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...

Wrapping Up 2025: Feral from Marvel Legends Series by Hasbro

 

   It's February 2026 and I'm winding down my "Wrapping Up 2025" reviews. I haven't been on YouTube in a bit but on Monday evening, 8pm EST I plan to do a live even of my first set of awards for the best of 2025: My Top Ten Toylines. Join me on Action Figure Barbecue on YouTube then! 

   I've been collecting X-Men (and all of their subsidiaries like X-Force, X-Factor, etc.) toys on and off since I was in grade school. It's always been fun and the major companies like Toy Biz, Diamond Select Toys, and Hasbro have typically done a pretty swell job of making sure there was a diverse roster of mutants available for purchase. In the past 10 years, however, Hasbro has been on an insane streak of knocking huge chunks out of most Marvel Legends X-Men wish lists. Over the past 3 or 4 years they've been really focusing on finishing some important teams and groups. While I'm still excited to keep collecting (as I have my ever changing wish list like everyone else), the last series of the "minicomic" figures delivered Feral and Rachel Summers, two major missing characters and part of one of my own personal collecting benchmarks: Getting every character depicted on Jim Lee and Scott Williams' 1992 X-Men door poster in action figure form. I've had a smaller version of this on the door of my study for quite a few years and when I finally got a smartphone in 2024 I made it my wallpaper. It's certainly not all encompassing of the X-Men universe or anything, nor does it even have the villains, but it's just such a darn good image. I'm excited to have Feral in my collection to complete the original X-Force lineup. ready to check out Maria Callasantos, the ferocious Feral? Then join me after the break...

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

 

It's February 2026 and I'm winding down my "Wrapping Up 2025" reviews. I haven't been on YouTube in a bit but on Monday evening, 8pm EST I plan to do a live even of my first set of awards for the best of 2025: My Top Ten Toylines. Join me on Action Figure Barbecue on YouTube then! 

   My local Walmarts and Target seemed to be filled with the vintage collection Masterverse figures and the various He-Man and Skeletor variants, so I didn't acquire most of the Masterverse figures I wanted last year until near the end of 2025. Ninjor was one of my must haves and I'm glad that I finally tracked him down. Who doesn't love Ninjor, the most uniquely and creatively named ninja in the universe? While overall I do still prefer the style and design of Masters of the Universe Classics, this MOTU: New Eternia Ninjor definitely feels like a figure that rivals the MOTUC version. Ninjor has had some real time to shine lately due to appearing in the Turtles of Grayskull comic series and he ended up with both a Masterverse and a Turtles of Grayskull action figure last year. In New Eternia, he's referred to as a demon king from the dimension of Noir who is searching for the Power of Grayskull for his own evil purposes. Let's take a look at the Masterverse Ninjor after the break...

Wrapping Up 2025: Wolverine (WWII Logan) from Marvel Legends Series by Hasbro

 

   I'm always a sucker for a good Wolverine figure and I was really excited when Hasbro announced this World War 2 era version of Logan in the Executioner Build-a-Figure series that shipped near the end of 2025. Besides the cool scene in the montage at the beginning of X-Men Origins: Wolverine, Wolverine has also been depicted fighting in World War 2 in an episode of the animated series where he teamed up with Captain America and in a number of comic stories over the years.  I'm not sure the figure is based on any specific depiction and is really an amalgam of different depictions. Really, it's just Logan decked out in a standard World War 2 army infantry outfit and that's enough for me. My grandfather was a veteran of World War 2 and I've always been interested in the history of that era, so mixing those factors with Wolverine was enough for me to scoop this guy up as soon as I found him. He's actually the only figure I grabbed from this series (and he's the one without a Build-a-Figure part).  I was somewhat interested in Phantom Rider, Enchantress, and Werewolf By Night but not at the new $28 dollar price point. Ready to check out Logan ready to stomp some Nazis? Then join me after the break...

