 1st version
TOYBIZ (2005)
A Mr. Fantastic figure has been way overdue because of his power to stretch. So this figure is as authentic as you can get to the character. That is also why the 1st version of this figure makes the list (even though it's outfit design is based on the 2005 movie with the “4” symbol in the upper left-hand corner rather than the center) it still has the feel of the original classic suite with colors and tones. A 2nd version exists that had an updated paint job to resemble more of the movie and later in 2006 a 3rd version came out to resemble the animated series that was on television at the time. But all in all, this figure is the best of them because of how close it looks like the Stan Lee and Jack Kirby comic-based original.
18. THE MASK
HASBRO (1995)
With a very limited release many people never got to appreciate this stretch figure. The head sculpt is this figures biggest asset with dead on color, big teeth and smirk likeness. The body, even with it's limited detail and paint job (some figures don't have any paint detail while some do) is still pretty close to the overall look of the character. Plus the Mask is a perfect choice for a stretch figure due to his powers to change shape and be extreme.
17. STRETCH X-RAY
KENNER (1978)
The UK version had a Stretch Armstrong see through body. But it's the American version with it's long and lanky frame that exemplifies the true horror that is Stretch X-Ray and gets him into 17th place on this list. The head sculpt is so full of alien evil that even his enemy Stretch Armstrong has to be rolling in his sleep at night. And you can't go wrong with the overall quality, durability and lasting power of a Kenner stretch figure which are by far the best of the bunch.
16. RANDY “MACHO MAN” SAVAGE
LJN (1987)
Randy Savage was one of the most popular wrestlers from the mid 80's until the the late 90's and he had a bunch of figures based on him released during that period. It was no surprise that LJN released a stretch figure of him and did a fantastic job (matter of fact LJN did a great job with every stretch figure from this line). But Randy is just on another level than the others with a fantastic head sculpt, outfit and body that resembles the wrestlers exact detail. The only knock on this figure is it's powder substance and weaker latex skin that hurt it's stretching ability. But that by no means can keep this figure out of the top 20 and rank well.
15. DONALD DUCK
MEGO (1980)
Mego did a great job on the design of their Disney characters. And this rare Donald Duck figure is no exception to the rule. It possesses a great head sculpt and outfit that resembles all the lovable goodness of the character. While it lacks overall size and chubbiness that makes a great stretch you can't deny the relevance and pure fun of this toy. Mego had a tough time trying to mimic the quality of the Kenner stretch figures back in the day so finding this toy in good shape is very hard to do.
14. THE STRETCH SERPENT
KENNER (1978)
The mega-rare and mega-valuable Stretch Serpent is a cool and strange looking stretch. It is one of the true holy grails of stretch collecting and locating one is harder to find than the actual Loch Ness Monster of Scotland. A Stretch Serpent that was repaired and complete with box and instructions sold for a hefty 12,500.00 back in 2008! But this list is not based on value and rarity, it's based on playability and greatness. The Serpent looks great in every way with it's big yellow eyes and green scaled body with long flowing tail. But it's lack of versatility hurts this figures overall ranking to be higher up on this list. Most stretch figures have a little more to offer with play value due to their arms and legs. The mighty Stretch Serpent has no such luck and it's this reason alone that keeps it out of the top 10. Even so, this stretch figure is an all time classic especially due to it's overall uniqueness.
13. STRETCH ANDRO
TSUKUDA (1977)
The Stretch Andro (nicknamed the Tsukuda Monster) is actually a Japanese import version of the Stretch Monster made by Kenner. It has the same body as the Monster but a brand new head sculpt that gives this version a life of it's own. Variants historically are cheaper knock-offs of the original but this figure is anything but that and clearly has a place in the top 20. There is even a scarce smaller 6 1/2” variant of the Stretch Andro available that lacks the overall detail of its 13” father. And his enemy is the Tsukuda version of Stretch Armstrong named “Mr. X” that was available but that version falls flat and cannot crack the top 20. A superb job from Tsukuda on this stretch for making it original and fun.
12. BATMAN
MEGO (1979)
By far the most important and valuable stretch figure in existence and one of the most rare! A mint Elastic Batman sold for a whopping 15,100.00 in 2006 and single-handedly started the stretch figure phenomenon, another pitted/complete figure sold for 7,500.00 in 2008! But once again, scarcity and value have no place here. Mego did a great job with Batman in outfit, color and tones but it's the lack of expression in the head sculpt that keeps this stretch out of the top 10. He needs to be more menacing!! Not to mention the blocky bat symbol on his chest, gloves and boots with no coloring or detail. Even with these few negatives, the Elastic Batman cannot be denied in the fun department because of the characters sheer popularity and mystique. It also remains one of the top 5 Batman toys ever made.
