The Definitive Guide to the Rare Action Figures by Marvel Legends

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The Marvel Walgreens Exclusives represent an altogether treasured subcategory of the Marvel collectibles universe. Coming into being, as they have, as the fruit of a rare collaboration between Hasbro and Walgreens, these figures represent a considerable amount of tantalizing something for both the seasoned action figure collector and the somewhat casually seasoned one. These feature rare, niche characters that are often overlooked in broader releases. They are produced in very limited quantities and are distributed exclusively through Walgreens stores and its website. Combine all these factors together, and you get the perfect storm of rarity, demand, and, therefore, value that makes them so coveted within the action-figure world of collecting.

Collected here is the comprehensive collector's guide to Marvel Legends Walgreens Exclusives, in which we deep-dive into their origins, what makes them special, the rarest figures, and even how best to find, display, and care for such precious collectibles. This guide will take a seasoned collector to the next level—and turn a novice into one in no time.

The Origins of Marvel Legends Walgreens Exclusive Figures

To understand the appeal of Walgreens-exclusive Marvel Legends, it helps to understand where the figures fit within the broader Marvel Legends line. The Marvel Legends series, launched in 2002 by Hasbro, revolutionized the notion of action figures about superheroes: with amazing sculpting and paint applications, but above all, with a great amount of articulation permitting dynamic posing. This mix of aesthetics and function quickly made the line a favorite among collectors.

But by 2014, the line had evolved and grown, and Hasbro sought out newer ways to distribute the figures. That's when Walgreens—really an unlikely candidate to hold exclusive toys—entered the picture. Partnering with Hasbro, Walmart began offering exclusive Marvel Legends figures that would not be available through any other retailer.
 
Why Walgreens?

At first glance, Walgreens almost feels like an unlikely choice for a distribution partner, but there's actually a method to the madness. Walgreens has locations scattered everywhere, reaching corners of the United States that many toy retailers don't. In other words, Walgreens can get Hasbro products out to a wider audience that may feature casual collectors who just happen to be wandering into the store for something else.

What Makes Walgreens Exclusives Special?

Several things make Walgreens-exclusive Marvel Legends figures really unique compared to the rest of the line:

1. Limited Availability

The major appeal for Walgreens exclusives is a factor of their scarcity. Whereas standard releases are available via a wide array of avenues—online and physical outlets alike—the only place one can get Walgreens exclusives is through Walgreens. These figures, almost always produced in more limited qualities, are thus inherently much rarer and more highly sought after than other variants. Once a figure has sold out, it will become significantly harder to find, forcing collectors onto secondary markets where the prices can often be many times higher than the original retail price.

For example, the 2018 Silver Surfer Walgreens exclusive shows how certain figures within a very short period of time can become an in-demand collector's item. Due to it being released in limited numbers, collectors who did not get one during the initial run were paying upwards of three or four times the retail price on secondary markets like eBay.

2. Niche Character Selection

Another distinguishing feature of Walgreens exclusives is a focus on lesser-known or more obscure characters within the Marvel Universe. So, while the flagship characters of Spider-Man, Captain America, and Iron Man rule for the most part as it pertains to mainstream releases, Walgreens exclusives are going to give you characters a bit more in tune with hardcore comic book fans.

For example, take Moon Knight, who has such a deep backstory and a rather strong cult following. For the most part, up until his Disney+ series catapulted him into the public consciousness, Moon Knight was somewhat of a niche character, mainly known to comic book readers. That's when Hasbro knew such a figure was prime material for an exclusive release, and in 2020 Walgreens released a super-detailed articulated figure of Moon Knight, which rapidly shot to the top of the most sought-after in this line.

Similarly, characters such as Nova (Richard Rider), the Stepford Cuckoos, and Quasar—all cosmic or secondary characters—do not have the mass appeal of Spider-Man but make such huge differences in long-time Marvel readers. In focusing on these characters, Walgreens exclusives fill collection gaps that may be missed by larger retail lines.

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3. Attention to Detail

Another of the hallmarks of the Marvel Legends series is the level of detail in each figure, and Walgreens exclusives are no different. From its sculpting to paint application, everything is top-notch, often enhanced with accessories carefully chosen to reflect either a character's unique abilities or story arcs.

For instance, the Silver Surfer figure had not only the iconic surfboard of the hero but also energy effect accessories that allowed collectors to create dynamic cosmic poses. Similarly, the Stepford Cuckoos included additional heads that were switchable, meaning any collector could display the psychic sisters in multiple ways, enhancing its uniqueness and playability.

4. Long-Term Value

The limited production, exclusive distribution, and selection of character niches have a tendency to make Walgreens exclusives appreciate in value over time. Figures that retail in the vicinity of $20 can increase their price within the secondary market rather quickly. For instance, the Marvel Legends Quasar released in 2021 was hot instantly amongst collectors focusing on Marvel's cosmic heroes. As more collectors sought to round out their cosmic-themed collections, the secondary market value of the figure started to rise.

Adding to the fun, this potential for appreciation makes these exclusives a worthwhile investment in themselves. Collectors who can hold onto these figures might just find themselves sitting on a small goldmine a few years down the line.

