Action Figure Review: Tri-Klops from Masters of the Universe Chronicles by Mattel

 

   Today I'm reviewing the first Masters of the Universe Chronicles figure based on the movie that I picked up: Tri-Klops! Yes, I did review the MOTU Chronicles Scare Glow last month, but he doesn't seem to be based on the film and instead feels more reminiscent of the Masterverse New Eternia subset. This version of Tri-Klops is definitely based on the film coming to theaters next month and features the likeness of actor Kojo Attah. Well, what little you can see from underneath his three-eyed visor, anyway. Still, it's pretty exciting to have an action figure from the movie in hand, especially one that looks as cool as Tri-Klops does. This is a very impressive figure! Mattel is really flexing with the Masters of the Universe Chronicles line. Ready to check out Tri-Klops? Then let's take a look at him after the break...

Action Figure Review: Akuma from Ultra Street Fighter II: The New Challengers by Jada Toys

   We are getting close to completing the classic Street Fighter II roster and while we're now only two figures away from the main roster of 16 characters (I now have Balrog and E. Honda in hand and they're scheduled to be reviewed) Jada Toys has also added in Akuma. Akuma appeared as a secret character in 1994's Super Street Fighter II Turbo and has been a mainstay of the series since. I actually received Akuma back in February and it's just taken me a bit to get around to checking him out. While I'm familiar with the main sixteen World Warriors from Street Fighter II from playing the games as a kid, collecting the Hasbro action figures, and being an unabashed fan of the 1994 film, my first impressions of Akuma come from the 1998 Electronic Gaming Monthly April Fool's joke where they claimed that 
he was an unlockable character in Resident Evil 2. Through a difficult series of challenges, the prank claimed that Akuma would be unlocked as a playable character who could plow through the hordes of the undead in Raccoon City. It's an infamous prank in gaming history and while it's just a footnote in Akuma's history, I'm sure there are some collectors who want to display him with their various Resident Evil 2 action figures. Ready to check out Akuma? Then join me after the break...

Action Figure Review: Man-E-Faces from Masters of the Universe Origins: Sketchbook Series by Mattel

 

   We are less than a month away from the release of the Masters of the Universe movie in the United States (June 5th, 2026!) and I'm trying to work some more MOTU reviews in this month. Obviously you all know I'm a MOTU maniac, both a He-Fan and a She-Raver, but there does come a point where you realize you have likely enough versions of certain characters. If you check out my various archives you can tell that my shelves are loaded with multiples toys, collectibles, and action figure versions of He-Man, She-Ra, Skeletor, Beast Man, Trap Jaw, Man-At-Arms, Orko, Teela, Mer-Man, Faker, Battle Cat, and Hordak. I know there are so many MOTU toys and statues coming out right now but I'm just having to be more selective about what I pickup. Outside of the main ongoing line (for me that was Masterverse and now Chronicles), I'm largely skipping characters I have too many versions of unless there's something really unique. Well, a concept version of Man-E-Faces really jumped out at me. On Masters of the Universe Day last month (April 28th) we lost Roger Sweet, one of the two "creators" of He-Man (that's a very nuanced discussion which I'm not getting into here) and with the passing of Mark Taylor in 2021, both of He-Man's creators are now no longer with us. More than any other property I can think of, fans of MOTU really seem to love the concept art and creative process of the brand and fans have usually jumped at concept and prototype inspired action figures. Man-E-Faces is a Target exclusive and latest release in the Masters of the Universe: Origins Sketchbook Series; he's also the first figure from the line that I've picked up. Based on an early Mark Taylor sketch for a character called Multi-Face (though Mr. Taylor doesn't get any credit on the packaging, unfortunately), this is the first time we've seen this concept art version of Man-E-Faces as an action figure. He's a pretty incredible design that might actually surpass the classic Man-E-Faces in my book. Some elements of his design also make more sense to me when presented like this. Ready to check out Multi-Faces, the man who would become Man-E-Faces? Then join me after the break...

Action Figure Review: The Agent/ The Spy (Black Tuxedo) from Soldiers of Fortune by Big Bad Workshop

 

   Yesterday I reviewed the Soldiers of Fortune The Agent/ The Enemy (Light Blue) who seems to be the most popular figure in this series since he makes a pretty solid hooded Cobra Commander stand-in. Today I'm checking out the figure that seems to be the second most popular figure: The Agent/ The Spy (Black Tuxedo). The Soldiers of Fortune figures deliver some generic character archetypes that should be pretty useful for multiple 1/12th scale toylines with many of the releases offering multiple heads so you can really mix things up. As a kid I always wanted a James Bond action figure. I had a James Bond Jr. action figure, but that wasn't the same. I just wanted a tuxedo wearing James Bond but, despite Bond's popularity in the 1990s with GoldenEye, Tomorrow Never Dies, and multiple videogames, we never really got one. The company Exclusive Premiere Collectibles releases multiple James Bond figures but usually they were in unusual outfits rather than a classic Bond Tux (there was a Sean Connery from Goldfinger in a white tuxedo but I never saw him anywhere). Heck, my Tradewinds Toys Ethan Hunt from Mission: Impossible was the closest I got to a tuxedo clad spy. Want to make a James Bond figure? Now you just have to find the right head! These figures can swap heads and hands easily with Operation: Monster Force, C.O.P.S. & Crooks, and The Order of the Crimson Moon, so at some point we'll surely get some heads that will serve as a decent James Bond. Still, we've got two cool portraits with this set, plus plenty of gear. Ready to check out the Agent and the Spy? Then join me after the break...

Action Figure Review: The Agent/ The Enemy (Light Blue) from Soldiers of Fortune by Big Bad Workshop

 

   One of the companies who I'm most excited to see new releases from is Big Bad Workshop. They're most well known for Operation: Monster Force, their collaboration with Fresh Monkey Fiction, and other lines that are out or coming up such as Order of the Crimson Moon, Agents of Omega, C.O.P.S. & Crooks, more. Today I'm checking out another new project from Big Bad Workshop: Soldiers of Fortune. This is a brilliant line as it's simply an assortment of generic characters that cover a variety of different archetypes that blend well with other 1/12th scaled toylines. You've got secret agents, tactical soldiers, mercenaries, masked terrorists, and more. With swappable heads and hands, these guys can easily be worked in to your other 1/12th scaled toylines to add more hero or enemy troop builders or even to make your own versions of popular characters. I own three so far, receiving the first two figures back in February and the third just last week. Today I'm checking out The Agent/ The Enemy, the blue suited figure that is probably the most popular release from this series. Why's that? He's a blue suited generic agent. Is he a secret agent? A CIA operative? A member of the US Secret Service? An enemy from some secret, shadowy agency? That's up to you. His popularity is due to his versatility, no doubt, and probably not at all related to the fact that he comes with a head sporting a blue hood. I guess that some folks might want a blue hooded maniac for their action figure collections. Right? I mean, we have white hooded Snowtroopers in Star Wars: The Black Series, purple hooded Baron Zemo figures, and red hooded.... Red Hood figures, but it seems like there is some sort of untapped market for blue hooded action figures. I have my top investigative agents on this right now. Could other buyers really all want this guy? Collectors often bypass retail assortments and find ways to purchase action figures and accessories they want to create their favorite characters or characters that major companies ignore, so it seems like BBW is just giving collectors some more tools for their toolboxes. The Agent/ The Enemy offers up a fair assortment of extras to blend in well with G.I. Joe: Classified Series, Action Force, Marvel Legends, and other popular 1/12th scaled lines. Let's check out this guy after the break...

