Thanos action figure toy

A little bit of context

The Mad Titan and His Action Figure Counterpart: A Look at Thanos and the Hasbro The Avengers Thanos Action Figure

Thanos, the Mad Titan, has become one of the most recognizable villains in popular culture. His quest for universal balance, albeit through destructive means, has captivated audiences in comic books, movies, and video games. This blog post delves into the history of Thanos, explores his appearances in various media, and examines the Hasbro The Avengers Thanos action figure, including its features, variations, and where to buy it.

Thanos: The Mad Titan

Thanos was born on Saturn’s moon Titan, the son of Eternals A’lars and Sui-San¹. During his childhood, Thanos was a pacifist who enjoyed playing with his brother, Eros, and his pets¹. However, as he grew older, he became fascinated with nihilism and the concept of death, eventually falling in love with Mistress Death, the embodiment of death itself¹. Thanos carries the Deviants gene, which contributed to his unique physical appearance and may have played a role in his mother, Sui-San, developing a belief that he would destroy all life. Driven to madness by this belief and Thanos’s appearance, Sui-San attempted to kill him¹. Thanos also adopted two daughters, Gamora and Nebula, whom he trained as assassins¹.

Driven by his love for Mistress Death and his nihilistic philosophy, Thanos committed terrible acts, including the nuclear bombardment of his homeworld, Titan, which killed millions of his people¹. His pursuit of power led him to seek the Cosmic Cube and the Infinity Gems¹. With the Infinity Gauntlet, he achieved omnipotence and wiped out half of all life in the universe to prove his love to Death¹. Though ultimately defeated by Adam Warlock and other heroes, Thanos remained a formidable force, grappling with his own motivations and place in the universe². Thanos’s character has evolved over time, transitioning from a generic villain obsessed with death to a more complex figure with a nihilistic philosophy and a desire for universal balance, however twisted his methods may be². The Infinity Gauntlet storyline, in which Thanos achieved his ultimate goal of wiping out half the universe, remains a pivotal event in his history and a defining moment in the Marvel Universe⁴.

Thanos in Movies, TV Shows, and Video Games

Thanos’s presence extends beyond comic books. In the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), he was portrayed by Josh Brolin in films like Guardians of the Galaxy, Avengers: Age of Ultron, Avengers: Infinity War, and Avengers: Endgame⁵. His quest to achieve balance by eliminating half the universe’s population became a central theme in the MCU’s Infinity Saga⁵. He also appeared in the first season of the animated series What If…? (2021)¹.

Thanos has also appeared in various other animated TV shows, including Silver Surfer, The Super Hero Squad Show, and Avengers Assemble¹. In video games, he has been featured in titles like Marvel Super Heroes, Marvel vs. Capcom 2, Marvel Super Hero Squad: The Infinity Gauntlet, Lego Marvel Super Heroes, and Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy¹.

Hasbro: A Legacy of Play

Hasbro, the company behind the Thanos action figure, has a rich history in the toy industry. Founded in 1923 by the Hassenfeld brothers, the company initially focused on textile remnants before expanding into pencil cases and school supplies⁶. In the late 1930s, Hasbro began manufacturing toys, starting with medical kits and modeling clay⁷. The company went public in 1968 and has since become a leading toy manufacturer, producing iconic brands like G.I. Joe, Mr. Potato Head, Transformers, and My Little Pony⁷. Hasbro has also grown through key acquisitions, such as Milton Bradley in 1984 (which included the Playskool division) and Wizards of the Coast in 1999 (acquiring popular franchises like Magic: The Gathering and Dungeons & Dragons)⁸.

Hasbro’s success stems from its ability to create engaging play experiences and adapt to evolving consumer trends⁸. The company has a strong focus on licensing popular characters and brands, including those from Marvel Comics⁸. Hasbro’s purpose is “to create joy and community for all people around the world, one game, one toy, one story at a time.” ⁸ The company is guided by an Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) framework that translates this purpose into action, focusing on creating a more inclusive, sustainable, and connected world⁸. Hasbro’s Blueprint 2.0 strategy focuses on key growth pillars: Games Leadership, Licensing Transformation, and Franchise Brand Innovation⁸. This strategy guides the company in leveraging its brands and talent to engage with fans of all ages across various play and entertainment platforms⁸.

