JeffSaylor
12-14-2012, 12:22 PM
The Staff Picks Their Favorites...
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Every year the staff at Figures.com (https://figures.com/) reflects back on all the cool toys that came out and joined our collections. 2012 is no exception, though instead of our typical "Best Of" category picks, we decided to try something different. Presenting Figures.com's TOP 10, a more personal look at our favorite collectibles of 2012. The team at our affiliate site YoJoe.com (http://www.yojoe.com/) has even joined in on the fun. While coming up with ten picks proved challenging given the slow GI Joe toy year, they did come up with six super standouts!
Join us as we celebrate another amazing year in action figure collecting...
- Jeff Saylor and the Figures.com/Action On-Line Staff
HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS!
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JEFF SAYLOR
Figures.com Editor
We may never see those golden days again when ORIGINAL toy concepts dominated the market, but heck if 2012 didn't amaze with toys NOBODY saw coming. Action figures from not one, but TWO 80's cult classic horror films? My favorite MGS and Starcraft character figures getting a new lease on life? I loved The Avengers like everyone else, but it was mostly licenses I never thought we'd get toys from that made my top list (below in no particular order).
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#10 - AMOK TIME RETURN OF THE LIVING DEAD TARMAN ZOMBIE (Read my review HERE (https://www.figures.com/forums/news/14747-amok-times-return-living-dead-tarman-zombie.html)!) - Sure, Amok Time had announced that they were making this figure... way back in 2009. But did anyone think it was still going to see release? The fact that the "Tarman" got made at all is a small miracle. While ROTLD is a cult classic, niche licenses like that aren't often entertained in today's "safe" toy market (read: blockbuster licenses only). And what a figure it is! Amok Time nailed the look of this unique and unforgettable undead creature. One of my favorite zombies from one of my favorite zombie movies... as an action figure at long last. "BRAINS!"
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#9 - MEZCO MARS ATTACKS 6" MARTIAN COMMANDER (Check out my photos HERE (https://www.figures.com/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=2041)!) - I'm old, but I'm not old enough to have collected Topps' 1962 Mars Attacks trading cards. However, I am more than aware of their lasting legacy on pop culture. To me the martians depicted in the cutting edge series have always been the definitive "little green men" from Mars. Simply a classic sci-fi look to them. That said, I LOVE Mars Attacks (though not the movie) and any action figure of the alien invaders is a good thing. Mezco's 6-inch Martian Commander action figure is more than a good thing... it's pure awesome! Featuring fantastic articulation (love how the whole head and bubble helmet rotate as one!), multiple ray guns of death and a retro sculpt to die for, Mezco's Mars Attacks figure is an amazing tribute to the timeless trading card series and one must-have sci-fi collectible.
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#8 - SIDESHOW 1:1 STALKER PREDATOR MASK (Read my review HERE (https://www.figures.com/forums/news/14899-sideshow-1-1-stalker-predator-mask.html)!) - It's cool collectibles like this that remind me that original toy concepts aren't totally dead yet. Not since the days of Kenner have fans received something so unique in the world of Predator, and certainly nothing this nice. Based on an original design conceived by award-winning Special Makeup FX artist Steve Wang, the Stalker Predator Mask replica is a stunning "what if" creation. It wasn't in any movie, but it should be. I'm just glad it's in my collection.
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#7 - NECA BORDERLANDS SERIES 1 (Read my review HERE (https://www.figures.com/forums/news/15446-advance-look-necas-borderlands-series-1-a.html)!) - You watch a two hour movie that you love and you WANT action figures. You play a video game for months on end and you NEED action figures. Something that engaging and entertaining becomes a part of you, something a great movie takes years to accomplish through repeated viewings. Borderlands is such a life-altering game for me and NECA's action figures of Claptrap and a Psycho Bandit are perfect plastic playthings to remind me of that experience. Plus, how can you not own a Claptrap action figure? The character is pure comedy gold! (Although my knowing the voice actor still freaks me out.)
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#6 - SQUARE ENIX METAL GEAR SOLID PLAY ARTS KAI CYBORG NINJA (Read our review HERE (https://www.figures.com/forums/news/15667-square-enixs-play-arts-kai-metal-gear-solid.html)!) - Unlike Borderlands, I have never played a Metal Gear Solid game. I know, I know - what's wrong with me?! Regardless, one of my all-time favorite action figures has been McFarlane's Ninja (http://www.spawn.com/toys/product.aspx?product=1881), released waaaay back in 1999. When I first saw that figure I was floored with how cool it looked. He's a cyborg... and a ninja! What's not to love? That McFarlane figure still holds up remarkably well all these years later and still holds a top shelf in my collection. But when Square Enix showed off a NEW Cyborg Ninja action figure, my world stopped. Not only is this figure an update of the classic character as a "Play Arts Kai" (translation: "mega-detailed hyper-articulated super-awesome") but this Cyborg Ninja was a NEW Kai format. Larger than all previous Play Arts Kai, Cyborg Ninja towers in at 10 inches. It's like the beautiful love child of a 7-inch NECA figure and a 12-inch Hot Toys. Sorry McFarlane, it was a good run...
