Hey there! Well, it's been quite a year for Action Figure collectors. So many amazing figures, so many incredible toy lines, so many new characters and quite a few old favorites too! As you know, I don't collect a lot of different lines, so my Top 15 will be a purely subjective look at my favorite figures from 2023. The best thing about these lists is that they are open to interpretation, and I would love to hear what your top figures for the year are! Leave a comment below or drop an email! Now... let's get on with Dan's ToyBox Top 15 Action Figures of 2023.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Both of these figures made my mid-year top 10 and though they are decent offerings, they couldn't quite retain their hold and as the list grew, found themselves slowly being pushed down the line. They are both great looking representations of the respective characters and have earned their spots on my displays.
15) HASBRO MARVEL LEGENDS ULTIMATE CAPTAIN AMERICA
Cap stays on the list, but just barely. As I mentioned before, it took a bit for me to come around on this figure. When I did though, I realized how good it was. Sure, he's fallen a bit, with the addition of several new figures, but he's worthwhile addition to any Marvel collection.
14) HASBRO MARVEL LEGENDS AMAZING SPIDER-MAN
It's been a long time since Marvel Legends released a figure based on Andrew Garfields's beloved version of Spider-Man. In 2023, they dropped the Spider-Man: No Way Home 3 pack and this was, by far, the best of the bunch. I'm really pleased with the look and detail on the figure. As I've mentioned before, this was my favorite live-action version of Spider-Man's costume, at least until we saw the "Final Swing" