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  • Photo: Brinquedosraros.com.br

    Superman (Estrela)

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    Coleção Super Powers · Series 1 · 1987 · PT

    The Estrela Superman represents one of the most prominent South American variants in the Super Powers Collection. Released under license in Brazil by Brinquedos Estrela, this figure utilizes the 1984 Kenner Series 1 sculpt but alters materials, plastics, packaging, and marking identification.

    Unlike the radical sculpt overhauls seen in other South American lines like Colombia's Gulliver, Estrela maintained the original Kenner action features while introducing key regional manufacturing tells.

    Notes

    • Tooling & Molds (The Leg Stamp Test)
      • Kenner standard: Lower back or inner thigh stamps legibly list the country of origin (e.g., "Made in Hong Kong", "Taiwan", or "Macau").
      • Estrela variant: The mold injection area is completely filled in, filled with resin, or smoothed out. It bears no Country of Origin (COO) text due to regional mold modifications.
    • Plastic Composition & Tendencies
      • The "Pink Skin" Factor: Estrela used an unmixed flesh-toned polymer that has a distinctly saturated pink or flushed hue compared to Kenner's neutral tan tone.
      • Material Fragility: The internal and joint plastic is notoriously brittle. The limb pegs (particularly the leg-squeeze mechanism) are highly prone to snapping under stress compared to domestic Kenner figures.
    • Cape and Emblem Variations
      • Cape Weave: Estrela utilized locally sourced synthetic fabric with a different vertical grain and slightly glossier sheen than the standard US Kenner capes.
      • The Shield Mystery: While Kenner capes consistently used a heat-transferred or screen-printed yellow 'S' shield on the back, certain rare Estrela production runs applied this emblem as a localized sticker or distinct regional ink variant. It is incredibly common to find loose Estrela figures with a completely blank red cape where the emblem has fallen off or peeled away.
    • Packaging Details (For Carded Entries)
      • Card Logo: Released under the translated "Super Amigos" banner rather than the iconic "Super Powers Collection" logo block.
      • Card Back: Features customized Portuguese text and unique cross-sell photography showcasing the localized Brazilian wave distribution rather than the standard US 12, 23, or 33-back designs.