Figure Review: Koby from One Piece: The Shukko by Bandai Namco/ Banpresto

 

   It's time for another RossCon pickup! Back in February I was out at my nearest Ross and found this cool statue of Koby from One Piece. I'm not this far in the anime but my wife certainly is and she kind of keeps me up to speed on what's going on. She's pretty much always watching One Piece, so I'm definitely aware of many of the character developments. I know who Koby is and I've enjoyed seeing him grow and change in the series, even if he has joined the Marines. This version of Koby is a new release showing Koby post-timeskip dressed in his long Marine coat after being promoted to captain. Koby is part of a series of figures called The Shukko, means which apparently refers to  act of departure, taking off, or setting sail. It seems that this series of figures depicts characters in motion, as if they are walking, presumably heading out to sea. Interesting, right? It's not a full on action pose like the Battle Record Collection or just a neutral character pose like the Grandline Series; it's the Shukko, baby! Ready to depart to the high seas with Koby? Then join me after the break...

Action Figure Review: Kitty Pryde and Colossus from Marvel Legends Series: Astonishing X-Men by Hasbro

 

   I've mentioned during a number of Marvel Legends reviews that most of my familiarity with the X-Men in comics is from books prior to the year 2000. Those years are where I've read most of what was published (largely thanks to Marvel's excellent Epic Collections), though I certainly read bits and pieces of some post 2000s books here and there. While I'm not terribly familiar with the storyline of Astonishing X-Men, I definitely know the specific team-up and have collected them as they were released over the past couple of years. While there are always characters that could be added (like Armor, who is long overdue a figure), with this latest 2-pack of Kitty Pryde and Colossus we now have a complete "main" Astonising X-Men team: Cyclops, Emma Frost, Wolverine, Beast, Kitty Pryde, and Colossus. Oh, and Lockheed, who is included here as well. Ready to check out this new 2-pack? Then join me after the break...

Action Figure Review: Night-Viper from G.I. Joe: Classified Series by Hasbro

 

   1989 might be my favorite year of the vintage G.I. Joe line. In terms of the characters themselves I'm more a fan of the characters between 84-87, when it comes to the quality, design, and engineering of the figures, I find it hard to beat 1988 through 1990. 1986 and 1987 figures were the first years I was collecting G.I. Joe but b7 1988,  was actively picking out figures on my own and I can recall looking for certain figures. The Cobra Night-Viper has always been one of my favorites and I'm thrilled to finally have one in the Classified Series. These guys have such a cool aesthetic; they're loaded with the gear they need to move around undetected at night while being completely aware of their surroundings due to both their extensive training and the image intensification equipment they carry. Is this guy going to be a complete win for me? Let's check him out after the break and find out...

Action Figure Review: X-23 from Marvel Legends Series: Deadpool and Wolverine by Hasbro

 

   I'm not crazy familiar with everything X-Men comic related post 2000 but you'd have to be pretty oblivious to all things Marvel to not recognize how successful X-23, AKA Laura Kinney, has been as a character. Initially introduced in the 2003 X-Men: Evolution animated series as a clone of Wolverine, Laura appeared in the comics within a year and has now become even a recognizable character in the movies. First appearing in the movie Logan, Dafne Keen reprised the role of X-23 in Deadpool and Wolverine as one of "The Others" banished to the Void. Last year Hasbro released an updated version of the X-Force X-23 (packaged with Warpath) so technically they've released two X-23 within 12 months. That's pretty impressive and definitely seems to show that Hasbro sees the popularity and potential in the character. I received X-23 along with Cowboypool as a gift recently and I have to say I've been quite impressed with this series of figures. The unique sculpts and the amount of accessories with most figures is pretty good, definitely more impressive than most comic based Marvel Legends figures. Ready to check out X-23? Then join me after the break...

Action Figure Review: Mole Rat [Stage 2] from G.I. Joe: Classified Series by Hasbro

 

   I'm over halfway through the last series of G.I. Joe: Classified Series releases (only the Night-Viper remains) and many international fans already have the latest series in hand with Airtight and Overkill. Hey, I'm not the fastest and I'm OK with that. Today I'm checking out a "repaint" from the most recent series, though it's a figure that offers a bit more than the original release did: The Cobra Mole Rat. The Mole Rat was originally released in 2023 as a Walmart exclusive and he was one of the highlights of that year for me. Hasbro has included a Mole Rat [Stage 2] in this series and he's just as impressive as the first figure. Sure, the body is mostly a repaint, but there are some cool new deco designs and a brand new portrait, now giving this troop builder three different head sculpts. I know repaints used to be the bane of many collectors' existences back in the day but it's hard to get too worked up about them in the Classified Series since figures are no longer sold in waves or cases by any e-tailers I'm aware of (in the past you often had to purchase full cases to guarantee a set), they're rarely included with multipacks (ala the 25th Anniversary Joe line and so many multipacks from the late 1990s through the mid 2000s), and Hasbro's Joe team seems to put some solid though into these. The Mole Rat isn't a cheap figure these days, either, so the Stage 2 variant is a pretty welcome addition. What happens when you leave a Mole Rat infected by Dark Energon to fester? He really starts to mutate, turning into something that seems even beyond a zombie. Let's check this spooky fellow out after the break...

Action Figure Review: Cowboypool from Marvel Legends Series: Deadpool & Wolverine by Hasbro

 

   I've been a sucker for Deadpool figures ever since I was a kid and received the original Toy Biz Deadpool figure for Christmas in 1992. I'm not snapping up every figure from Hasbro Marvel Legends Deadpool & Wolverine line but there are definitely a couple that have really intrigued me. I recently received Cowboypool and X-23 as gifts and I'm pretty excited to have them. Cowboypool is a cowboy themed Deadpool; what's cooler than that? Voiced by Matthew McConaughey in the movie, Cowboypool is part of the Deadpool Corp that was formerly banished to the void. Need some more Deadpool figures to battle your standard Deadpool and Wolverine? Here's another one! Let's check out Cowboypool after the break...

