G.I.Joe Classified - COBRA VALKYRIES!

G.I.Joe Classified Series #68 - Cobra Valkyrie Officer & Trooper - Hasbro 2023

I normally pay no attention to troop builders or generic trooper characters in my favorite media properties. There are two strong exceptions though: Hellfire Club soldiers in the X-Men comics and Cobra Troopers from the G.I.Joe cartoon. Those blue-clad, laser-firing idiots were in every episode and I loved them. Something about their black face masks and flared helmets made them the perfect bad guy fodder. Plus I have always been obsessed with the Cobra insignia which is emblazoned so boldly on their chests. There were occasionally female troopers in the cartoon, but they didn't get the action figures treatment until 2007. I was so excited to get these, but I was a little bummer that they were in stylized black costumes (we eventually got blue ones in 2017, but I was never able to get them). When I realized the Classified line was here to stay, I couldn't wait for a female Cobra Trooper. I purchased them right away but didn't open them for three years. Let's check them out below!

Sonic the Hedgehog - TRIP THE SUNGAZER!

Sonic the Hedgehog 2.5" Sonic & Friends Mega-Set - Trip - Jakks Pacific 2026

I'm patient in almost every aspect of my life, except when it comes to toys. I have been wishing for a Trip the Sungazer (unmasked) in the Jakks Pacific Sonic line for years. We knew one was coming since several pictures of prototypes have been circulating the internet since last Fall. But I admit I was a little surprised to see her finally released in a giant Amazon-exclusive 16-Pack. If you collect either the Mario or Sonic lines from Jakks, you know almost every figure gets re-released in new packaging every few years. So I could gamble and wait for an eventual single-pack Trip. But FOMO won and I splurged. She is a very fun little figure and is bringing me so much joy, whether that feeling is worth 80 bucks or not is a question I'll ponder when my credit card bill comes. Coincidentally, I just discovered pics of Trip in her giant Golden Dragon from found on toy shelves in Mexico. There truly is a Trip renaissance happening right now. I hope a 4" Unarmored version is next. Let's check out Trip below!

G.I.Joe Classified - CRIMSON GUARD!

G.I.Joe Classified Retro Card Series - Female Crimson Guard - Hasbro 2026

I love how the G.I.Joe Classified figures are getting more and more "classic" looking as the line continues. When the Classified series started six years ago, I felt they were pretty stylized. The characters always had all the defining characteristics; Scarlett had her red ponytail and Destro had his silver mask, but there were often so many added details that the character identity got muddy. I often viewed it like gritty modern video game versions of the classic characters. Even the earlier Cobra Trooper figures had excessive straps, holsters, and body armor which, while actually realistic, dampened the nostalgic factor significantly. But more recent figures like this Crimson Guard soldier are perfect. She is instantly recognizable as one of the elite guard of the Crimson Twins. There are tons of added details, but nothing distracting. I realize this classic aesthetic may be limited to the Vintage Carded line, but either way I am here for it. I can't wait to see who the next lady might be. Let's check out the Crimson Guard below!

G.I.Joe Classified - COBRA H.I.S.S. GUNNER!

G.I.Joe Classified Series #101 - Cobra H.I.S.S. Gunner (Haslab) - Hasbro 2023

A funny thing about my memories of my G.I.Joe collecting hobby in the 80s was the importance of the folded product catalogs that came in the vehicle boxes. In the years before the internet and an overabundance of retail stores, this was pretty much the only way to see the vast array products available. It was in these catalogs that one of the biggest sibling debates of my childhood began.. "who exactly was that blurry red guy driving the H.I.S.S. Tank???" My errant guess was Scrap Iron. My brother swore it was Wild Weasel. The magnifying glass didn't clear anything up. It was ages before we saw one in real life and refused to admit we were wrong. But ever since that mystery I've been obsessed the toy. Although, I sadly never owned one. When the 2022 G.I.Joe Haslab H.I.S.S. campaign started, I was ready to back it just for the main (male) Driver. But when the female Gunner character (in the same deco) was added as a stretch goal, I was hooked. Let's check out the Cobra H.I.S.S. Gunner below!

G.I.Joe Classified - COBRA FERRET SCOUT!

G.I.Joe Classified Series #119 - Cobra Ferret ATV & Scout - Hasbro 2024

One of my favorite things about the super-popular G.I.Joe Classified toyline has been the inclusion of unnamed female troop builders, pilots, and drivers. As a massive fan of the G.I.Joe cartoon in the 80s, I viewed the Cobra Troopers as massively iconic. They were in nearly every episode... but only sparingly included females. I was also nuts for the toys and always desperately wanted an army of Cobra Troopers and Officers (I never got any). I also would see the Cobra Stinger vehicle in stores that came with a gray Cobra Trooper, and I was obsessed. When the Classified line first showed their Stinger with a gray driver, I was hoping we'd somehow get a female version. Then we saw this new Scout for the Ferret ATV. The vintage Ferret never came with a figure, but I distinctly remember friends of mine always having Baroness be the main Ferret driver during battle play, so something about the female Scout seems correct to me. I think she's awesome. Let's check out the Cobra Ferret Scout below!

Masters of the Universe - TEELA!

Masters of the Universe 2026 Movie - Core Line - Teela - Mattel 2026

I'm pretty excited to see the Masters of the Universe movie in June. I admit I have had extremely low expectations for the long-rumored cinematic return of MOTU, but the trailers legitimately have me feeling optimistic. They seem to have a great mix of modern and nostalgic vibes. Of course, I will be at an out-of-town wedding the weekend it comes out with no movie theatre for miles, so I will be avoiding spoilers and reviews until I can make time to see it. I'm happy to see that the main four females from Eternia: Teela, Evil-Lyn, Sorceress, and Queen Marlena are all featured in the film. Camila Mendes plays Teela. I first noticed her as the iconic Veronica Lodge on Riverdale, but she's stayed in my media rotation in her movies Upgraded, Do Revenge, and The Perfect Date... plus her role as the dancing hotel maid in the Side-Effects music video which has been on my YouTube gym playlist for years. It goes without saying that I'm a fan. In fact, I'm a fan of everyone cast in the movie (which is a rarity these days).

