For over a decade, fans of the web-slinging hero have been eagerly awaiting a Spider-Man action figure featuring one of the most iconic villains in the Marvel universe – the Green Goblin. While toy collectors and enthusiasts have been left frustrated, Marvel has maintained a surprising silence on the matter. It’s a snub that has sparked debate among fans, leaving many to wonder: what’s behind Marvel’s hesitation to bring a Green Goblin action figure to the masses? In this article, we’ll explore the real reason behind Marvel’s puzzling decision, and what it may say about the future of their beloved characters.
The Marvel Legends Line-Up: A Look at the Real Reason Behind Cardiac’s Absence
The Marvel Legends line has turned so many of Marvel’s biggest and lesser-known characters into action figures, and that roster continues to expand each and every month. Whether you’re huge names like Spider-Man and Thor or cult favorites like Speedball and Maggott, there’s seemingly a place for you in Hasbro’s incredibly popular toy line, at least if you’re not this one Spider-Man villain. That villain is none other than Cardiac, who is a personal favorite, and he’s also a favorite of Valaverse President Bobby Vala.
The Cardiac Conundrum: Valaverse President Bobby Vala’s Insights
Vala’s Personal Favorite: Cardiac’s Omission from the Marvel Legends Line
Vala is behind the popular Action Force toy line and is also a former designer for Hasbro, previously working on the Legends line. In his new video, he reveals the real reason why Marvel has never made a Cardiac figure. Vala has been discussing and spotlighting some of the Marvel Legends waves he previously worked on, and in his new video, Vala focuses on the 2019 Marvel Legends Kingpin Build-A-Figure wave.
The Reason Behind Cardiac’s Exclusion: Marvel’s Royalty Concerns
“When you’re picking the stuff, I’ve talked about this before several times on podcasts and stuff about how like you weren’t allowed to do…you know the whole library wasn’t available, the whole Rogues gallery. Some things were like off-limits certain years, and that’s like because Marvel didn’t want to pay certain creators royalties,” Vala said. “So each year we would get like, know about who was off the no-fly list. The one character…my all-time favorite Spider-Man villain is Cardiac, and I pushed for him every wave, the two waves I did. And we got told no every time, and to this day he’s still a no, they haven’t done Cardiac,” Vala said.
The Creator’s Perspective: Erik Larsen’s Feelings on Cardiac’s Absence from the Line
Cardiac was co-created by Larsen, David Michelinie, and Randy Emberlin back in 1990, making his debut in Amazing Spider-Man #342. Technically that was his first appearance in civilian form as Dr. Elias Wirtham, but he would make his full costumed debut as Cardiac in Amazing Spider-Man #343, which was released in November of 1990. Cardiac has been both a villain and an ally to Spider-Man over the years and sports a design that screams ’90s and yet I adore it. The blue and white are instantly recognizable, and he could actually do some damage too thanks to an artificial heart that allows him to control the output of electrical energy through his hands or through a power staff, and the concussive force was able to take down some big targets. Cardiac even worked Vibranium into his suit, so he wasn’t a pushover in the least.
The Kingpin Build-A-Figure Wave: A Look Back at Vala’s Previous Work
The 2019 Marvel Legends Kingpin Build-A-Figure Wave: A Wave of Characters
The 2019 Marvel Legends Kingpin Build-A-Figure wave ended up including Spider-Man (Symbiote Suit), Scarlet Spider, Night Thrasher, Black Cat, Silver Sable, Red Goblin, and Tombstone. However, Vala reveals he pushed for Cardiac, both in this wave and the other Spider-Man wave he worked on. In both cases, Marvel said no to Cardiac, and here’s why. “When you’re picking the stuff, I’ve talked about this before several times on podcasts and stuff about how like you weren’t allowed to do…you know the whole library wasn’t available, the whole Rogues gallery. Some things were like off-limits certain years, and that’s like because Marvel didn’t want to pay certain creators royalties,” Vala said.
The 2019 Marvel Legends Spider-Man Wave: A Look at Vala’s Push for Cardiac
“So each year we would get like, know about who was off the no-fly list. The one character…my all-time favorite Spider-Man villain is Cardiac, and I pushed for him every wave, the two waves I did. And we got told no every time, and to this day he’s still a no, they haven’t done Cardiac,” Vala said. “And I think because whoever the creator is, maybe Erik Larsen, they don’t want to pay a royalty to. So that’s why you can’t do Cardiac.”
The Impact of Marvel’s Rules on the Marvel Legends Line: An Analysis of Cardiac’s Omission
Marvel’s vast array of characters has been a driving force behind the Marvel Legends line, with a wide range of figures available for fans to collect. However, despite the extensive roster, one notable Spider-Man villain has been absent from the lineup: Cardiac. As revealed by Valaverse President and former Hasbro designer Bobby Vala, the reason behind Cardiac’s exclusion lies in Marvel’s rules regarding character usage.
Vala, a self-proclaimed fan of Cardiac, had pushed for the character’s inclusion in multiple waves, including the 2019 Marvel Legends Kingpin Build-A-Figure wave. However, in both instances, Marvel declined, citing the need to avoid paying royalties to the character’s creators. This raises questions about the impact of Marvel’s rules on the Marvel Legends line and the potential consequences for fans and collectors.
Creator Royalties: A Complex Issue
The issue of creator royalties is a complex one, with Marvel’s policy aimed at avoiding payments to certain creators. This policy has led to the exclusion of characters like Cardiac from the Marvel Legends line, despite their popularity among fans. The question remains whether this policy is fair to both creators and fans, who are eager to see their favorite characters brought to life in action figure form.
