Saturday 29th December, 2018
The first wave of the new Star Wars Black Series Archive wave have been released by Hasbro. The first wave, due in Spring, is made up of re-releases of Boba Fett, IG-88, Bossk and X-Wing Luke Skywalker. The following image has been shared by Danner on the Toy Run Facebook page. It gives us a look at the 3.75 inch Star Wars Resistance figures carded. As yet we aren't sure if these will hit mainstream UK retail with The Entertainer awash with older product and Smyths having zero shelf space for Star Wars at present.
Luke will be updated to include the face print technology. It is interesting to see the image of IG-88 still has the gold tone paint - it was withdrawn from display at London Comic Con as apparently this colouring was not accurate to the final release.
A new flyer from Disney Store has revealed the next Diecast Elite Series droid to be released. R4-G9 will be arriving on 19th of January. We would assume this would be Worldwide considering every Elite release to date has been Global. R4-G9 was the droid assigned to Obi-Wan Kenobi during the Clone Wars after his original R4 unit was destroyed by Buzz Droids in the battle over Coruscant.
Following the initial announcement, McFarlane have now revealed their next Fortnite figures Rex and Drift Not characters include their signature weapons and will be released in February 2019
And following up on the Rex and Drift news, the McFarlane Fortnite line continued its rapid expansion with the further announcement of two new 7 inch action figures for 2019. Carbide
and
Omega
are
scheduled
for
a
April
2019
release.
"Fortnite Carbide Premium Action Figure From the highly popular action building game Fortnite, the heroic Carbide arrives in the nick of time to save the day and protect your collection! This hyper-posable figure features 22 points of articulation, making him perfect for Emote posing and comes complete with the Stabilizer Back Bling. Equipped with a devastating Grenade Launcher, Carbide comes packaged in a premium glossy Fortnite-themed window box. Also included with the figure is the Positron Harvesting Tool for harvesting your materials and a Fortnite-branded display base."
FORTNITE DRIFT 7-INCH PREMIUM ACTION FIGURE The Fortnite Series 1 Drift 7-Inch Action Figure features design and paint decos from in-game assets. The Figure is hyper-articulated at over 18 points of articulation: perfect for Emote posing! The Drift figure is showcased in premium glossy Fortnite themed window box packaging and stands tall on a Fortnite branded display base! In Shops: Feb 27, 2019
FORTNITE REX 7-INCH PREMIUM ACTION FIGURE The Fortnite Series 1 Rex 7-Inch Action Figure features design and paint decos from in-game assets. The Figure is hyper-articulated at over 18 points of articulation: perfect for Emote posing! The Rex figure is showcased in premium glossy Fortnite themed window box packaging and stands tall on a Fortnite branded display base!? In Shops: Feb 27, 2019
"Fortnite Omega Premium Action Figure From the highly popular action building game Fortnite, make way for the villainous and nefarious Omega! This hyper-posable figure features 22 points of articulation, making him perfect for Emote posing and comes complete with the Destabilizer Back Bling. This figure arrives ready for battle with the included Assault Rifle and features premium glossy Fortnite-themed window box packaging. Also included with the figure is the Onslaught Harvesting Tool for harvesting your materials and a Fortnite-branded display base."
Here is a first look from NECA for their revised Godzilla packaging. The 1962 Godzilla will move from blister card to a box, similar in design to the Ultimate series figures. The new box opens up more room for stunning artwork as seen on the panels below.
NECA have given us a Preview of the Exclusive Turtle figures heading to Gamestop in the New Year. Sadly the licence is presently for the US only so UK collectors will not be able to buy these direct. Here is a look at a prototype Kenner inspired Drake figure from Aliens in his packaging layout. "Lock & load. Blister layout for the Kenner inspired Drake figure" (Randy Falk, Twitter)
NECA
the
have teased these accessories for the Ultimate Roy Burns from Friday 13th : A New Beginning.
The set looks to include Roy's flaming torch as well as a clever, shears, machete, knives and even a tent peg. "So many instruments of death, it’s like he’s got his own “Fixins Bar” for murder & mayhem" (Randy Falk, Twitter)
NECA have unveiled the packaging for their Thermal Vision Predator, as seen in the 2018 movie. The figure is exclusive to Target in the US, but should be available from the UK independents.