Action Figure Review: Edwin "Lifeline" Steen from G.I. Joe: Classified Series by Hasbro

 

    More G.I. Joe: Classified Series reviews? You know it! Today I'm looking at Edwin "Lifeline" Steen, the first rescue trooper for the G.I. Joe team. While Doc was the original medic for the team, I've always seen Doc as the skilled doctor and surgeon while Lifeline is more of a field medic who does have to engage in combat from time to time. With his brightly colored outfit he also seems like someone who may even be used by the Joe team in emergency situations where civilians and other responders are involved. He's definitely not going to be embedded with a covert team all decked out in camouflage. Lifeline is one of my favorite vintage A Real American Hero figures and I had high hopes for this guy. Lifeline had a couple really good figures over the years, especially the 2011 30th Anniversary release, and I was hoping the Classified Series figure would live up to that figures pedigree of excellence. There are some great things about this Lifeline but there are also quite a few elements that are inferior to a now 15 year old figure in a smaller scale. That's a real surprise, right? Let's take a look at Lifeline after the break and see how he measures up...

Action Figure Review: Sanji (Romance Dawn) from S.H. Figuarts: One Piece by Bandai/ Tamashi Nations

 

   Ready for coolness personified in the One Piece universe? Well, the S.H. Figuarts Romance Dawn version of Tony Tony Chopper isn't out yet but I do have the newly released Sanji, so let's check him out today. I actually really like Sanji and he might be my third favorite of the Straw Hats. He's an interesting character; so often cool, composed, and chivalrous, yet he often totally loses it and lays it on too thick around women. A solid fighter with a kind heart and a chef who will never deny anyone a meal. I didn't import Sanji, so he's available right now in the US, though some places seem to be sold out of him already. Bandai has really been delivering the S.H. Figuarts One Piece releases lately and it's nice to see how quickly we're assembling a cohesive team of Straw Hats. I believe Jinbei has been leaked, but who do you think will be the next pre-time skip member of the crew? It surely has to be Nico Robin, right? I wouldn't be surprised to see Nefertari Vivi soon, either, especially with her prominence in season 2 of the live action show. Sanji definitely wants more ladies on the shelf! If you're only a fan of the live action show and don't care for the anime and manga designs, there's a version based on Taz Skylar's Sanji coming out later this year, but I think most folks probably prefer the anime and manga depictions, right? Let's take a look at Sanji, the cook of the Straw Hat pirates. Join me after the break...

Action Figure Review: Brent "Hit & Run" Scott from G.I. Joe: Classified Series by Hasbro

 

   Wow! I didn't realize that it has been about a month and a 1/2 since I reviewed Big Lob, the first figure I looked at in this most recent series of G.I. Joe: Classified Series action figures. I'm going to be checking out the rest of the lineup over the next week or two and today I've got Hit & Run on my desk. While the characters themselves aren't as memorable, I still hold to the belief that 1988 through 1990 were the best years for A Real American Hero in terms of design and engineering. Hit & Run was one of my favorites from 1988 and still holds up as one of the best G.I. Joe figures from the A Real American Hero era. He's just an incredibly designed figure and it's cool to finally have him in the Classified Series. I've always loved his cool, tactical feel: A guy who gets in quickly, gets out quickly, overcomes any obstacles, and largely does it unseen. He's a nice update of the vintage toy though I do have a couple issues with him. Nothing huge, but they're worth mentioning. Ready to check out Hit & Run? Then join me after the break...

Action Figure Review: Juri from Revoltech: Amazing Yamaguchi: Street Fighter 6 by Kaiyodo

 

   Today I'm reviewing the first figure from Kayodo's Revoltech: Amazing Yamaguchi line that've I've ever owned. Well, at least so far as I can recall. I've never reviewed anything from Kaiyodo and I can't recall ever having purchased any Revoltech figures previously. If I have, it's been a long time and I just don't remember it. Today, though, I'm reviewing the first of two Revoltech: Amazing Yamaguchi figures I received recently: Juri from Street Fighter 6. While I really hope Jada Toys eventually gets to later games in the series and widens the cast of characters in their Street Fighter line, I'm not sure how optimistic I am that they'll eventually get to Street Fighter 4 and so on. Who knows? Maybe they'll surprise us? I like Juri Han (apparently she's now the third most popular Street Fighter character) and I was excited to add her to my collection. I picked up the Storm Collectibles Juri from Street Fighter V a couple years ago but she is way larger than the Jada figures. A cool figure but just too large. How's the Revoltech: Amazing Yamaguchi version? She's closer in size, though still smaller, kind of like figures from Figma or Tamashi Nations. She's rather pricey, too, though that's an issue with importing almost everything these days. Ready to check out Juri from Street Fighter 6? Then join me after the break...

Action Figure Review: Usopp (Romance Dawn) from S.H. Figuarts: One Piece by Bandai/ Tamashi Nations

 

   

   Who is ready for a review of the brave captain Usopp? Then let's get to it! Bandai/ Tamashi Nations is really doing a nice job with their One Piece S.H. Figuarts line lately and they've been steadily covering the main crew pre-time skip. Sanji is shipping soon, too, but as of right now Usopp is the newest widely available member of the Straw Hat Pirates. I received him back in February from Nin-Nin Game but he's now available in the United States at most retailers who sell S.H. Figuarts release. There is a version based on Jacob Gibson's portrayal of Usopp from the live action show scheduled for release later this year as well, though while I love the live action show and the casting, I prefer to collect the figures inspired by the manga and anime. Ready to set sail with the brave captain Usopp, clearly the greatest and most inspiring action figure to ever grace your shelf? Probably an action figure that has already defeated Darth Vader, Cobra Commander, Skeletor, and Thanos single handedly, no doubt. Then let's check out this brave warrior of the sea (who has absolutely no connection to Sniper King/ Sogeking) after the break....

Action Figure Review: Scare Glow from Masters of the Universe Chronicles by Mattel

 

   While there are some pretty exciting movies coming out this year, I don't think I'm anticipating any of them as much as Masters of the Universe. This movie has seemingly been in the works for nearly 20 years off and on and it's amazing that it's finally happening. And the trailers and such so far? They look good! Yes, like many others I'm not a fan of Jared Leto, but everything else about this film so far has me ecstatic and the hundreds of people (likely over a thousand) working on it seem to be delivering something special. I don't think any MOTU project could ever please all fans but I think this project seems on the right track. You'll probably hear me go on about the movie once it releases, though; for now, let's talk about the first release from the new Masters of the Universe Chronicles line: Scare Glow. If there's a figure that's guaranteed to get MOTU fans and collectors of cool action figures in general all up in a hot tizzy, it's Scare Glow. The guy is a legend just for looking incredible cool. While the MOTU Chronicles line seems to be largely supporting the movie this year, it hasn't been confirmed if Scare Glow will appear in the film or if this is just a new take on the character. Mattel Creations also just announced a King Grayskull for Chronicles who may just be a new take on the character rather than a movie based design, so it seems like Chronicles will be a larger banner for figures from different MOTU media, like Masterverse. I'm going to go in to this guy in more depth here since he's the inaugural release in the line, so get ready. He's a Walmart exclusive, something which usually freaks people out but he seems to be plentiful on store shelves as I've seen him multiple times at different Walmart locations in my area. Ready to check out the MOTU Chronicles Scare Glow? Then join me after the break...

