29 coolest superhero action figures we spotted at the 2013 Toy Fair
Psst … the world’s best superheroes are convening in New York City this week. No, it’s not for a global threat or a shwarma convention. The 110th annual American International Toy Fair is underway, and superheroes are all the rage on the floors and showrooms of the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, where toy companies present their lines to buyers (and press) for the year.
We discovered that some of the most tightly guarded secrets revolve around the villains and plot points for a few biggest upcoming superhero films like Man of Steel, Thor: The Dark World and Iron Man 3. For example, LEGO showed us their play sets for Iron Man 3, including the Iron Man vs. the Mandarin (Ben Kingsley) and one called the Malibu Mansion Attack (as seen in the film’s trailers) that featured some excellent brick-breaking action, but the images were under tight security-guard wraps. We did see that the Man of Steel play sets come with a Superman sporting a cloth cape, and there will be mini-figures of Zod (Michael Shannon) and Col. Hardy (Christopher Meloni) in a play set called The Battle of Smallville.
But let’s dig into what we can show you when it comes to some of the coolest superhero figures coming to a store, and probably your shelves, this year.
{Images by Bill Edwards}
View Images
Check out 29 must-have superhero toys for 2013 we spotted at the 110th annual American International Toy Fair.
Jakks Pacific 31” Man of Steel
Listen, if you’re going to have a visual representation of Henry Cavill’s Superman, you might as well go big. Jakks Pacific presents this behemoth of an action figure, standing almost three feet tall sculpted in the likeness of Cavill in his brand new super suit from director Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel (opening June 14th, 2013). He won’t just stand around looking pretty because the figure also has seven points of articulation. (Available June, $29.99)
NECA Adam West Batman
After launching a ¼ scale with Marvel, NECA is now introducing the scale with their DC licenses including this amazing Adam West Batman based on the classic ABC ’66 – ’68 television series. The figure bears the uncanny resemblance to actor West, who wears the familiar blue and yellow version of the bat suit, and is articulated so you can pose him doing the Batusi. (Available 2013, final price pending but expect $80 - $100)
Matty Collector Classic Batman figures
Retro TV Batman is getting a lot of love this year because Mattel is also making 6” figures from the cult TV series that will each have retro style “trading card” backdrops. Characters include Batman, The Riddler, The Penguin and yes, Surfing Contest Batman (in board shorts). For the Robin lovers, you can get a Batman and Robin two-pack with a climbing wall back drop accessory. There will also be a separate 6” scale Batmobile!
NECA Michael Keaton Batman
If you’re a fan of the Batman that helped revitalize the franchise on film, NECA is also introducing the Michael Keaton Batman from the Tim Burton films about the Dark Knight. Scupted entirely from photo reference, the Keaton Batman is done in the new DC ¼ scale and will be articulated. (Available Summer 2013, final price pending but expect $80 - $100)
Mezco Girls of Gotham City Mez-itz
Not everything has to be about the boys, so Mezco is celebrating the ladies of Gotham with these awesome 2-inch mini figures featuring the stylized designs of Batgirl, Harley Quinn, Poison Ivy and Catwoman. They come as a four pack. (Available August 2013)
Kotobukiya The Joker: The Killing Joke ARTFX Statue
If Gotham bad guys are more your style, The Killing Joke: The Joker 11” (1/6th scale) is an amazing sculpt inspired by the classic graphic novel. It looks amazing but is also tricked out with a motion sensor that activates the LED spot lamp on the base and a camera shutter click. Creepy benchman is also removable (but why would you?) (Available June 2013, $129.99)
NECA Kick-Ass 2 Figures
Maybe you like your superheroes little more street? NECA sculpts the returning Kick-Ass team in time for the new sequel. Series one will feature Kick-Ass, Hit-Girl and The Crimson Mist (who gets a not-safe- for-this-website name change in the new movie). NECA Director of Product Development Randy Falk says they are already designing Series 2 to come out with the film’s DVD/Blu-ray release. (Available June 2013)
Diamond Select Toys Iron Man and War Machine Figures
Tony Stark and James “Rhody” Rhodes get the Marvel Select treatment in their latest Iron Man and War Machine suits. The 7-inch-scale figures come with display bases and reflect the looks of their characters in Iron Man 3. (Available May 2013).
NECA The Avengers Iron Man
If you prefer your Tony Stark with more bells and whistles (like he does), then NECA is releasing its ¼ scale Iron Man from the Joss Whedon blockbuster with articulated appendages light up hands, eye and chest. (Available May 2013, approx $100)
Kotobukiya 52 Style Justice League Figures
When you need ALL of the superheroes, then look no further than these beautiful individual 1/10th scale figures of the Justice League members based on the recent comic book mega series. Superman and Green Lantern are out now ...
Kotobukiya 52 Style Justice League Figures
... but The Flash drops in February. Future releases will be (in order): Aquaman (April ’13), Batman (May ’13), Wonder Woman (June ’13), and Cyborg (July ’13). Figures range from $39.99 to $49.99.
Hasbro Thor: The Dark World Figures
When the mighty Thor returns to screens on November 8, Hasbro will feature brand new 3 ¾” scale action figures sculpted to the likeness of Chris Hemsworth, the god ruler of Asgard. Wrapped in his cowl, Thor is looking a bit pensive, but wouldn’t you with a brother like Loki? (Available October 2013).
