Marvel Legends Collector's Guide: Series, Scales & Where to Start

What Is Marvel Legends?

Marvel Legends is Hasbro's premium action figure line covering the full breadth of the Marvel Universe — from classic comic book characters to MCU film and TV releases, animated series, and video game tie-ins. With decades of releases and hundreds of figures across countless waves, it's one of the most expansive and beloved collector lines in the world.

Whether you're a lifelong Marvel fan or just getting started, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the line before you buy.

Scale & Size

The core Marvel Legends line is 6-inch scale (approximately 15cm). Figures within the same scale are designed to be in proportion with one another, so your collection looks cohesive on display.

Hasbro also produces a smaller Retro 375 Collection at 3.75-inch scale — a nod to the classic Kenner and Toy Biz figures of the 1980s and 90s. These are ideal for collectors who grew up with the originals or prefer a more compact display.

The two scales are not compatible with each other proportionally, so it's worth deciding which you prefer before building your collection — though many collectors enjoy both.

Build-a-Figure (BAF) Waves Explained

One of the most distinctive features of Marvel Legends is the Build-a-Figure (BAF) system. Each wave of figures is packaged with a piece of a larger bonus figure. Collect every figure in the wave and you can assemble the BAF for free.

BAF characters are typically larger, more complex, or more obscure characters that wouldn't be viable as a standard single-carded release — making them a rewarding bonus for completionists. The BAF for each wave is clearly labelled on the packaging.

Tip: If you're buying individual figures from a wave rather than the full set, check which BAF piece is included. Some pieces are more desirable than others and can affect the figure's value on the secondary market.

Key Sub-Lines & Series

Marvel Legends is organised into themed sub-lines and waves. Here's a breakdown of the most common ones you'll encounter:

Comic Series

The bread and butter of Marvel Legends — figures based on classic and modern comic book appearances. These waves span the full Marvel roster, from Avengers and X-Men to Spider-Man, Fantastic Four, and beyond. Comic series figures typically feature multiple accessories and alternate head sculpts.

MCU & Film Waves

Tied to Marvel Cinematic Universe releases, these waves feature characters in their on-screen looks from specific films or Disney+ series. They're released to coincide with film launches and can sell out quickly around release windows.

Animated Series

Hasbro regularly produces waves inspired by Marvel animated properties, capturing characters in their cartoon-accurate deco and styling. These are particularly popular with fans of the classic 90s animated series.

Gamerverse

Tied to Marvel video games, Gamerverse figures feature characters in their in-game looks and costumes. A great option for fans who want their favourite game versions on the shelf.

Vintage Collection

The Vintage Collection presents 6-inch figures in retro-style blister card packaging, evoking the look and feel of classic toy lines from the 80s and 90s. The figures themselves are modern in quality but the presentation is pure nostalgia.

Retro 375 Collection

The 3.75-inch counterpart to the main line, the Retro 375 Collection features characters in smaller scale with classic-style packaging. A great entry point for collectors on a budget or with limited display space.

Anniversary & Special Editions

Hasbro periodically releases anniversary waves and special edition figures to mark milestones in Marvel history. These tend to be premium releases with enhanced deco, accessories, or packaging and are popular with long-term collectors.

Exclusive & Collaborative Releases

Some Marvel Legends figures are produced as retailer exclusives or in collaboration with other brands and properties. These are typically short-run releases and can be harder to find — making them particularly collectible.

Chase Variants

Some Marvel Legends waves include chase variants — short-packed figures with alternate paint apps, accessories, or decos that appear less frequently in cases than the standard version. They're harder to find at retail and often command a premium on the secondary market.

Not sure what a chase variant is? Read our full guide: What Are Chase Variants? A Collector's Guide to Rare & Short-Packed Figures.

Tips for New Marvel Legends Collectors

• Start with a theme you love — X-Men, Spider-Man, Avengers, or Fantastic Four. It's easier to build a focused, cohesive display than to collect everything at once.
• Pre-order early — popular waves and exclusives sell out fast. Pre-ordering guarantees your figure at the standard retail price.
• Think about display space — 6-inch figures take up more room than you'd expect. Plan your shelving before you buy. Read our display guide for ideas.
• Check BAF completion — if you want the Build-a-Figure, make sure you're buying all figures in the wave before the wave retires.
• Keep packaging if you can — mint-in-box figures hold their value better over time, especially for limited or exclusive releases.
• Know your scale — mixing 6-inch and 3.75-inch figures on the same shelf can look inconsistent. Keep scales separate for the best display results.

Shop Marvel Legends at Starbox Collectables

We stock a regularly updated range of Marvel Legends figures, including current waves, pre-orders, and exclusive releases. Browse our full Marvel Legends collection and secure your figures before they sell out.