Action Figure Barbecue: Dracule Mihawk (Hawkeye) from S.H. Figuarts: One Piece by Bandai/ Tamashi Nations

 

   The second season of Netflix's live action One Piece dropped a few weeks ago and my wife and I are slowly making our way through it (if it were up to her, she'd have binged it in a day or two). I'm really enjoying it so far as it manages to be faithful to the series despite having to condense some aspects of the anime and manga. The showrunners also add some stuff, though, and one addition I really appreciate is showing the character of Dracule Mihawk as a constant presence in Zoro's mine through imagined interactions between the two characters. Mihawk is one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea and the strongest swordsman alive, both a rival to Zoro but also somewhat of a mentor to him later on. I believe Dracule Mihawk (Hawkeye) is some sort of an exclusive to Bandai's online store, though I ordered mine through Nin-Nin Game back in January and he showed up in February. It seems like a good time to check him out! He's a cool character that just oozes coolness and I'm excited to have him on my shelf so Zoro has someone worthy to fight. Ready to check out the S.H. Figuarts Mihawk? Then join me after the break...

Figure Review: Nami (Egghead Style) from Glitter & Glamours: One Piece by Bandai Namco/ Banpresto

 

   Ready for another cool RossCon find? Just a couple weeks ago I was in a Ross and found the new Nami (Egghead Style) figure from Bandai Namco/ Banpresto's Glitter & Glamours: One Piece line. Bandai seems to have characters from multiple anime and manga properties in the Glitters & Glamours line, all women, and these figures are designed to be glamorous and eye-catching. They also seem to be a bit taller than most of the Banpresto releases; Nami herself comes in around 9 inches tall. I'm a fan of Nami and the SSG branded outfits for the Straw Hats in the Egghead arc, so finding this figure at Ross at a steep discount made her an instant buy. These usually run around $30 dollars each but I found mine for $20. Not a bad discount for a new figure. If you've ever collected the Kotobukiya Bishoujo figures, these remind me a lot of that line in terms of the scale and style. Ready to check out this new Nami? Then join me after the break...

Action Figure Review: Zatanna (DC Classic) from DC Multiverse by McFarlane Toys

 

   Last week I checked out the Platinum variant of the recent McFarlane Toys DC Multiverse Zatanna, so today I'm checking out the standard version. I found the Platinum version first at a Walmart near me  and then found the standard version later in the day at a GameStop. If I had found both at once I likely would have only grabbed the standard version as I like the colors better and the more modern take on Zatanna, though both Zatanna and Detective Chimp have unique portraits between the two versions which can swap easily. Since this is a review of a variant (well, I technically reviewed the variant first), there's going to be a lot of reused text here as most of the sculpt and the accessories haven't changed. 

   Zatanna has been one of my most wanted figures from McFarlane Toys for a few years now. Besides members of the Batfamily and Batman's villains, I'm also a huge fan of DC's array of magical and supernatural heroes, so anyone who fits that bill or who has been a member of Justice League Dark is a character I've been waiting for. Zatanna is a key member of Justice League Dark, a prominent character in the DC Universe, one of the most powerful of mages on any Earth, and it also doesn't hurt that she's pretty easy on the eyes. The character selection on DC Multiverse has definitely improved over the past few years (though we are still getting an insane amount of Batman variants) and besides just getting Zatanna, a character who has had an action figure in multiple DC toylines over the years, we also have Detective Chimp, a character who has not had an action figure previously so far as I can recall. Zatanna and Bobo are part of the McFarlane Collector Edition subset of DC Multiverse, meaning they're a bit pricier than your average figure but come packed with a few more extras than normal. Ready to check out Zatanna and Detective Chimp? Then join me after the break...

Action Figure Review: Owl from Marvel Legends Retro Collection: Spider-Man by Hasbro

 

   Before recently, I had no idea who Owl was. Usually I can at least recognize most Marvel and DC characters who get an action figure, but that is not the case with Owl. He's also apparently just Owl and not "the Owl," which is also something I find kind of weird. Anyway, here I am, sitting around typing up a review of Owl from the most recent Marvel Legends Retro Collection: Spider-Man series that showed up at the end of 2025. So, yes, Owl is a Spider-Man villain, although he apparently was a Daredevil villain first. I was actually surprised to learn that he appeared in the Netflix Daredevil series. I would think I would remember this guy, you know? It turns out that he was really just a regular guy in that series, going by his real name of Leland Owlsley and working as Kingpin's accountant. The comic Owl is also in finance, onetime being known as The Owl of Wall Street. After being caught up in corruption charges, Owlsley becomes a crime boss and a figure in the underworld. He can glide and hover a little bit, he has hollow bones, enhanced senses and strength, and he can turn his head 180 degrees. Crazy. I actually wasn't looking for Owl at all but when he came across my path for $7 bucks on a Target clearance sale, I decided he actually could make a cool member of the wierdo group of Cobra agents like Croc Master, Raptor, Crystal Ball, and so on. Ready to check out Owl?  Then join me after the break...

Action Figure Review: Zatanna (DC Classic) [Platinum] from DC Multiverse by McFarlane Toys

 

 "Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls; it's time for the Sorceress Supreme and the Mistress of Magic herself: Zatanna!" 

   Zatanna has been one of my most wanted figures from McFarlane Toys for quite a bit. Besides members of the Batfamily and Batman's villains, I'm also a huge fan of DC's array of magical and supernatural heroes, so anyone who fits that bill or who has been a member of Justice League Dark is someone I've been waiting for. Zatanna is a key member of Justice League Dark, a prominent character in the DC Universe, one of the most powerful of mages on any Earth, and it also doesn't hurt that she's pretty easy on the eyes. The character selection on DC Multiverse has definitely improved over the past few years (though we are still getting an insane amount of Batman variants) and besides just getting Zatanna, a character who has had an action figure in quite a few DC toylines over the years, we also get Detective Chimp, a character who hasn't had an action figure previously so far as I can recall. Zatanna and Bobo are part of the McFarlane Collector Edition subset of DC Multiverse, meaning they're a bit pricier than your average figure but come packed with a few more extras than normal. There are also two versions of the figure: A normal and a Platinum variant. Today I'm looking at the Platinum variant as it's the version I found first. I actually found this one at a Walmart near me last month (locked up in a glass case, so I had to get assistance to have the figure unlocked and had to purchase it at the electronics counter) and then found the standard version that evening at a GameStop. If I had found both at once I likely would have only grabbed the standard version as I like the colors better and the more modern take on Zatanna, but this more Silver Age take isn't a bad figure, either. In fact, you get different portraits for both figures that can swap easily. Ready to check out Zatanna and Detective Chimp? 

