In the early 1980s, Kenner saw incredible success with their Star Wars toy lines. Their portfolio expanded in ’84 when the company struck a deal with DC for the master toy license on their characters, and the Super Powers Collection was created.

The initial concept was influenced by the Star Wars toys with individual figures and vehicles for their most popular characters. Kenner designed the figures with moderate articulation featuring hidden mechanisms that triggered some kind of action when the arms or legs were squeezed. This put the emphasis on the character’s superpowers that inspired the line’s name. Each figure in the first two lines was also packaged with a mini-comic featuring the character.

Three series of figures were released from ’84 to ’86, then the line ended. In total there were 34 figures, 8 vehicles, a playset, and a carrying case. Heroes in the first line consisted of Batman, Wonder Woman, Superman, Hawkman, Green Lantern, Aquaman, the Flash, and Robin. Villains consisted of the Joker, Lex Luthor, Brainiac, and Penguin.

Heroes in the second line were Doctor Fate, Firestorm, Martian Manhunter, Green Arrow, and Red Tornado and the new villains were Darkseid, Desaad, Kalibak, Mantis, Steppenwolf, and a Parademon. The third line added Captain Marvel, Plastic Man, Mr. Miracle, Cyborg, Cyclotron, Orion, Golden Pharaoh, and Samurai on the hero side with Mr. Freeze and Tyr representing the villains.

Almost every figure came with some kind of accessory, like removable capes or helmets and other pieces. Some of the more exciting ones were Aquaman with a trident, Green Lantern has his lantern, Wonder Woman had her lasso, and Hawkman came with wings and a mace.

Vehicles sold with the line consisted of the Batmobile, Batcopter, Supermobile, Darkside Destroyer, Lex-Soar 7, Delta Probe One, Justice Jogger, and Kalibak Boulder Bomber. There was a mail-away exclusive Clark Kent and the lone playset was aptly the Hall of Justice.