New Marvel Legends variations and Masters of the Universe sets highlight this week's action figure news.
This week in action figures, we see an intriguing mix of Marvel Legends exclusives and expanded releases in the Masters of the Universe (MOTU) line. While no groundbreaking reveals emerged, the updates offer a glimpse into ongoing trends in character spin-offs and nostalgia-driven collections.
Marvel Legends Delivers New Variants
The Marvel Legends line continues to be a treasure trove for collectors, presenting new and distinctive variations on classic characters. Notably, Hasbro has released a Marvel Unlimited exclusive Spider-Woman figure, featuring Jessica Drew in a unique black spider suit with symbiote hints, based on a 2024 cover illustration by Peach Momoko. This release, as covered by Shesfantastic, offers an exciting “what-if” concept for collectors, reminiscent of past exclusives like Kamala Khan as Spider-Girl.
Additionally, the “Jean Grey (X-Factor)” from the Vintage Uncanny X-Men line also draws attention, particularly among those nostalgic for different iterations of this iconic character. The X-Factor version represents another facet of Jean Grey’s expansive history, as discussed by Shesfantastic.
Masters of the Universe Expands Its Offerings
In the realm of MOTU, collectors have several new additions. The latest review by Action Figure Barbecue discusses the “Fright Pit” playset, a reimagined version of the 1986 “Slime Pit.” Due to trademark issues with Nickelodeon, Mattel has renamed the set, but it remains a nostalgic nod to classic MOTU designs.
Further expanding on MOTU offerings, Mattel has released “Ram Man and Fisto” figures, exclusive to Amazon as noted in another review by Action Figure Barbecue. These figures remain faithful to their toon and toy inspirations, appealing to those invested in MOTU’s rich character roster.
Thrilljoy Pixl and G.I. Joe Updates
Moving into the designer realm, Thrilljoy, a new company from Brian Mariotti, introduces a playful take on “She-Ra” with their “Thrilljoy Pixl” line, discussed on Shesfantastic. This release provides a welcome artistic take on a character less frequently featured in this style compared to her counterpart, He-Man.
On the G.I. Joe front, Hasbro’s Retro Series expands with the addition of a female version of the “Crimson Guard,” highlighted in Action Figure Barbecue’s review. This adaptation brings gender diversity to a historically male-dominated toy line, offering both seasoned collectors and new fans something fresh to consider.
Overall, these variations and expansions reflect a bustling landscape where nostalgia and innovation meet, giving collectors plenty to anticipate as they expand their collections.