   ...kaerb eht retfa em nioj nehT 

Action Figure Review: Kyle Katarn from Star Wars: The Black Series Phase IV by Hasbro

 

   Without much new coming out from Disney over the past year or two, Hasbro has been having to go back to the OT, the ST, and the Legends canon/ Expanded Universe for inspiration. I'm A-OK with that as I've ended up with quite a few characters in the Black Series who I've wanted since the line started. Dash Rendar? We got him! Now I'm getting the chance to own another character who I've looked forward to in the Black Series for over a decade: Kyle Katarn! Kyle Katarn was originally the protagonist of the 1995 video game Star Wars: Dark Forces but quickly became an incredibly popular character in the Expanded Universe back in the days before it was relegated to "Legends" status. He starred in multiple video games, novels, and comic books and while Kyle hasn't made his return to the current official canon yet, he's still a prominent character for most of us who grew up during the height of the EU (Expanded Universe, not European Union). Star Wars: Dark Forces impressed me so much that it's one of the few PC games I've ever owned. I've always hated gaming on a PC but I wanted it so bad that I added it to my Christmas list when I was in 6th grade. From the beginning of that game, Kyle Katarn impressed me. I loved the idea of this guy who did the sneaky and off the books stuff for the Rebellion (a group who was already all about subterfuge and sabotage) and the game was incredibly fun and far more impressive than Doom on the SNES and Curse of the Catacombs, the only First Person Shooters I had played at that time. While this figure is based on Kyle's appearance in later projects, especially Jedi Knight: Dark Forces II, it's still a figure of the original man who stole the Death Star plans (I will admit, though, that Rogue One is the far better story, however, and one of the best Star Wars films of them all). Ready to check out Kyle Katarn? Then join me after the break...

Action Figure Review: Professor Pyg (Batman) from DC Multiverse by McFarlane Toys

 

   It should be no surprise to DC collectors that we're in the last year of McFarlane's time with the DC license. Well, at least with the main license for collector focused action figures; I think it's still likely that  we'll see some degree of DC merchandise from McFarlane Toys beyond 2026 through the DC Direct brand. The main DC Multiverse line should be going away so this year is really crucial to a lot of DC collectors as we're wanting to fill in particular gaps in our collections. While Mattel does have a collector line coming to stores next year, I think it's likely not going to be what most fans want: A modern take on DC Universe Classics with Marvel Legends styled articulation and character selection. Let's take the subject of today's review, Professor Pyg for example. How likely do you think it will be that Mattel would release a character like Professor Pyg? I'm not saying that Mattel would balk at the though since Professor Pyg is such a disturbing character but simply it doesn't seem likely that Mattel would be giving the DC Universe as much attention and depth as McFarlane has. Now, don't get me wrong, McFarlane started the line out as the Batman/ Superman/ Joker show, but over the past 5+ years the line has really gone deep and has built the most impressive roster of Batman heroes and villains that I can think of from any action figure line yet produced. The figures themselves have improved in some ways (character selection, sculpts) while remaining stagnant in other ways (articulation model, visible pins on joints). There has yet to have been a perfect DC line to date, but this one is a pretty solid one for folks wanting more modern takes on the characters (kudos to Mattel, still, for completing teams like the Metal Men, the Super Powers lineup, and a massive Kirbyverse roster). Professor is part of the most recent collector edition releases and there is a blood spattered Platinum variant available as well. I've seen him once or twice but passed as I just wanted this one for my display. Ready for one of Batman's most twisted and demented villains? With Batman's gallery of villains, that's saying something! Let's check out Lazlo Valentin, AKA Professor Pyg, after the break...

Figure Review: Dorry from One Piece Senzozekkei by Bandai Namco/ Banpresto

 

   

   Season 2 of the Netflix live action One Piece comes out this Tuesday so I've got another One Piece review for you: Dorry the Blue Ogre! The Straw Hats meet Brogy and Dorry not long after journeying on the Grand Line, so they're likely to appear pretty early in the new season of the show. After finding Brogy at Ross a couple weeks back, I ended up finding Dorry, too, so now I have the set. If you didn't read my review of Brogy from last week, you should know that like most other Banpresto products, this isn't a traditional action figure but rather a collectible figure. You know, something more like a miniature statue (or staction!) which you quickly and easily assemble out of the box. Bandai Namco/ Banpresto has multiple product ranges for One Piece figures of this type and Dorry is from the One Piece Senkozekkei line. What does Senzozekkei mean? It means "flashy, spectacular scene" and features characters in poses that are more animated and dynamic than the usual figures, often designed to pair with another figure so you can create a battle scene or a diorama. Dorry is one of the Giant Warrior Pirates residing on Little Garden and you can pair him up with his best friend and long term rival, Brogy. Brogy and Dorry are both really new figures that a lot of stores haven't even received in stock and Ross apparently has them already. Crazy! This is definitely evidence that some of Ross' stock isn't just due to clearance or overordering.  Ready to check out this small-scale version of the 74 foot tall giant? (Dorry is taller than Brogy.) Then laugh along with me ("gegyagyagyagya!") and join me after the break...

Figure Review: Pirate Hunter Zoro from One Piece FigLife! by Bandai Namco/ Banpresto

 

   Before joining the Straw Hats, Roronoa Zoro was know as Pirate Hunter Zoro. A fearsome bounty hunter an an expert swordsman, Zoro is also a noble and kindhearted man who goes out of his way to rescue a young girl from the vicious pet wolf of Helmeppo, the son of the dishonorable Marine captain, Axe-Hand Morgan. While the Marines plan to execute Zoro (or simply just allow him to die), they lie to him by telling him if he stays tied up to a pole for a month they'll let him go and he'll have earned their respect. It's while tied up that Zoro meets Monkey D. Luffy and is asked to join his pirate crew. Initially Zoro declines but after he learns that the Marines are planning to execute him, the Pirate Hunter changes his mind, is rescued by Luffy and Koby, and joins the crew, getting his revenge. Zoro tied up to a wooden pole is really our first introduction to the character and a pretty memorable image. I was pretty interested in this figure (non-articulated) when I saw him go up for preorder and I picked him up about a month or so ago from my local GameStop. It wasn't until I had him in hand and started taking pictures that I realized that something is missing: The crossbeam that Zoro's arms are tied to. Where is it? It turns out that this figure of Zoro is actually a pencil or pen holder. No, I'm serious! As I've mentioned in previous reviews of the statues from Bandai Namco and Banpresto, they have multiple product lines for these non-articulated figures and this one is called One Piece FigLife! What's that mean? These are figures/ mini-statues that also function as a desk accessory in some way. There are paper clip trays, smartphone stands, and pencil and pen holders. So that's why the crossbeam for Zoro is missing; you place your pencil or pen there! Interesting. Let's check this one out after the break and see how a One Piece office supply turns out...

Figure Review: Brogy from One Piece Senzozekkei by Bandai Namco/ Banpresto

 

   Are you ready for another tale of RossCon goodness, toy fans and collectors? Just a weekend or two ago I was at a Ross and found a few new One Piece figures. Not action figures, but collectible figures that are more like miniature statues (or stactions!) which you quickly assemble and put on your shelf. Bandai Namco/ Banpresto has multiple product ranges for this type of figure and today I'm checking out Brogy from the One Piece Senkozekkei line. What does Senzozekkei mean? It apparently means "flashy, spectacular scene" and features characters in much more animated and action-packed poses than the usual figures. They also are usually able to pair with another figure in the line, allowing you to create a battle scene or a diorama. Brogy, one of the Giant Warrior Pirates residing on Little Garden, can pair with his best friend and rival Dorry. Guess what? A couple days after finding Brogy I found Dorry, too. These are really new figures that a lot of stores haven't even received in stock and Ross has them. Crazy! Brogy and Dorry first appear in season 2 of the anime and it looks like they'll appear in season 2 of the live action show as well. Ready to check out this small-scale version of the almost 70 foot tall giant? Then laugh along with me ("gababababa gababababa") and join me after the break...