Sonic the Hedgehog - TIKAL!

Sonic the Hedgehog - 4" Series Wave 24 - Tikal the Echnida - Jakks Pacific 2026

When I first noticed the character Tikal in the early 2000s, I wasn't a big fan. I thought he stylistic clothes were just too culturally specific for the Sonic Universe. All the other characters wore simple non-specific outfits, but this character (who I wrongly assumed was Egyptian) just seemed out of place. But over the years I would constantly hear her name mentioned from fans wishing for a toy of her, and I started looking at her in a new light. Learning that she was a fan favorite and actually in Ancient Mayan garb made me appreciate her a lot more. I still wasn't expecting to see her in the Jakks Pacific Sonic line, but I can admit she makes a pretty cool addition to the already-diverse character lineup. I also like that she is an Echnida, an animal that the science-nerd inside me has always been fascinated by (as one of only two monotremes on the planet!) and also because Knuckles the Echnida is an iconic character in the Sonic Universe, having a female Echnida just seems right. Let's check out Tikal below!

TMNT The Last Ronin - YI!

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin (IDW) - Yi - NECA 2026

One of the exciting things about the new generation of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles that was introduced in The Last Ronin storyline was their secondary mutations. The secondary mutations are a side-effect of Michelangelo's DNA being infused into their Mutagen. April utilized the original mutagen and Michelangelo's DNA to ensure the legacy and spirit of the Hamato clan. Unbeknownst to April, Michelangelo had been irradiated when travelling through the radioactive plains of Mongolia after a nuclear fallout - and this affected his DNA. The mutagen in the systems of the four new Turtles is now continuously mutating as a result of this contamination. Therefore, the turtles begin developing secondary mutations at puberty - exhibited as unique powers/abilities (often debuting in times of great stress). The first to exhibit this change was Odyn who turned to stone mid-battle, but soon after Yi exhibits electrokinesis wherein she can emit sparks and generate an electrical barrier to protect her and her family. 

TMNT The Last Ronin - CASEY MARIE JONES!

TMNT The Last Ronin: Lost Years - Casey Marie, baby Uno & Odyn - NECA 2026

In the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin comics, Casey Marie Jones is the adult daughter of Casey Jones and April O'Neil. She is a skilled martial artist and leads the resistance against the occupying clans in this futuristic dystopian New York City. She also plans a major role in raising the four young members of the new Ninja Turtles: Uno, Yi, Moja, and Odyn. She received an action figure last year as a younger masked version wearing purple and black and riding a motorcycle. This pack caught my eye in the stores, but I never purchased one and therefore never learned much about the character. But then this Lost Years version was announced that included the second two baby Turtle pack-in figures and I knew I would have to get her. Typically straight-up martial arts characters don't thrill me, but in person I quite like this figure. Her color palette is somehow both muted and vibrant, and I really love the dynamic sculpt of her hair and her tough demeanor. Overall I'm glad to add her to my collection.

TMNT The Last Ronin - MOJA!

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin (IDW) - Moja - NECA 2026

For fans of classic 80s and 90s toylines, you would be remiss not to read (or at least be aware of) modern comics based on these properties. I can only assume that the writers are longtime fans, just like me, and the love and respect shows. Boom, Image, and IDW Comics have all advanced these story canons in fun and interesting ways. I especially love the addition of new characters that fit nicely into the existing lore. Some personal favorites have been Dawn Moreno Snake-Eyes (G.I.Joe), Ranger Slayer (MMPR), Solila (Void Rivals/Energon Universe), Jennika (TMNT), a slew of female Transformers (Victorion, Nautica, etc), and of course the new generation of Ninja Turtles in The Last Ronin storyline. When I first saw Uno, Yi, Mojo, and Odyn on some random social media post, I was instantly drawn in. Their varied physical appearances and genders, while instantly looking like they belonged in this universe, appealed to me greatly. I've been hoping for a full Neca lineup ever since. Let's check out Moja below!

TMNT The Last Ronin - GRANNY APRIL!

TMNT The Last Ronin: Lost Years - Granny April, baby Moja & Yi - NECA 2025

I told myself a long time ago that I would never buy an April O'Neil figure unless she was wearing her signature bright yellow jumpsuit. This was both because I display characters in groups (and I love visual uniformity) and also so I could avoid trying buy any odd variations or blue-suited comic versions. But tempting figures keep coming out that I just can't resist. I thought I would certainly be skipping this Granny April figure. I never read the Last Ronin comics, she isn't in her signature yellow, and utilitarian-looking characters just don't appeal to me.  But I somehow missed the announcement that she would be coming with mini figure of young Yi and Moja, the two sisters in the second generation of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. I'm rather obsessed with these new turtles. Their varying body types/species, genders, and secondary mutations are fascinating and very visually appealing. I bought Granny April as soon as I saw her and her adorable pack-ins. Let's check out Granny April, Yi, and Moja below!

Sonic the Hedgehog - TANGLE THE LEMUR!

SEGA S3 - Sonic the Hedgehog (IDW) - Tangle the Lemur - Jakks Pacific 2025

I just can't get enough of Sonic the Hedgehog toys lately. Luckily for collectors, Jakks Pacific has a sub-line of Sega figures that occasionally feature an additional Sonic character in the lineup. The unfortunate thing is that these are historically Walmart-exclusive figures that are erratically stocked. Tangle is from Wave 3 and (to the best of my knowledge) has only shown up in Canadian Walmarts and T.J.Maxx stores in the US. IDW Comics began publishing Sonic the Hedgehog comics in 2018, and in a similar fashion to what they did for the Transformers franchise, they introduced a bunch of new female characters and finally started closing the gender gap a little. Arguably the most famous are Tangle the Lemur and Whisper the Wolf who even had their own team-up mini-series and starred in a ton of games (9 for Tangle and 7 for Whisper). Whisper even supposedly has a toy coming in Sega Series 4 (there have been painted prototypes on eBay), but fate of the Sega toyline is uncertain - details will be shared at SDCC.

Toy Biz - MS. MARVEL (SHARON VENTURA)!

