History and Collectability of Clark Kent Superman Toys

Introduction

Clark Kent, known famously as Superman, has been an iconic superhero for decades. His character originated in DC Comics in the 1930s and has continued to capture imaginations through comics, television shows, movies, toys, and more. One especially popular iteration of Clark Kent's character is the Clark Kent Superman action figure toy produced by various major toy brands over the years.

Superman action figures allow fans to own a piece of the superhero fantasy. The Clark Kent version offers additional roleplay fun, as the bespectacled, mild-mannered reporter version of Superman hidden in plain sight. Clark Kent Superman toys have been coveted collectibles and playthings since their earliest production.

History of Clark Kent Superman Toys

Superman toys have been manufactured since 1940, just a couple years after the character debuted in comics. The earliest were simple bendable figures made of lead. In the 1950s, plastic Superman action figures were produced by toy companies like Marx. Major toy manufacturer Mego released a popular line of Superman dolls in the 1970s featuring accessories like a Clark Kent suit outfit worn over the Superman costume.

Super Powers Collection Clark Kent figures were highly sought after in the 1980s. Kenner's Super Powers line featured DC's classic superheroes with specially designed costumes and actions like punching. A rare variant came with a phone booth Clark Kent could "transform" in. Toy company Matty Collector released a New 52-era Clark Kent figure in his suit and tie in the 2010s.

Modern Clark Kent toys have captured the various comic and screen versions. DC Collectibles produced a Clark Kent action figure modeled on Henry Cavill's portrayal in the DCEU Superman movies. McFarlane Toys made a Clark Kent doll based on Tyler Hoechlin's Superman from CW's Superman and Lois series. Spin Master's 2020 Clark Kent Superman figure even talks!

Popular Features

What makes Clark Kent Superman toys so special? Several key features help them capture the dual identity intrigue of the character.

Outfits are a big part of the appeal. Clark Kent figures come suited up as either the heroic Superman in colorful costume or as Daily Planet reporter Clark in his business suit, glasses, and hat. The ability to switch between the two outfits adds to the mystique and imagination.

Many Clark Kent toys utilize phone booth or quick-change mechanisms. This allows the figure to "transform" from Clark into Superman by flipping around, similar to the character's origins. Some booths have room inside to stash Clark's civilian clothes when Superman emerges.

Realistic detail and accessories make the toys even more fun. Some Clark Kent figures include realistic fabric clothing, glasses, Planet press badges, briefcases, and more. Small touches like fabric capes, resin hair, and knee joints for posing bring the Superman disguise to life.

Pop Culture Significance

Clark Kent Superman toys have remained popular collectibles and playthings because the character continues to resonate through pop culture. Superman has been adapted across comics, movies and shows for decades. New generations of fans discover the thrilling mythology and duality of Superman/Clark Kent.

The classic Superman uniform and Clark Kent reporter get-up are instantly recognizable looks. Clark Kent's bumbling everyday persona compared to Superman's strength and bravery represents intriguing questions about identity. Kids and adult collectors alike enjoy recreating and expanding on these stories through imaginative play with Clark Kent figures.

Superman remains one of the most iconic and inspiring superheroes. As one of the first superhero characters that originated the very genre, Superman has influenced every hero that followed. His past stories continue to be reinterpreted, and new adventures developed across mediums. Clark Kent Superman toys let fans participate in this living mythology.

In Pop Culture

Some of the most memorable Clark Kent Superman toy appearances in wider pop culture include:

• In Superman Returns, a young Jason plays with a Phone Booth Quick Change Clark Kent figure.
• In The Big Bang Theory episode "The Fortification Implementation", Amy gifts Sheldon a classic Mego Superman doll.
• A Clark Kent figure is shown in the background of Bruce Wayne's study in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.

Collectability and Value

Vintage Clark Kent Superman toys hold special value for collectors today. Harder to find figure variants and toys in good condition command very high aftermarket prices. For example, a Mego Clark Kent in package has been valued from $800 up to $4000.

More common Superman toys can still be worth decent money depending on age, condition and demand. Factors like costume accuracy, accessories, and mechanics also impact value. A basic Clark Kent figure may be worth $50-100, while one with a phone booth could range from $150 to over $400 for rarer versions.

Modern Clark Kent toys only gain collectability after being retired. However, special edition collectible figures sold at conventions and toy fairs often appreciate quickly. Limited runs, alternate decos, and exclusive items also tend to go up in value as they become harder to find.

Most Valuable Clark Kent Superman Toys

Some of the most valuable and sought after Clark Kent figures include:

• 1940s Lead Superman Bendable Figure
• 1950s Marx early plastic Superman
• 1960s Ideal Superman Changing Room
• 1970s Mego Clark Kent Superman Outfit Version
• 1980s Kenner Super Powers Clark Kent Phone Booth Quick Change

Where to Buy Clark Kent Superman Toys

There are many options for obtaining Clark Kent Superman figures old and new. Here are some top places to buy:

Online Auctions

Sites like eBay have listings for many vintage and modern Clark Kent toys. Harder to find items often show up here. You can also find auction deals and discount prices.

Online Retailers

Major online toy stores carry the latest Clark Kent figures and exclusives. Big Bad Toy Store, Entertainment Earth, and Dorkside Toys all stock Superman toys.

Comic and Collectible Shops

Check local comic book and collectible stores for classic Superman toys. Owners often have collector knowledge and harder to find items. Conventions are another place to look.

Flea Markets and Antique Stores

Searching flea markets, antique malls, and thrift shops can turn up great vintage toy finds. Massive lots containing Clark Kent figures may show up here.

Displaying and Collecting Clark Kent Superman Toys

Clark Kent Superman toys make exciting collectibles to display. Here are some top tips for collecting and showing off your figures:

• Keep figures in original packaging to preserve condition and maximize value.
• Open package carefully from bottom if wanting to free for play or display.
• Display figures in dynamic flying poses using stands and supports.
• Pose Clark Kent figures adjusting glasses or holding Daily Planet items.
• Utilize plastic cases or acrylic risers to neatly show off loose figures.
• Back with matching backgrounds like the Daily Planet office or Metropolis cityscape.
• Organize multiple eras of figures together to showcase the evolution.

In Conclusion

Clark Kent secret identity Superman toys capture fans' imaginations in many eras. Vintage to modern figures let us act out the thrilling adventures and duality of Superman/Clark Kent. These toys gain collectability as Superman continues resonating through pop culture. Clark Kent Superman action figures will go on inspiring play and collecting fun for generations to come.

FAQs

What is the most valuable Clark Kent Superman toy?

The 1940s Lead Superman Bendable Figure is considered the most valuable and rarest Clark Kent Superman toy. Mint condition versions have sold for over $4000.

Where can I buy classic Clark Kent Superman figures?

Vintage Superman toys can be found on auction sites like eBay, at collectible stores, comic shops, flea markets, antique malls, and collectible conventions.

How much are old Mego Clark Kent Superman toys worth?

Mego Clark Kent figures from the 1970s in good condition can be worth between $800 to $4000 depending on rarity. More common versions sell for $100 to $400.

Should I keep Clark Kent Superman toys in the original packaging?

Keeping the original packaging helps preserve the condition and maximize resale value. But you can carefully open from the bottom to free the figure for display.

What makes a Clark Kent Superman toy valuable?

Rarity, age, condition, accessories, action features, costume accuracy, and demand by collectors impact a Clark Kent Superman toy's value.