1:6 Scale Mattel Movie Masters Christopher Reeve Superman (2010)

I had, then eventually sold off this 1:6 scale Mattel Movie Masters Christopher Reeve Superman, and General Zod, regretting it some years later. I finally caught up with one at a semi-reasonable price, but more than the sixty bucks I paid in 2010, and vowed to open and enjoy this one. Check out the video:

There was a lot of backlash regarding the Christopher Reeve portrait on this figure, and while it's fair that the sheen of the plastic is off-putting from some angles, the sculpt isn't that terrible for a $60.00 figure- for all the accessories, the soft goods outfit, deluxe packaging, it's a decent value. He looks a lot more like a toy than a deluxe 1:6 scale figure like the Hot Toys 1978 Superman, but he was a fraction of the cost. I feel like the portrait is on the same level as the outfit, and while there is a deluxe aspect to the figure, he still feels like a toy- and I like that.

My brother gifted me the Superman The Movie magazine format collector's album some years ago knowing what a big fan of Christopher Reeve. The 1978 movie captured my 6-year-old imagination, permanently melding the actor to the character in my mind.

The gripping hands don't properly hold the Kryptonian crystals, but the input station is a nice little accessory that I think adds value to the set, and you can kinda fudge it for poses...

Below, the Mattel Chris Reeve Superman with my newer 8" Mego Superman and 14" Mego Superman, and my 13" DC Direct Superman that I've had for over a decade - all classic representations of the character. See the video above for more comparisons with other Superman figures in my collection!

Follow the Super-DuperToyBox on Instagram!

More Later- Make It FUN!

Superman The Movie Magazine (1979)

One very special Christmas gift from my sibling this year was a Superman The Movie magazine, published in 1979- very cool! I have some vintage comics and Christopher Reeve memorabilia in my collection, but have never seen this! Chris was a hero in real life as well as on the silver screen, co-founding the Reeve-Irvine Research Center to develop stem cell research in spinal cord injury rehabilitation. And back in 1978, at the age of six, I thought Chris Reeve really was Superman! 

The book features interviews with the actors, producers, and designers, insight on the sets of Superman's world, and the comic book themes that informed the movie's characters and their story told in the blockbuster film. I'm not sure there was much within the pages I didn't really know, but I loved this movie as a kid, there's plenty to read, and the pictures inside are fun!

The back cover features a favorite promotional photo of Christopher of mine in front of the American flag- he was the Superman of my generation and still my favorite. I've appreciated other portrayals, including Brandon Routh, and Henry Cavill, but we all tend to favor early experiences and childhood heroes. And who can deny Chris Reeve's sincere portrayal ...?

More Later- Make It FUN!

Superman Dog Tags

I've said it before, and I'll say it again: When the Superman motion picture was released in 1978, Chris Reeve became my hero. Tall, handsome, and good natured, Chris was my childhood Superman and I worshiped him. After a devastating horse riding accident in 1995 that shattered his first and second vertebrae and left him quadriplegic, Chris showed us that he was in fact a super man, by dedicating the rest of his life to lobbying for stem cell research and co-founding the Reeve-Irvine Research Center, which is now one of the leading spinal cord research centers in the world. He also created the Christopher Reeve Foundation, which has raised over $65 million for research in spinal cord injury treatment, as well as over $8 million for quality-of-life grants for those suffering from disabilities. Reeve was also elected Chairman of the American Paralysis Association and Vice Chairman of the National Organization on Disability. Superman, indeed!

Sadly, Chris passed away in 2004, but his children still serve on the board of directors for the foundation, now called The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation (Dana tragically passed away from cancer not long after Chris was gone). Visit the link to see all about Chris and Dana's beautiful, fruitful legacy- very inspirational.

When I stumbled upon these Superman dog tags, it was a must-do in my book. The money for these goes to Chris' Foundation, and the message makes sense to me now more than ever, "Go Forward". Go Forward each day with strength, determination, and compassion. My life has changed a great deal here lately, and that has taken the kind of will that I hope Chris would be proud of. I have two working legs, two working arms, and nothing should be able to stop me from living my life to the fullest or challenging myself to be all that I can. Nothing should stop you either- don't ever let anyone tell you different! You are divine, special, and your life is worth everything- get out there and let it show, get out there and help others do the same!

Have a Prosperous and Happy New Year!

*Get your own Superman dog tags at SupermanTag.Org!
*Check out my new Mattel Movie Masters 12" Christopher Reeve Superman doll! Love! Totally awesome!

Hey Mr. Postman- Mattel 1:6 Chris Reeve Superman & General Zod!

I couldn't believe my Christmas luck, when after my DC Direct 1:6 Classic Superman & Batman arrived only yesterday, the UPS guy was knocking on the door with these guys! Hooray!

*Mattel 1:6 Movie Masters Christopher Reeve Superman! When Superman came out in 1978, I was but a lad- still I remember that feeling of pure fascination! Like any young boy, I thought Christopher Reeve WAS Superman, and we all found out what a generous and courageous human being Chris really was as his life unfolded in the years following. When I saw this go on sale at MattyCollector.Com recently, I had to have one. I think people need heroes, and when I was a little boy, Chris Reeve was one of mine- he still is (RIP). The box says MattyCollector proudly supports the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, and has made a donation on behalf of DC Comics.

*Mattel 1:6 Movie Masters General Zod! Superman's Kryptonian nemesis in Superman was played by Terence Stamp, who also played  Supreme Chancellor Valorum in Star Wars- Episode One: The Phantom Menace. General Zod was sentenced to eternity in the Phantom Zone by Superman's father, Jor-El, but returned to exact vengeance upon his accuser's progeny. I must say, they did a great job on face sculpt on this guy, and Chris Reeve as well- they do look like the movie characters...

I'll post more on these guys after the holiday season winds down- I'm really looking forward to photographing these FUN toys! Much to do, much to do!

From the Super-DuperToyBox, Have a Very Merry Christmas- One and All!