11. HULK HOGAN
LJN (1987)
Hulk Hogan is the absolute best and most valuable stretch figure from LJN's “Wrestling Superstars Stretch Wrestlers” line. With a perfect head sculpt and body this stretch cannot be denied it's ranking. Sure his boots should have been yellow instead of black and it's weak latex skin with powder substance filling make this toy lack “full stretch fun”, but this is Hulk Hogan!! And the Hulkster is the most popular and most collectible wrestler ever. Back in 1987 when Hulkamania was running wild all over the world, this was one of the best Hulk Hogan toys to get period!
10. SUPERMAN
MEGO (1979)
The mighty Stretch Top 10 starts off with the mighty Elastic Superman! This Mego stretch had some of the same negatives as it's Batman figure; blocky “S” symbol on chest with no color separation, no boot detail and color, plus no skin color for his hands. But this figure also has a few things that give it total authenticity and putting it into the top 10 faster than a speeding bullet! A sticker decal of a yellow “S” to be stuck on the back of the cape, great outfit with perfect tones and colors, and a fantastic Christopher Reeves-like head sculpt that captures all the magic that is Superman. And being a Superman toy, how could this stretch not be popular and fun for eager kid's? Even though Mego's “Elastic Superheroes” was a stolen idea from Kenner's Stretch Armstrong (which they got sued for), it was still a fun line of toys.
9. MICKEY MOUSE
MEGO (1980)
As one of the most enduring and iconic characters ever created the Elastic Mickey Mouse is second to none when it comes to popularity. Mego did a fabulous job and made this stretch totally authentic to the character in colors, shape, outfit and head sculpt. What holds this figure out of the top 5 is it's overall size and chunkiness (it's a tad on the light side). But this stretch is still a thing of beauty to behold.
8. THE INCREDIBLE HULK
DENYS FISHER (1979)
The ever elusive UK exclusive Denys Fisher Stretch Hulk is a variant of the Mego Elastic Hulk. Denys Fisher was a company in Europe licensed under Kenner and Mego which produced versions of Stretch Armstrong, Stretch Monster, and the like overseas. In 1979 they went after the Hulk popularity pie that was all the rage in the late 70's and made a stretch Hulk figure for Mego that was only available in Europe. The Hulk has a flawless head sculpt that is true to the green goliath with traditional trademark snarl. His colors and outfit are top notch and perfect that make this figure as authentic as they come. Denys Fisher also produced this stretch with great quality so this toy is much more durable and reliable for hours of fun and stretching pleasure. The only knock is the size of the Hulk. Denys Fisher used the same mold as Stretch Armstrong to produce his body and thus he lacks his Hulk-like mass that fans are used to. Still this figure remains in the top 5 most wanted Hulk collectibles ever.
7. CASPER THE FRIENDLY GHOST
MEGO (1980)
The only thing hurting Casper from entering the top 5 is that he is not as popular as a few other big names on this list (especially the Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck figures from this set). But this stretch figure is better than most of them. That is because Mego did such a great job on the head sculpt, body, colors, tones and even his small stature is made into lovable chunkiness with his plump round belly. It is totally authentic to the character in every way and yet remains true to what a stretch figure should be. It's a shame Casper was not produced in it's planned numbers due to the lawsuit that Kenner had with Mego that halted it's Elastic line of stretch figures. So attaining one in any condition is almost impossible to do.
6. HOMER SIMPSON
CHARACTER TOYS (2005)
As being the star of the greatest animated series of all time, Homer Simpson does one better than the Mego Casper stretch figure just in popularity alone. And this figure is as authentic as you can get in head sculpt, body, colors, tones, and outfit (which is hilarious to see Homer in his “tighty whiteys”). However the underwear is molded onto the body and not cloth (which would've made the figure more fun when stretched). Regardless this is by far the best stretch to come out of the new millennium.