Action Figure Review: Moss Man from Masters of the Universe Origins: Cartoon Collection (200X)

 

   I haven't picked up many Masters of the Universe Origins figures over the past year or two, but when Mattel puts out a new Moss Man? Well, I just have to jump on that. Moss Man is one of my favorites and the 200x / Mike Young Productions era didn't use him much but, when they did, they really made some great changes. Moss Man felt less like a sasquatch or bigfoot type of creature and more like a nature spirit, kind of like the Green Man. Moss Man didn't get an all new figure in Mattel's original 2002 line; instead, he was an exclusive that was, once again, a repainted Beast Man with green flocking. This guy is the first figure that really tries to capture his unqiue look from the MYP animated series. Moss Man only appeared in three episodes during the show's short run but he made an impression for sure. While the MOTU Origins releases based on the vintage line and other toy related concepts have been exclusive to Mattel Creations for at least the past year or so, the Cartoon Collection figures have been available at most retailers who stock MOTU stuff. I picked mine up at Needless Toys and Collectibles in Lincolnton, NC back in early January but he's available at plenty of other places, too. Ready for another look at the Heroic Spy & Master of Camouflage? Then join me after the break...

Action Figure Review: Chatsworth from Operation: Monster Force by Big Bad Workshop and Fresh Monkey Fiction

 

   Big Bad Workshop and Fresh Monkey Fiction's Operation: Monster Force line has made my Top Ten Toylines list for the past 2 years. With an incredibly cool and lovable minigun wielding sasquatch joining the Operation: Monster Force lineup this early in 2026, it sounds like BBW & FMF are already firing shots to get a place in my top ten list for 2026. Today I'm checking out Chatsworth, the newest member of the good guys in the Operation: Monster Force team. Chatsworth is listed as a release from part 2 of Operation: Monster Force Season 3: "Red Moon Requiem" but considering the Season 3: Part 1 figures haven't shipped yet, that doesn't mean much. I mean, even if you had no story context and didn't know that Chatsworth is one of the last members of the Venerable Tribe of the Mountain Folk from the Rocky Mountains, a kind-hearted sasquatch who loves 1980s television, having a good time, and doughnuts, and whose strength is tapped by the Monster Force team so he can serve as a heavy gunner, would you really care? Wouldn't a cryptid wielding a heavy weapon and a Rambo inspired headband be enough on it's own? Let's check out this mysterious legend from the wilderness after the break...

Statue Review: Angel Devil from Vibration Stars: Chainsaw Man by Bandai Namco/ Banpresto

 

   Ready for another Chainsaw Man review? I hope so because today we're checking out the Vibration Stars figure/ statue of the Angel Devil from Bandai Namco/ Banpresto. Let's chase a rabbit for a minute, though; By now I'm sure that you're familiar with RossCon. Yes, the discount clothing retailer Ross has been getting a crazy amount of action figures and collectibles over the past year or so including stuff that's really, really new. Sure, there are multiple items that are clearly overstock and closeout items, but lately I've been finding Bandai Namco figures from One Piece and Chainsaw Man that don't even seem to have been released at most specialty stores and importers yet. What is going on? Last weekend I was at a nearby Ross and found some One Piece figures with manufacturing dates of 10/2025 and 12/2025. Crazy! I found this guy on a shelf at Ross back during the first week of January and he's definitely a new release that I don't believe truly made it to the US until this year. In Chainsaw Man, Division 4 of the Public Safety Devil Hunters utilizes some of the devils and fiends that are more friendly to humans to aid in their work. Enter the Angel Devil. He has some characteristics of a devil, sure, but he also has some angel-like characteristics. He can syphon off the lifespan of humans who come into contact with him, causing them to lose time off of their lives with minimal contact or even causing them to die painlessly with long enough contact. He first appears in chapter 36 of the manga and in episode 11 of the animated series, where he helps Division 4 assault a terrorist stronghold. Ready to check out the Angel Devil? Then join me after the break...

Action Figure Review: Bradley "Big Lob" Sanders from G.I. Joe: Classified Series by Hasbro

 

   Hasbro is starting off 2026 with some slam dunks in the G.I. Joe: Classified Series line. Don't believe me? Then check out the first of the newest series of figures out there: Big Lob! Big Lob didn't appear in the vintage toyline; he's another character from the 1987 G.I. Joe animated movie that never got a vintage action figure from Hasbro. A grenade throwing basketball? Add him to the roster of other sports themed Joes like Bazooka, The Fridge, Hardball, Captain Gridiron, Red Dog, and Backstop. No, not all of those guys are in the Classified Series yet (only Bazooka, so far) but don't worry; they'll get there. Big Lob never had a vintage figure but the G.I. Joe Collector's Club released an o-ring version in 2010 as the annual membership figure and a generation 3 version in 2017 as the annual exclusive. Those were made by the G.I.J.C.C. though, so technically this is the first time Hasbro is tackling Bradley "Big Lob" Sanders. Why Bradley Sanders? He was given the same file name as his voice actor, Brad Sanders. Cool detail! Big Lob has been showing up at Walmart in a hanging display box (with Lifeline, Hit & Run, the Mole Rat [Stage 2], and the Night Viper) and on Hasbro Pulse, but he should be everywhere soon. Ready to see if Big Lob shoots and scores? Then join me after the break...

Wrapping Up 2025: Chainsaw Main [Chainsaw Man-The Movie: Reze Arc] from S.H. Figuarts: Chainsaw Man by Bandai Namco/ Tamashi Nations

 

   Last year I didn't just get into One Piece; I also took an interest in Chainsaw Man, too. Like I've said a few times before: Apparently, getting into anime is my midlife crisis. I grabbed a few of the manga volumes out of curiosity and really like them. I liked them enough that I read past the Reze Arc in the manga and then picked up some of the figures here and there, too. I've watched all of the Chainsaw Man anime available currently and I'm waiting for the movie to hit physical media  or streaming at some point before I watch it (I still cannot bring myself to purchase a "digital" film). Apparently the movie did quite well, so I'm optimistic we will see a physical release sometime soon. If you're not familiar with Chainsaw Man and the main character, Denji, the titular Chainsaw Man, keep reading. I'll try to throw the main points into the review. The manga and anime are both quite good and kind of remind me of something like Hellboy and the other BPRD books. Ready to check out the newest S.H. Figuarts figure of Chainsaw Man? You already know this one made my 2025 "Best of the Rest" list, so that means this one is pretty good. Join me after the break...

