 The
Elastic Heroes
In 1979, the year of their 25th Anniversary, Mego was facing some new challenges with their premier license the "World's Greatest Superheroes".
The boys' action figure market was steering away from the traditional 8" size that had ruled for nearly 8 years, to top it off rival toy company Remco was cutting Mego's grass by getting the Superhero license for a series of "Energized Heroes".
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Mego like any smart company decided that they'd better shape up and diversify their license with some new product before someone else did...
So in 1978-79, children were treated to an unprecedented surge in WGSH merchandising, 12" Heroes with "Fly Away Action" , a new assortment of Pocket Heroes with shuttles and electronic vehicles, Die Cast Limited Edition figures and The Elastic Heroes
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The Elastic Heroes were a take off on Kenner's popular Stretch Armstrong line, Kenner thought the word "rip off" was more appropriate and promptly sued.
The thing that makes the Elastic Heroes so cool, is the character choices, not only were Hulk., Spiderman, Superman, Batman in the mix but new TV star Plastic man and cartoon regulars Casper, Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck.
Original Mego 1979 Catalog Page for the Elastic Heroes and a picture of a Kaybee toys circa the early 1980's. If you look close enough, you can see an entire display of Mego Stretch Dolls.
Boxed Mego Elastic Spiderman is a rare find (like all of these!) Note the use of the Neal Adams art that also appeared on the diecast heroes and denim carded pocket heroes.
The Batman and Superman Sculpts are very much on model with late 70's Mego items. A scowling Batman and a Reeve's esque face for Superman.
Many thanks to Mexican collector Raul for the use of the very rare Ensueno releases of the Elastic Superman, this is the first time they've been shown boxed and are very rare.
Many thanks to Mexican collector Raul for the use of the very rare Ensueno releases of the Elastic Batman, this is the first time they've been shown boxed and are very rare.
Original Mego Repro line art for Stretch Dolls.
Mego licensed Disney characters such as Mickey,Donald Duck and Casper.