Marvel Hall of Fame - She-Force S3 - Ms. Marvel (Sharon Ventura) - Toy Biz 1997

In the late 80's I was about 9 years old and moved to a new town (from the boonies). This town had a main street I could walk to (alone) with three comic shops (plus ice cream parlors, newstands (with comics), and a Woolworths and a local drugstore that each had decent toy sections). It was amazing. Of course a few years later 90% of the storefronts were vacant - and the street still struggles to this day. But those comic shops kickstarted a lifelong passion for me. I only spent my meager allowance on G.I.Joe comics, but I browsed every item in the store with endless curiosity. I have vivid memories of this redhaired heroine wearing all the primary colors and seemingly holding her own in male-dominated titles. I never learned too much about her, and she didn't stick around very long, but I now know her as Sharon Ventura, the second Ms. Marvel. Sharon was a pro wrestler and love interest to the Thing. She underwent genetic enhancement, got powerhouse abilities, and took on a superhero persona. 

Super7 Reaction+ O-Ring - DAINA!

G.I.Joe RAH ReAction+ O-Ring Action Figures Wave 7 - Mara - Super7 2026

Super7 has given us yet another unlikely neglected character from the original G.I.Joe cartoon.... Daina. As young superfan of the G.I.Joe cartoon in the 80s, I loved the episodes when the Joes would clash with the soviet heroes, Oktober Guard. They were only in two episodes (about a year apart). The first was an episode about alien abductions called The Invaders and the second was the famous Arise Serpentor Arise. I always lean toward Sci-Fi themes (as opposed to straight-forward military plots) in my G.I.Joe fandom, so these stories were some of my favorites. The Oktober Guard's lone female member, Daina, was a standout. She was reimagined as a blonde mercenary decades later in the comics (which is where all her previous toy decos come from), but this raven-haired, sherpa-lined sharpshooter version from the cartoon was always my favorite. She is just the latest addition to the deep-cut characters in the Super7 Reaction+ line. I can't wait to see who's next. Let's check out Daina below!

Sonic the Hedgehog - TRIP THE SUNGAZER!

Sonic the Hedgehog 2.5" Series 21 - Trip (Armored Version) -  Jakks Pacific 2026

I'm a big fan of Sonic the Hedgehog toys. Despite not knowing a ton about the property, I think the characters are fun and cute. And the Jakks Pacific line has been making some awesome deep cuts in recent years. Roughly two Summers ago I made a wishlist for SDCC reveals and included Trip the Sungazer in my most-wanted from Jakks. I thought this was such a longshot, but roughly 18 months later we suddenly have her in two scales. Of course, this isn't quite the version I wanted. I prefer her unarmored look in all her reptilian beauty. But the fact that she was made at all is a major gift.  I can admit, I was ready to skip this figure. But in person, the 2.5" version is adorable. She looks like a weird steampunk frog astronaut. The 4" version isn't nearly as appealing to me, so that one is unlikely to enter my collection. But beyond being cute, I also decided to pick up this figure because there have been several 2.5" unarmored Trip prototypes that have shown up on eBay and reddit, so I will definitely need both.

MBreed Infinite Charm - AICYNUS PRIMERA!

MBreed Infinite Charm - Aicynus Primera (Model Kit) - MBreed 2026

As long as I've been collecting Transformers, I have wished for there to be a female Optimus Prime. We've seen toys of Megatron (Megaempress), and I have 3rd Party figure of female Starscream (Star Queen), Bumblebee (Little Bee), and Cliffjumper (Little Red). But amazingly the most iconic Transformer never got a gender-swapped version... until now. MBreed is a 3rd Party manufacturer that reproduces the popular Furai model kits from Flame Toys but with an R-rated twist. I personally find the add-on rubberized breasts and buttocks pretty off-putting, but thankfully the figures still come with the pieces for the traditional body construction. This figure also comes with a very Optimus-like masked face, lots of bonus accessories, and awesome light-up eyes. This review is only highlighting the basic PG-13-rated display, namely because I was too rough and snapped her shoulder peg ... and was then too hesitant to swap parts for fear of more breakage. Let's check out Aicynus Primera below!

Super Mario Bros - BIRDO!

World of Nintendo - 4" Series Wave 47 - Birdo - Jakks Pacific 2025

Birdo is easily my favorite villain in the entire Mario Bros franchise. It's not just because she's the most notable female character, either (and, yes, I'm aware her gender is a matter of debate and speculation, but I have always assumed she was female and will keep doing so until there is some official statement otherwise).  Rather, I think she was the first villain that had an interesting presence in the games. The fact that she hopped around protecting an egg, while confusingly spitting other eggs at you - and the only way to defeat her was to catch her own eggs mid-flight and toss them back at her - was twisted and weird. I loved it. And the noise that accompanied her egg-launching was oddly haunting. Jakks has been nailing it with their Nintendo (and Sonic) figures. There hasn't been a single one that has been poorly sculpted or problematic in any way. I've been waiting several years for this upscaled Birdo in the 4" Jakks line but she was worth the wait. She looks amazing. Let's check out Birdo below!

Three's Company - CHRISSY SNOW!

Three's Company - Chrissy Snow (Standard/SDCC) - Syndicate Collectibles 2025

One of my earliest TV memories is a random episode of Three's Company where the bubbly blonde Chrissy Snow (brilliantly played by the late Suzanne Somers) injures herself while wearing roller skates in the bathtub. I forget if she breaks a leg or an arm, but I feel like she's in a cast for the rest of the episode. This stood out to me because it was the first time I ever saw an adult doing something irresponsible while an audience laughed. I distinctly remember darting my eyes back and forth from the screen to my parents wondering why they didn't think this scene wasn't dangerous, scary, or bad. It's a lesson/distinction we all must have learned early on, but Chrissy burned this into my fragile young psyche and I remember it clearly. Of course I saw a million examples in the following years; Jerry Lewis, Dagwood, Amelia Bedelia, Inspector Gadget, etc - it's a trope that know no bounds. Chrissy Snow was the breakout character of the show, with Suzanne Somers appearing on a whopping 50 magazine covers in 1978. 

Three's Company - JANET WOOD!

