As first reported at GamePolitics, the Campaign for a Commercial Free Childhood (CCFC) is going after the Marvel action figures currently available in McDonald’s Happy Meals (and I’m sure the Batman ones to follow).  The CCFC focused their ire on two of the figures in particular; one based on The Thing, who “menacingly roars ‘IT’S CLOBBERIN’ TIME!’ at the press of a button,” and another meant to be the miniature incarnation of The Human Torch, who the CCFC notes, “is a man engulfed in flames.”

The CCFC also took on gender stereotypes the promotions perpetuate as the “girl’s” toys included small baskets with animals (though recently we saw one very happy little girl playing with her Human Torch figure).  Hyperbole gets the news and their description of the two Fantastic Four members fits the bill:

But now, for preschool boys, a so-called happy meal at McDonald’s features the horrifying spectacle of a man on fire and a menacing figure that explicitly spurs them to violence.But now, for preschool boys, a so-called happy meal at McDonald’s features the horrifying spectacle of a man on fire and a menacing figure that explicitly spurs them to violence.

The group is urging concerned parents to participate in an email campaign against the fast food purveyor.