5. THE INCREDIBLE HULK
MEGO (1979)
And now entering the top 5 is the Mego Elastic Hulk! Mego is famous for their excellent head sculpts with amazing detail and this one is no exception. This Hulk figure could well be the best Hulk ever produced by Mego (all their Hulk figures have been top notch). It is totally authentic to the character in colors, tones, outfit, and body with the sheer size that only the Hulk could pull off. This stretch remains one of the biggest and heaviest figures ever made and is also one of the most in demand. It is widely considered the “Holy Grail” of all Hulk collectibles and considering how rare it is, it will always sell for big bucks in the collectors market (a mint one sold for 7,400.00 back in 2006).
4. PLASTIC MAN
MEGO (1979)
If there was any character perfect to be a stretch figure it was Plastic Man (this was his first figure ever made). Mego went all out in the authenticity of this figure with head sculpt, colors, tones, outfit, and body. It is probably the most perfect stretch ever made based on a character and remains one of the most elusive. It's anyone's guess which figure is more rare, Plastic Man or the Stretch Serpent, for both are impossible to find. While he is not as in demand as the other heroes from the “Elastic Superheroes” line, he can still command a hefty price tag (a mint one sold for 5,800.00 in 2008).
3. STRETCH ARMSTRONG
KENNER (1976)
The vintage original and founding father of all the stretch figures is the wrestler known as Stretch Armstrong. He has many variants in other countries (some having different names like “Elastic Man” from France or “Mr. X” from Japan). Later in the 90's CAP Toys remade Stretch Armstrong for a new age of fans but it's the original Kenner 1976 version that is by far the best of the bunch. It's hard to rank this figure because he is basically the measuring stick to all the others figures. He is essentially the quintessential stretch. His only knock at not being the top dog on this list is his cool factor. Sure he looks cool for what he represents (a blond haired muscular man) but the other two above him just look cooler.
2. THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN
MEGO (1979)
The Elastic Spider-man was the most produced and most sold figure in the entire Mego “Elastic Superheroes” toy line. This is because of the popularity of everyones favorite wall-crawler (he is one of the top 3 greatest superheroes ever created). Plus the figure just looks cool in every way so kid's had to have one. It's totally authentic in colors, tones, outfit, design and possesses the best head sculpt Mego produced in the entire line. It's constant demand makes this toy sell regularly in various conditions with prices ranging between 400.00 to 4,000.00 dollars. It also ranks as a premier Spider-man piece to collectors and despite the few that are still available, it's very difficult to find in flawless condition. As amazing as this figure is only one other stretch can claim to be greater than Spider-man...
AND THE NUMBER 1 STRETCH EVER IS....
1. STRETCH MONSTER
KENNER (1977)
When Stretch Armstrong hit the shelves in 1976 as a stretching Tarzan-like man, who would've thought that a year later Kenner would produce an adversary for the hero to fight and take it to such extremes in creativity. The Stretch Monster was totally different in every way and looked so incredibly cool. The head sculpt is second to none in detail and expression, the body is flawless and it's scaly skin just adds to the terror that this monster can strike into the hearts of innocents. A year later Kenner tried another attempt at making another villain for Stretch Armstrong to fight with Stretch X-Ray but this figure was no where near the level of the Stretch Monster. There were also a few oversea versions of the Monster made (such as the Stretch Andro from Japan which is ranked 13th on this list) due to it's popularity. When you look at this overall list you could make an argument for the stretch figures between 20 thru 2. But there can be no doubt that the menacing Stretch Monster ranks as the greatest stretch ever made! It should be noted that when I was asking for a top 20 list from others, the Stretch Monster was unanimously voted as the top stretch. And even in today's market the first stretch figure a collector wants seems to always be the Stretch Monster so there can be no denying this figures influence and greatness.
AND THE WORST STRETCH EVER???
BOBY GOMA
SULC (1993)
There have been a ton of bad stretch figures to hit the market through the years but none can be as bad as the Argentian funny man Boby Goma from Sulc toys. As a stretch figure itself, it wasn't so bad although it was only 8.3 inches tall and came in a variety of colors. The box was well designed and the figure was packaged neatly. But why Boby Goma?? I could think of literally hundreds of better people or characters that would be made into a better stretch figure. Once again, why Boby Goma? WHY??
make a killing on ebay but I cant collect everything ( I want 2 ) but its vintage Bionics and Mego & palitoy stuff for me 
Stretch Monster seemed like a pretty cool toy too. With a Stretch Armstrong movie in the works (2011, I think), I guess we will see some new stretch toys in the near future.
-Tallahassee 
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