This year has been one of the record books for sure, not only did we see conventions reopen with in-person attendance, but it’s certainly been a great year for toys. This year has also been a personal milestone for me, not only did I get too visit the Mattel Design Center in celetaion of Masters of the Universe 40th Anniversary for Press and Influencer Day on September 29th, 2022 (coverage HERE and HERE!). I also got to visit NECA Toys Design Center while visiting the Four Horsemen Studios for G-Con 2022, which was great to see. The Four Horsemen coverage can be found HERE, and there is no coverage from the NECA visit. What I saw will remain secret until it has been officially revealed.
We have complied a list of some of our favorites from this year, including a Top 10 action figures list, and only the best of the best will be mentioned in no particular order for the most part.
1. Hasbro Marvel Legends HasLab Galactus Figure
This shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone that Galactus got on this list, and the first figure on it given the size and awesomeness that this crowdfunded offering deserves. He’s the biggest Galactus you’re going to own in your lifetime, towering over previous releases from both Toy Biz and Hasbro, and will surely be the gem in your Marvel collections this year. Hasbro did also attempt a Ghost Rider offering this year, which was poorly planned at its price point unfortunately, and did not offer the same value that you see in these larger figures, such as Galactus and the Sentinel. The lights on Galactus plus the stretch goals only offered additional value to an already impressive figure.
If you didn’t back this, you can find Galactus on eBay now.
2. NECA Toys Defenders of the Earth wave 2 – Lothar, Mandrake and Garax
When it comes to classic 1980’s cartoons, Defenders of the Earth is pretty obscure compared to some of the bigger brands, such as G.I. Joe, Transformers, ThunderCats, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Masters of the Universe, She-Ra and The Real Ghostbusters, among many others. Getting a modern day action figure line from this show today is very exciting for fans and this wave offers some more core characters of the team, including the villain Garax. We’re still missing the kids though, and I’m hoping this will happen if this wave sells well.
In-Stock now at BigBadToyStore for $109.99/set.
Pre-Orders are also available on Entertainment Earth, BigBadToyStore, Things From Another World, Zavvi – U.S./Canada and Zavvi – U.K.
If you preorder anything at $39+ on Entertainment Earth, make sure to use coupon code: HOLIDAYFREE22 for FREE USA shipping. For in-stock orders, use code: ToyHypeUS for 10% off plus FREE USA Shipping on orders of $39+
3. Mattel – Masters of the Universe: Origins Leech Deluxe Figure
It’s hard to pick one figure as Mattel’s team are just doing an incredible job on Masters of the Universe, including Origins and Masterverse. If I had to choose one, it would be Leech as he’s given customizable options with the head sculpts and hands, something that you didn’t get in the 1980’s. But don’t just buy Leech, as there are many other great figures in these lines right now.
Masters of the Universe products are available on BigBadToyStore, Entertainment Earth, Amazon and GameStop.
If you preorder anything at $39+ on Entertainment Earth, make sure to use coupon code: HLIDAYFREE22 for FREE USA shipping. For in-stock orders, use code: ToyHypeUS for 10% off plus FREE USA Shipping on orders of $39+.
4. Fresh Monkey Fiction Naughty or Nice Collection Figures – Classic Santa
Fresh Monkey Fiction and BigBadToyStore are now offering the first wave of their exclusive Naughty or Nice Collection, and wave 2 is also up for pre-order. This new line has surpassed expectations and these work great with other 6″ figures. Classic Santa has made the top of the list as it is the holiday season, and the rest fall in second place to him as these are all supporting characters. It’s also recommended you grab the wave 1 and 2 accessory sets.
Wave 2 is also up for pre-order, and you can grab all of these now by clicking HERE!
5. Hasbro Transformers: Legacy Leader TransMetal II Megatron
Behold the Dragon! Hasbro’s Beast Wars TransMetal II Megatron makes his triumphant return this year after 23 years. They’ve been focusing on Beast Wars lately and the line has been great. While it seems unlikely that more characters will get the TransMetal treatment that they once did in the late 1990’s, (1998-1999 to be exact, with some repaints and new characters of the tools offered in Transformers: Beast Machines in 2000 and Transformers Robots in Disguise in 2001). The figure itself doesn’t have the shiny metallic parts that the previously offered figure once did, but it’s close enough. If you’re into Beast Wars, then this is for you!
Megatron and additional figures are available on Entertainment Earth, BigBadToyStore, Hobby Link Japan, Zavvi U.S./Canada, Zavvi U.K., GameStop, and Amazon. These are expected to ship in Q1, 2023.