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#5 - DC UNLIMITED STARCRAFT II TYCHUS FINDLAY (Read my review HERE (https://www.figures.com/forums/news/15284-dc-unlimited-starcraft-ii-series-2-terran-marine-tychus-findlay.html)!) - My love of all things sci-fi - especially hulked-out space marines - is no hidden secret. That said, you can imagine my anxiety waiting nearly TWO YEARS for this awesome Starcraft Terran Marine to see release. Would it get released? It was a close call, that's for sure, as DC Direct/Unlimited are now DC Collectibles and no longer deal with trivial stuff such as video games (sarcasm). I'll forgive DC for focusing only on DC, however, as their last video game related action figure is simply one of the best toys released in 2012. Priced at $30, the 9-inch tall Tychus is an incredibly good value. An action figure this robust, articulated and good looking SHOULD retail for a cool Kai $60. Which is around what he costs now on the secondary market, BUT he didn't when he came out... and that's what matters. If you missed getting Tychus earlier this year, you really missed out. Sci-fi action figures don't getting any cooler than this.
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#4 - NECA EVIL DEAD 2 "HERO FROM THE SKY" ASH (SDCC EXCLUSIVE) (Read our review HERE (https://www.figures.com/forums/news/15966-advance-review-necas-sdcc-exclusive-evil-dead-ii-hero-sky-ash.html)!) - I used to be a big collector of action figure variants, but in my older, wiser (har!) years I've grown to appreciate what I deem the "definitive" version of my favorite characters. This San Diego Comic-Con exclusive figure of Evil Dead 2's Ash is that definitive version for me. Well, actually the colored "Hero" version is, but this exclusive came out first AND comes with an amazing display base. Regardless, "Hero From The Sky Ash" is my definitive Ash action figure, something I've been waiting for since McFarlane released their subpar version many moons ago. Boomstick, check. Chainsaw, check. Groovy. The Evil Dead reboot MAY end up being good (trailer is decent), but nothing will replace my love of Bruce Campbell and the campy, gory fun of Sam Raimi's Evil Dead 2.
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#3 - ACI 1:6 SPARTACUS "GLADIATOR OF ROME" (Read my review HERE (https://www.figures.com/forums/news/16491-review-aci-toys-1-6-spartacus-2-gladiator-rome.html)!) - As I mentioned, I loved The Avengers, but this year I left all the fantastic looking Hot Toys figures to the rest of the Figures.com team. 2012 for me was all about unique 1:6th scale figures from one of my favorite historical time periods: Ancient Rome. ACI, a company I had never dealt with before, awed me with their amazing figure of Spartacus (I'm sure you've heard of him) fully geared up for a fight in the gladiator arena. While not based on the hit Starz series, the striking resemblance to the late, great Andy Whitfield is undeniable making this figure even more appealing to this collector.
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#2 - KAUSTIC PLASTIK 1:6 VALERIUS ROMAN LEGIONARY (Read my review HERE (https://www.figures.com/forums/news/21172-review-kaustic-plastik-1-6-roman-legionary-valerius.html)!) - Another 1:6th scale Roman action figure that blew me away was "Valerius" from new Italian toy company Kaustic Plastik. The opposite of the barely clad Spartacus, this stunning Roman Legionary came fully kitted up for war with world-conquering gladius, javelin, Legio XIV shield, and full body armor - including TWO real metal helmets! History and toy collecting doesn't get any cooler than this.
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#1 - NECA 1/4 SCALE CITY HUNTER PREDATOR (Read my review HERE (https://www.figures.com/forums/news/17361-advance-review-necas-quarter-scale-predator-2-city-hunter.html)!) - Sideshow's imaginative Stalker Predator Mask is cool, but when it comes down to collectibles from the actual Predator movies, the killer look of the City Hunter in Predator 2 reigns supreme. While I have my fair share of City Hunter collectibles, NOTHING I own displays my love of the masked warrior quite like NECA's towering 1/4 Scale City Hunter Predator. 22-inches tall, this figure dwarves most all the toys in my collection. It's an impressive size, for sure, but it is the figure's incredible range of movement coupled with an amazing sculpt and rockin' accessories that puts the 1/4 scale City Hunter over the top. Pred-a-tastic!
