This week features collector insights and reveals on Star Wars Retro Series, Transformers Studio Series, and international strides for Kamen Rider.
This week’s toy news landscape is dominated by updates from beloved franchises like Star Wars and Transformers, while Kamen Rider makes international strides.
Star Wars Retro Series: Collectors Divided
There’s been much discussion among collectors regarding Hasbro’s 3.75-inch Star Wars Retro Collection figures, with particular focus on the ‘Dark Times’ Darth Vader figure, part of the Obi-Wan Kenobi series, as reported by Super-Duper Toy Box. While some collectors appreciate the nostalgic availability of these figures, others have criticized elements such as character detailing and aesthetics. Regardless, these figures provide a more accessible option for fans unable to afford the original Kenner vintage figures.
Similarly, Super-Duper Toy Box shares more on their acquisition of vintage Bespin figures and a Cardboard Galaxy Death Star playset. These nostalgic trips down memory lane reveal ongoing excitement for reliving Star Wars’ past through modern toys and display setups, with personal collections bridging the gap between vintage and modern toy lines.
Transformers Studio Series: Skywarp Lands
The Transformers franchise continues its momentum with the release of Studio Series Skywarp, following May’s Thundercracker introduction. According to My Shiny Toy Robots, despite Skywarp’s brief and doomed appearance in “Transformers: The Movie,” Hasbro wasted no time in adding this prominent Seeker to their lineup. The figure serves as a fan favorite, tapping into the broader Transformers universe’s 40th anniversary celebrations.
Kamen Rider Goes Global
For the first time, Kamen Rider fans outside of Asia can enjoy a currently airing series with ‘Kamen Rider Zeztz.’ In a significant move as the series celebrates its 55th anniversary, Toei has partnered with Shout Factory to simulcast the show with English subtitles, according to a report from My Shiny Toy Robots. This expansion to markets in the US, Canada, UK, Australia, and New Zealand marks a new chapter for the franchise, hopefully broadening its appeal and establishing a more robust global fanbase.
Overall, while the volume of significant releases may be moderate, the current themes underscore an enduring fascination with established franchises and the potential growth in international reach for others, pointing towards an interesting end to 2026 for action figure enthusiasts.