Action Figure Review: Keldor from Masterverse/ Masters of the Universe: New Eternia by Mattel

 

   Now that I've checked out Despara and Dragstor it's time to look at the third new Masterverse figure for the beginning of 2026: Keldor.  The Masters of the Universe: New Eternia Keldor, to be exact. I'm going to take a guess that I probably own more Skeletor toys and action figures than any other character (probably even more than He-Man, Batgirl, and Batman) and I've largely been passing up many of the newer releases that don't really offer up anything terribly new. This new version of Keldor, though? Well, I'm a sucker for Keldor, especially when he has a burned face. Finally tying Keldor to Skeletor was one of the most significant story additions by the MYP animated series for the 200x era and it's one that has largely been retained (or at least referenced) by every new MOTU project since. This Masterverse figure definitely retains the general look of Keldor (a blue skinned Gar with fabulous hair) but dresses him up in an outfit that's quite different from the traditional Skeletor outfit. He really reminds me of some of the early MOTU concept art sketches for various wizard inspired villains, which is definitely part of the New Eternia/ New Etheria blending of old and new that makes it so appealing. Ready to check out Keldor? Then get your vial of acid ready (or maybe just a big, round shield) and join me after the break...

 

Wrapping Up 2025: Seymour "Sci-Fi" Fine from G.I. Joe: Classified Series by Hasbro

 

   I only have a few 2025 G.I. Joe: Classified Series releases that I'm still planning to review and there is no way I'm leaving out Sci-Fi. While General Hawk v2 was my first G.I. Joe from the A Real American Hero line, Sci-Fi was my second. I don't think he has too many fans who would count him as their favorite Joe (he's not even on of my favorites) but I'm nostalgic for the guy since he was my second Joe and likely one of my earliest action figures. Sci-Fi was the second laser trooper in the line after Flash (who still isn't in the Classified Series yet, though he's been rumored to come out about every year) but it seems that he was originally intended to be a second version of Flash. There were a few figures in the line that seemed like they could have been designed as updated versions of the Original 13 (Short-Fuze/ Downtown, Grunt/Footloose) but by making most figures new characters in ARAH it seems Hasbro kept the line fresher. Sci-Fi is known for his distinctive bright green jumpsuit which does stand out, something that became important as the line continued on. Back in the 1980s, moms were considered to be the "toy buyers" for their kids and starting to offer more unique looks and visibly different figures was a way to clearly indicate that the kids didn't already have this one. It also does lend to his science fiction aesthetic. While Hasbro has still held fairly close to the vintage design for Sci-Fi in the Classified Series, they've also borrowed liberally from the 30th Anniversary version of the figure who really upgraded the vintage design a good bit and toned down the neon green. Ready to check out Seymour "Sci-Fi" Fine? Then join me after the break...

Action Figure Review: Dragstor from Masterverse: Masters of the Universe: New Etheria from Mattel

 

   While I'm still finishing off some 2025 reviews here and there (and I'm getting ready for my annual "Best of" lists for the previous year), it's the beginning of February and I'm ready to check out some new stuff. Sometime in January I made a trip to a collectible shop that I absolutely love, Needless Toys and Collectibles in Lincolnton, NC, and grabbed the three newest Masterverse figures and a handful of older Masterverse figures that I missed in 2025. Despara was one of those three new figures and today I'm looking at another one: Dragstor! I haven't reviewed many Dragstor figures on here, partially because Dragstor isn't all that popular and there haven't been many toys of the character made. I did review the Masters of the Universe Classics Dragstor back when he was released and he was, I believe, the last non-variant character released to complete the vintage MOTU and Princess of Power rosters. This Masterverse Dragstor isn't a significant hallmark in any way though he is a darn cool figure. Probably my favorite of the latest series of releases. Sadly, it sounds like Masterverse is coming to an end by the end of this year as Mattel shifts their focus to Masters of the Universe Chronicles. Will that make the 2026 Masterverse releases more difficult to find? Will there be a Phantom Series/ Wave? Who knows? For now, let's enjoy Dragstor. Ready, set, go...