If you preorder anything at $39+ on Entertainment Earth, make sure to use coupon code: HOLIDAYFREE22 for FREE USA shipping. For in-stock orders, use code: ToyHypeUS for 10% off plus FREE USA Shipping on orders of $39+.
6. Valaverse – Action Force Wave 2 Sgt. Slaughter Figure
Valaverse is offering their second version of Sgt. Slaughter in their Action Force line, which sees continued success amongst fans. Getting Sgt. Slaughter on board this line has been a great addition to the brand, which sees new versions of the actor/wrestler that you don’t see in his other military brand that he’s been apart of since the 1980’s. Make sure to jump on board this line, and pick up both version of Sarge now!
You can grab Sarge and additional figures on Valaverse, Entertainment Earth, BigBadToyStore and Amazon.
If you preorder anything at $39+ on Entertainment Earth, make sure to use coupon code: HOLIDAYFREE22 for FREE USA shipping. For in-stock orders, use code: ToyHypeUS for 10% off plus FREE USA Shipping on orders of $39+.
7. NECA Toys Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
When it comes to NECA’s Turtles line, this line deserves the Top 10 spot on everyone’s list! The Classic Toon Collection, Movie, Dark Horse, TMNT x Universal Monsters and the new Ronin offerings of the line are incredible. The offerings continue to impress and there’s no sign of this slowing down anytime soon. It’s also impossible to choose just 1 figure from this from the entire year, so we’re choosing everything!
These figures are available on Entertainment Earth, BigBadToyStore, Things From Another World, and the Classic Turtles can be found at Zavvi – U.S./Canada and Zavvi – U.K. and Target Stores.
If you preorder anything at $39+ on Entertainment Earth, make sure to use coupon code: HOLIDAYFREE22 for FREE USA shipping. For in-stock orders, use code: ToyHypeUS for 10% off plus FREE USA Shipping on orders of $39+
8. S.H. Figuarts Dragon Ball Z Cell 1st Form Figure
Bandai Collectibles have finally included Cell into their S.H. Figuarts line this year, and this offering is his 1st appearance based on Dragon Ball Z. This figure captures his likeness so well from the series, and they truly went above and beyond expectations and they have done an incredible job here. You can read about the figure in the review.
You can grab Cell at BigBadToyStore, Entertainment Earth, Sideshow Collectibles and Amazon.
If you preorder anything at $39+ on Entertainment Earth, make sure to use coupon code: HOLIDAYFREE22 for FREE USA shipping. For in-stock orders, use code: ToyHypeUS for 10% off plus FREE USA Shipping on orders of $39+
9. Mattel WWE Ultimate Edition Wave 15 Ultimate Warrior Figure
Mattel’s new Ultimate Warrior figure is amazing, even after a full year of great WWE figure offerings, it’s hard to choose just 1 given all of this years offerings. Including Elite, Ultimate Edition, Legends, Superstars, and Retros. Above all else, I’m personally a fan of the golden era, and the Warrior is right up my ally. The WWE team at Mattel continues to impress their fans and collectors and this has surely been a great year for the brand.
You can find WWE figures on Entertainment Earth and BigBadToyStore.
If you preorder anything at $39+ on Entertainment Earth, make sure to use coupon code: HOLIDAYFREE22 for FREE USA shipping. For in-stock orders, use code: ToyHypeUS for 10% off plus FREE USA Shipping on orders of $39+.
10. McFarlane Toys DC Multiverse Blackest Night Nekron Figure
Back in 2012, Mattel had offered their own Nekron figure based on the Blackest Knight storyline in DC Comics, but unfortunately that figure didn’t actually come with a scythe. That is still a nice figure, but also a disappointment as he didn’t come with his essential accessory. Fast forward to 1o years, as McFarlane Toys has filled in this gap with their own Nekron figure, and he fits in perfectly with all other 6″-7″ DC figures. I’m a big fan of the Blackest Knight storyline, so getting this new release, along with some additional offerings this year from this story arc is really great.
Nekron and additional figures are available on BigBadToyStore, Entertainment Earth, GameStop and Amazon.
If you preorder anything at $39+ on Entertainment Earth, make sure to use coupon code: HOLIDAYFREE22 for FREE USA shipping. For in-stock orders, use code: ToyHypeUS for 10% off plus FREE USA Shipping on orders of $39+.
Honorable mentions: Dime Novel Legends (cowboy figures), Marvel Legends Retro Carded figures, Boss Fight Studio – Popeye figures, Super7 ThunderCats and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Ultimate Figures, NECA Gargoyles, Hasbro G.I. Joe Classified, Mattel Jurassic World/Jurassic Park, and much more. There’s just too many great offerings this year, so we’re only choosing our top 10 with some added bonuses. Make sure to use the hyperlinks above to order these figures and whatever else you like.