DC Blokees launches new Arkham Chaos figures; O-Ring revival continues with Bride of Frankenstein.
This week’s Action Figures news sees a steady rolling out of familiar franchises with a couple of interesting developments, notably in the DC and horror genres. Blokees continues its momentum in the action figure market with another nostalgic push, and the undead gets a stylish revamp courtesy of Super7.
DC Blokees’ Arkham Chaos: Batgirl and Catwoman
DC Blokees, known for its wide-ranging character selections and budget-friendly price points, has added new iterations of Batgirl and Catwoman to its Arkham Chaos lineup. As reported by She’s Fantastic, these figures are part of the Defender scale series, the most petite at 2.5 inches and priced at just $3. Unlike previous years where Arkham series figures dominated the shelf with darker interpretations, this line could potentially attract collectors with its inexpensive and accessible model kits. The figures reflect a shift away from the heavy-set designs of a decade ago, possibly appealing to collectors who grew weary of repetitive styles by offering something fresh yet classic.
This move comes amid Blokees’ aggression in covering both collector and commercial markets. It ties into their strategy of leveraging well-loved franchises like Transformers—currently at Defender Series 08—suggesting a steady stream of new DC Defender characters might be on the horizon.
Super7 O-Ring Brings Back Bride of Frankenstein
In a revival of vintage favorites, Super7 continues to capitalize on the O-Ring format’s resurgence with their Universal Monsters series. The latest addition, as noted by She’s Fantastic, includes the Bride of Frankenstein. The O-Ring style, which harkens back to 80s aesthetics, is seeing renewed interest, appealing to avid nostalgia lovers and a new audience alike. This move not only revitalizes classic movie monsters but also bolsters Super7’s growing portfolio of diverse licenses.
The successful adaptation of properties that include everything from Micronauts to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in this throwback format suggests there might yet be life in revisiting beloved past franchises. The Bride stands as both a tribute to the original Remco figures and part of a broader trend breathing new life into classic horror themes.
G.I. Joe: Classified Series and Stranger Things Revisions
The G.I. Joe: Classified Series keeps up its legacy with the latest figures like “Crazylegs” Thomas and “Zap” Melendez. As described by Action Figure Barbecue, these are presented as retro carded releases garnering nostalgia, particularly the reprisal of original 13 characters dear to long-standing fans. These releases prompt some reflection on how Hasbro is hooking both seasoned collectors and initial admirers of the G.I. Joe legacy.
Meanwhile, Jazwares taps into the 80s throwback vein with their Stranger Things figures from both live-action and animated series. With new creations like “Nikki,” from the animated “Tales from ’85,” She’s Fantastic highlights how the series continues to play on retro adventure tropes, further appealing to fans who have a penchant for 80s nostalgia. These efforts hint at how consistent, diversified character releases can sustain interest across different age groups and collector demographics.
In summary, the action figures landscape remains vibrant, navigating between vintage revivals and ongoing expansions of beloved properties. Whether it’s through economical model kits or retro revivals, manufacturers are keen to deliver variety and nostalgia in equal measure.