Wrapping Up 2025: Ralph "Steeler" Pulaski and Short-Fuze from G.I. Joe: Classified Series by Hasbro

 

It's been nearly a week since I last reviewed a G.I. Joe: Classified Series figure and today I've got a two for one review for you: Ralph "Steeler" Pulaski and Short-Fuze. When they're doing a two-pack, don't you wish they would have just called Short-Fuze Eric "Short-Fuze" Freistadt instead? I think it would have definitely been nicer. I know why Hasbro has to use the real names on some figures but in a two pack why not just do it for both figures? Of course, I guess you can call them whatever you want when they're out of the package, right?  Steeler and Short-Fuze are two of the Original 13 G.I. Joe team members and just because of that fact alone the have a special place in most fans hearts. Overall, though, they're not the most memorable characters. Short-Fuze was known for being cool and calculating... until he wasn't. Yes, the guy had a bit of a temper. Steeler was a bit reckless, was the driver of the M.O.B.A.T., and did have a few small but important roles in various comics and cartoons over the years. If not for being part of the first series, it's doubtful either would be remembered as fondly. Still, I love the dynamic of the early team with a small, focused group of specialists. Hasbro is slowly completing the Original 13 and all we have left are Zap (coming soon in the Retro Series), Flash, and Grand Slam. Getting two of the original team at once is nice, although initially this set did put me off a bit as both figures felt rather bland unlike some of the other Original 13 members who got something of a nice update. Having them in hand, though, they're better than I originally thought, though not without their shortcomings. The set is a Target exclusive with a limited Hasbro Pulse release, and it's cheaper at Target. Heck, as of  publishing this Target has the set on sale online for $45 dollars, which is a pretty solid buy. Ready to check out Steeler and Short-Fuze? Then join me after the break...

(Note: This set does come with some accessories and effects that aren't clearly distributed to either character.)

Action Figure Review: Despara from Masterverse: Masters of the Universe New Etheria by Mattel

 

   While I still have a few 2025 reviews left for the coming weeks I do want to go ahead and start off some reviews for 2026. Usually January is pretty slow for new action figures but one of my local collectible shops received their stock of the latest Masterverse figures and I had to jump on them. I didn't review a ton of Masterverse figures last year though I did pick some up. I've actually got a few that I still plan to review, though, as I didn't find them until the end of the year, but I'm going to check out the newest series of three releases first: New Etheria and New Eternia versions of Despara, Keldor, and Dragstor. The trailer for the "finally, actually a real thing"  Masters of the Universe movie looks pretty impressive and just a day or two ago Mattel showed off the upcoming Masters of the Universe Chronicles figures at the Nuremburg, so there is a lot of excitement around the brand. I was excited to see Despara arrive in Masterverse as I'm a huge She-Ra fan (my kid is named Adora, after all) and Despara was a neat addition to the character's lore when she appeared in the DC MOTU series that was published between 2012 and 2016. She was a great addition to Masters of the Universe Classics, though the figure itself was a bit lacking. How does this one fair? It's definitely an interesting figure with some cool elements but it also it an example of how Mattel really is making the Masterverse figures as toys first and foremost, for both good and bad. Let's check out Despara after the break...

Wrapping Up 2025: OxKrewe Campside Collection from Cosmic Legions by Four Horsemen Studios

 