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Honorable Mentions:
* Jason Freeny's Gummi Anatomy - The designer toy scene is a hit or miss for me. Like art, it's all about what speaks to you. I have always had this bizarre love of cross-sectional anatomy and Jason Freeny's art screams that passion. The Gummi Bear Anatomy is an actual working 3D model based on one of Freeny's earliest pop culture anatomy paintings: the inside of a candy Gummi Bear. Pure genius.
* Big Fish Mass Effect Series 2 - When DC Unlimited canceled their second assortment of Mass Effect figures, fans (including myself) were outraged. Usually when a figure line is canceled, it stays dead, but Big Fish, a company no one had heard of before, stepped up to the plate and delivered. A small toy miracle, Legion and Garrus are now mine.
* NECA's Prometheus/ Half-Life Gordon Freeman - NECA could have easily dominated my true Top 10 list with all the fantastic figures they produced this year. Most all they make just happens to be stuff I love - Prometheus and Half-Life's Gordon Freeman being two stand outs. Prometheus wasn't the greatest movie made, but those Engineers came out amazing. And Gordon? Who'd have ever thought we'd get a Half-Life action figure? The Headcrab alone is the coolest accessory produced this year. Thank you NECA!
* Mezco's Earthworm Jim - Mezco's Mars Attack figure barely surpassed this unexpected video game gem on my Top 10 list. I have fond memories of this character and the 1994 SEGA Genesis game. Mezco's Earthworm Jim action figure celebrated this classic with sculpting perfection; an incredible update to the Playmates fig of yesteryear. Groovy!
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JESS C. HORSLEY
Figures.com Managing Editor
Fully articulated with more energy than a truck full of Duracells, Jess Horsley is Figures.com's Managing Editor. Jess started writing for Figures.com back in 2001 and continues to enjoy reviewing, photographing and collecting. Jess is also an avid 1/6th scale customizer who prefers sci-fi, fantasy, and medieval work. Most of Jess' collection is made up of pieces based on video games like StarCraft II, Dead Space, Assassin's Creed and God of War; comics like The Hulk, Iron Man and X-Force; and movies and TV shows like Star Wars, Spatacus, and LOST among others. In his spare time, Jess enjoys introducing his love of pop culture to his 3 year old daughter, Amelia, who loves Iron Man, The Avengers, and Yo Gabba Gabba.
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#10 - NECA PROMETHEUS SERIES 1 (Read our review HERE (https://www.figures.com/forums/news/16602-advance-review-necas-prometheus-series-1-a.html)!) - While the film was less than expected, NECA did the film proud with two gorgeous figures based on Ridley Scott's return to sci-fi, capturing both the Engineer in Pressure Suit and the Engineer in Chair Suit in perfect 8" action figure form ($16 each). Screen-accurate, beautifully detailed and decently articulated additions to any sci-fi film fan's collection, both figures will turn heads, even with a lack of accessories.
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#9 - MONOGRAM DC & MARVEL BUST BANKS (Read our review HERE (https://www.figures.com/forums/news/16259-review-monogram-direct-superman-batman-dc-bust-banks.html)!) - While most of us were pinching pennies this year, Monogram International provided us with new places to store those precious coins! Continuing their ever-growing line of Bust Banks, Monogram did fans proud by providing us with an array of resin ($60) and plastic ($15) bust banks based on both DC and Marvel favorites including Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Spider-man, Captain America, Red Hulk, Iron Man, Doctor Doom, Wolverine and even Deadpool!
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#8 - ACI 1:6 SPARTACUS "GLADIATOR OF ROME" (Read our review HERE (https://www.figures.com/forums/news/16491-review-aci-toys-1-6-spartacus-2-gladiator-rome.html)!) - For fans who've been watching Starz! and the station's hit series Spartacus to get their gladiatorial goodness, ACI finally fills the collectibles gap for fans, capturing the character in impressive 1/6th scale ($130). Featuring an Andy Whitfield-inspired head sculpt (based on the deceased actor who originally played the lead), this figure captures the power, energy, and style of the series' title character while remaining true to ACI's historically-accurate roots.
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#7 - ENTERBAY 1/4 SCALE RAMBO (Read our review HERE (https://www.figures.com/forums/news/17741-review-enterbay-1-4-scale-hd-masterpiece-rambo-iii.html)!) - 30 years ago, the world was introduced to John Rambo, a Vietnam vet whose unique skills were put to use rescuing POWs, fighting communism, and slave traders throughout four movies. Finally, ENTERBAY makes what could be considered by some to be the pinnacle in Rambo action figure collectibles with their HD Masterpiece 1/4 Scale figure ($360) based on the character's appearance in the third film. Complete with real metal weapons, cloth clothing, screen-accurate sculpting, and a unique poseable 1/4 scale body, die-hard Rambo collector's have finally had their dreams come true.