Hasbro The Avengers Thanos Action Figure

The Hasbro The Avengers Thanos action figure captures the Mad Titan’s imposing presence. This 4-inch scale figure features Thanos in his iconic armor, complete with a detachable Infinity Gauntlet⁹. The figure has articulated arms, legs, head, and torso, allowing for a wide range of poses⁹. This makes the figure appealing to both kids who want to recreate action scenes and adult collectors who appreciate poseability and display options⁹. The figure is priced at $12.99⁹.

Features:

• Detachable Infinity Gauntlet: Recreate Thanos’s iconic snap or display him without the Gauntlet⁹.
• Articulation: Pose the figure in various action stances for dynamic play and display⁹.
• Detailed Design: The figure features intricate sculpting and paint applications that capture Thanos’s appearance⁹.
• Collectible Packaging: The figure comes in Marvel-branded cardback packaging with a clear front for display⁹.

Customer Reviews:

Customer reviews of the Hasbro The Avengers Thanos action figure are generally positive. Parents appreciate the figure’s sturdiness and suitability for younger children, while collectors praise the detailed design and poseability¹⁰. Some reviewers note that the figure is smaller than expected, but overall, it is well-received for its quality and play value¹⁰.

Variations:

While there may not be significant variations of this specific action figure, Hasbro offers a variety of Thanos figures across different lines, including:

• Marvel Legends Series: This line features highly detailed 6-inch scale figures with premium articulation and accessories¹¹.
• Bend and Flex Missions: This line offers flexible figures with dynamic posing capabilities¹².
• Titan Hero Series: This line includes larger-scale figures with basic articulation¹³.

Where to Buy:

Hasbro The Avengers Thanos action figures are available at various retailers, including:

• Walmart: ⁹
• Amazon: ¹¹
• Hasbro Pulse: ¹⁰

The Future of Thanos and Hasbro

Thanos’s future in the MCU remains uncertain after his demise in Avengers: Endgame, but his impact on the franchise is undeniable. In the comics, Thanos continues to be a complex and compelling character, exploring themes of mortality, power, and the nature of the universe¹⁴. He was recently featured in the Thanos Annual #1 (2024), where he embarks on a quest to find the Infinity Stones, only to discover they have been embedded in actual people¹⁴.

Hasbro is actively expanding its presence in the entertainment industry, investing in video game development and leveraging its IP for film and television projects¹⁵. The company’s strategic focus on franchise brands and licensing suggests that Thanos and other popular characters will continue to play a significant role in Hasbro’s future¹⁶. Hasbro is investing $150 million annually in gaming, with plans to release two new games per year until the end of 2026¹⁵.

Friends and Foes

Throughout his history, Thanos has encountered numerous allies and adversaries. Some of his notable allies include:

• Mistress Death: The embodiment of death and the object of Thanos’s affection¹.
• The Black Order: A group of powerful warriors who serve as Thanos’s lieutenants. This group includes Corvus Glaive, Proxima Midnight, Ebony Maw, and Black Dwarf (Cull Obsidian)¹⁷.

Among Thanos’s most formidable foes are:

• The Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, who have repeatedly thwarted Thanos’s plans¹.
• Adam Warlock: A cosmic being who has been both an ally and enemy to Thanos. Warlock ultimately played a key role in defeating Thanos during the Infinity Gauntlet storyline¹⁸.
• The Guardians of the Galaxy: A team of cosmic heroes who have clashed with Thanos on several occasions¹⁹.
• Captain Marvel: A powerful cosmic hero who has challenged Thanos’s power²⁰.
• Thor: The God of Thunder, who has proven to be a worthy adversary to Thanos²¹.

Other Thanos Action Figures

In addition to Hasbro, other companies have produced Thanos action figures, offering collectors a variety of options:

| Company | Features |

Works cited

1. Thanos – Wikipedia, accessed January 29, 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thanos

2. Let’s Talk About Thanos – You Don’t Read Comics, accessed January 29, 2025, https://www.youdontreadcomics.com/articles/2021/10/13/lets-talk-about-thanos

3. The Thanos Story – MySuperSuit, accessed January 29, 2025, https://mysupersuit.com/en/blogs/story/the-thanos-story

4. My Thanos reading guide : r/comicbooks – Reddit, accessed January 29, 2025, https://www.reddit.com/r/comicbooks/comments/1518e4w/my_thanos_reading_guide/

5. Thanos (Marvel Cinematic Universe) – Wikipedia, accessed January 29, 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thanos_(Marvel_Cinematic_Universe)

6. en.wikipedia.org, accessed January 29, 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hasbro#:~:text=Three%20Polish%2DJewish%20brothers%2C%20Herman,pencil%20cases%20and%20school%20supplies.

