It’s easy these days to forget there’s something in this world to look forward to other than Star Wars. The hype machine has been running full bore for months now, and yet the excitement continues to grow. Some fans view The Force Awakens as a continuation of the story last visited in 2005’s Revenge of the Sith, while others see it as the movie they’ve been waiting for since 1984’s Return of the Jedi. However you choose to think about it, people have Star Wars on the brain, especially the toy collectors. The race to own all of the characters before the film debuts has pushed both the 3 and 3/4- and 6-inch lines to the forefront of toy collecting news and reviews. Still, there’s a lot more to look forward to in the next few months than the next chapter of George Lucas’s sprawling space fantasy. Here are seven action figure lines to get excited about in case The Force Awakens turns out to be “just a movie.”
7. Articulated Icons
Because ninjas! After a successful Kickstarter campaign, the Fwoosh’s own action figure line is off and running. Drunken masters, warrior monks, and undying ronins stalk this line of mysterious warriors created by the minds behind the Fwoosh. Check out the Articulated Icons: The Feudal Series – Ninja Action Figures page for everything you need to know!
6. Marvel Legends
You know, Hasbro’s other line. The one with the superheroes. There are a staggering eight superhero movies hitting the big screen in 2016, and five of them are Marvel properties. You can bet major license-holder Hasbro has some impressive offerings lined up to take advantage of that. We’ve already seen the Captain America Onslaught wave and recently learned of an upcoming X-Men wave, but it’s what remains unrevealed that has fans in a lather. Can you say Doctor Strange Legends?
5. DC Icons
After the initial shock of the true 6-inch scale wore off, collectors began warming to the idea of this new line from DC Collectibles. No, they don’t fit in with your old DC Universe figures, but even if the Icons were the same size (DCUC clocks at 6.5 inches or taller) they wouldn’t share the same aesthetic. The Icons have an meticulously rendered quality — that is to say, the figure appears closer to its source as an illustration than the traditionally depicted action-figure physique. This striking aesthetic choice, coupled with unique hands and accessories, make this line one worth getting in on before it takes off.
4. WWE Create a Superstar
I’m not a wrestling fan, but even I think these are cool. The accessories are a toy customizer’s dream — with a little work, the Lucha set could be the base for an army of Hawkmen. These seem tailor-made for ACBA-type photography: the versatility and consistency of the paint and props provide lots of options for play and display. Personally, I would would to see what they could do for George “the Animal” Steele.
I can see him making one heck of a Santa Claus figure. Get him out by Christmas, Mattel!
3. NECA
Okay, yeah, NECA is a toy company, not a toy line. But they’re a company that believes in “show” not “tell” when it comes to their product, which means that sometimes you don’t know what you’re looking forward to until it comes out! Case in point: their latest DC Movie Universe 7-inch figures. These were announced, shipped and available within a few days at most Toys R Us locations. That’s a stunning reveal and turn-around, one that the bigger companies might do well to emulate in the future. These figures sidestepped pesky licensing issues by being sold “with” a DVD, but, many collectors reported being able to buy the figures without having to pony up for another copy of The Dark Knight on DVD. How will NECA “break the Internet” next? The answer could come as early as tomorrow!
2. SH Figuarts Classic Cartoon Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Based on their look from the 1987 cartoon series, the S H Figurats Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles capture the wide-eyed exuberance and high-adrenaline excitement the ‘toon Turtles were known for. If you love your old Playmates figures but wish they could move, SH Figuarts is your answer. And with each figure coming with character-specific weapons and extra hands, you’ll be able to replicate all your favorite scenes from the classic cartoon. Pizza not included.
1. DC World’s Greatest Heroes by Figures Toy Company
This Christmas, it’s easier than ever for old farts like me to recapture the magic of childhood thanks to Figures Toy Company’s Mego reproduction figures. Figures Toy Company has not only reissued legendary figures, like removable cowl Batman and the Teen Titans, it has boldly forged ahead with their own Mego-inspired sub-lines for Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman. That’s right, there’s an 8-inch Jimmy Olsen figure out there. It’s an amazing time to be a toy collector . . . even if you don’t like Star Wars.
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