Three's Company - Janet Wood (Standard/SDCC) - Syndicate Collectibles 2025

Three's Company was a super formative show from my youth. It originally ran from 1976-1984 and was in regular syndication for many years after. I awkwardly find myself circling back to the show in the midst of first-date conversations -- it was that level of formative for me. I truly never expected to see action figures from this show, but I shouldn't be surprised by anything these days. The show was an American remake of the British show Man About the House - both about three platonic roommates (one man and two women) living their young single lives, hiding from their landlords, and getting into hijinks with their flirty neighbors. Joyce DeWitt played Janet Wood, a petite quirky florist who was portrayed with the air of a tomboy (at least in comparison to the bubbly blonde Chrissy), but beyond the short hair and boyish nightshirts, she really wasn't a tomboy at all. Of the three figures in the line (so far... c'mon Ropers 2-Pack!), she has the worst likeness, but she's somehow still instantly recognizable.

April O'Neil as THE FIFTH TURTLE!

TMNT (Archie) - April O'Neil as the Fifth Turtle (and Customization) - NECA 2025

When I first started collecting action figures seriously (about 25 years ago), I was obsessed with finding female characters from all the iconic properties of my youth. I was especially intent on finding a female Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle. This is when I discovered Venus de Milo and Mona Lisa. But I also learned about this infamous 1994 issue of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Adventures Special #11 wherein April O'Neil became the Fifth Turtle for a single 26-page story. April had infiltrated a lab to get some Anti-mutagen for Splinter's birthday (she wrongly assumed he wanted to return to his human form). But she was captured and turned into a turtle by the aliens secretly running the lab. In the end, there was only enough Anti-mutagen to return her to human form (and defeat the mutated alien enemy). It was a simple one-off story, but it notably had the first female turtle (three years before Venus). The comic issue is notoriously hard to come by, regularly fetching hundreds on eBay in good condition.

Masterverse Vintage Collection - TEELA!

Masters of the Universe - Masterverse Vintage Collection - Teela - Mattel 2026

I've been pretty interested in the Vintage Collection offshoot of Mattel's Masterverse line since it began. Actually, back in 2022 when the 40th Anniversary He-Man figure was released was when I first saw the potential of a vintage toy aesthetic on a Masterverse buck. That He-Man wasn't officially part of the Vintage Collection, but I consider him the spiritual predecessor to this line that launched in 2025. I've been waiting patiently for the first female to be included. Predictably, Teela was that trailblazer. She isn't a perfect figure (although perhaps it is just my version what has paint issues), but there's something special about the vintage toy colors and the gold ram-horn chest deco that takes me right back to childhood. The Origins figure from 2020 in this deco was almost too similar to the 1982 figure, but seeing that 80's design on a larger-scale, highly-articulated body is very cool twist on our typical collector's nostalgia. I've excited to see the rumored Evil-Lyn to hit. Let's check out Teela below!

New Eternia - TEELA!

Masters of the Universe Masterverse: New Eternia - Teela - Mattel 2025

This figure has had me on a rollercoaster of emotions for the last year. When first announced, I was excited to be getting another New Eternia lady. The 2024 Evil-Lyn was a favorite of mine. But soon leaked production pics started showing up... and they looked bizarre. Her head was tiny and her eyes had an elongated reptilian quality. But I convinced myself that you often see unimpressive prototypes that end up looking gorgeous in person (like the 1987 Movie Evil-Lyn). Then I got her in October 2025 and she looked just as bizarre and unfortunate as I had feared, at least in the packaging. I just opened her last week, and I can admit that (when she has her armor on), she is probably the nicest Teela figure I own. I realize the awkward head size is likely to accommodate for her headdress. And likewise, her weird eyes look fine when she's armored-up. The coppery color of her accessories is very eye-catching and the overall figure is stunning - something I'm still shocked by. Let's check out Teela below!

ALF the Animated Series - RHONDA!

ALF: The Animated Series - Collectible Figures - Rhonda - Coleco 1987

ALF: The Animated Series (1987-89) was a prequel spinoff to the extremely popular live-action ALF primetime show (1986-90). While I wasn't the biggest fan of ALF overall, he was hard to avoid in the era of 5 television stations. Plus, as a young kid, the humor was just raunchy enough to make me laugh. I was aware of the animated series but only have vague memories of it (there was also another series, ALF Tales). Mostly I remember ALF's home planet Melmac having the feel of 50s diner, which I thought was a really unexpected choice. But the strongest memory was the new design of ALF's girlfriend Rhonda. Her outlandish pink hair and doo-wap outfits were very fun (and a far cry from her bland live-action appearance the year prior). But surprsingly, I had nearly forgotten all about this show until last Summer when I walked into a vintage seaside toy shop while on vacation and found this little PVC of Rhonda. The rush of nostalgia for this little piece of plastic was palpable. Let's check out Rhonda below!

Super Mario Galaxy Movie - ROSALINA!

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie - 5" Series - Rosalina - Jakks Pacific 2026

I might be the only person in the world who didn't enjoy the first Super Mario Bros Movie back in 2023. All my friends were singing its praises, but I was just bored by it. There's something about the super-popular CGI-centric movies in recent years like Minecraft, Pokemon, and all the Sonic movies that I just don't relate to. I always eagerly watch them with an open mind, but I usually am left unmoved. That said, I'm super appreciative of these same movies because they typically give us a nice merchandising blitz and I get to add some great pieces to my collection. The upcoming Super Mario Galaxy Movie stars the most neglected of the Mario "princesses", Rosalina. I've always really liked her design so it's very exciting to get a new figure of her (even if it's in this bizarre movie scale with the creepy glass eyes). I only hope she gets the same treatment as Peach from the first movie and we get some additional figures in different scales. Only time will tell though. Let's check out Rosalina below!

Masters of the Universe - QUEEN MARLENA!