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#6 - HASBRO MARVEL LEGENDS X-FORCE - If you've not been reading Marvel's Uncanny X-Force, brilliantly written by Rick Remender, something is wrong with you. It's one of the best comics being published today and it's coming to an end very shortly. Thankfully, for fans of the comic's brutal, violent and often hilarious characters, Hasbro has released most of the cast as a part of the Marvel Legends line, including both Fantomex and Deadpool individually ($16 each) and Wolverine, Psylocke and Archangel as a part of this year's San Diego Comic Con Exclusive Set ($50, set of 3). Do yourself a favor and pick up this amazing Marvel comic as well as these awesome Hasbro figures today!
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#5 - SIDESHOW ISSAC CLARKE DEAD SPACE STATUE - Based on one of the coolest video game characters from one of the scariest video games ever created comes this 16" statue of Issac Clarke ($275). Standing over the carcass of a destroyed Necromorph, decked out in his Engineering RIG (Resource Integration Gear) and equipped with a plasma cutter (or ripper saw exclusive), Issac Clarke comes to life in polystone awesomeness, ready to destroy every undead threat lurking around any corner in your home.
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#4 - SQUARE ENIX METAL GEAR SOLID PLAY ARTS KAI SERIES (Read our review HERE (https://www.figures.com/forums/news/15667-square-enixs-play-arts-kai-metal-gear-solid.html)!) - Square Enix's line of Play Arts Kai figures continues to grow with more amazing figures based on fan-favorite characters from the Metal Gear Solid series by famed Japanese game designer Hideo Kojima. This year alone fans have seen the release of three of the game series' most popular characters: Solid Snake, Cyborg Ninja, and Solidus Snake ($60 - $115 each). Figures comes complete with character-specific accessories and weapons as well as impressive sculpts with integrated dynamic articulation, providing plenty of opportunity for posing and play. Thankfully, this line continues to grow with Meryl available this winter and Raiden available next spring!
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#3 - NECA 1/4 SCALE CITY HUNTER PREDATOR (Read our review HERE (https://www.figures.com/forums/news/17361-advance-review-necas-quarter-scale-predator-2-city-hunter.html)!) - For 25 years, film fans have been in love with the Predator. And while maybe 1990's Predator 2 didn't live up to its predecessor, the fact it expanded the sci-fi universe to include tribes made up of the galaxy's greatest hunters blew many a fan's minds. So it's no surprise collector's minds were collectively blown this year as NECA continued to expand their line of Predator collectibles, including the release of two 1/4 scale Predator 2 figures ($90 each). My personal favorite: the City Hunter; a savage, stealthy urban warrior complete with a spear and smart disc, an abundance of articulation, and a super-detailed sculpt which rivals any high-end statue. Collectors are now the ones hunting this amazing figure, looking to add it to their collections!
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#2 - HOT TOYS DX07 STAR WARS BESPIN LUKE SKYWALKER - Hot Toys continues to reign supreme as the finest 1/6th scale figure maker in the world and arguably their best release of 2012 is the DX07 - Bespin Luke Skywalker ($300). Essentially two figures in one package, this deluxe set includes the company's attention to detail in every aspects - be it the figure's movie-accurate sculpting, detailed fabricated clothing, impressive accessories or the massive diorama base, also included. Hot Toys continues to both impress fans as well as tap their wallets, but Bespin Luke is just further evidence Hot Toys continues to make action figure art.
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#1 - DC UNLIMITED STARCRAFT II TYCHUS FINDLAY (Read our review HERE (https://www.figures.com/forums/news/15284-dc-unlimited-starcraft-ii-series-2-terran-marine-tychus-findlay.html)!) - Like so many other fans and collectors, I absolutely love Space Marines and the video game StarCraft II has some of the coolest in all of pop culture - big, bulky walking tanks dressed in Confederate Marine Corps Powered Combat Suits and armed with the massive C-14 Impaler gauss rifle. So when DC originally showed the StarCraft II Tychus Findlay figure ($30) at the 2010 San Diego Comic Con and yet fans never saw its release in 2010 or 2011, we began to worry. Thankfully, the figure hit store shelves last March. And because of its impressive 9" size, its highly detailed, game-accurate sculpting and paints, its decent articulation, and its very affordable retail price of $29.99, this figure has been at the top of my "Best of 2012" list ever since. Do you know what's best of all? Buying multiples of this figure doesn't seem repetitive since you can never have too many heavily armed and armored Space Marine figures in your collection! My army has eight now and I can't wait to add more!
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To insure your action figure collection, get in touch with Collectibles Insurance (http://www.collectinsure.com/), the official insurance company of the Figures.com network. Say "Figures.com" to get 5% off your first term premiums.
To buy action figures, take a look at BigBadToyStore.com (http://www.bigbadtoystore.com), Toynk.com (http://www.toynk.com/), BriansToys.com (http://www.brianstoys.com), ToyWiz.com (http://www.toywiz.com), and MonkeyDepot.com (http://www.monkeydepot.com/).