NECA continue to share behind the scenes images of the Assassin Predator action figure from the 2018 Predator Shane Black movie. This monster Predator will stand nearly 12 inches tall, dwarfing the usual Predator figures. He includes two head options as well as a wrist blade and a wrist cannon.
NECA unveil the packaging for their Bride of Chucky 2-Pack. The set, due for release by end of the year, brings us figure of Chucky and his bride Tiffany as well as an assortment of head and hand options. The pair also get an armoury of weapons and even a bottle of bubbly to toast their nuptials. The set, like all Ultimate releases, includes a opening front flap to reveal the figures.
NECA have released the packaging images for their early 2019 release of the Ultimate Golden Angel Predator - it was shown on the Visual Guide download for the Ultimate Series. The Dark Horse Comics inspired release will include three head options, swap out hands, trophies, weapons and the flintlock pistol that we saw in Predator 2 (1990). The Ultimate packaging for the figure features comic artwork from the Dark Horse series.
The NECA Twitter account has announced a further Ultimate release of the 2017 Pennywise the Clown from IT. The set, titled Pennywise the Dancing Clown, will include four head options, three of which are brand new - "Judith" painting head, emerging head and deadlights head. There will be a battery operated LED light up feature on the deadlights head.
"From the acclaimed 2017 horror IT Movie, drawn from the pages of Stephen King's original novel, NECA presents #Pennywise: The Dancing Clown!
The emerging praying Mantis type arms are included so you can replicate that scene. There are other arm options too with open and closed hand forearm pieces. The set is scheduled for a 2nd quarter release in 2019 (April-June) and will be packed in the Ultimate format with movie artwork and opening front cover.
Based on Bill SkarsgĂĽrd's portrayal of the nightmare-inducing clown, this 7" scale figure has been painstakingly detailed to be as accurate to Pennywise's ornate costume as possible, and is presented in an Ultimate format with special packaging and LED lights inside one of the heads. This version features 4 head sculpts, 3 of which are all-new heads: "Judith" Painting Head, "Emerging Arms" Head, and Light-Up "Deadlights" Head with LED light inside the mouth. The figure also includes interchangeable articulated insect arms, interchangeable forearms, and 2 pairs of hands. The special window box packaging has a fold down flap in homage to the Dancing Clown scene from the film. Uses button cell batteries, included."
NECA have finally revealed a first look at their Newborn Alien figure from Alien Resurrection. The Newborn looks to be in larger almost Ultimate packaging, and the tweet accompanying the picture indicates a display stand will be included. We can't wait to see what artwork will adorn this window box release "A belated #facehuggerfriday gives you a look at this long awaited figure’s packaging layout. Bonus adjustable display stand included as well. Resurrection fans rejoice!"
We finished the Christmas period with NECA have unveiling this wonderful looking Ripley figure from Alien Resurrection. Ripley 8 will be part of Aliens Series 14 and she will arrive in Spring 2019 along with the Resurrection Xenomorph and the Newborn alien. The figure is packed with two weapon options and her basketball. We were soon granted a better look at the full wave via one of NECA’s festive downloads - a complete checklist of their Aliens series to date.
Shortly after the Newborn reveal we then got a look at the Resurrection Xenomorph - complete in its swimming pose. "Let's go swimming for #facehuggerfriday, testing the range of motion and head movement on the new Resurrection Warrior coming Spring 2019"
After a few teasers, NECA have now shared this image of their quarter scale 18 inch shredder figure from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. The figure is likely to be a mid to late 2019 release.
