Thrilljoy adds to its PIXL lineup with new She-Ra and Batgirl '66 figures, marking a growing interest in smaller-scale vinyl collectibles.
This week in the action figures world presents a modest yet noteworthy expansion of Thrilljoy’s PIXL line, as reported by She’s Fantastic. The former Funko CEO Brian Mariotti’s new venture, Thrilljoy, is focusing on smaller-scale vinyl collectibles. The She-Ra PIXL figures, available in two scales, provide a fresh take on the character often overshadowed by her counterpart He-Man in terms of toy representation. The new She-Ra vinyl figures add more depth to the Masters of the Universe line-up, particularly interesting considering the subdued celebration of her 40th anniversary last year.
Adding to the She-Ra collection, a limited edition Chase variant was released, but according to She’s Fantastic, it seems that despite rumors and anticipation, the major wave of Mattel products for the anniversary didn’t materialize due to a blend of logistical challenges and possibly inflated expectations. Still, the release of new variants offers fans something to bolster their collections.
Thrilljoy has also revisited the iconic Batgirl from the 1966 Batman television series, which expands its PIXL range into classic TV characters (She’s Fantastic). The introduction of smaller Batgirl ’66 figures showcases Thrilljoy’s flexible approach to character selection, though concerns linger regarding the breadth of character availability in these compact sizes.
Masters of the Universe and Trademark Complications
Over in the Masters of the Universe realm, Mattel’s recent release, the Fright Pit, addresses trademark issues with Nickelodeon over the “Slime Pit” name. According to Action Figure Barbecue, Mattel opted for “Fright Pit” to sidestep these complications, providing fans with a nostalgic update to a favorite playset without legal conflicts. This renaming serves as an example of how intellectual property rights continue to shape product design and branding in the toy industry.
Expanding Classic and Unique Lines
Elsewhere, Hasbro’s offerings from the Star Wars Black Series and G.I. Joe: Classified Series continue to capture interest. Noteworthy is the arrival of a younger Jedi Master Dooku figure, as reviewed by Action Figure Barbecue. This iteration taps into the fascination around character backstories introduced in animated series such as “Tales of the Jedi.” Meanwhile, the Cobra-La Royal Guard figure from G.I. Joe sees the continuation of reimagining classic characters in modern formats, a trend applauded by new and veteran collectors alike (Action Figure Barbecue).
Finally, Super7 engages retro enthusiasts with its O-Ring format Universal Monsters line. The nostalgic design of figures like the Bride of Frankenstein is part of a broader trend by companies to revisit and renew classic franchises in appealing retro-futuristic presentations.