Every year the staff at Figures.com (https://figures.com/) reflects back on all the cool toys that came out and joined our collections. 2012 is no exception, though instead of our typical "Best Of" category picks, we decided to try something different. Presenting Figures.com's TOP 10, a more personal look at our favorite collectibles of 2012. The team at our affiliate site YoJoe.com (http://www.yojoe.com/) has even joined in on the fun. While coming up with ten picks proved challenging given the slow GI Joe toy year, they did come up with six super standouts!
Join us as we celebrate another amazing year in action figure collecting...
- Jeff Saylor and the Figures.com/Action On-Line Staff
HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS!
https://www.figures.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=55062&stc=1&d=1355512289
https://www.figures.com/gallery/data/2162/1JEFFuse.jpg
JEFF SAYLOR
Figures.com Editor
We may never see those golden days again when ORIGINAL toy concepts dominated the market, but heck if 2012 didn't amaze with toys NOBODY saw coming. Action figures from not one, but TWO 80's cult classic horror films? My favorite MGS and Starcraft character figures getting a new lease on life? I loved The Avengers like everyone else, but it was mostly licenses I never thought we'd get toys from that made my top list (below in no particular order).
https://www.figures.com/gallery/data/2162/1tarmanUSE.jpg
#10 - AMOK TIME RETURN OF THE LIVING DEAD TARMAN ZOMBIE (Read my review HERE (https://www.figures.com/forums/news/14747-amok-times-return-living-dead-tarman-zombie.html)!) - Sure, Amok Time had announced that they were making this figure... way back in 2009. But did anyone think it was still going to see release? The fact that the "Tarman" got made at all is a small miracle. While ROTLD is a cult classic, niche licenses like that aren't often entertained in today's "safe" toy market (read: blockbuster licenses only). And what a figure it is! Amok Time nailed the look of this unique and unforgettable undead creature. One of my favorite zombies from one of my favorite zombie movies... as an action figure at long last. "BRAINS!"
https://www.figures.com/gallery/data/2162/1MarsAttacks.jpg
#9 - MEZCO MARS ATTACKS 6" MARTIAN COMMANDER (Check out my photos HERE (https://www.figures.com/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=2041)!) - I'm old, but I'm not old enough to have collected Topps' 1962 Mars Attacks trading cards. However, I am more than aware of their lasting legacy on pop culture. To me the martians depicted in the cutting edge series have always been the definitive "little green men" from Mars. Simply a classic sci-fi look to them. That said, I LOVE Mars Attacks (though not the movie) and any action figure of the alien invaders is a good thing. Mezco's 6-inch Martian Commander action figure is more than a good thing... it's pure awesome! Featuring fantastic articulation (love how the whole head and bubble helmet rotate as one!), multiple ray guns of death and a retro sculpt to die for, Mezco's Mars Attacks figure is an amazing tribute to the timeless trading card series and one must-have sci-fi collectible.
https://www.figures.com/gallery/data/2162/1PredMask.jpg
#8 - SIDESHOW 1:1 STALKER PREDATOR MASK (Read my review HERE (https://www.figures.com/forums/news/14899-sideshow-1-1-stalker-predator-mask.html)!) - It's cool collectibles like this that remind me that original toy concepts aren't totally dead yet. Not since the days of Kenner have fans received something so unique in the world of Predator, and certainly nothing this nice. Based on an original design conceived by award-winning Special Makeup FX artist Steve Wang, the Stalker Predator Mask replica is a stunning "what if" creation. It wasn't in any movie, but it should be. I'm just glad it's in my collection.
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#7 - NECA BORDERLANDS SERIES 1 (Read my review HERE (https://www.figures.com/forums/news/15446-advance-look-necas-borderlands-series-1-a.html)!) - You watch a two hour movie that you love and you WANT action figures. You play a video game for months on end and you NEED action figures. Something that engaging and entertaining becomes a part of you, something a great movie takes years to accomplish through repeated viewings. Borderlands is such a life-altering game for me and NECA's action figures of Claptrap and a Psycho Bandit are perfect plastic playthings to remind me of that experience. Plus, how can you not own a Claptrap action figure? The character is pure comedy gold! (Although my knowing the voice actor still freaks me out.)