NECA have announced a new addition to their 8 inch retro line of action figures - a Friday the 13th "Corpse" Pamela Voorhees figure. This is Pamela as seen in the third installment when she returns as "the lady of the lake" in a dream sequence. The figure, like all 8 inch retro releases, will feature and articulated body, sculpted head and tailored soft good clothes. The figure will be released in the 2nd quarter of 2019 (April-June)
"Friday the 13th - 8" Clothed Action Figure – Corpse Pamela The original killer from #Fridaythe13th is back! Jason’s mom, Pamela Voorhees, dies in the first movie but appears again in the third installment of the slasher series. The “Lady of the Lake” figure depicts Pamela as she appears in Chris’ dream: a nightmarishly rotted body emerging from Crystal Lake to pull Chris in. The detailed figure is fully poseable and stands 8” tall, featuring synthetic hair and distressed clothing. The resealable clamshell packaging has custom artwork created by Jason Edmiston just for this release! "
NECA have released the full details of their 1956 Godzilla figure and confirmed it's release for the 2nd quarter of 2019 (April to June). The release celebrates the first appearance of Godzilla and is based on the US movie poster of King of the Monsters The packaging will innovatively fold out to a 3D backdrop so you can recreate said movie poster with the figure
NECA have shared a set of new promotional images for their Ultimate Stripe Gremlin figure arriving in 2019.
"NECA goes back to the movie that started the reign of the most famous kaiju in the world This version of the beloved monster is based on the one-sheet poster for the movie's 1956 U.S. release, Godzilla, King of the Monsters! The figure measures 6" tall and 12" long from head to tail. It features over 30 points of articulation, including an articulated tail! The package insert doubles as a foldable backdrop that brings the one-sheet to life-Godzilla can be posed in the fold of the backdrop creating a 3D version of the poster illustration in toy form."
New promotional images have been released for the Marvel Legends Spider-Man Kingpin Build-a-Figure wave. These images show both the packaged product as well as the figures in a diorama rooftop setting. The
wave
is
due
to
arrive
in
early
2019
(for some reason the Symbiote Black Suit Spider-Man hasn't got a promo image?)
It seems we have two further 6 inch Legends Captain Marvel releases incoming. The news was initially broken by Far MFCT on Facebook. Less than 24hrs later the official announcement was released by Hasbro on the Hasbro Pulse. Up first is Captain Marvel Star-Force. This figure uses the same base as the main wave release, but in the green Star-Force colouring. To add further value for collectors there are additional parts added to the box - a scarf, head and bandoleer to allow you to change the figure from Captain Marvel to Doctor Minerva (played by Gemma Chan in the 2019 movie).
We are only a few weeks (if that) away from the first Captain Marvel wave of 6 inch Legends figures, and Hasbro have now released additional promo images including most of the wave in the packaging.
The wave includes two Captain Marvel figures, both labelled the same which I can see causing some problems particularly for online orders vs shipping. The first Captain Marvel figure with the masked head will not include a BAF part. Images have not yet been shared for the Star Force Commander.
This release will be exclusive to Target stores in the US. And will most likely get a general independent release in the UK. "Marvel Captain Marvel 6-Inch Legends Captain Marvel (Starforce) Figure (HASBRO/Ages 4 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $19.99/Available: January 2019) Available exclusively at Target."
The second figure also uses the original Captain Marvel body and head sculpts. In this version both heads and the arms have been amended to be translucent FX pieces. There are also some further clip on FX items for the hands. This exclusive is titled Binary Form Captain Marvel and will be a Walmart exclusive. While Walmart may have a presence in the UK with Asda, none of the other Walmart exclusives from Hasbro have made their way over the pond in recent years - so this one also seems unlikely. It will, like the Starforce Captain, be available via your independent specialist of choice. Both figures look to be a January release in their respective US retailers.
"Marvel Captain Marvel 6-Inch Legends Binary Form Figure (HASBRO/Ages 4 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $19.99/Available: January 2019) Available exclusively at Walmart."
For the third year running the UK is getting a "Best of MCU" wave courtesy of Hasbro. The principle of these waves is to repack various MCU figures and a relevant BAF together for the UK and European market. In 2019 we are going to have a 7 figure wave that combines the Avengers Infinity War first and second waves. The Diamond Select Infinity War figures may be quite a few months later than we might have hoped, but they are due in January and Diamond have revealed the packaging for two of the three releases - Thor/Groot and Iron-Spider
From wave 1 are Iron-Man, Captain America and the Iron-Spider. From wave 2 we get Thor, Black Widow, Ant-Man and the Wasp. The figures will include parts to build the Thanos BAF. While collectors will be pleased to see re-releases of Cap, Iron-Spider, Thor and Widow - the figures of Ant-Man and Wasp are already clogging up pegs and Iron-Man has been heavily discounted and released again in the First Ten Years 3-Pack with LED features. The inclusion of Thanos as the BAF is also perhaps an odd choice considering the aforementioned 3-Pack - which saw the figure much improved - and Cull Obsidian may have been a better option. The UK independent retailers are now opening this wave up for pre-order with an arrival in January / February.