Missing in Action: Toylines That Didn't Make the Cut in 2025

 

   Since 2015 I've followed up my Top 10 Toylines of the Year list with Missing in Action (no relation to the Chuck Norris film), a look at what lines made the list in the prior year's best of list but fell off for this year. This list is somewhat of a reflective piece as I'm looking back at the Top 10 Toylines list from the year before and giving my reasoning for why some of the lines from that year failed to return for the current year's list.  2025's top 10 list had seven lines returning from 2024's list, which is a fairly high number, so this year's Missing in Action list is shorter. I always think it's kind of fun to look back up at the lines that failed to show up again in order to diagnose why they went missing. Sometimes I'm also just complaining and griping a bit, which might be part of the reason this list is so much fun. There's a bit of saltiness here, though not always. Over the years I've compiled a list of reasons why a toyline might make this list:

Missing in Action: This is a toyline that gets cancelled, ends, or just didn't have any releases during the year. It happens,  unfortunately, and often to some of my favorites it seems, though not as much as in the past. There do seem to be more longer running toy lines today than, say, a decade ago. About half of my Top Ten list this year had been on my list for more than 4 or 5 years. 

Demoted: Sometimes a toyline just gets outdone by others. This isn't specifically related to the quality of the demoted line and is instead more reflective of the quality of the lines that supplanted it or of my interests shifting to other things. You can be demoted simply because of me getting fascinated by something else.

Sunk: This is when a toyline has a severe drop in quality, becomes stale, or suffers an exorbitant price hike that causes it to fall off my radar. While most toylines get better as they go, some do indeed get worse and worse due to cost cutting, mismanagement, and quality control issues. Sometimes the price just outpaces the value, making a once impressive toyline now seem like a shell of its former self. With the crazy price hikes of the past year, I'm sure many lines have "sunk" off of the radar for some collectors.

Ready to gear up and see who went Missing in Action in 2025? Then join me after the break...

Action Force by Valaverse- Demoted!

   I like Action Force quite a bit (one of the figures made my "Best of the Rest" list) but 2026 was a bit of a dull year for the line. There were figures I liked, sure, along with excellent accessory packs and a lower price point, but I think a decrease in unique characters definitely curbed my interest a bit. Don't get me wrong, I still really liked "Day of the Dead" Sidewinder and "Night Ops" Senshi, but I wanted to see more figures like those and fewer generic troop builders. Maybe those troops are what butter Valaverse's bread, but I like the unique characters best. It's also possible the line had a slower year due to tariffs and Valaverse was waiting to see what would happen before rolling out more product.

Figura Obscura by Four Horsemen Studios- Demoted!

   Figura Obscura is a line that really fluctuates from year to year as it draws characters from such a wide variety of different cultures, literature, folk tales, mythology, and more. That being said, 2023 and 2024 featured characters from books and stories I really love. 2025's three releases (Ganesha, the Jersey Devil, and the Mouse King from "The Nutcracker" just didn't appeal to me enough to pick up any of them. I'll admit, to, I'm still a bit salty that we didn't get another character from A Christmas Carol. Hopefully 2026 is more to my tastes. They're still nice figures, I just wasn't terribly excited by the character choices and the Jersey Devil looked a bit underwhelming. 

Turtles of Grayskull by Mattel- Demoted/ Missing in Action

   Turtles of Grayskull, Mattel's collaboration with MOTU and TMNT, ended in 2025. It was overall a fairly strong line though it did drag a bit at the end with fewer interesting releases, lots of redos, and some figures at the end that were just a pain to find. Mattel went on to a MOTU and ThunderCats mashup and a MOTU and Transformers mashup, but this year they seem focused just on the upcoming movie product.


Well, those are the three lines that went "Missing in Action" on my 2025 best of list. Did any of your favorite toy lines fall out of favor with you in 2025? Did any end, go missing, or just get no new releases? Let me know in the comments below.

2026 has just started but, looking at last year's list, there are a few lines I'm worried about not making my inevitable Best of 2026 list...

DC Multiverse by McFarlane Toys- I think this line could still pull out another year, though with 2026 being the final year of product before Mattel takes over, it's going to be interesting to see how much really interesting stuff McFarlane can get out. I have picked up a few new figures already this year (reviews coming soon), so we'll have to see what happens. 

Masterverse by Mattel- Mattel's official word at Toy Fair was that Masterverse is "On Pause." It's never a good thing to be On Pause in the toy industry; that's just time to lose shelf space and consumer interest. 2026 is all about the upcoming movie lines (with some figures already being found in stores or sent from Mattel customer service). I don't think any Masterverse product has been revealed yet for this year other than the straight up vintage styled Walmart exclusives, so this line very well may be Missing in Action for 2026.

Toony Terrors: Unless NECA gets some more Universal Monsters stuff announced or really gets into some properties I care about, I could see this line dropping off. I just wasn't overly impressed by much I saw at NECA's 2026 Toy Fair booth.

Universal Monsters/ Classic Horror Collection: This has been one of my favorites and I'm afraid that NECA is going to let it fade away. The Imperial inspired Classic Movie Monsters set is coming soon but at Toy Fair the only thing NECA showed that I can recall was the black & white Masque of the Red Death Phantom. I want NECA to go deeper into both Universal and Hammer's classic horror films but I just don't think that's going to be the case. Maybe there's just not the interest from consumers? 

Wrapping Up 2025: Roboto from Masterverse: Masters of the Universe: New Eternia by Mattel

 

   Roboto is another 2025 Masterverse release who I didn't get my hands on until the end of the year but he's so incredibly cool that I just have to check him out. Roboto is going to appear in the Masters of the Universe movie later this year, voiced by Kristen Wiig, which is definitely a different take, but maybe it will work? The images of Roboto from the trailer look a bit more like the 200x / MYP era Roboto but this Masterverse Roboto is based on both the vintage toy and some of the early concept art for the character, particularly a Ted Mayer concept for a character called Transparent Man (you can find it at the Battle Ram Blog). Mattel has previously released a Masterverse Roboto but he was based on the character's appearance in MOTU: Revelation. This one still feels very classic but has some cool features that also make him feel quite fresh. Ready to check out the New Eternia version of the Heroic Mechanical Warrior? Then join me after the break...

The Best of the Rest: My Top 10 Favorite Individual Toys of 2025

 

  While the list of My Top 10 Toylines of 2025 might be considered as the most prestigious of my annual lists, making it on might be just as impressive if not even more so. What is The Best of the Rest? It's a careful selection of my top 10 favorite individual toys of the previous year that were not part of a larger toyline that ended up on My Top 10 Toylines of 2025 list. While I tend to collect toylines that offer huge rosters of characters that span multiple years, I also love to grab random figures here and there that just appeal to me. The Best of the Rest is my way of acknowledging smaller lines, single releases, or that odd figure that's cool enough for me to grab from a larger toyline I really don't even collect. Who is eligible? Most any toy or collectible released in the past year (2025). Who isn't eligible? Any toy from a line that was features on the list of My Top 10 Favorite Toylines of 2025. Remember that these are always listed alphabetically and not in order of merit. This list is always pretty interesting to me as while you could probably guess most of my favorite toylines by looking at what I tend to review the most, these tend to be a bit more offbeat and sometimes not even figures I had the chance to review. Many of the figures I picked this year were from properties with limited characters released, import figures I ordered out of curiosity, or a particularly impressive figure from a toyline line that just didn't make the cut this year. This one is a tricky one to select as I started with a massive list and whittled my way down. Ready too check out the Best of the Rest for 2025? Then join me after the break...