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#6 - SQUARE ENIX METAL GEAR SOLID PLAY ARTS KAI CYBORG NINJA (Read our review HERE (https://www.figures.com/forums/news/15667-square-enixs-play-arts-kai-metal-gear-solid.html)!) - Unlike Borderlands, I have never played a Metal Gear Solid game. I know, I know - what's wrong with me?! Regardless, one of my all-time favorite action figures has been McFarlane's Ninja (http://www.spawn.com/toys/product.aspx?product=1881), released waaaay back in 1999. When I first saw that figure I was floored with how cool it looked. He's a cyborg... and a ninja! What's not to love? That McFarlane figure still holds up remarkably well all these years later and still holds a top shelf in my collection. But when Square Enix showed off a NEW Cyborg Ninja action figure, my world stopped. Not only is this figure an update of the classic character as a "Play Arts Kai" (translation: "mega-detailed hyper-articulated super-awesome") but this Cyborg Ninja was a NEW Kai format. Larger than all previous Play Arts Kai, Cyborg Ninja towers in at 10 inches. It's like the beautiful love child of a 7-inch NECA figure and a 12-inch Hot Toys. Sorry McFarlane, it was a good run...
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#5 - DC UNLIMITED STARCRAFT II TYCHUS FINDLAY (Read my review HERE (https://www.figures.com/forums/news/15284-dc-unlimited-starcraft-ii-series-2-terran-marine-tychus-findlay.html)!) - My love of all things sci-fi - especially hulked-out space marines - is no hidden secret. That said, you can imagine my anxiety waiting nearly TWO YEARS for this awesome Starcraft Terran Marine to see release. Would it get released? It was a close call, that's for sure, as DC Direct/Unlimited are now DC Collectibles and no longer deal with trivial stuff such as video games (sarcasm). I'll forgive DC for focusing only on DC, however, as their last video game related action figure is simply one of the best toys released in 2012. Priced at $30, the 9-inch tall Tychus is an incredibly good value. An action figure this robust, articulated and good looking SHOULD retail for a cool Kai $60. Which is around what he costs now on the secondary market, BUT he didn't when he came out... and that's what matters. If you missed getting Tychus earlier this year, you really missed out. Sci-fi action figures don't getting any cooler than this.
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#4 - NECA EVIL DEAD 2 "HERO FROM THE SKY" ASH (SDCC EXCLUSIVE) (Read our review HERE (https://www.figures.com/forums/news/15966-advance-review-necas-sdcc-exclusive-evil-dead-ii-hero-sky-ash.html)!) - I used to be a big collector of action figure variants, but in my older, wiser (har!) years I've grown to appreciate what I deem the "definitive" version of my favorite characters. This San Diego Comic-Con exclusive figure of Evil Dead 2's Ash is that definitive version for me. Well, actually the colored "Hero" version is, but this exclusive came out first AND comes with an amazing display base. Regardless, "Hero From The Sky Ash" is my definitive Ash action figure, something I've been waiting for since McFarlane released their subpar version many moons ago. Boomstick, check. Chainsaw, check. Groovy. The Evil Dead reboot MAY end up being good (trailer is decent), but nothing will replace my love of Bruce Campbell and the campy, gory fun of Sam Raimi's Evil Dead 2.
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#3 - ACI 1:6 SPARTACUS "GLADIATOR OF ROME" (Read my review HERE (https://www.figures.com/forums/news/16491-review-aci-toys-1-6-spartacus-2-gladiator-rome.html)!) - As I mentioned, I loved The Avengers, but this year I left all the fantastic looking Hot Toys figures to the rest of the Figures.com team. 2012 for me was all about unique 1:6th scale figures from one of my favorite historical time periods: Ancient Rome. ACI, a company I had never dealt with before, awed me with their amazing figure of Spartacus (I'm sure you've heard of him) fully geared up for a fight in the gladiator arena. While not based on the hit Starz series, the striking resemblance to the late, great Andy Whitfield is undeniable making this figure even more appealing to this collector.
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#2 - KAUSTIC PLASTIK 1:6 VALERIUS ROMAN LEGIONARY (Read my review HERE (https://www.figures.com/forums/news/21172-review-kaustic-plastik-1-6-roman-legionary-valerius.html)!) - Another 1:6th scale Roman action figure that blew me away was "Valerius" from new Italian toy company Kaustic Plastik. The opposite of the barely clad Spartacus, this stunning Roman Legionary came fully kitted up for war with world-conquering gladius, javelin, Legio XIV shield, and full body armor - including TWO real metal helmets! History and toy collecting doesn't get any cooler than this.
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#1 - NECA 1/4 SCALE CITY HUNTER PREDATOR (Read my review HERE (https://www.figures.com/forums/news/17361-advance-review-necas-quarter-scale-predator-2-city-hunter.html)!) - Sideshow's imaginative Stalker Predator Mask is cool, but when it comes down to collectibles from the actual Predator movies, the killer look of the City Hunter in Predator 2 reigns supreme. While I have my fair share of City Hunter collectibles, NOTHING I own displays my love of the masked warrior quite like NECA's towering 1/4 Scale City Hunter Predator. 22-inches tall, this figure dwarves most all the toys in my collection. It's an impressive size, for sure, but it is the figure's incredible range of movement coupled with an amazing sculpt and rockin' accessories that puts the 1/4 scale City Hunter over the top. Pred-a-tastic!