As expected, Diamond have released details of their next Marvel Cinematic Universe release as Captain Marvel. The titular character from the 2019 blockbuster is only shown as a silhouette image and with accompanying text that states this will be Captain Marvel in her Starforce uniform - which is the green uniform rather than the classic red and blue. Release is tentatively schedule for May 2019, which may be optimistic when you consider the situation with the Infinity War releases.
"A Diamond Select Toys release! It's official! The next highly anticipated release in the Marvel Select action figure line is none other than Captain Marvel herself, in her Starforce uniform! Measuring approximately 7" tall with approximately 16 points of articulation, this movie release will feature the likeness of actress Brie Larson and is sure to be the next sought-after figure in the line! Packaged in display-ready Select packaging, with side-panel artwork for shelf reference"
The packaging uses a striking yellow exploding colour scheme sat behind the figure. We then have a blue scheme with the character name down the side in the same font as the Comic Book releases. The Infinity War logo is positioned in the triangular insert. Captain America is not yet revealed, but is shown on the card back as "also available"
Tamashii Nations have released the first promotional images of their SH Monsterarts figures from Godzilla King of Monsters. Making landfall first will be Godzilla. He is due to arrive in May 2019 and stands around 150mm / 6 inches tall. He is fully articulated and includes an atomic breath FX piece. Godzilla has a 7020 Yen RRP which works out at about ÂŁ50. You will need to pay a premium on this for import to the UK.
McFarlane have shared new imagery of their Game of Thrones figures, this time a look at the Arya Stark figure who has previously only been shown as a digital image. Arya is in her Season 7 outfit and comes complete with her sword, Needle. The Catspaw dagger is also included as a second weapon for Arya.
Dwarfing Godzilla at 250mm (nearly 10 inches) high and with a 600mm (almost 2ft) wingspan is King Ghidorah. The promo shots do show the wings to be self supporting, but you also get clear supports to use which indicates there may be some overbalancing issues.
The first wave of figures containing Arya, Jon Snow, the Night King and Daenerys Targaryen are due in April 2019.
King Ghidorah is due to arrive May/June 2019 and has a price tag of 18360 Yen, that is ÂŁ131.
Here are some better details about the Kaiyoda Amazing Yamaguchi Revoltech Iron-Man revealed back in November. The figure looks to be arriving in May 2019. He will include a wealth of swap out options including hands and clip on weaponry, very similar to the Nanotech used on the Mk50 in Infinity War. There are also a set of FX blast parts, including an impressive set of 6 clip on firing missiles.
After releasing him in 2018 in his Justice League outfit, Medicom will be updating their MAFEX Aquaman figure to his most recent outing in his standalone movie. The figure will arrive with Aquaman's Trident as well as two head portraits and a variety of hand options. The figure has a July 2019 scheduled release date. The 8th of February date shown is the date the movie is released in Japan.
SH Figuarts have released the promotional images for their next Harry Potter 1/12 release, Professor Severus Snape. The Professor is dressed in his trademark black robes, although there is no flowing outer cape we see in some of the movies. There are two head options, both a great likeness to Alan Rickman, as well as hand options. His sole accessory will be his wand. Snape is due for a release in May 2019 and should be available on import to UK specialists for circa ÂŁ50
Hong Kong Toy company Soap Studios appears to be developing a 6 inch scale Aquaman figure as seen in this prototype image that the company themselves shared on social media from the Toy Soul event 2018. The figure is not yet articulated or painted, but was displayed alongside other 6 inch / 1/12 scale figure. The Soap Studios figures are similar to Mezco with articulated bodies, sculpted head and soft goods tailored clothes. Aquaman would be more aligned to their Flash figure with a leather type bodysuit and then hard cast parts like boots and gauntlets. We await more info.