Notable Walgreens Exclusive Figures

Over the years, Walgreens has released several exclusive Marvel Legends figures that have become holy grails for collectors. Here are some of the most notable:

1. Silver Surfer (2018)

It's probably one of the most iconic Walgreens exclusives: the Silver Surfer, which came out in 2018 and was considered one of the most wanted figures. This highly detailed figure featured the character's signature silver paint, a sleek sculpt, and several accessories, including his surfboard and energy blasts. Being part of Marvel's cosmic universe, especially in stories like "Infinity Gauntlet" and "Galactus," the figure of Silver Surfer immediately sold out, and his value skyrocketed on the secondary market.

2. Nova (Richard Rider)

Nova's always had a bit of a cult following as one of the key players in Marvel's space operas. The Walgreens-exclusive figure, which debuted as part of a cosmic heroes series, featured a fantastically articulated body, intricately detailed armor full of texture, and several energy effects that made it an instant purchase for anyone who loved Marvel's cosmic tales like "Annihilation."

3. Moon Knight (2020)

Moon Knight did not get into the mainstream until recently, thanks to his Disney+ series. But back in 2020, hardcore fans were dying to know that Walgreens was coming out with an exclusive figure of Moon Knight. In his all-white costume, complete with a load of weapons and accessories, he captured the complexity and mystery of the character, including the multiple personas and Egyptian mythology. It quickly became one of the most sought-after exclusives, and its price shot up once the character made her TV debut.

4. Stepford Cuckoos (2020)

The Stepford Cuckoos, also known as the Three-In-One, are a trio of powerful psychic sisters who have been allies and enemies of the X-Men. Walgreens offered a variant that let collectors display all three sisters, thanks to the included interchangeable head sculpts. That in itself made the figure a no-brainer for X-Men fans—particularly those that enjoyed the complex narrative arcs featuring the Cuckoos throughout comics.

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5. Quasar (2021)

Quasar is another character deeply connected to Marvel's cosmos. His Walgreens exclusive from 2021 featured a beautifully sculpted cape and cosmic energy effects. In short, this makes any collection better. Quasar has always been loved by fans as part of cosmic stories, and interest in Marvel interstellar stories has grown. As the interest in these stories grows, this has raised demand for the figure.

How to Get Walgreens Exclusives

Finding Walgreens-exclusive Marvel Legends is tough because these figures are rare and exclusive. Here are some strategies collectors can use in order to increase the likelihood of landing such rare figures:

1. Check Walgreens' online store often

Walgreens does periodically restock its online inventory for exclusives, but those also sell out fast. Consider signing up for e-mail notifications or making use of third-party apps that can alert you regarding restocked items. Some collectors take it so far as to set up page refresh monitors that will notify them instantly a figure is back in stock.

2. Go to physical Walgreens locations

Not all Walgreens stores carry the same figures, but it would be worth your while to check your local store's inventory often, especially within that release window for a new figure. Many would suggest calling ahead so you won't take some fruitless trip to confirm stock. Some collectors have reported their luck by going through less-trafficked Walgreens locations since these stores may have stock of that which the larger busier stores may not have.

3. Participate in collector groups and forums

Being active within online communities of Marvel Legends collectors can provide great lead positions for where exactly the other rare figures could be. Many collectors are open to trades or selling figures, usually at more reasonable prices in comparison to eBay or Amazon. It's great to be part of networking with fellow collectors over Facebook groups, communities from Reddit, and toy-specific forums like The Fwoosh or Toyark.

4. Secondary Market

If all else fails, the secondary market—a place like eBay, Mercari, or Amazon—is a realistic option for Walgreens exclusives, though often at a premium. Keep in mind that prices can vary depending upon demand, so it is often well worth monitoring and waiting for a good deal if one is patient.

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Displaying and Caring for Your Collection

Once you have your Walgreens exclusives, proper display and care are essential in maintaining value and enjoying them. Here are a few tips that will help keep your collection in excellent condition.

1. Display stands for dynamic posing

Marvel Legends are known for their articulation, and Walgreens exclusives are no exception. If you want to stage some iconic comic book moments with your figures—whether it's Silver Surfer gliding on his board or Moon Knight perched for battle—display stands will be your friend. Displays aren't too expensive and can add a little something to your display.

2. Keep Them Away from UV Light

Both the figures and their packaging tend to degrade when exposed to direct sunlight over longer periods. UV rays can bleach paint and yellow blister packaging. Store your figures out of windows, or you can invest in UV-filtering glass if your display cases happen to be near natural light sources.

3. Store packaging correctly

This applies even if you are an out-of-box collector. For one, it adds value to the figure, and also it serves as a safe storage for your accessories. If space is of major concern, you may opt to flatten the boxes and store them in a cool, dry place.

4. Cleaning regularly

Dust accumulates quickly and can be quite a nuisance when it comes to detailed figures. Clean your figures delicately with a soft, dry brush or with a can of compressed air so as not to damage the paint or sculpture in any way.

Conclusion

Collecting Walgreens Exclusive Marvel Legends is actually very exciting, as a mix of rarity with quality and niche character selection combines in it. Whether it is the cosmic adventure of Silver Surfer and Nova or the psychological depth of Moon Knight, these figures showcase a unique slice of Marvel history.

While pride of ownership continues to rise with demand for these exclusives, if you adhere to the strategies and tips discussed here, you will be well on your way to a highly valuable and desirable collection. Be it displayed on your shelf or mint in their packaging, Walgreens-exclusive Marvel Legends figures are must-haves for any serious collector.

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