A look at the first Superman action figure... Ideal Superman

[MegoSteve]

Finally took decent pictures of my Ideal Superman figures. In case you weren't aware, it was first released in 1940 by the Ideal Novelty and Toy Company and originally sold for 94 cents, according to Harry Matetsky's book Adventures in Superman Collecting.

Thanks to 80stoyman for the second one!

http://collectingsuperman.com/?p=2926

[Falstaff13]

Great write up. I remember my middle school library had a history reference book that featured a section on toys of the 1930s and 1940s, and it had a picture and brief description of this figure. Since it was a reference book, I could only look at it when we went to the library as a class, but I loved to see the design and image of it.

[Access]

That is super hip!

[VinMan]

Love your site Steve! Loved the read and the pics were very cool.

Thanks!!!!

[Mego MkIV]

Interesting piece your site is great MegoSteve.

[HardyGirl]

I'm such a fan of the Superman radio series, that I wonder how many kids held this figure and made it fly while they were listening. Great stuff.

[vintage spideyfan]

A beautiful and significant piece of history. Great website too!

[enyawd72]

Man do i love that figure! Wish they'd make a repro and even add new ones to the line. Imagine a 1940's style wooden Batman!

[TomStrong]

Thanks so much for the interesting article. I really liked it. The restoration photos were also wonderful.

[Saroyan]

Great site! Love that old super Man.

[MegoSteve]

Thanks everyone! Glad you like it... it's one of my favorite Superman items.

[Bionicfanboy66]

Would be great if Figures Toy Co. could get the Superman license and produce a repo figure of this.