Mezco have announced a further release of their Popeye 1/12 figure, this time as a limited release exclusive. The base figure is identical to the original release, but the clothing has been changed to a white Sailor suit rather than the original dark blue. The accessories remains the same also with two head options and three interchangeable hats. Popeye's comes with 6 versions of his pipes, three of which have added smoke effect.
Mezco have announced a new Green Lantern One:12 figure as a Previews Exclusive for 2019. This is Hal Jordan's Green Lantern as opposed to the John Stewart main release. The figure will share the Stewart body, but comes with two sculpted Hal Jordan heads as well as an updated uniform. The accessories remain the same as the Stewart figure, albeit the hands are now white in colour. These accessories include Lantern ring FX pieces as well as a Lantern with light up feature. As a Previews Exclusive he will only be available via specialists and comic book stores. He is priced at $85 and is due for an August release.
We have seven interchangeable hand options, a telescope, compass and two cans of spinach, one crushed. There is also a soft good duffel bag for Popeye to stow his gear in. And the whole figure sits on a display stand with anchor motif. The figure will arrive in innovative Spinach Tin packaging.
"Intergalactic guardian of Sector 2814, Harold 'Hal' Jordan, is presented in his Green Lantern Corps uniform. Intricately detailed and featuring a 3D chest insignia, his fitted suit features wrist gauntlets, combat gloves, and mid-calf boots. Included is a real light-up Power Battery lantern as used by the Green Lantern Corps to recharge their power rings. Activate the light-up feature by placing the right fisted hand in the recess of the lantern. The One:12 Collective Hal Jordan features a One:12 Collective body that features 32 points of articulation and stands about 6.5" tall! He comes with eleven interchangeable hands that include smoke, star, shield blast and energy ball effects, plus two interchangeable heads and Power Battery with ring activated light-up function! Hal comes with a One:12 Collective display base with logo and adjustable display post for easy posing! Each One:12 Collective Hal Jordan figure is packaged in a collector friendly box, designed with fans in mind!"
"The One:12 Collective Popeye – Deluxe Sailor Edition features Popeye sporting Navy whites, just as he did in the animated shorts between 1940 and 1960. Packaged neatly in a deluxe tin shaped like a spinach can, Popeye comes complete with two head portraits and a wide range of accessories including: a removable pea coat, a duffle bag with functional drawstring, a collapsible spy glass, a compass with hinged lid, two spinach cans, three different hats, and two styles of corncob pipes."
As 2018 draws to a close I take a look back at my Top figures of 2018. These are my views only and are based on figures that I have bought and reviewed in 2018.
Starting off our countdown is the first of the Ghostbusters in their darker grey Ghostbusters II movie logo. Ray arrived in the UK just after Christmas 2017 and while he was a repaint of the original figure he does get some tweaked equipment and of course that Santa hat.
Arriving quite late in 2018, the Imperial Patrol Trooper was only seen fleetingly in Solo : A Star Wars Story. But he makes a brilliant addition to the 6 inch Black Series. It is just a shame he is missing his ride or he could have placed a little higher in our count-down.
While the future of the 5 inch Doctor Who line remains unclear, it was great to get some new (albeit repainted) figures in 2018 via B&M Bargains. My favourite was the new 3rd Doctor and TARDIS and they materialise at number 14 in our countdown.
The Stranger Things licence from McFarlane arrived quite late in the UK, but that means the Eleven figure - complete with her Eggo - can be included in the 2018 countdown at number 11. The figure might have a few issues, but it is great to see McFarlane trying something different with this line.
I am going to put two figures at number 13, the Captain America and Crossbones from the First Ten Years of the MCU box set. This pack gives us the best Chris Evans likeness we have had in the line to date as well as a brilliant new villain in Crossbones to menace our Legends shelves.
The Clone Trooper 6 inch Black Series sculpt might have been around in the line for nearly 5 years now, but if they keep using it to the standard of the 2018 Captain Wolffe release, then that is fine by my book. With a new head sculpt and helmet, Wolffe just needs some Wolfpack troopers now to lead into battle.
2018 must be the year of the Troopers with another Star Wars Black Series armored Trooper in at number 9. Like the Patrol Trooper the Range Troopers didn’t get much screen time, but the figure is a thing of beauty - even that soft goods fur collar.