Masters of the Universe Origins Cartoon Collection - Queen Marlena - Mattel 2025

One of my favorite bits of Masters of the Universe lore is the origin story of Queen Marlena. As a kid, I certainly didn't watch the episodes in order, so even though her backstory was first told in the second episode (Teela's Quest), it was a late revelation to me when I eventually watched it. Captain Marlena Glenn was an astronaut/pilot from Earth who travels off-course and crash-lands on Eternia. She meets Randor, they get married, and then she gives birth to the twins Adam and Adora. The fact that the two main heroes of the franchise are secretly half-Earthlings was my favorite piece of trivia as a child (and will probably be a story point in the upcoming movie). I love that this new Cartoon Collection Queen Marlena figure continues the MOTUC tradition and has the option to be displayed as Captain Glenn (sort of). This Queen Marlena is perfection to me. For a character who appeared in the majority of episodes, she has been really neglected in the merchandising department. Let's check her out below!

Lego LED Keychain - BUMBLEBEE GIRL!

Lego LED Flashlight Keyring - Bumblebee Girl - Santoki LLC 2025

A few weeks ago I trudged nine blocks through a foot of snow to visit Barnes & Noble and pick up the YA Graphic Novel Snowlands (I was impressed by the art at the NYCC Scholastic booth and marked the release date on my calendar. Then when the snow fell I thought I needed a new winter-themed book to read). Surprisingly, the store was crowded. But that meant I was stuck in the line for a while where I noticed this fantastic Bumblebee Girl LED Keyring hanging on a low peg in the impulse-buy gift section lining the checkout area. I've been obsessed with Lego minifigures featuring animal costumes for years. Plus I love bumblebee-themed ladies. And finally, I'm very fond of these 3" light-up keychains. I always stumble across them in odd places like museum giftshops, bookstores, or truckstops and they appeal to me greatly. I know it's an odd novelty item to post about here, but she hits a few key facets of my collecting experience so I'm making an exception. Let's check out Bumblebee Girl below!

ReAction - KERPLUNK GIRL!

ReAction Music - Green Day -  Kerplunk! Girl (Laurie L.) - Super7 2025

I've been eyeing all the music figures in the ReAction line for years, but this is the first one I've purchased and opened (somewhere I have the Salt n Pepa set packed away untouched). Green Day is a formative band from my high school years. I personally never owned an album. However, my siblings did and three of us shared a bedroom (so I heard them constantly). As much as I like them, I'm even more thankful for their legacy and all the bands they directly inspired. The pop-punk era of the 90s and early oughts is my favorite genre of music, and I credit that sound with Green Day. Their 1991 album, Kerplunk! featured a punky rebellious girl on the cover widely referred to as Kerplunk Girl. And while not a completely proven correlation, it is widely assumed that she is intended to be Laurie L., a fictional girl whose essay appears in the liner notes of the album detailing how she killed her parents to follow Green Day on tour. It's somehow not as morbid as it sounds. Let's check out the notorious Kerplunk Girl below!

Transformers One - ELITA-1!

Transformers One - MDLX Series (Die-Cast) - Elita-1 - ThreeZero 2025

In a relatively short 18 months, I we have gotten 9 Elita-1 figures from Transformers One. I think that has got to be a record for any female character in film-related merchandising blitz. Even a major character like Black Widow in the MCU would be lucky to get maybe five figures for a movie. But for some reason Elita-1 hit the jackpot. It's especially surprising considering she was excluded from the first few waves of movie merchandising. I honestly thought the main figure would be a Burger King toy. Boy was I wrong. I was unaware that toy company ThreeZero made 1:12 scale figure. I thought their product was solely in the high-end 1:6 scale market. And while this figure was at a much higher price point than I would typically pay for a 5" non-transforming Transformer, I was super curious and I wasn't disappointed in the quality at all. She is perfectly sculpted, features 46 points of articulation (according to the promotional material... I didn't count), and heavy die-cast parts. Let's check out Elita-1 below!

Transformers Blokees - ARCEE!

Transformers Blokees: Galaxy Version 9 Darkest Hour - Arcee - Blokees 2025

It's amazing how quickly Blokees have become one of the most popular collectibles out there. Every store I stop in has displays or counterboxes. The mom and pop stores seem to have the best selection, followed by FYE, and then Walmart and other big box stores are good for a counter box or two. They seem to be filling in the void left by the dwindling selection of Funko product. The selection of female characters is not very impressive overall, but every one I buy I like better than the last and the lines are so prolific that there will undoubtedly be more. At the very least I predict Arcee to be repainted as a green Paradron Medic in the near future. When I went into my local toy shop yesterday, I was excited to see the Series 9 counterbox. I had been keeping my eye out for this new wave for months. But to my dismay, there were only two boxes left. One weighed a lot, and one was light as a feather. I took a gamble and bought the light one.. and huzzah! Got her. Let's check out the Arcee Blokees below!

TMNT Dimension X - APRIL O'NEIL (IN SPACE)!

TMNT: Dimension X - April O'Neil (Space Comrade) - Playmates 2016

I recently found myself combing through my old external harddrives looking for a spreadsheet I used to keep of all my MTG Cards. I never found that spreadsheet, but I did find tons of old photos intended for blog posts that never came to fruition. I now plan to pepper them in throughout the year.. most likely at the end of the end of the month when I feel I won't make my (self-imposed) post quota. These posts will be amusing because I pretty much dislike all the figures (there was a reason they never made the cut after all). But time has softened my disapproval. I now appreciate this April O'Neil figure for the sheer absurdity of the "in Space" trope. Four Ninja Turtles and a reporter floating around in zero gravity... it's pretty amusing. But on a more genuine note, I truly do appreciate female astronaut action figures. Even if they are nonsensical. "Astronaut" is one of the tags I rarely get to use on this site, so I'll jump at the chance to add another. Let's check out Space Comrade April below!

Jurassic World Rebirth - ZORA BENNETT!

Jurassic World Rebirth - Spinosaurus Danger Set (Zora & Henry) - Mattel 2025

In 2025's Jurassic World Rebirth, the traditional gender roles of the two main characters swapped. In every movie so far, the lead "hero" was male with a secondary female character being a brainy sidekick (who is also consistently shown as a formidable adventurer, but that's never the primary characteristic). In Rebirth, Scarlett Johansson plays a secret ops agent tasked with leading a dangerous clandestine mission into an abandoned island overrun with dinosaurs. And her sidekick is the brainy paleontologist Dr. Henry Loomis played by Jonathan Bailey. The best part about this swap is that I didn't even bat an eye - I only really acknowledged it when I was distributing the accessories in set and assumed all the weapons belonged to the female character - not a subconscious thought I often have. I love how prolific the modern Mattel Jurassic line has been. The actor likenesses are never the best, but the sheer quantity of female figures is amazing. Let's check out Zora Bennett below!

