Iron Man and His Awesome Friends - IRONHEART!

Iron Man & His Awesome Friends - Armored-Up Avengers Pack - Hasbro 2025

Back in October I came across a press release about a new Disney Jr Marvel series titled Iron Man and His Awesome Friends. Based on the marketing of the similar Spidey and His Amazing Friends, I was instantly excited about the potential for this exact toy I now hold. Ironheart has been an obsession of mine for quite a few years now. I was a little late to the party, picking up my first issue around 2018 (a couple years after her debut). But I was instantly hooked and quickly read all her previous stories. Then the world took notice and she appeared on the big screen in Wakanda Forever (2022) which leads to her upcoming solo series on Disney+.  Having her appear in the Disney Jr Spidey universe is a no-brainer. She has already starred in several Marvel Rising storylines, but these preschool-aimed cartoons have a proven track record and a huge audience. As of this post, the release date of this new series is still a vague "Summer 2025", but I'll keep checking for updates. Let's check out Ironheart below!

Halloween Kids - THE CREATURE!

ReAction Halloween Kids - Creature From the Black Lagoon - Super7 2024

Happy Halloween! One of my favorite recent toy trends is the representation of the simplistic Ben Cooper costumes of the 70s and 80s in action figure form. NECA has the Ben Cooper Costume Kids which are 5" fully-articulated figures wearing soft-goods costumes. And Super7 has the ReAction Halloween Kids line, which don't appear to be officially branded for the vintage costume companies, but they definitely give that classic homage. This Creature from the Black Lagoon girl is my first purchase from the line, and I'm quite obsessed. As my favorite of the Universal Monsters movies, she was always going to grab my attention. But the fact that the figure is female (as is the NECA Creature figure), further appeals to me because I feel it pays tribute to the creator of the Creature costume, Milicent Patrick, who was only properly credited in recent years (read The Lady From the Black Lagoon book for more!). I can't help but think the gender of these toys was intentional because of that. Let's check out Creature below!

Imaginext - BUMBLEBEE!

Imaginext - DC Super Friends - Rivals Pack - Bumblebee - Fisher-Price 2024

When I think of criminally underused DC characters, Bumblebee always hits pretty high on that list. Karen Beecher first became Bumblebee in the 1977 issue of Teen Titans #45 and is considered the first Black female (costumed) hero in DC Comics (Nubia appeared three years earlier but wasn't considered a traditional costumed hero, and Vixen wasn't introduced until 1981). Bumblebee's powers and overall concept weren't groundbreaking. She was essentially DC's version of Marvel's Wasp (who has been around for 15 years already). But something about her design, personality, and role in the Teen Titans lineup was much more appealing to me. She has been a regular team character in several comic series over the years, but she never hit the spotlight. Her animated presence has had a lot more momentum. Since the first Teen Titans animated series in 2003, she has been regularly included in Titans or various DC Girls media, Bombshells, etc. - with a decent amount of cartoony merch to support it.

Imaginext - CATWOMAN!

Imaginext - DC Super Friends - Catwoman Playhouse - Fisher-Price/Mattel 2024

When I first saw images of this new girl-centric Imaginext DC Super Friends line popping up this past Spring, I didn't think I would make the effort to collect them. The larger cartoonish heads and the limited articulation are a bit of a buzzkill after years of collecting the main Imaginext line. But when I saw pics of this reimagined Catwoman design, it really grabbed my attention. Having Catwoman be portrayed as African American isn't a new concept. Three of her (relatively few) live-action incarnations have been played by women of color, and numerous Elseworlds comics and animated series appearances have portrayed her as different ethnicities. But something about this simple little figure with her glittery outfit and hot pink details struck me as wholly original and really fun. Once I bought her, of course, I have to splurge and get all the rest - and now I'm committed for the long haul. I only hope they push out new characters instead of endless redecos like Fisher-Price is notorious for. Let's check out Catwoman below!

Unicorn Academy - LAYLA!

