Jazwares expands its Stranger Things action figure series by adding new characters from the franchise.
In a mixed bag of releases, the most noteworthy story is the expansion of Jazwares’ Stranger Things action figure series. This comes as the company continues its dedication to anchoring popular Netflix franchises with tangible collectibles tailored for die-hard fans and new viewers alike.
Stranger Things Action Figures: New Characters and Series
Jazwares has rolled out two new figures from the Stranger Things franchise, showcasing the depth and staying power of the series. The Stranger Things Season 5 line sees the continuation of Eleven in new garb, specifically an homage to 80s workout fashion as she is depicted in “Masked” form. This figure seems tailored to capitalize on the nostalgic appeal that the show is famed for, and according to She’s Fantastic, mirrors moments from the series where Eleven trains for looming challenges, drawing parallels with pop culture idols like Sarah Connor.
In addition to Eleven’s latest incarnation, the Stranger Things: Tales from ’85 Netflix animated series introduces us to a new character, Nikki Baxter. Her figure features a punk aesthetic, designed to leverage the spinoff’s retro animated theme. As She’s Fantastic notes, Nikki’s character potentially diversifies the existing lineup further, appealing to collectors committed to completing their collections with both new and established characters. Overall, these expansions align with Jazwares’ strategy of tapping into deeper parts of the Stranger Things universe to engage its youthful yet seasoned audience.
Marvel Legends: Iron Spider’s Uncommon Appearance
Hasbro’s Marvel Legends series has revisited a curious narrative in the Spider-Man saga with the release of a Mary Jane as Iron Spider figure. According to She’s Fantastic, this brings a rare one-off comic appearance to collectors’ shelves, marking MJ’s brief yet pivotal moment as a hero. While not headlining ongoing story arcs, this figure acts as a strong nostalgic nod to collectors loyal to spontaneous transformations in comic storylines. With Spider-Man fans always keen to fill in gaps in their series, this could become a sought-after piece for collectors who missed earlier versions or are dedicated to completing sub-stories in Marvel collectibles.
Universal Monsters Meet Hot Wheels
Adding a touch of classic horror to the mix, Mattel’s Hot Wheels Silver Series has released a Universal Monsters themed ’40 Ford inspired by The Bride of Frankenstein. According to Action Figure Barbecue, this model car adds a quirky yet classy collectible to any Universal Monsters enthusiast’s toy shelf. Featuring classic horror aesthetics, the series aims to merge the universality of Hot Wheels with the timeless appeal of cinematic monsters. While not an action figure in the strictest sense, its adjacent relevance keeps it in the conversation for collectors interested in genre-spanning items.
Overall, the releases this round showcase a blend of nostalgia, new character introductions, and creative crossovers that collectors in the action figure community can appreciate as part of broader trends in maintaining fan engagement through tangible tie-ins.
