Overview
Released in 1986 as part of the third and final wave of Kenner’s Super Powers Collection, Cyborg is one of the most distinctive figures in the entire 1984–1986 line. Based on Victor Stone, the popular Teen Titans hero, Kenner gave Cyborg an impressive level of mechanical detail and its “Power Action Thrusting Arms” feature. Squeezing the figure’s legs activates the action mechanism, driving his arms forward, while three interchangeable attachments—his hook arm, drill arm, and fist—allow collectors to customize his appearance.
Cyborg is widely regarded as one of the rarest Super Powers figures, largely because the third wave arrived shortly before Kenner discontinued the collection. Unlike earlier characters, Cyborg was never reissued, and his domestic release is documented only on the offerless 33-back card. Complete loose examples are particularly difficult to find, as the three specialized arm attachments were easily separated from the figure over the decades. Cyborg was also not released on Kenner Canada’s bilingual packaging, adding another interesting distinction to his release history.
From a production standpoint, Cyborg is notable for his vac-metallized silver armor, making him one of only a small number of Super Powers figures to use the process. Kenner had previously used vac-metallization on Brainiac, making Cyborg the second figure in the line to receive the treatment. He is also the sole Black character among the original Super Powers action figures, giving the figure an important place in the history of the collection beyond its rarity. Interestingly, international versions are known from Argentina’s Pacipa line, while Estrela in Brazil included Cyborg with an exclusive mini-comic—a premium that Kenner had abandoned for its third-wave releases.
Photography
Notes
Pérez design; interchangeable hands. One of the two hardest carded figures to find.
Credits
- George Pérez — design
Sources