Netflix's Unicorn Academy - Laya Fletcher & Glacier - SpinMaster Toys 2024

One thing I love about Unicorn Academy is that most of the rider-and-unicorn pairings have elemental powers and designs. Layla is the brainy one of the bunch (she's wearing glasses, duh!) and her unicorn, Glacier, has Ice-based powers. So both Layla and Glacier are adorned with pastel colors, lots of icy blue details, and of course snowflakes. I find it amusing that Layla is not an expert equestrian like most of the students. Luckily Glacier is around to keep her balanced and confident. Season two of Unicorn Academy debuts on Netflix this week and Target is promoting that with an endcap dedicated to this new line of action figures and dolls. It's been a while since there has been a female-based action figure line in the big box stores. Between 2016-19 we saw DC SuperHero Girls, Mysticons, WWE Superstars, and Miraculous filling the shelves. But since then there has been almost nothing. I have a strong hunch that Unicorn Academy marks the resurgence of action figures in the pink aisles. Let's check out Layla below!

X-Men '97 - STORM!

Marvel Epic Hero Series - X-Men '97 5-Pack (Target Exc) Storm - Hasbro 2023

I've been eagerly watching each episode of X-Men '97 on Disney+ since it debuted a month ago. Leading up to the first episode, I watched every episode of the original X-Men the Animated Series (which I had never completed before) and was excited to see how the adventures of all my favorite characters would continue. Without giving any spoilers, Storm's storyline was shockingly dramatic and upsetting (but by episode six it was all better) and I'm hoping she gets plenty of screentime in the final four episodes. Hasbro's new Epic Hero Series is a long overdue reboot of their 3.75" Marvel Universe line (2009-2015). (At least that's the way I view them). Regardless, it's nice to have the basic-level figures of all their different media franchises (Spider-Man, Guardians of the Galaxy, and now X-Men '97) in a consistent scale. I only wish they were produced with more regularity and with more properties. At the very least I would love to see a Jean Grey and maybe a Jubilee. Let's check out Storm below!

Halo - COMMANDER AGRYNA!

Halo: The Spartan Collection Series 8 - Commander Agryna - Jazwares 2023

I don't know what it is about Halo that keeps drawing me in. I normally avoid video game properties, especially over-masculine militant games. But I think the fact that there are actually so many female characters thriving in this chaotic and unforgiving environment highlights the feminine/masculine contrast and makes them all the more appealing. Plus there is the toyetic quality when assembling all the small variations of armor that scratches some OCD collector's itch I've always had. Despite knowing next to nothing about the Halo property, collecting these toys gives me a similar joy to Power Rangers or team building in Marvel Legends. This figure of Commander Agryna is especially appealing to me because she is so new. She first appeared in late 2021 in Halo Infinite: Season One, and therefore has never been merchandized before. She also has unique colored armor (with a cool bumblebee insignia on her chest) and she is the first black female in any of the toylines (that I'm aware of). Let's check her out below!

Transformers Earthspark - MO MALTO!

Transformers Earthspark - Cyber-Combiner - Mo Malto in Cyber Suit - Hasbro 2023

Transformers: Earthspark is the current all-ages Transformers show airing on Paramount+. The show features two young Earth siblings, Mo and Robby Malto, who discover unformed Terran Transformers that eventually choose vehicle (or beast) mode and kind of imprint on the Malto children. It's a pretty fun show with great interpretations of classic characters and a handful of really inventive originals. There were recently two "Cyber-Combiner" toy sets that feature one of the Malto kids in a Cyber-Suit paired with a Transformer (Mo & Bumblebee and Robby & Twitch). These figures can be joined together in a variety of combinations to create "mini-combiners." As far as I can tell this scenario has not appeared in the show yet, but there is a Season Two coming so perhaps we'll get some reference soon. It's pretty rare to get action figures of the human characters in Transformers, but this is a fun and inventive way to get them on the shelves in a marketable way. Let's check out Mo Malto in her Cyber-Suit below!

Marvel Legends - STORM!