7. Hasbro Inc | Encyclopedia.com, accessed January 29, 2025, https://www.encyclopedia.com/social-sciences-and-law/economics-business-and-labor/businesses-and-occupations/hasbro-inc

8. Hasbro Fact Sheet, accessed January 29, 2025, https://newsroom.hasbro.com/static-files/6b7e260b-d85c-4ad2-8c81-1c9fe36bcd98

9. Marvel Avengers Epic Hero Series Thanos Deluxe Action Figure for …, accessed January 29, 2025, https://www.walmart.com/ip/Marvel-Avengers-Epic-Hero-Series-Thanos-Deluxe-Action-Figure-for-Kids-4/2519525322

10. Marvel Avengers Epic Hero Series Thanos Deluxe Action Figure for Kids 4+ – Hasbro, accessed January 29, 2025, https://shop.hasbro.com/en-us/product/marvel-avengers-epic-hero-series-thanos-deluxe-action-figure-for-kids-4-plus/15A31017-E456-4A9F-821E-89A162AEFE5D

11. Marvel Hasbro Legends Series 6-inch Collectible Action Figure Thanos Toy, Premium Design and 3 Accessories , Blue – Amazon.com, accessed January 29, 2025, https://www.amazon.com/Marvel-Legends-Collectible-Premium-Accessories/dp/B08LZSDGC6

12. Marvel Avengers Bend and Flex Missions Thanos Fire Mission Figure, 6-Inch-Scale Bendable Toy for Kids Ages 4 and Up – Hasbro, accessed January 29, 2025, https://shop.hasbro.com/en-us/product/marvel-avengers-bend-and-flex-missions-thanos-fire-mission-figure-6-inch-scale-bendable-toy-for-kids-ages-4-and-up/243175A2-C607-41BB-9DF1-748ADF84A04E

13. Marvel’s Avengers Infinity War Thanos Titan Hero Power FX Hasbro Action Figure Toy Review – YouTube, accessed January 29, 2025, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7OcxQJGuhXg

14. Thanos Annual #1 Preview: Infinity Stones Get Personal – Bleeding Cool, accessed January 29, 2025, https://bleedingcool.com/comics/thanos-annual-1-preview-infinity-stones-get-personal/

15. Hasbro is investing US$150 million a year into game development – Kidscreen, accessed January 29, 2025, https://kidscreen.com/2024/11/21/hasbro-is-investing-us150-million-a-year-into-game-development/

16. Hasbro Initiates Sale Process for eOne TV and Film Business, accessed January 29, 2025, https://hasbro.gcs-web.com/news-releases/news-release-details/hasbro-initiates-sale-process-eone-tv-and-film-business

17. Everything You Need to Know About the Children of Thanos in AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR, accessed January 29, 2025, https://nerdist.com/article/children-of-thanos-avengers-infinity-war-everything-you-need-to-know-the-dan-cave/

18. The MCU’s Thanos Never Got to Meet the 1 Comic Hero He Considers a Friend, accessed January 29, 2025, https://screenrant.com/thanos-mcu-adam-warlock-friend-enemy-magus/

19. Enemies – Thanos – Giant Bomb, accessed January 29, 2025, https://www.giantbomb.com/thanos/3005-2974/enemies/

20. Thanos Names the Only 6 Heroes He Considers Worthy Foes – Screen Rant, accessed January 29, 2025, https://screenrant.com/thanos-marvel-heroes-worthy-powers-cosmic-cube/

21. These were Thanos’s archenemies back in the 70s, which characters do you think joined the club in modern times? [Captain Marvel #31] – Reddit, accessed January 29, 2025, https://www.reddit.com/r/Marvel/comments/18gw66z/these_were_thanoss_archenemies_back_in_the_70s/

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