(Note: I do these by individual releases, so a two-pack or a figure with a vehicle, animal companion, etc., would count as a single entry.)

How Do You Feel About Assigning a Rating/ Grade to Action Figures? Necessary, Meaningless, Arbitrary? Let me know!

 

Image by freepik

   Lately I've been thinking about how I assign ratings at the end of my reviews. I've gone back and forth over the years, initially using the scale that was created for The Epic Review when I started writing my action figure reviews over there. Eventually I modified that scale for toys and action figures and began using the descriptions you see at the link above. Over the years I began implementing a behind the scenes (invisible dice rolls!) scoring system that factored in different weights for the Positives, the Negatives, and other factors. Then I began factoring price into my reviews as well. I don't dislike the review scale and method I've come up with but I do think that it might be a little long in the tooth at this point. Lately I've been thinking about changing it up a bit by just allowing my summary and thoughts to serve as the conclusion rather than worry about including a rating or grade. What do you think?  Do you care at all that there is a final grade or verdict summed up in one word? Is it really meaningful in any way? If you're reading this then you're likely a regular reader and I'd love to hear your thoughts.

I do have a few scattered thoughts about this after the break that might add some context to my question and give you a bit of insight into my process, but it's mostly just me prattling on. Read it if you'd like...

Wrapping Up 2025: Max Shreck (Batman Returns) from DC Multiverse by McFarlane Toys

 

"I'm Walken here!"

   For many Batman fans, having action figures based on the two Tim Burton films (Batman and Batman Returns) has been kind of a dream. We've seen companies do one or two figures here or there but McFarlane has been making their way backwards through the live action Batman films and finally put out a full series of releases from 1992's Batman Returns, AKA the strangest Batman film ever released but also one of the best. I think we all assumed we'd get figures of Batman, Catwoman, and the Penguin (AKA the Bat, the Cat, and the Penguin) but did anyone think we'd get an action figure of Max Shreck, a unique creation for the film, played by the often imitated but never duplicated Christopher Walken. Woah. Woah! (This review is better if you imagine it being read in Christopher Walken's voice.)
   Who expected that, right? He's a ball of fire and a stand out guy in a movie full of actors portraying characters that are larger than life and seemingly divorced from reality. I love it. This isn't the first Christopher Walken action figure I've reviewed but it definitely has the best likeness of any of the figures based on the actor. Named after the actor Max Schreck who played Count Orlok in Nosferatu, Gotham's Shreck is just a poor schmoe who got lucky. And sue him if he wants to give some back. Actually, he's a wealthy, ruthless businessman who plans to steal Gotham's power and earn himself a massive profit. He also murders/ attempts to murder Selina Kyle, which is his biggest crime in my book. He was talking to my girl all wrong. It was the wrong tone. Even as a second grader, I wanted to stab him in the face with a soldering iron. Catwoman takes care of him, though. 

   This figure is a Red Platinum, which means he's supposed to be a bit harder to find, but he seems to readily be available online. That's good for folks that want him. Mine was a Christmas gift. Like all of the "Deluxe Theatrical Release" DC Multiverse figures he's quite a bit overpriced. Mine also has a weird QC issue which I'll get to in a minute. So...do you have a fever and the only cure is an action figure of Max Shreck? Then join me after the break...

My Top 10 Toylines of 2025

 

I was originally going to announce these live on my YouTube channel but I've not been having great luck with a solid feed so I'm just going ahead and posting the traditional list first. I'll delay a livestream now and save it for a later event. 

   

   Every year when February rolls around I know it's time to put together my annual Best Of lists for the previous year. I know most collectors put theirs out in December but November and December are so packed with releases that I find it's tough to really give all of those new items that are still 2025 releases a fair shake, so I like to wait until February to give me some time to think. I also try to really go through my list and make sure that the releases I'm basing my picks on really did get released domestically in North America during the appropriate year. I did see more than Best Of list on YouTube tin the last two months that had releases from the end of 2024 and items that were pre-release items or early samples for 2026 but that hadn't truly been released yet, which seems kind of unfair. I have three lists that I do every year and you'll see one a week for the next three weeks or so. I'm starting off with my top honors, though: My Top 10 Toylines of 2024.

    

   I saw it every year but it's still true: Creating my "Top 10" lists is always one of my favorite things to do at Action Figure Barbecue and I always spend quite a bit of time pouring over my notes and reviews from the previous year to determine which toylines were my favorites to collect. This is the fourteenth year I've created a list (the first couple years were posted at The Epic Review) and it's always interesting too see how my lists change from year to year, often reflecting my changing interests and collecting trends. 2024's list feels very standard in that it didn't have too many shifts from 2024 but just enough to keep things interesting. 

   If anything dominated action figure collecting in 2025 it was increased costs and the influence of tariffs. Prices went up, sometimes ridiculously so, and importing stuff was was more expensive than ever. It really sucks to be a fan of import lines right now! Between tariffs and even the mainstream toy industry now publicly acknowledging that adult collectors are now the largest demographic of toy buyers, prices just kept going up and I'm not sure that trend will slow down anytime soon. 

   While mainstream companies like Hasbro, Mattel, McFarlane Toys, NECA, Jada, and Jazwares kept a wide selection of collectible toys and action figure lines at major retailers, we're still seeing that traditional retail just isn't necessary anymore, particularly for smaller companies: Great e-tailers, companies having their own webstores and distributing their wares through smaller stores, the growing industry of smaller conventions, and Kickstarter funded projects are the home of so many impressive toylines that do not depend on the whims of the retail giants. More import lines are getting easier to acquire, too. 

   One of the biggest stories for action figure collecting in 2025 was RossCon, the odd phenomenon where Ross discount stores (and later Burlington) were getting incredibly new, sometimes not even fully released, action figures, toys, and other collectibles at wildly discounted prices. It's somewhat of a mystery and definitely makes up for the fact that Ollie's still seems to be stuck with a glut of overproduced toys from 2021-2022.

       A number of years back I divided my Top 10 list into two separate categories: My Top 10 Toylines and My Top 10 Individual Releases. I always start with My Top 10 Toylines as it's my standard best of list. These are the 10 toylines (action figures, statues, minifigures, etc.) of the past year that I had the most fun collecting and enjoyed the most. They may not always be the best or the most expansive lines, but they're my favorites for one reason or another. As I reiterate every year, the two key word for this list are "my" and "favorite." My list isn't necessarily based on a toyline's true merits and I really don't go outside of what interests me. Take this as a snapshot of the ten toylines I had the most fun collecting in 2025. As always, these are listed alphabetically rather than by any order of merit. And now, for My Top 10 Toylines of 2025...