As well as Stranger Things, McFarlane launched their Star Trek licence in 2018 with the arrival of the iconic Captains Kirk and Picard. While the likeness is not 100%, we found the Picard figure charming and dynamic with a better than expected range of articulation and some neat accessories to boot.
Ant-Man and the Wasp kind of came and went with a whimper in the UK after the decision to delay it due to the World Cup. The figures were also hidden a bit in an Avengers wave, but that doesn’t mean they are bad figures - in fact Wasp is one of the best of 2018 and gets a number 7 slot in our countdown.
The 13th Doctor might have got mixed reviews for her onscreen performance, but she materialised right into the number 6 spot on our countdown, cutting it very fine by arriving Christmas week. We hope that this new Jodie figure will kick start the 5 inch line once more in 2019.
Like Captain America, Black Widow had not had a particularly flattering figure to date in the MCU Marvel Legends line. Her Infinity War release put that right with a wonderful face printed head sculpt of Scarlett Johansson and a very dynamic and articulated body for fighting the Black Order.
One of the best things that happened in the Black Series line for 2018 was Hasbro’s decision to add a new “big figure” format allowing the larger than normal Star Wars characters to get a single release at just a touch more £ than usual. It was in this format that Moloch arrived, and he is brilliant!
I have said it a number of times in 2018 during reviews, but Hasbro are absolutely knocking their female head sculpt out of the park at present with their new face print technology. We’ve already seen how good this looks on The Wasp and Black Widow, but for me the figure that shows off this technology at its best is the Scarlet Witch figure from the 2-Pack with Vision. Essentially this is the exact same figure as was released in 2015 for Civil War, but just look what the face print technology brings to that sculpt. Scarlet Witch is our number 3 figure of 2018.
The Bounty Hunter line-up was finally completed in 2018 with the releases of 4-LOM, Zuckuss and my personal favourite Dengar. The bangaged Bounty Hunter might not be the best looking in that line up on the Star Destroyer Bridge, but I love the way he is designed - with scavenged Imperial armour. The Black Series 6 inch figure did not disappoint when he arrived with Hasbro doing a wonderful job capturing the slovenly look of the figure and armour as well as the menacing scarred face looking out from the bandages. Dengar might have even reached the number 1 slot if Hasbro had given him a screen accurate blaster.
And in top spot, it is another Star Wars Black Series release - the stunning Gamorrean Guard. The first of Hasbro’s “Big Fig” format the Gamorrean Guard comes with some awesome articulation considering his bulk, including an articulated jaw. He also gets a raft of weapons so that collectors can army build the Guard for their Jabba’s Palace display - that is of course if the figure was readily available in the UK. Being an Exclusive fans were short changed a little in the UK with this figure running at around £40-£45 from most retailers. We’d hope Hasbro UK might consider a new production run for us Brits in 2019.
Continuing our annual tradition, I try and predict some of the Action Figures we may see on shelves or announced at Toy Fairs and Cons in 2019. My predictions are based on nothing more than my rambling thoughts combined with a small bit of logic
One of the items I enjoy writing the most in our end of year edition is my predictions of action figure releases for the year to come. These are not just my wishes for 2019, but rather figures I would expect to see considering the various media streams in 2019 and taken into account clues and hints we have seen to date. In the past two years I’ve hit at about a 50% rate of accuracy.
The biggest event of 2019 for Marvel fans will be Avengers End Game and the re-match with Thanos. Thanos got a pretty good level of representation in 2018, but I think every toy company will be looking to do a revised version for 2019, especially if he spends more time in End Game in his armour. This feels like another Build-a-Figure for Marvel Legends, while I think Diamond won’t miss out on this final opportunity to get him out in the Select format - most likely with tweaked Thor, Cap and Iron-Man figures. Thanos will also probably get some love from the Far East companies, particularly SH Figuarts, although these may end up being a 2020 release.
Let us start with Marvel and, with what is pretty much “a given” for a 2019 release. The last Spider-Man film merchandise seemed to be a pretty big hit in stores, and also with collectors. I therefore would expect the toy makers to go pretty big for Spider-Man Far from Home. Hasbro will no doubt give us a full wave of Marvel Legends with a couple of Spider-Man figures including the new darker Suit an the teased Stealth Suit. Diamond Select will probably use their existing Tom Holland figure and give it a paint job to match the new suit.