Jurassic World Rebirth - ZORA BENNETT!

Jurassic World Rebirth - Story Pack - Zora Bennett & Velociraptor - Mattel 2025

I thought Jurassic World Rebirth was a refreshing return to what I love about the Jurassic franchise. After years of movies in atypical settings and with casting choices I've grown weary of (not you, Bryce), it was nice to have a stand-alone movie largely taking place in a tropical jungle and with a fantastic cast. From the trailers, I expected there to be a little more of an added Indiana Jones vibe with ancient temples and ruins, but that was unfortunately only one small scene. Scarlett Johansson plays Zora Bennett, a freelance former government operative who is tasked with safely escorting some scientists and civilians on an expedition to an off-limits South American island where the dinosaurs from a former inGen facility have taken over. It's a simple plot and small cast of characters - so the environment and the dinosaurs get their time in the limelight. I just watched it for the second time yesterday as a refresher from this Summer and, although much more enjoyable on a big screen, I still highly enjoy it.

Jurassic World Fallen Kingdom - CLAIRE DEARING!

Jurassic World - The Hammond Collection - Claire Dearing - Mattel 2024

I have a pattern where I stockpile figures in my basement - essentially ignoring that I own them - until I realize I've assembled a small group from the same line and feel the urge to open and review them asap. I pretty much buy every female figure in the modern Mattel Jurassic line. That's no small feat considering how many there have been in the 7 years and how many have come in large expensive playsets. As a reference, it took the G.I.Joe line 21 years to produce as many female figures as the Jurassic line did in 7, and a large portion of the G.I.Joes were repaints. Claire Dearing has been a great character in the Jurassic World movies. Of all the main characters, she has shown the most growth; from a (somewhat) heartless businesswoman in a white skirt-suit to a geared-up survivalist and outlaw. The Hammond Collection offers deluxe versions of their 3.75" figures. Claire features swappable parts to give us two of her iconic looks from Fallen Kingdom. Let's check out Claire below!

DC Classic - BATGIRL!

DC Multiverse - DC Classic - Batgirl (Barbara Gordon) - McFarlane Toys 2025

Now that the McFarlane Toys DC Multiverse is coming to a close, it's amazing to see how good the figures are becoming. I have a lot of Batgirl action figures in my collection. Just on this blog, I have 112 posts tagged with "Batgirl" and even more I've never posted about. And I don't exaggerate when I say that this new DC Classic figure is my favorite of them all. She uses the same body as the 2021 Three Joker's Batgirl (which I always thought was a great buck), but with bright classic colors, a long wired cape, and an amazing headsculpt reminiscent of the art of Adam Hughes or Terry Dodson. The only thing I don't love about this figure is the metallic sheen of the cape. I would have much preferred a flat blue, but that's a small complaint. I have similar praise for the recent Ice figure whose head was clearly sculpted by the same artist. I just hope the remaining ladies coming this year pack the same punch. There are a handful of rumored characters we haven't seen yet. Let's check out Batgirl below!

Transformers Furai Model Kit - WINDBLADE!

Transformers Furai Action Model Kit - Windblade - D4 Toys/Flame Toys 2022

The recent announcement of the pre-assembled figure releases of the Flame Toys Arcee and Windblade made me realize that I never posted a review of the original 2022 (unassembled) Windblade model kit - despite having photographed the figure three years ago. I love a good kit. There's not many opportunities to combine my toy hobby and my puzzle obsession (outside of assembling Ikea shelves for my displays) so it is a super gratifying experience. Windblade has become such a popular character and has had at least 11 action figures in 12 years. She's pretty great, and you know she has reached A-List status when the import companies start making sexified versions. Only the most popular ladies get objectified in plastic (not saying it's right, just a consistency I've observed). These Flame Toys models are definitely within that arena, but I give them a pass since they still look mostly robotic and combat-ready. I'm very curious to see if any other characters will be made. Let's check out Windblade below!

Batman Returns - CATWOMAN!

DC Multiverse Deluxe - Batman Returns - Catwoman - McFarlane Toys 2025

I have been begging for a 6-8" scale Michelle Pfeiffer Catwoman for as long as I've been collecting action figures. We've seen 3.75" figures, block figures like Kubricks and Mini-Mates, vinyl figures, and a glorious 18" figure from NECA. But all I wanted was something that could stand alongside all my superhero toys. It took a long time, but my wish was finally granted in the form of this near-perfect McFarlane figure. I managed to snag mine a few weeks before Christmas but was a little intimidated to open her until recently. It was actually the reveal of upcoming 8" NECA figure that lit a fire under me and inspired me to finally post this. She's as good as I've always hoped. She has the typical elongated body that all McFarlane DC figures are plagued with, but I'd always rather have a figure be too tall than too short. The placement of her mask can also vary figure-to-figure and greatly change her appearance, but I'm really happy with mine. Let's check out the Batman Returns Michelle Pfeiffer Catwoman below!

How to Train Your Dragon - RUFFNUT THORSTON!

How to Train Your Dragon (Movie) - Ruffnut & Tuffnut - Spin Master 2025

Of all the main characters in the live-action How to Train Your Dragon (2025) movie, I think Ruffnut is the most changed. When I watched the movie a few weeks ago, I can admit she and her brother didn't really stand out the way they did in the numerous animated incarnations preceding  this film. The characters were always portrayed physically odd... super tall and hunched over with long dopey faces and limbs that seemed weighed down by fatigue or boredom. Then was their personalities... they were mischievous and conniving. They just looked like they were up to no good. I didn't get that vibe from this movie, but hopefully in the the sequel (currently filming) they'll get fleshed out more. (Full confession, I was full-out sick for all of mid-January when I watched this, so take my interpretation/memories with a huge grain of salt). The actress Bronwyn James is having a moment right now having starred in both Wicked movies and now the Dragons franchise. I'm looking forward to seeing her again. 

