A mix of retro nostalgia and new concepts mark today's action figure news, highlighting Transformers, DC, G.I. Joe, and original lines.
This week in the action figure landscape, collectors are treated to a variety of new releases that span across beloved franchises and introduce novel concepts. With a mix of nostalgic re-releases and inventive new designs, there’s something of interest for different corners of the collector community.
Transformers: Fossilizers Make a Comeback
The Transformers line continues to expand with the introduction of new figures, notably within the War For Cybertron: Kingdom series. The Core Class Fossilizer Vertebreak is a fresh addition that taps into the unique appeal of skeletal dinosaur beast modes. This iteration highlights Hasbro’s strategy of blending innovative design with transformational functionality, and the gimmick of customizable components remains a key feature. The ability to combine parts with other figures breathes new life into play and display possibilities, ensuring continued engagement for collectors of all ages.
DC Figures: Zatanna and Raven Reissues
For those with a penchant for DC characters, this week brings attention to reissues that cater to retro collectors. A new Zatanna figure from McFarlane Toys captures her appearance from the “Batman: The Animated Series” during her 1993 episode. This release is part of a trend that sees classic depictions being brought back for modern audiences, satisfying both nostalgia and a continuation of Bruce Timm’s artistic legacy.
Another reissue is the Raven figure from Mattel’s Infinite Heroes – Crisis Series. Even though it harks back to the 2009 aesthetic, it capitalizes on characters that gained prominence through the Teen Titans animated series in 2003. This line has seen a resurgence as adaptations of animated designs make their way into traditional comic book style collections, merging fan bases from different media.
G.I. Joe and Original Lines: Diverse Offerings
G.I. Joe fans might feel both excitement and overwhelm, as the Classified Series expands rapidly. New releases like Zanya & Dreadnok Chameleon (Swamp Skier) highlight the series’ commitment to expanding its roster of intriguing characters while maintaining connections to its classic roots through figures such as Sgt. Slaughter. This strategy ensures the line remains dynamic and engaging.
In the realm of original action figure lines, Fresh Monkey Fiction & Big Bad Workshop’s Wolfsbane from “The Order of the Crimson Moon” stands out. This character draws potential comparisons to iconic figures like Destro from Action Force, a testament to the enduring appeal of familiar archetypes reimagined in new contexts. Meanwhile, Big Bad Workshop’s “Soldiers of Fortune” line introduces The Saboteur, offering collectors versatile and thematically generic figures suitable for a variety of settings in 1/12 scale collections.