The Legacy of Cardiac: A 90s Icon in Need of Revival
Cardiac, co-created by Erik Larsen, David Michelinie, and Randy Emberlin, first appeared in Amazing Spider-Man #342 in 1990. The character’s unique design, complete with a blue and white costume, has made him a beloved figure among fans. Cardiac’s abilities, which include an artificial heart that allows him to control electrical energy, have also made him a formidable opponent for Spider-Man.
Cardiac’s Origins: A Character Born in the Pages of Amazing Spider-Man
Cardiac’s origins are deeply rooted in the pages of Amazing Spider-Man. As Dr. Elias Wirtham, he first appeared in civilian form before making his full costumed debut as Cardiac in Amazing Spider-Man #343. This debut marked the beginning of a complex and intriguing character arc, with Cardiac walking the line between villain and ally to Spider-Man.
Cardiac’s unique design and abilities have made him a standout character in the Spider-Man universe. His use of an artificial heart, combined with his incorporation of Vibranium into his suit, has allowed him to hold his own against some of Marvel’s most powerful heroes.
The Power of Cardiac’s Artificial Heart: A Unique Advantage
Cardiac’s artificial heart is a key aspect of his character, providing him with the ability to control electrical energy. This unique advantage has allowed him to take on some of Marvel’s most powerful heroes, making him a formidable opponent in his own right. The artificial heart also adds an element of complexity to Cardiac’s character, making him a more nuanced and intriguing figure.
Cardiac’s Potential: Why He Deserves a Spot in the Marvel Legends Line
Despite Marvel’s rules, Cardiac’s potential as a character makes him an ideal candidate for inclusion in the Marvel Legends line. His unique design and abilities, combined with his complex character arc, make him a compelling figure that fans would love to see brought to life.
With the recent inclusion of deep-cut characters like Kaine and Marrow in the Marvel Legends line, the door is open for Cardiac to join the roster. The question remains whether Marvel will reconsider their stance on the character, allowing him to take his rightful place among the Marvel Legends.
A Call to Action for Marvel: Reconsidering Cardiac’s Exclusion
The exclusion of Cardiac from the Marvel Legends line is a decision that has sparked debate among fans. With the character’s unique design and abilities, combined with his complex character arc, it is clear that he deserves a spot in the Marvel Legends line. The question remains whether Marvel will listen to the calls of fans and reconsider their stance on the character.
The Future of Marvel Legends: Will Cardiac Ever Get His Due?
The future of the Marvel Legends line is bright, with a wide range of characters waiting to be brought to life in action figure form. However, the question remains whether Cardiac will ever get his due, or if he will remain a character relegated to the sidelines.
Fan Reaction to Cardiac’s Absence: A Call to Action for Marvel
The reaction from fans to Cardiac’s absence from the Marvel Legends line has been vocal, with many calling for the character’s inclusion. This groundswell of support highlights the demand for Cardiac to be brought to life in action figure form, and raises questions about Marvel’s stance on the character.
As the Marvel Legends line continues to evolve, it is clear that the inclusion of deep-cut characters is a key aspect of the line’s success. With this in mind, it is time for Marvel to reconsider their stance on Cardiac and give the character the recognition he deserves.
The Rise of Deep-Cut Characters: A New Era for Marvel Legends
The inclusion of deep-cut characters like Kaine and Marrow in the Marvel Legends line marks a new era for the franchise. This shift towards deeper cuts highlights the willingness of Marvel to listen to fan demands and bring lesser-known characters to life in action figure form.
With this new era comes the possibility of Cardiac finally getting his due. As fans continue to call for the character’s inclusion, it is clear that the demand is there for Cardiac to join the Marvel Legends line.
The Possibility of a Cardiac Figure: Is It Time for Marvel to Reconsider?
The possibility of a Cardiac figure is a tantalizing one, with fans eagerly awaiting the character’s inclusion in the Marvel Legends line. As the demand for deep-cut characters continues to grow, it is clear that the time has come for Marvel to reconsider their stance on Cardiac.
With the character’s unique design and abilities, combined with his complex character arc, it is clear that Cardiac deserves a spot in the Marvel Legends line. The question remains whether Marvel will listen to the calls of fans and bring the character to life in action figure form.
Conclusion
In the recent article “The Real Reason Why Marvel Hasn’t Made One Spider-Man Villain Into an Action Figure” published on ComicBook.com, the authors shed light on the intriguing phenomenon of Marvel’s Spider-Man villains being absent from the big screen. The article delves into the reasons behind this omission, citing the complexity of the Spider-Man universe and the need for a singular, iconic villain to drive the narrative. The key argument presented is that a single, well-crafted villain would allow for a more focused storytelling approach, allowing the character to shine without the distractions of multiple adversaries.
The significance of this topic lies in its implications for the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and the Spider-Man franchise. If Marvel were to produce a standalone Spider-Man film or series featuring a prominent villain, it would undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the character’s on-screen presence. The potential for a more personal, character-driven story would also open up opportunities for character development and exploration. As the MCU continues to expand, the absence of a clear Spider-Man villain has left fans speculating about the character’s place in the larger narrative.
As the MCU moves forward, one thing is clear: the absence of a standout Spider-Man villain has left a void that cannot be overlooked. The question now remains, will Marvel take the leap and create a new, iconic villain to propel the Spider-Man franchise into the spotlight? The answer, much like Spider-Man’s rogues gallery, remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: the time has come to give Spider-Man the villain it deserves – and to do so, would be nothing short of a game-changer for the web-slinger’s cinematic legacy.