Professor X

Year of release: 1993
Figure Number: 4918
Accessories:
Action Feature: Secret Control Panels

Comments: This figure has the distinction of being the only wheelchair-bound character ever to be produced by Toy Biz (though one wonders if a version of Smythe predating the figure already released might appear someday in the Spiderman line). It may in fact be the only wheelchair-bound to have been produced by any of the major manufacturers. Certainly, this figure represented a positive view of the physically challenged.

Originally, this figure was only available as part of the X-Men Mutant Hall of Fame. This 10-pack included versions of Iceman, Cyclops I (repaint), Professor X, Wolverine II Archangel I (repaint), Sauron, Apocalypse, Sabretooth I, Juggernaut (repaint), and Magneto II. The original Hall of Fame was said to be limited to a production run 75,000 units. The original box for this set included a cellophane sheet so that the figures could be viewed in the box. A later release of this set omitted the cellophane front and replaced it with cardboard. It is unclear if these second packages are included in the limited production numbers stated on the box. It is interesting to note that Apocalypse is spelled "Apacalypse" on this set.

The problem with the X-Men Mutant Hall of Fame was that the figures were permanently attached to the display. Thus, the set became nothing more than a display item, loosing most of the play value inherent in the figures themselves. These sets can still be found on retail shelves occasionally, a full three years after their original release.