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Saturday, August 13, 2011

Vintage Penguin Action Figure by Mego 1974-1982


The Penguin, that pompous waddling master of fowl play, the criminal maestro of a thousand ubiquitous umbrellas and a pretty cool action figure.

Batman's Arch Enemy, Penguin

Like Mego's Joker action figure, Penguin was a popular selling character for Mego. He sold from is introduction in the Super-Foes line until the demise of The World's Greatest Super Heroes line in 1982, when Mego folded. Not only was the Penguin a popular seller like the Joker, his design and appearances in Batman toy commercials were just about equal. He often shared the spotlight with the Clown Prince of Crime in joint capers in the commercials.


The Penguin's head sculpt is similar to Mr. Mxyzptlk in the fact that their hats were molded to their heads. Later released figures in the line like Green Arrow or Speedy had removable hats. The rest of the head was complete with beak nose, monocle and evil smirk. Mego also utilized their fat torso design for both Penguin and Mr. Mxyzptlk.


Like other villains in the line, this figure has a screen printed outfit. The Penguin's is a tuxedo with bow tie, big black buttons, orange cummerbund, pin-stripped purple pants and white spats and matches the characters comic book look at the time. Like the Joker, he has a removable tailed jacket and shoes.




Penguin was sold in window boxes and on blister cards. The comic illustration is a recognizable depiction of the character from the 70's and the original drawing has him holding an umbrella, which Mego did not include, as was their usual practice not include to accessories. Expect for the before mentioned Green Arrow. How do not give the Penguin an umbrella? Sounds like fowl play to me.

Check out the Mego Riddler that was part of this series too.

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