Marvel Legends - X-Men '97 Disney+ Vintage Wave - Storm - Hasbro 2023

One of the things I'm most curious about for the upcoming X-Men '97 show on Disney+ is the representation of Storm. In the original X-Men the Animated Series, her voice was so booming and theatrical that it was both humorous and iconic. In the end, I loved it. And I think it played a part developing her later comics persona as well. I kind of hope this characterization continues in the new show, but I expect that they will tone her down a bit for modern (more critical?) audiences. I don't think I've ever seen Storm in the combination of her white costume with her mohawk hairdo. Overall, I like it. It's a fun distinction from her previous appearances without doing something too far out of canon. I'm hope we get more Marvel Legends figures from this series. Beast, Jean Grey, and Jubilee are contenders. But until the show airs in early 2024, we don't really know the full roster. Perhaps some interesting villains alongside Magneto. (This could possibly be how we finally get Destiny!) Let's check out Storm below!

Marvel Legends - FEMALE TROOP BUILDERS!

Marvel Legends - S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent & Hydra Trooper 2-Pack - Hasbro 2023

Trooper Builders are a pretty great modern trend geared towards collectors. Typically only the A-list characters get the action figure treatment and presence in the toy aisles. And lately we've been luckily enough to get a steady flow of B and C list characters too. But unnamed soldier characters never seem to make the cut. Until, of course, companies like Hasbro started releasing them as online exclusives. Collectors could suddenly build armies of their favorite factions. I enjoyed seeing this trend, but I was never too interested since female characters weren't invited to the party. Until this year. G.I.Joe Classified had females introduced in three different two packs (Blue Ninjas, Steel Corps, and Cobra Valkyries). And now this amazing Marvel Legends set with a female S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent and Hydra Trooper (plus multiple alternate heads) to build out the two most popular Marvel factions. I'm excited to see what the next Hasbro set might be. (Fingers crossed for Star Wars female Storm Troopers!) Let's check them out below!

Wild Republic's SISTERS OF THE SEA!

Sisters of the Sea: Mermaids - 6" Action Playsets - Wild Republic 2014-2023

Mermaid action figures are very hard to come by. As common as mermaid dolls, mermaid plushes, and mermaid figurines may be, articulated action figures are extremely rare. I first discovered these Wild Republic mermaids back in 2014 when the first Sisters of the Sea figure showed up at a beachside 5&10 shop while I was on vacation. Then I quickly found a color variant and I knew I'd be obsessing over this line for a long time. The newer figures have swapped out the catchy "Sisters of the Sea" name for - ahem - "Mermaid Moveable Playset" but the colors and wow factor just keep improving. This line is notoriously hard to find. I suggested your zoo, aquarium, and museum gift shops, and any beachside novelty shops. I check all my locals places obsessively, but it's worth the effort to score a well-sculpted (yet inexpensive) mermaid. They are not collector toys. So, yes, the paint can be sloppy, and yes, the joints can be loose, but I love them anyway. Let's check out the Sisters of the Sea below!

Boss Fight Studio - ORANGE BLOSSOM!

World of Strawberry Shortcake - Orange Blossom w/ Marmalade - BFS 2023

One of my favorite Strawberry Shortcake characters as a kid was Orange Blossom. I was always drawn to the color orange (except I never wear it) and oranges have always been my favorite fruit. Add to that her artistic characteristics (she is often depicted with a paintbrush in hand) and her pet being a butterfly, and I was hooked (one of my many hobbies is raising butterflies and moths from eggs found in the wild - for release after metamorphosis). Plus, even as a kid I was aware of race and gender representation, or lack thereof, and I knew Orange Blossom had yet another reason to be unique in the 80s toy landscape. I'm really glad she was chosen for the first wave of the BFS Strawberry Shortcake line. Because there's always a chance for cancellation before wave two, but Orange Blossom was high on my wish list. Luckily Wave 2 has been revealed with Lemon Merinque, Raspberry Tart, Apple Dumpling, and Blueberry Muffin - so she'll have plenty of friends soon. Let's check out Orange Blossom below!

