The G.I. Joe Classified Series continues to expand, while Transformers and classic horror figures make their mark.
The big news this week is the continuous expansion and overwhelming variety of the G.I. Joe Classified Series from Hasbro. Enthusiasts are seeing a plethora of releases all at once, adding to collector excitement and anxiety. Our source at Action Figure Barbecue lists a lineup that includes figures like Zanya & Dreadnok Chameleon, amongst others, with accompanying iconic vehicles like the Swamp Skier. Alongside these new offerings, the series is leveraging nostalgia with releases such as the retro carded Flash and Falcon, and a hooded Cobra Commander.
This ongoing strategy by Hasbro taps into a powerful mix of nostalgia and modern accessibility for collectors both new and old. With such a large volume of content arriving in fall 2026, collectors could be feeling both overwhelmed and delighted. This surge in G.I. Joe figures emphasizes the brand’s strong market presence and the enduring love fans have for military-themed collectibles.
Transformers: Kingdom Continues with Core Class Vertebreak
As Shes Fantastic details, the Transformers line remains robust with the continued developments in the “War For Cybertron: Kingdom” collection. Notably, the character Vertebreak, categorized as a Fossilizer, adds more depth to the series. Fossilizers—dinosaurs that transform into skeletal robots—offer a unique gimmick: they can disassemble and reassemble with other figures. This keeps the line fresh and allows for endless customization possibilities.
Fans of the franchise will appreciate this blend of creativity and innovation that Hasbro continues to offer with its Transformers lineup. Given the Transformers brand’s long-standing popularity, new inclusions like Vertebreak illustrate the company’s commitment to evolve and expand the lore.
Classic Horror Figures Gain Ground with Trick or Treat Studios
From the world of classic horror cinema, Action Figure Barbecue highlights Trick or Treat Studios’ latest addition to their “Day of the Dead” lineup, featuring the complex character of Capt. Henry Rhodes. Paying homage to vintage action figures—mirroring styles reminiscent of Kenner’s past efforts—Rhodes represents the studio’s impressive foray into detailed human characters from iconic horror narratives.
This is a notable development for collectors keen on completing their horror collections, reflecting a larger trend of studios mining classic film archives for premium action figure lines. This suggests a continuing appeal of horror figures immortalized in quality craftsmanship appealing to fans’ sense of nostalgia.
In sum, this period in action figure news showcases a combination of relentless expansion from major franchises like G.I. Joe and Transformers while also heralding a return to form with carefully crafted nostalgic pieces in classic horror. For collectors, it’s a time of rich diversity, albeit one that challenges the available shelf space they might have left.