   While there are plenty of more traditional girls toys and dolls that still have what we'd call accessory packs (Barbie outfits, sets of doll furniture, etc.) on retail shelves, more traditional boys toys and mass market action figures really don't get accessory packs anymore. If it's not an action figure or a vehicle (and usually even a vehicle has to be packaged with an action figure), it's not getting released. The only ones  I can think of seeing at mainstream retail are some of the NECA Universal Monsters accessory sets. When it comes to lines that aren't sold at traditional retail, however, you're likely to see more accessory packs to supplement the line. Four Horsemen Studios has lone done accessory packs for Mythic Legions and Cosmic Legions comprised of additional weapons, hands, armor, wings, spells, and other traditional accessories but this is the first time I can recall them doing an accessory pack that features pieces for making a small diorama. OxKrewe- Book One: Thraxxon is the most recent full series of Cosmic Legions releases and while I only picked up one figure from the set so far (Kurnn Ray), I had to grab this incredibly cool accessory set when I first saw it. The OxKrewe Campside Collection is an accessory set comprised of two crates, a generator, a portable computer, and various cords for connecting them together. Whether or not you collect Cosmic Legions, this might be worth your attention at these accessories could nicely compliment many different 1/12th scale toylines. Ready to check out some really nicely designed and beautifully well worn pieces of sci-fi equipment? Then join me after the break...

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

 

   Christmas was a month ago but I'm just getting around to checking out a few action figures that I received as presents from my family. I had bad luck finding the Batman Returns action figures from McFarlane Toys but my Mom and Dad didn't! No, indeed. On Christmas evening when we went to my parents house I found three of the four figures I was looking for from McFarlane Batman Returns subset of their DC Multiverse line underneath the tree (still no Penguin Commandos yet). I've talked many times before about Batman Returns and Michelle Pfeiffer's Catwoman (I think we even did an episode of the Confirmed Epic Podcast about the film) but in a film that is absolutely insane and wonderful, offering an incredibly strange take on Batman and the denizens of Gotham City from Tim Burton at the top of his craft and including a killer circus gang, an army of rocket launching penguins, Danny DeVito as the most terrifying Penguin you could imagine who literally bites a guys nose off, Keaton in his best Batman performance ever using gadgets galore, and Christopher Walken being delightfully evil, Michelle Pfeiffer as Catwoman is still the high point of this film. As someone who can debate and critique different Batman media interpretations all day, this film is still pretty high on my list even though it's just so strange and unlike the comics. It's just a wild, Elseworlds take on Batman that works oh so well.

   2026 might be the end of McFarlane Toys' time with the main DC license (it seems like they may still be involved, perhaps with the DC Direct license) but they seem to still be intent on putting out a massive amount of product. They've done a pretty solid job with getting out most film versions of Batman and most of the villains from said films but Batman Returns was what I've been really wanting for some time. These have been released with the moniker "Deluxe Theatrical Release," which seems like a marketing blurb, but they were also released for $35 bucks each. Yikes! That's a heck of a jump! McFarlane has done figures at higher price points, sure, but usually they came with some significant extras. That's not the case for these Batman Returns figures, though. Is this to cover licensing fees, tariffs, or because McFarlane may have (incorrectly) expected these to sell fewer figures? Who knows? This Catwoman has a solid likeness and is a long awaited release but do I feel she's worthy of a higher price point? I don't know. What I do know is that I feel so much yummier. Did I try to hard to force that line in? Maybe. Well, let's check out Catwoman after the break....

Wrapping Up 2025: Ghost Viper & D.I.R.E. (Dread-Inducing Responsive Energy) Beasts from G.I. Joe: Classified Series by Hasbro

   With this chilly winter weather affecting most of the United States this week I decided to offer up something else that will send a chill down your spine: The Ghost Viper & D.I.R.E (Dread-Inducing Responsive Energy) Beasts from Hasbro's G.I. Joe: Classified Series. This has been an incredibly strong year for the Classified Series, quite possibly the best to date, and this might be the best new concept/ new character that Hasbro has brought to the line. The Ghost Vipers utilize the research of Crystal Ball to emit experimental ectoplasmic extradimensional energies (try saying that five times fast) to create terrifying gaseous projections or even corporeal forms. They're the strangest and most unconventional subdivision of the Cobra Vipers but no less deadly. The Ghost Viper was a Walmart exclusive (with a limited number sold on Hasbro Pulse) and proved to be quite popular and rather hard to acquire. I found mine on Walmart.com shortly before Halloween and originally wanted to review the figure but I ended up just getting backed up. Well, here we are, about 3 months later, but I'm no less excited by this release. Let's check out the Ghost Viper & D.I.R.E. Beasts after the break...