D&D Mini-Mates - SHEILA & DIANA!

Dungeons & Dragons: The Animated Series - Set 1: Heroes - Diamond Select 2023

As the releases of Diamond Select's Marvel Minimates line has slowed in recent years (due to sheer character exhaustion imo), I'm so happy to see so many other popular licenses now getting the Minimate treatment.  It started with the ThunderCats way back in 2012. But since then it's been a growing roster of classic properties like Power Rangers, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, G.I.Joe, Nightmare Before Christmas, and Transformers. But my favorite of the non-Marvel properties has easily been the Dungeons & Dragons Animated Series set(s). This cartoon was an iconic, but underrated and under-merchandized staple of 80s animation. Due to the 2023 live-action D&D movie, there was a burst of popularity for the vintage show which gave us the first real action figures for these amazing characters. Between the Iron Studios statues, the Hasbro action figures, and these Minimates, I am extremely happy. Now the DST Venger statue opened the door for even more. Let's check out the D&D minimates below!

Marvel Legends - MONICA RAMBEAU!

Marvel Legends - Totally Awesome Hulk - Photon (The Marvels) - Hasbro 2023

The thing about The Marvels that excites me most is the further development of Monica Rambeau in the MCU. Ever since we met her mother Maria (and a young Monica) in Captain Marvel (2019), I was hoping for her full inclusion into the MCU. And by 2021, I got my wish as she appeared in WandaVision on Disney+. Initially she was unpowered and I thought she might remain a military character through S.H.I.E.L.D., but by the end of the series she had gained powers and I knew she was on her way. The upcoming film The Marvels stars Carol Danvers as Captain Marvel, Kamala Khan as Ms. Marvel, and Monica Rambeau... apparently as Photon. When Monica was introduced in 1982, she was Captain Marvel. The first female Captain Marvel actually, as Carol had only gone by Ms. Marvel and Binary by that point and Mar-vell had only died 6 months earlier, who was the only Captain Marvel before Monica. Since then, Monica has used several code names including Puslar, Spectrum, and Photon. 

Marvel Legends - CAPTAIN MARVEL!

Marvel Legends - Secret Wars 2-Pack - Capt Marvel vs Dr Doom - Hasbro 2023

When Marvel Legends released their Firestar figure back in 2021, I had to reassess my top most wanted figure. Angelica had been my top choice for so long that I was truly lost. But I soon settled on a classic Monica Rambeau as Captain Marvel. I've always loved this costume. Even though the disco era in popular culture was past its prime by the early 80s, a lot of comic characters introduced around this time still had a certain disco vibe. And Monica's billowing sleeves, swashbuckler boots, and perfect afro hairstyle definitely fit the bill. As a young comic reader I never read a single issue with her in it. However, she was on a ton of covers and promotional material related to the Marvel 25th Anniversary and Secret Wars, so her image is infused in my youth. I didn't get to know the character until much later in NextWave and Marvel Divas. But the 2019 Captain Marvel: Monica Rambeau TPB that reprinted her early appearances reinvigorated my love of her original suit. This figure is perfect. Let's check her out below!

Marvel Legends - STORM!

Uncanny X-Men #275 3-Pack (Storm, Forge, and Jubilee) - Hasbro 2023

When I first started reading superhero comics in the 80s, I was always consistently and predictably drawn to team books with matching costumes. The New Mutants were the most accessible example and grabbed the majority of my attention, but I also loved Sun Devils, Atari Force, and Challengers of the Unknown. And honestly I'm still a sucker for that aesthetic. I always equate the X-Men with this matching uniform design, but in actuality, they almost never sport a unified look. They wore their original matching costumes for four years from 1963-1967, and then they wore unique individualized costumes for 24 years until Uncanny X-Men #275 in 1991. In this issue, the X-Men were in a transition period. The X-Tinction Agenda storyline had just ended and the launching of X-Force #1, the new X-Factor roster (Polaris!), and the splitting of the X-Men into blue and gold teams in two different titles was just a few months away. All the memorable iconic 90's mutant moments all happened within a few short months in 1991.

