Posted By Dan Greenfield on Sep 4, 2021 | 3 comments

EXCLUSIVE FIRST LOOK: Comics’ version of the Legion of Doom now has its own evil lair…

Customizing king Anthony Durso is back with another groovy playset scaled to your 8-inch Megos and Mego-style figures — and this time it’s one for the bad guys: the Secret Society of Super Villains Sinister Citadel, coming to you straight from the Bronze Age.

Check out this EXCLUSIVE FIRST LOOK, along with Anthony’s commentary:

“I was going through some old files recently and came across the preliminary work I did for a Secret Society of Super-Villains (SSOSV) displayset about 11 years ago that was never utilized,” said Anthony, who is also a 13th Dimension contributor. “Flash-forward to this past week when I knocked this out…

“One of my favorite editorial fiefdoms of the DC Bronze Age was Conway’s Corner, a weird mix of short-lived but memorable titles helmed by Gerry Conway. The Secret Society of Super-Villains was one such book that, while I never saw it on the newsstands, I managed to grab copies through trading or as coverless comics from the shady corner store near my great-grandmother’s house. Needless to say it left quite an impression that’s lasted all these years. It’s my favorite super-villlain team, over any other that DC usually attaches “Injustice” in front of. I think it all boils down to the vast membership (A, B and C-listers) who were always trying to gain the upper hand not only over the superheroes, but each other.

“For playset ideas I re-read SSOSV #1-15, Justice League of America #166-168 and #195-197, as well as Amazing World of DC Comics #11. The exterior front is fleshed out and recolored Dick Dillin art from AWODCC #11, although all of the villains featured aren’t technically members from the Bronze Age SSOSV. Artistic license. The sides feature a selection of villains who represent various phases of the team but weren’t featured inside. Even more were left out entirely. The back is the facade, a nightclub known as The Sinister Citadel, which hides the secret entranceway to the real villains lair. In the comics, there were a couple versions of The Sinister Citadel but this back story for the playset is again artistic license. The color scheme of the playset is villainous purple and green. Once you get past the back alleyway delivery entrance, there’s a speakeasy style door (guarded by the Shadow Thief). If you don’t have your own key, you’d better know the password.

“Inside, to the left is the dimensional doorway (powered by a Mother Box), which allows the villains to instantaneously travel across the world, as well as through the Multiverse.
Next to that is the mystical griffin statue from JLA #166-168 that allowed the SSOSV to switch bodies with the JLA (a storyline that infamously led to Identity Crisis). On the back wall is a series of monitors (inspired by ones that Darkseid used to monitor the SSOSV) that showcase various members from throughout the SSOSV’s incarnations. Even their perennial arch-foe, Captain Comet, gets a nod.

“Next up is the double-secret elevator entrance for Funky Flashman. He pops up when you least expect it and seems to know EVERYTHING that’s going on. And lastly is the giant computer featuring the heroes of the Justice League and Justice Society that were targeted by the Ultra-Humanite’s SSOSV in JLA #195-197.”

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A few thoughts:

— The Secret Society of Super Villains is one of my blind spots. Seeing this makes me want to go track down back issues.

— What I love about Anthony’s work: his attention to detail, the level of his research and the groovy Easter eggs. Check out the font on the Wanted posters.

— Anthony’s created about 30 playsets over the last 18 months or so, primarily for comics characters and shows. You should definitely click here to check out our index, which shows off each set and provides links to more detailed views.

— As I always feel compelled to point out, I don’t make anything from this. I just love showing it all off. Each set — including case, artwork and complete assembly — is $85 plus shipping. Contact thetoyroom@yahoo.com or you can message Anthony, who also owns Retropolis Tees, through his website the-toyroom.com, Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

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MORE

— The Complete TOYROOM PLAYSET INDEX. Click here.

— INSIDE LOOK: The ‘Mego’ HALL OF DOOM Playset You’ve Waited Decades For. Click here.