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Honorable Mentions:
* Jason Freeny's Gummi Anatomy - The designer toy scene is a hit or miss for me. Like art, it's all about what speaks to you. I have always had this bizarre love of cross-sectional anatomy and Jason Freeny's art screams that passion. The Gummi Bear Anatomy is an actual working 3D model based on one of Freeny's earliest pop culture anatomy paintings: the inside of a candy Gummi Bear. Pure genius.
* Big Fish Mass Effect Series 2 - When DC Unlimited canceled their second assortment of Mass Effect figures, fans (including myself) were outraged. Usually when a figure line is canceled, it stays dead, but Big Fish, a company no one had heard of before, stepped up to the plate and delivered. A small toy miracle, Legion and Garrus are now mine.
* NECA's Prometheus/ Half-Life Gordon Freeman - NECA could have easily dominated my true Top 10 list with all the fantastic figures they produced this year. Most all they make just happens to be stuff I love - Prometheus and Half-Life's Gordon Freeman being two stand outs. Prometheus wasn't the greatest movie made, but those Engineers came out amazing. And Gordon? Who'd have ever thought we'd get a Half-Life action figure? The Headcrab alone is the coolest accessory produced this year. Thank you NECA!
* Mezco's Earthworm Jim - Mezco's Mars Attack figure barely surpassed this unexpected video game gem on my Top 10 list. I have fond memories of this character and the 1994 SEGA Genesis game. Mezco's Earthworm Jim action figure celebrated this classic with sculpting perfection; an incredible update to the Playmates fig of yesteryear. Groovy!
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JESS C. HORSLEY
Figures.com Managing Editor
Fully articulated with more energy than a truck full of Duracells, Jess Horsley is Figures.com's Managing Editor. Jess started writing for Figures.com back in 2001 and continues to enjoy reviewing, photographing and collecting. Jess is also an avid 1/6th scale customizer who prefers sci-fi, fantasy, and medieval work. Most of Jess' collection is made up of pieces based on video games like StarCraft II, Dead Space, Assassin's Creed and God of War; comics like The Hulk, Iron Man and X-Force; and movies and TV shows like Star Wars, Spatacus, and LOST among others. In his spare time, Jess enjoys introducing his love of pop culture to his 3 year old daughter, Amelia, who loves Iron Man, The Avengers, and Yo Gabba Gabba.
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#10 - NECA PROMETHEUS SERIES 1 (Read our review HERE (https://www.figures.com/forums/news/16602-advance-review-necas-prometheus-series-1-a.html)!) - While the film was less than expected, NECA did the film proud with two gorgeous figures based on Ridley Scott's return to sci-fi, capturing both the Engineer in Pressure Suit and the Engineer in Chair Suit in perfect 8" action figure form ($16 each). Screen-accurate, beautifully detailed and decently articulated additions to any sci-fi film fan's collection, both figures will turn heads, even with a lack of accessories.
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#9 - MONOGRAM DC & MARVEL BUST BANKS (Read our review HERE (https://www.figures.com/forums/news/16259-review-monogram-direct-superman-batman-dc-bust-banks.html)!) - While most of us were pinching pennies this year, Monogram International provided us with new places to store those precious coins! Continuing their ever-growing line of Bust Banks, Monogram did fans proud by providing us with an array of resin ($60) and plastic ($15) bust banks based on both DC and Marvel favorites including Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Spider-man, Captain America, Red Hulk, Iron Man, Doctor Doom, Wolverine and even Deadpool!
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#8 - ACI 1:6 SPARTACUS "GLADIATOR OF ROME" (Read our review HERE (https://www.figures.com/forums/news/16491-review-aci-toys-1-6-spartacus-2-gladiator-rome.html)!) - For fans who've been watching Starz! and the station's hit series Spartacus to get their gladiatorial goodness, ACI finally fills the collectibles gap for fans, capturing the character in impressive 1/6th scale ($130). Featuring an Andy Whitfield-inspired head sculpt (based on the deceased actor who originally played the lead), this figure captures the power, energy, and style of the series' title character while remaining true to ACI's historically-accurate roots.
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#7 - ENTERBAY 1/4 SCALE RAMBO (Read our review HERE (https://www.figures.com/forums/news/17741-review-enterbay-1-4-scale-hd-masterpiece-rambo-iii.html)!) - 30 years ago, the world was introduced to John Rambo, a Vietnam vet whose unique skills were put to use rescuing POWs, fighting communism, and slave traders throughout four movies. Finally, ENTERBAY makes what could be considered by some to be the pinnacle in Rambo action figure collectibles with their HD Masterpiece 1/4 Scale figure ($360) based on the character's appearance in the third film. Complete with real metal weapons, cloth clothing, screen-accurate sculpting, and a unique poseable 1/4 scale body, die-hard Rambo collector's have finally had their dreams come true.