Marvel Legends - JESSICA DREW!

Spider-Man Legends: Across the Spider-Verse - Jessica Drew - Hasbro 2023

I saw a Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse on its final day of IMAX last Wednesday. This movie season has been tight with a new blockbuster every week keeping the IMAX schedule short. Anyway, a friend offered me a last minute ticket and I jumped at the chance. I liked everything about it, but one of my favorite things was the reimagining of Jessica Drew. I'm a bit of a purist when it comes to my female super-heroes, so I'm surprised I liked her so much. Not much is different from the 2015-2016 comic Jessica Drew aside from her race and personality. That version of Jessica was pregnant, wore a utilitarian suit with yellow googles, and rode a motorcycle. So the distinguishing characteristic in the movie version was mainly her race. I may be the only person with this idea, but my first thought was that she was a subtle nod to Valerie from the Electric Company Super Spidey Stories. Of course my second thought was that I would never think that if there was more diversity in the Spider world.

X-Men: The Animated Series - STORM!

Marvel Legends - X-Men the Animated Series (VHS) - Storm - Hasbro 2022

I think one of the best things about X-Men: The Animated Series is that it finally exposed Storm to the world. Sure, Ororo Munroe has been a major player in the X-Men comics for 17 years already and had several high-profile (to me at least) animation appearances in Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends and Pryde of the X-Men. But it wasn't until her 1992 television debut that kids were running around the playground impersonating her. She's a great character for emulation with her commanding voice and elemental power, and add her calm demeanor and maternal vibes and you have an all-around icon. There have been a few great attempts at creating a toy representation of 90's animated Storm, but this one is easily my favorite so far. The cel-shading and voluminous hair is a relatively simple change from that last attempt in 2019, but it makes a huge difference. The X-Men VHS line is likely over, but hopefully some Spider-ladies get this treatment, too. Let's check out animated Storm below!

League of Legends - SENNA!

League of Legends - Champion Collection - Senna & Thresh - SpinMaster 2023

I love a surprise figure. A few times a year I find an unexpected product hiding in the recesses of the internet. Usually these are smaller-scale figures or novelty toys, very rarely collector-grade 6-7" figures. But a few days ago I was placing the League of Legends Ashe figure on my shelves and I remembered how she was a surprise figure that just showed up in a multi-product Amazon listing last September. This line from spin Master has all but disappeared from the toy aisles, but I was curious and searched anyway. To my surprise I found this amazing figure of Senna the Redeemer in a new 2-Pack on Amazon. There were only 8 left in stock so I ordered it without hesitation. In 48 short hours I had her in hand. I don't know much about League of Legends, or any game properties really, but I've really enjoyed the figures. And Senna is my favorite. She has an amazing headsculpt and the color scheme of her outfit is both simple and dynamic. Let's check out Senna the Redeemer below!

Power Rangers - NINJA YELLOW RANGER!

Power Rangers Lightning Collection - Mighty Morphin Ninja Yellow - Hasbro 2022

Aisha Campbell was the second Yellow Ranger in the American Mighty Morphin Power Rangers franchise. halfway through season two, three of the original Rangers left the show (rumor has it they unsuccessfully demanded more money). In the show, the three characters left for a peace conference in Switzerland, and three replacements were introduced. The original Yellow Ranger, Trini Kwan, was in 88 episodes, but Aisha Campbell (played by Karan Ashley) appeared in a not-too-shabby 65. She started as the typical sabertooth-themed Yellow Ranger, but her story arc eventually had her become a Ninja Ranger (along with all the others) in Season 3 and in Mighty Morphin Power Rangers The Movie. Technically in the movie they were Ninjetti, which had slightly different costumes, but luckily these Lightning Collection figures contain all the costume variations in a single purchase. I truly appreciate the variety and economy of that decision. Let's check out Aisha Campbell and Ninja Ranger Yellow below!