Top Ten Figure Reveals From New York Toy Fair 2018
Another New York Toy Fair has come and gone, and with it, the action figure community now awaits for the time that new product arrives into their excited hands. While the show was full of great reveals from many companies, here is a list of ten of the most noteworthy ones.
Ghostbusters Select Slimer- Image via Toy News International
#10. Diamond Selects' Real Ghostbusters figures
Diamond Select Toys has made great figures for their collector-oriented Ghostbusters toy-line based on the original films. Going forward into Series 9, the line will also include figures based on the Real Ghostbusters animated series from 1986. At toy fair Diamond revealed the prototypes of animated ‘Busters Ray, Winston, Egon, and Peter alongside spectral franchise staples Slimer and the Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man. Each figure looks amazing, exciting fans of the cartoon who will finally have figures of the classic designs with modern engineering.
American Gods Laura Moon- Image via NECA
#9. NECA’s Laura Moon figure from American Gods
As one of the most talked about shows of 2017, American Gods excited collectors when premium toy giant NECA announced they had the master toy rights and would be releasing product later in 2018. Though the company only revealed the prototype of one figure, their choice is an interesting one, revealing a blood-soaked Laura Moon. Laura being chosen for the showcase over prominent protagonists Shadow Moon and Mr. Wednesday is an interesting choice in general. But her inclusion raises further eyebrows when one considers this variation of Laura is very specific to the events of the series. A promising first figure that wets the appetites of fans and speaks to a wide-ranging assortment.
Voltron Legendary Defender Allura Figure- Image via Toyark
#8. Playmates’ Princess Allura from Voltron
Not only is Netflix's Voltron: Legendary Defender a hit with children and older fans alike, the toyline is a proven success achieving the balance between playability and collectibility. Playmates have shown some of the upcoming product before at other toy shows and comic cons, but had one exciting exclusive reveal for Toy Fair 2018. The character of Princess Allura will finally get a figure for the new line, sporting the armor and Bayard she first adorned in Season 3. The figure looks great, with collectors happy to add this fan-favorite character to their collections.
Doomsday Clock Dr. Manhattan Figure- Image via DC Collectibles
#7. DC Collectibles’ Doomsday Clock figures
It is surprising given the fact Watchmen is considered one of the definitive critically acclaimed comics that there are not that many figures based on the books. There is some merchandise, but not even close to the volume of other big name franchises like Batman and Spider-Man. DC Collectibles unveiled at Toy Fair their plan to correct this, releasing three new two-packs featuring key characters from the Doomsday Clock series. Included in the assortment are the classic Watchmen characters like Dr. Manhattan and The Comedian, mixed in with newer characters introduced in the mini-series like the Mime and Marionette. All the figures include premium paint apps, lots of accessories, and a scale and articulation scheme making them compatible with DC Collectibles other line, DC Essentials.
Marvel Legends The Dark World Sif and Thor- Image via Articulated Comic Book Art
#6. Marvel Cinematic Universe 10th Anniversary figures
To commemorate a decade of Marvel Studios films, Hasbro is releasing new figures that encompass the ten year legacy of the hugely successful studios. Villains like Ronan or Red Skull who didn’t get figures in their films respective toy lines finally get the attention they deserve, along with figures of absent supporting characters like Pepper Potts and Sif. An exciting new slate of figures for MCU collectors.
SH Figuarts Green and Red Power Rangers- Image via ScienceFiction.Com
#5. Figuarts reveals by Tamashii Nations
Fans of Bandai’s SH Figuarts line, brought to Western markets via BlueFin Distribution, were pleased to see anticipated figures like Sakura from Street Fighter and Majin Buu from Dragon Ball Z on display. But the big surprise of the event was the announcement of re-issues of Figuarts Mighty Morphin Red and Green Rangers, complete with civilian alternate heads depicting the visages of Jason Lee Scott and Tommy Oliver respectively. It’s a great opportunity for collectors to get their hands on these figures again that still offer something new that do not cheapen the older releases.
Power of the Primes Titan Class Predaking- Image via Hasbro
#4. Power of the Primes Titan Class Predaking from Hasbro
For three consecutive years, Hasbro has offered a premium price point Titan class figure corresponding to their collector-oriented Generations sub-lines. In 2018 the Power of the Primes Titan figure is revealed to be the fan-favorite combiner Predaking! Predaking looks incredible with his towering stature, great sculpt, articulation, and classic color scheme. A must buy for Transformers fans.
Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Basic Figures- Image via Playmates
#3. Playmates Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles figures
There has been much discussion about the designs for Nickelodeon’s upcoming re-imagining of the classic Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise. With character designs and plot changes different from what fans are accustomed to, some welcome the changes while others find them wanting. Even if the merits of the cartoon are still to be determined, what is irrefutable is that the new figures from Playmates Toys perfectly capture this different take on the Turtles. Displayed were the new assortments of show accurate figures, vehicles, and a massive sewer lair playset that are going to be offered at major retailers later in the year.
Hasbro's Star Wars Sail Barge Prototype- Image via Engadget
#2. The announcement of HasLab and Jabba’s Sail Barge
Continuing Hasbro's' attention-grabbing reveals from Toy Fair, there was an announced new initiative that offers huge possibilities and demonstrates the company’s willingness to adapt to a changing market. Hasbro is entering the crowd-funding toy scene with their new site, HasLab, promising a way for collectors and the company to collaborate and bring the product fans demand into reality. The first item in this new initiative will be Jabba’s Sail Barge from Return of the Jedi, the largest Star wars vehicle ever produced at 49.35" long and 14.64" wide. "
Power Rangers Banner- Image via Saban Brands and Hasbro
#1. Hasbro gaining the Power Rangers license
As evidenced by their dominating 3/10ths of this list, Hasbro did exceptionally well at Toy Fair this year. By far the most shocking announcement was when Saban Brands revealed that Hasbro would take over the Power Rangers toy line in 2019. This means 2018 will be the last year Bandai of America will produce toys for the brand, marking the end of their 25 years long tenure as master toy licensee. Due to this fact, no product will be available until that time, and so Hasbro had nothing to show at the expo. But the announcement is huge in and of itself, with people outside of the Power Rangers fan base noting what a game changer this could be for the toy world post-2019. Exciting news encapsulating the dynamic event that was the 2018 New York Toy Fair!