Wrapping Up 2025: Portgas D. Ace (Fire Fist) from S.H. Figuarts: One Piece by Bandai/ Tamashi Nations

 

   Today I'm wrapping up my reviews of my 2025 S.H. Figuarts: One Piece purchases with a look at "Fire Fist" Portgas D. Ace, the adopted brother of Monkey D. Luffy. I'm not too far into the anime (still in Water 7) but my wife has watched it through a few times now and I'm well aware of most of what happens past where I'm at in the show. I really love Ace, especially his dynamic as Luffy's big brother. Despite not being related by blood, it's amazing how similar they are, though Ace is far more refined than Luffy. Then again, he has a few more years on him than Luffy. Ace is a popular character for One Piece merchandise and while it's no surprise that Tamashi Nations wanted to get him out to collectors, it's surprising we got him in hand before so many of the Straw Hats themselves. Still, like I said, Ace is a popular guy and a pretty dynamic character and this figure goes all out, giving Ace lots of accessories and alternate looks. I don't have many Figuarts figures in my collection but Ace is probably the most complex one I own that I can think of off of the top of my head. Ready to check out Fire Fist Ace? Then join me after the break...

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

 

   Can you believe it has been around 8 months since my last Masters of the Universe review? At one point nearly every other review I wrote was a Masters of the Universe item but that's not the case right now. Maybe I'm just very content with the collection I have? I also think I'm not particularly excited by much of what Mattel has been releasing as of late. Origins has become rather stale to me and now most of the vintage figures are locked behind the "Club Grayskull" paywall. Many other products, like anything from Mezco, just seem arbitrarily expensive and we usually get the same assortment of 6 to 8 characters over and over again. I'm excited (and optimistic, I think) for the upcoming film and I still have a deep and abiding love for the property, I'm just not thrilled with much of what's out at the moment. Moss Man is my favorite character, though, and I was thrilled when he showed up in the Masterverse: New Eternia series. The "Heroic Spy & Master of Camouflage" is available online through Mattel Creations and was easy to get. Heck, you can still order him and he went up for order back in August of 2025. My first figure had a defect and I had to send him back and receive a new one. That's why I'm reviewing this guy so far after release (though let me say that Mattel Creations has very good customer service)! He's an incredible Moss Man figure and one that really leans into the Green Man/ Eternian nature spirit side of the character. I love Moss Man as some sort of cross between an ancient Eternian nature demi-god, an Ent, and an urban legend like Sasquatch or Bigfoot. Ready for some more of Moss Man? Then join me after the break...

Wrapping Up 2025: Iceman from Marvel Legends Retro Collection: Secret Wars by Hasbro

 

   I enjoy Marvel's Secret Wars comic just for the fun of the team-up of so many different characters but the toyline itself was before my time and I don't really have any nostalgia for it. The only Secret Wars toy I ever owned was a vintage Tower of Doom playset I scored at a vintage shop in the mid-late 2000s. As a primarily X-Men focused collector I didn't buy too many of the figures from Hasbro's Marvel Legends Retro Collection line this past year, either; just the new characters, Titania and a Beyonder I scored at Ross. When Iceman popped up for preorder I did jump on him, though. Not only is he one of the OG X-Men but he was one of my favorites as a kid. I excitedly looking for and finding the 1992 Toy Biz figure that came with a large ice slide. It was also molded in transparent plastic and really stood out to me at the time. This one jumped out at me too because of that, though in hand I'm a bit conflicted. Still, while so many Marvel Legends figures as of late have come with fewer accessories, Iceman feels like a fairly well equipped release. There's a lot I like about this figure and some I'm conflicted on. Ready to check out the latest take on Iceman? Then join me after the break...