How to Train Your Dragon - ASTRID HOFFERSON!

How to Train Your Dragon (Movie) - Astrid & Deadly Nadder - Spin Master 2025

I recently watched the live-action How to Train Your Dragon (2025) and kind of loved it. When the movie was announced, I had one of those reactions like "Why remake a CGI animated movie into live-action? Won't the dragons just be CGI again? And the original still holds up as a great movie." But when I started watching it a few weeks ago, I was instantly drawn in. A huge part of the success goes to the casting. Mason Thames as Hiccup was especially great (I've seen him in Incoming and other movies and quite like him). A lot of the other characters are great too, but they all seem pretty altered from the original. I was a big fan of America Ferrera's animated portrayal of Astrid, so I was planning to be critical of this lanky brunette imposter in the role, but I was impressed. Nico Parker played the part well and put her own stamp on the character. During the movie I kept thinking I had seen her before (I hadn't) and just now I discovered that she is Thandie Newton's daughter (and is the spitting image of her).

Batman Classic TV Series - CATWOMAN Bust!

Batman Classic TV Series - Julie Newmar Catwoman Mini-Bust - DST 2015

I'm pretty obsessed with the mini-bust format. In the early 2000s and throughout the 2010s, these were everywhere. Bowen Designs, Gentle Giant, DC Direct, and Diamond Select seemingly had releases every month. Plus several companies came to the game late like Monogram and Eaglemoss and produced some great pieces. But unfortunately, since 2019 almost all production seems to have ceased - with the exception of Diamond Select who was still occasionally releasing Star Wars and Gargoyles busts until just a couple years ago. My favorite character to collect in this format was Catwoman. I believe I have 12 different mini-busts representing a variety of her incarnations over the years (surprisingly there were never Pfeiffer or Golden/Silver Age representations - two glaring omissions). I excitedly bought this Julie Newmar Batman '66 bust when it came out 11 years ago, but was pretty disappointed in the paint quality. The difference between the paint masters and the production version was simple, but impactful. The solicitation photos looked decently like Julie Newmar (not great, but close enough). 

He-Man and the Masters of the Universe - EVIL-LYN!

MOTU Origins - Cartoon Collection - Evil-Lyn (200x Version) - Mattel 2025

I remember when the Mike Young Productions He-Man and the Masters of the Universe animated series started in 2002. At the time, I had no television stations and relied on DVDs and VHS for my entertainment. I think I was able to get a few episodes pirated through Limewire or WinMX, but I honestly wasn't super impressed (and I still have never watched the whole series). I had first learned about it because I had some coworkers who were coming back from their lunch break with action figures from the show. I was super curious. My true adoration came later that year when Image Comics started publishing a comic based on the animated designs. I distinctly remember seeing a splash page of Evil-Lyn and being captivated. I loved the "bony" details added to her costume. She seemed more sinister and imposing. And of the three main females of the series: Teela, Sorceress, and Evil-Lyn, hers is the only redesign I liked. It's great to get another version of her in plastic. Let's check out Evil-Lyn below!

New Etheria - DESPARA!

Masters of the Universe Masterverse: New Etheria - Despara - Mattel 2026

I wasn't expecting to like this figure nearly as much as I do. When the New Etheria Despara was revealed last year, I was lukewarm. I really enjoyed the idea of Despara (because I always thought it was lame that Force Captain Adora looked identical to Great Rebellion Adora). But I was very happy with the Classics and Origins figures we already had. The last thing I needed was a reinterpretation of a reinterpretation (especially when there are so many classic Etherian characters not represented in the line yet). But when I got this figure in-hand and saw and all its versatility, I fell in love. The funny thing is, my least favorite part of the figure is the actual Despara Hordak mask. It looks cheap and doesn't look like Hordak (despite technically being very similar). But on the bright side, there is a great Force Captain Adora look (at least that's how I'm referring to it) with a bat-winged headpiece, as well as a full Adora look. Her hair is a little flat, and her expression is a little vacant, but I'm still obsessed. Let's check her out!

Titan Hero Series - GHOST-SPIDER!

Spider-Man Titan Hero Series - Ghost-Spider (Gwen Stacy) - Hasbro 2026

It's been more than three years since the last female Titan Hero Series figure (Shuri from Black Panther). I was excited at the prospect of a Yelena figure from Thunderbolts, but I'm guessing now those images circulating the internet were fake. I have a feeling with the dawn of AI there are going to be a lot more fake figure rumors I will be gullibly falling for. An updated Spider-Gwen for 2026 was not something I expected. I was pretty happy with the original release (from 2018's Into the Spider-Verse movie), but she wasn't a perfect figure. She has a very thin body and limited articulation. I didn't realize all the improvements in this 2026 version until I got her in-hand. She has added articulation in her knees and elbows, her whites are brighter and her pinks are bolder, and most importantly she now has a more realistic torso. The narrow chest on the older figures always looked a little off. I hope this is the start of a whole new era of Titan Hero Series. I'm hoping for many more. Let's check out Ghost-Spider below!

ActionVerse - GHOST-SPIDER!

ActionVerse - Marvel's Spider-Man Series 1 - Ghost-Spider - Hasbro 2026

It was quite a surprise to see solicitations in late 2025 advertising a new Hasbro Basic Series from Hasbro called ActionVerse. The details were scant, and I assumed (along with most everyone else) that these figures were just an upgraded Epic Hero Series with added articulation and more accessories. But when I found them at Target a few weeks later in early January, I was shocked to see these were at a noticeably larger scale (more in the 4.5"-5" range) and had a completely different feel than the 3.75" Epic figures. They've already released Star Wars and Avengers ActionVerse figures so I think we can assume this is the new Hasbro evergreen format for the foreseeable future. I'm expecting that we'll see a Black Widow and an Ahsoka Tano before too long. They just seem like the obvious female choices for the Stars Wars and Avengers lines. I just hope they still release the occasional Epic Hero Series figures because I really dig that scale as well. Let's check out the ActionVerse Ghost-Spider below!

DC Comics - POWER GIRL!

