Hasbro's new X-Men '97 Beast figure divides fans, while Mezco and McFarlane Toys unveil new collectibles.
This week sees a mix of nostalgic and exciting new action figure releases, though not all of them have landed without controversy. Hasbro’s reveal of the Marvel Legends X-Men ’97 Beast figure has sparked debate among enthusiasts, while Mezco and McFarlane Toys gear up for significant additions to their lines.
Hasbro’s X-Men ’97 Beast Controversy
Hasbro has officially made the X-Men ’97 Beast figure available for order, marking a highly anticipated addition to the Marvel Legends series. As reported by Marvel Toy News, Beast was deemed the most requested character following Jubilee and Morph’s release in Wave 3. However, the reveal has been met with split opinions among fans, with critiques focusing on the design of the figure. While specific details of the grievances are vague, it’s clear that the new figure has ignited diverse perspectives in the collector community.
This division may influence the future approach to design and releases within the Marvel Legends line, spotlighting the challenge for Hasbro to balance nostalgia with innovation when updating beloved characters.
New Collectibles from Mezco and McFarlane
Beyond the X-Men universe, Mezco and McFarlane Toys have announced new offerings. Mezco has opened pre-orders for their latest in the One:12 Collective line—Kingpin from Marvel Comics. The figure is set to arrive between February and April 2027 and features multiple interchangeable portraits and accessories, as noted by The Toyark.
Adding to The Dark Knight’s legacy, McFarlane Toys has unveiled a Batman and Robin 2-Pack in their DC Multiverse line, inspired by the classic TV series. According to The Toyark, this 7” scale set is available for pre-order at select retailers, catering to fans of the classic caped crusaders.
Other Release Highlights
In the world of gaming-inspired collectibles, Joy Toy is expanding its King of Fighters ’98 figure line. Their new “Master Team” set includes characters like Takuma Sakazaki and Saisyu Kusanagi. The Toyark notes that these 1/18 scale figures are now open for pre-order, broadening the appeal for fans of the long-running fighting game series.
Lastly, Big Bad Toy Store’s new initiative, the BigBadLaunchPad, aims to engage the collector community by offering a platform for voting on what collectibles should be produced next. As reported by The Toyark, this move could give consumers more influence over future product lines, potentially shifting how demand is gauged and catered to in the toy industry.
As ever, the action figure landscape continues to evolve, with new products and controversies shaping the collector experience.