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#6 - HASBRO MARVEL LEGENDS X-FORCE - If you've not been reading Marvel's Uncanny X-Force, brilliantly written by Rick Remender, something is wrong with you. It's one of the best comics being published today and it's coming to an end very shortly. Thankfully, for fans of the comic's brutal, violent and often hilarious characters, Hasbro has released most of the cast as a part of the Marvel Legends line, including both Fantomex and Deadpool individually ($16 each) and Wolverine, Psylocke and Archangel as a part of this year's San Diego Comic Con Exclusive Set ($50, set of 3). Do yourself a favor and pick up this amazing Marvel comic as well as these awesome Hasbro figures today!
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#5 - SIDESHOW ISSAC CLARKE DEAD SPACE STATUE - Based on one of the coolest video game characters from one of the scariest video games ever created comes this 16" statue of Issac Clarke ($275). Standing over the carcass of a destroyed Necromorph, decked out in his Engineering RIG (Resource Integration Gear) and equipped with a plasma cutter (or ripper saw exclusive), Issac Clarke comes to life in polystone awesomeness, ready to destroy every undead threat lurking around any corner in your home.
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#4 - SQUARE ENIX METAL GEAR SOLID PLAY ARTS KAI SERIES (Read our review HERE (https://www.figures.com/forums/news/15667-square-enixs-play-arts-kai-metal-gear-solid.html)!) - Square Enix's line of Play Arts Kai figures continues to grow with more amazing figures based on fan-favorite characters from the Metal Gear Solid series by famed Japanese game designer Hideo Kojima. This year alone fans have seen the release of three of the game series' most popular characters: Solid Snake, Cyborg Ninja, and Solidus Snake ($60 - $115 each). Figures comes complete with character-specific accessories and weapons as well as impressive sculpts with integrated dynamic articulation, providing plenty of opportunity for posing and play. Thankfully, this line continues to grow with Meryl available this winter and Raiden available next spring!
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#3 - NECA 1/4 SCALE CITY HUNTER PREDATOR (Read our review HERE (https://www.figures.com/forums/news/17361-advance-review-necas-quarter-scale-predator-2-city-hunter.html)!) - For 25 years, film fans have been in love with the Predator. And while maybe 1990's Predator 2 didn't live up to its predecessor, the fact it expanded the sci-fi universe to include tribes made up of the galaxy's greatest hunters blew many a fan's minds. So it's no surprise collector's minds were collectively blown this year as NECA continued to expand their line of Predator collectibles, including the release of two 1/4 scale Predator 2 figures ($90 each). My personal favorite: the City Hunter; a savage, stealthy urban warrior complete with a spear and smart disc, an abundance of articulation, and a super-detailed sculpt which rivals any high-end statue. Collectors are now the ones hunting this amazing figure, looking to add it to their collections!
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#2 - HOT TOYS DX07 STAR WARS BESPIN LUKE SKYWALKER - Hot Toys continues to reign supreme as the finest 1/6th scale figure maker in the world and arguably their best release of 2012 is the DX07 - Bespin Luke Skywalker ($300). Essentially two figures in one package, this deluxe set includes the company's attention to detail in every aspects - be it the figure's movie-accurate sculpting, detailed fabricated clothing, impressive accessories or the massive diorama base, also included. Hot Toys continues to both impress fans as well as tap their wallets, but Bespin Luke is just further evidence Hot Toys continues to make action figure art.
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#1 - DC UNLIMITED STARCRAFT II TYCHUS FINDLAY (Read our review HERE (https://www.figures.com/forums/news/15284-dc-unlimited-starcraft-ii-series-2-terran-marine-tychus-findlay.html)!) - Like so many other fans and collectors, I absolutely love Space Marines and the video game StarCraft II has some of the coolest in all of pop culture - big, bulky walking tanks dressed in Confederate Marine Corps Powered Combat Suits and armed with the massive C-14 Impaler gauss rifle. So when DC originally showed the StarCraft II Tychus Findlay figure ($30) at the 2010 San Diego Comic Con and yet fans never saw its release in 2010 or 2011, we began to worry. Thankfully, the figure hit store shelves last March. And because of its impressive 9" size, its highly detailed, game-accurate sculpting and paints, its decent articulation, and its very affordable retail price of $29.99, this figure has been at the top of my "Best of 2012" list ever since. Do you know what's best of all? Buying multiples of this figure doesn't seem repetitive since you can never have too many heavily armed and armored Space Marine figures in your collection! My army has eight now and I can't wait to add more!
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