McFarlane have a number of big licences to juggle now with their 7 inch lines for Stranger Things, Star Trek and now Game of Thrones sitting alongside their brand new Fortnite licence. We know that Spock and Michael Burnham are the next planned Trek figures, but I am going to repeat the prediction from last year that we will see a Next Generation Data announced in 2019, most likely for end of year or 2020 release. Game of Thrones from McFarlane is a bit of an unknown quantity at the moment, but the first wave line up shows they are going after the big hitters first. To that end I would suspect a Wave 2 will include Tyrion Lannister as a main character from Season 7 and going into Season 8. The same wave may include his sister Cersei but they may also go for a more action orientate set of figures such as Grey Worm or Tormund Giantsbane.
From a figure with a big presence in 2019 on the screen to one whose show was actually cancelled in 2018. Iron-Fist isn’t the best loved of the Netflix Defenders, but we know Hasbro have invested time and effort to sculpt a Danny Rand Marvel Legends figure - as seen in the 2018 San Diego Exclusive Box Set. It is unlikely that the money would have been spent just for this limited release and I therefore expect to see a tweaked Danny Rand in 2019 either a single release in some form of Marvel Knights wave - or more likely as a 2 pack with Colleen Wing.
With IT being a 2018 focus, I would imagine Godzilla King of Monsters might be the big focus for 2019. We already know about a Godzilla and a Mothra incoming, I’d expect to see multiple versions of Godzilla and then versions of Ghidorah and Rodan to face off against.
The only Star Wars movie in 2019 hits in December, so we’d expect to see a Force Friday type event in September or October with a launch of merchandise at that time. Before that we have the Resistance 3.75” Action Figures to look forward to and a couple of more Vintage collection waves, also in 3.75”. The Black Series has about 2 further waves announced which should take us to May time. The bit between May and September should be filled with at least one more 6 inch Black Series wave, and I think the Return of the Jedi Admiral Ackbar will be on of these figures. After all the sculpt is practically done from The Last Jedi version and it would only require small tweaks. I’d also expect to see the Rebels crew rounded out in 2019 and for Zeb to follow Ezra and Chopper into the line. Zeb may need to be one of those “Big Fig” releases akin to the Gamorrean Guard and Moloch.
I’ve mentioned Diamond Select a little earlier with their Marvel Select release. As for their other Select licenses in 2019 that picture is a little unclear. Gotham is on hiatus (most likely canned completely) and I would imagine Ghostbusters will go the same way once the Firehouse build-a-diorama is complete. We have the Bruce Lee figures to look forward to, and the ongoing Pacific Rim figures. The future of the Select line may be more along the lines of the John Wick release - limited releases per movie, as per The Dark Tower, rather than anything in depth. With that in mind I have no real predictions I can make for Diamond at this stage.
Predictions aside, the most interesting (and potentially worrying) part of 2019 is what could transpire in the world of franchises and licences - as well as the impact of Brexit here in the UK on prices and availability.
Moving on to NECA, and I am really not sure where they will take their licences in 2019 after a pretty disrupted 2018 following some production issues. We know that Resurrection figures are coming from Aliens and I still hold out hope that a deal is (or can) be done to get us an Aliens Drake from the movie to follow on from the Kenner inspired release.
We know that Mattel have recently been dealt a blow having lost the DC licence for action figures (apart from some junior products) to Spin Masters who now have a 4-year deal covering the DC Multiverse. Mattel retain the WWE licence and have the Jurassic Park & World universe to play in - but articles indicate they will be going hard after something to fill the DC void in 2019 ready for 2020. That will correspond with Hasbro’s licence renewal for Star Wars and that leads to quite an unsettling thought for Star Wars collectors if the Hasbro / Star Wars partnership is finally broken and whether a new company would try to continue existing lines - or relaunch all together. Brexit is also going to have a bearing in terms of pricing - whether that be increased prices due to importing goods or a relative price increase as the value of the £ and wages in people’s pockets lower. We would hope the impact will be minimal and that 2019 will be just as great for Action Figure collectors as the previous few years.