DC Blokees expands its Defender series with Arkham-era Batgirl and Catwoman figures, reviving interest in the darker designs of a past gaming era.
This week’s action figures news is mostly about expanding existing lines rather than breaking new ground. The main highlight comes from DC Blokees’ expansion into the Gotham universe with fresh takes on classic characters Batgirl and Catwoman. These offerings are part of their Defender Version 03 series, emphasizing the darker aesthetic popularized by the Arkham video game series. Though set in an era many fans might consider overexposed, these mini-figures reflect Blokees’ strategy of capitalizing on established brand nostalgia with a twist on collectible scale and affordability. For those closely watching market trends, the continued output hints at Blokees’ aim to sustain momentum not only through creative character selections but also through the persistence of blind box allure. Insights and reviews are detailed by She’s Fantastic.
Meanwhile, Super7 continues to ride the resurgence of the O-Ring format with its Universal Monsters Reaction+ wave, adding a Bride of Frankenstein figure to the mix. This follows a trend of reimagining licenses that were previously outside mainstream interests—like the Micronauts or Ghostbusters—into a format celebrating a nostalgic past. While G.I. Joe remains the most famous O-Ring line, the inclusion of iconic monster figures offers collectors a slice of the Halloween market, touching on niche and mainstream interests alike. This move was covered in detail by She’s Fantastic.
G.I. Joe: Celebrating Diversity and History
The G.I. Joe Classified series remains a powerhouse, channeling both nostalgia and inclusivity with recent releases. Rafael “Zap” Melendez, an Original 13 G.I. Joe figure, received a Classified Series update, marking another step in reinvigorating core characters for modern audiences. These figures have been praised for evolving simple army personas into dynamic figures with enhanced storytelling elements. Action Figure Barbecue provides a comprehensive review of Zap, along with their thoughts on the line’s longstanding appeal.
In the same vein, figures like David “Crazylegs” Thomas and Professor Rottclaw & Cobra Deinonychus add to the diversity and depth of the collection. While “Crazylegs” harkens back to past figure variants, Professor Rottclaw’s inclusion suggests a playful foray into the hypothetical universe that some critiques feel overstays its welcome—with plenty yet to be said in upcoming seasonal features like Toy Terror, which a detailed review hints at on Action Figure Barbecue.
Finally, “Arboryous” from Formo Toys’ ‘Legends of Dragonore’ line channels vibes from 1980s fantasy, echoing figures like Masters of the Universe’s “Moss Man.” While not directly connected to a legacy brand, these figures speak to the persistent demand for new designs within familiar aesthetics. As reviewed by Action Figure Barbecue, the blend of characteristics could easily sway Moss Man enthusiasts.
