BEST OF 2011 - Best Sci-Fi/Fantasy Toys

[JeffSaylor]

Out of this world collectibles...

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#4 HASBRO'S TRANSFORMERS: DARK OF THE MOON

With the third Transformers film released in theaters this summer, Hasbro's long popular Transformers action figure line continued to dominate the toy aisles with cool new versions of our favorite Autobots and Decepticons. 2011 saw Transformer movie toys refined for the better, Hasbro opting for more elegant transformations rather than relying on flashy gimmicks. The only gimmick fans had to contend with were the new MechTech accessories, but since they were add-on weapons, they didn't affect the Transformer toy's look at all. One of our favorite Transformers 3 toys this year was the Leader Class Ironhide, which until now has always been a pretty disappointing scale. While it's not a perfect size, Ironhide is pretty close to his Human Alliance brothers and all the more awesome because of it.

#3 YAMATO USA'S BLACK TINKERBELL FANTASY FIGURE GALLERY

While the releases in Yamato's gorgeous Fantasy Figure Gallery collection have slowed considerably (and made way for higher-end resin statues), 2011 did offer one jaw-dropping entry that made our list: Luis Royo's "Black Tinkerbell". This alluring PVC piece had all the right elements of a must-own fantasy collectible: from a super sexy sculpt and intimidating medieval weapon to massively outstretched dragon-like wings. The composition on this figure was flawless, the eye forced to explore every nook and cranny - from the intricate tribal tattoo to the fused rock and steel girder display base. Is this beautiful female a good fairy or spiteful demon? Is she from the mythical past or our altered future? Questions, questions, questions. The kind only good fantasy brings...

#2 WETA'S DISTRICT 9 MINIATURE WEAPONS

When it comes to high-end collectibles, Weta is always in the short list and this year is no different. Building on its partnership with the team who actually made the props for the movie, they released an incredible line of District 9 Miniature Weapons! Completely screen-accurate down to the smallest detail and with incredible sculpts and paint jobs, the various armaments of the Prawn aliens have become a huge hit with collectors. Whether your tastes run more toward the imposing Assault Rifle or the convoluted Arc Generator, Weta Workshop has you covered. No mere toys, these expensive but sturdy ¼ scale miniature replica weapons make for great display pieces that are sure to start conversations in your home!

#1 NECA'S PREDATOR SERIES

What started off small in 2010 with action figures based solely on the movie Predators has exploded this year into a full-blown lineup of characters seen in all three Predator films. NECA reflected this change the most with Series 3, a star-studded assortment featuring the original 1987 creature from Predator, fan favorite Elder Predator from Predator 2, and the menacing Predator Hound from Predators. The trend continued with the recently released Series 4 which presented collectors with the popular City Hunter and the continuation of figures pulled from the Lost Tribe - unique and rarely seen hunters from the end of Predator 2. The fact that NECA plans on releasing the entire Lost Tribe in figure form just goes to show how dedicated they are with their Predator line and fan base.

However, the crowning jewel in NECA's extensive Predator line this year was none other than the 1/4 scale Predator action figure. This towering 18 inch tall beast of a collectible was drop dead gorgeous, NECA fully capturing all the intricate detail of their smaller series and then some. Size and sculpt aside, it was the Predator figure's extremely solid construction and incredible points of articulation that knocked it out of this universe. The only negative we had on this amazing toy was deciding on which of the three versions to purchase...

>> Figures.com's BEST TOYS OF 2011 <<

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[TheMarwan]

NECA Predators are my favorite in the list. My big brother would perfer the Transformers DOTM. And well, here's the competition on who's got a better collection!

[GoldenPimp]

I have all of the 7 inches and 18 inches NECA predators (all four). They are just amazing. Line them all up looks like the team is ready for war.