DC Multiverse Collector's Edition - Power Girl - McFarlane Toys 2025

It took me a long time to get on board with Power Girl. For most of my youth I viewed her as a pretty lame character. I didn't like her costume, her backstory, and I felt she was portrayed as a cheesecake character and a vehicle for boob jokes. And honestly, if you look at her portrayal throughout the late 80s and 90s, she didn't have a lot of depth. But in the early 2000s, she became a major character in JSA and Infinite Crisis, eventually getting her own ongoing title. This is when I got hooked. And the best part about my shift is that nothing really changed with the character. Her costume was identical and boob jokes were plentiful, but I credit the team of Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti with giving her a fresh, funny, memorable book. They also performed their magic with Harley Quinn, Terra, and Starfire - they're my favorite creative team for solo heroine titles. And now I'm a fan of Karen Starr no matter who is at the helm. I'm really impressed at how nice this figure is. Let's check her out below!

McFarlane Digital - BATGIRL!

McFarlane Digital Series - DC Comics Batgirl - DC Direct/McFarlane 2025

I've heard a lot of collectors griping about this new Batgirl Digital release, but I'll be the first to say that I am a fan. I understand the arguments. Sure, it's a simple redeco of a figure we've seen three times already. And, yes, there have been improvements in the McFarlane line in the five years since she was first released. The fanbase especially seems to love the newer wired capes. But the dynamically-sculpted short cape on this figure really appeals to me so I'm happy to see it again. I'm especially happy when a Batgirl figure is produced in the trifecta of Barbara Gordon colors: Gray, Black, and Purple. It isn't rare for this to happen (Batgirls from McFarlane Batman '66, Spinmaster 4", and Imaginext all come to mind), but I love all three color outfits so it's very satisfying to complete the trio with a sculpt I like so much. This final year of McFarlane DC product is off to a very interesting start and I can't wait to see what's next. The multiple Poison Ivy rumors are especially intriguing. Let's check out Batgirl below!

Super7 Reaction+ O-Ring - ARCTIC SCARLETT!

G.I.Joe RAH ReAction+ O-Ring Action Figures Wave 6 - Scarlett - Super7 2025

In the second episode of G.I.Joe, The M.A.S.S. Device Part II, Slave of the Cobra Master (September 1983). Scarlett, Snake-Eyes, and Snowjob (and others) head deep into the Arctic to seek a red radioactive crystal (one of the three elements needed for the M.A.S.S. Device). The scene is relative brief, but memorable - especially because it is so early in the vast G.I.Joe canon. Super7 seems to love G.I.Joe The Movie and The M.A.S.S. Device. The number of ReAction figures they've made based on these two storylines is pretty amazing. A figure of Scarlett in an arctic parka was not on my bingo card at all, and if pressed I could come up with a handful of never-before-made characters I would have taken in place of her, but now that she's in my collection I'm pretty happy to have her. The exciting is that their character choices are getting so obscure that I have no idea what might be coming next. (I'm always hoping for Oktober Guard and more Cobra-La though!) Let's check out Arctic Scarlett below!

Super7 Reaction+ O-Ring - MARA!

G.I.Joe RAH ReAction+ O-Ring Action Figures Wave 6 - Mara - Super7 2025

Sometimes my childhood memories don't hold up to my adult scrutiny. As a kid, my absolute favorite episode of G.I.Joe was "Memories of Mara" (S1E45, Nov 15th, 1985).  The story featured Shipwreck rescuing a blue-skinned woman from the ocean. You're led to believe her hue is due to cyanosis, but during CPR attempts, he realizes she has gills on her neck and climbs back into the water with her to continue his revival attempts. Turns out Mara was an escaped Cobra Eel lab test subject. She was supposed to be amphibious, but accidentally turned out completely aquatic and unable to breathe on land. As a kid I found this concept mind-blowing and one of the first mer-people I ever saw represented in my cartoons. As an adult, it's a pretty odd 22-minute story with some major logic holes. But even still the nostalgia is palpable with this new figure. Despite me begging for her on forums for years ("Please! Such an easy re-use of parts!"), I never expected to actually get her. Let's check out Mara below!

Transformers - ELITA-1, ARCEE, & BLACKARCHNIA!

Transformers Tiny Turbo Changers (2026 Edition) Blind Bags - Hasbro 2026

I'm a sucker for little Transformers collectibles, especially if there is a diverse character lineup. Some past favorite lines include Kre-O, Tiny Titans, and Tacticons. I was pretty obsessed with all of them. Between 2017 and 2020 there was a fun (but frustrating) line called Tiny Turbo Changers. They stood out because they actually transformed, they were inexpensive, and prolific.. I believe they released 100 different figures. The reason the line was frustrating was because of distribution. Most of the waves I really wanted were only released in Canada. Luckily I have friends up North who could hook me up. Flash forward to 2026 and the last thing I expected was for the Tiny Turbo Changers to be rebooted. I think all 15 new figures are repaints of the old ones, but luckily the three females have pretty distinct deco changes so I was excited to pick them all up. I even appreciate the weird attempt to differentiate between Arcee and Elita-1 with the same mold. Let's check out the Tiny Turbo Changers ladies below!

DC x Sonic - ROUGE as CATWOMAN!

DC x Sonic - Mystery Heroes 2 - Rouge as Catwoman - Jakks Pacific 2026

Back in November, I came across some leaked images of a powerpoint presentation revealing details of the next few waves of DC x Sonic products. If these images were genuine, I was very excited. For a line that could have been a quick one-and-done release with the main characters all getting their second to shine, I was impressed by the offbeat choices and ambitious production schedule in these images. But those same reasons are why I suspected it was fake. I shared it on Instagram out of curiosity with a grain-of-salt caveat. Then to my surprise, I got a DM from Jakks asking me to remove the post. I complied of course and then got really excited at the prospect that the plans I saw were real. Now within six weeks of that ordeal I have in-hand proof. Wave 2 of the Mystery Heroes blind bag featuring Rouge the Bat as Catwoman. This is a very cool little toy that I'm very excited to add to my collection. I hope this line maintains the same momentum that Prime did. Let's check out Rouge below!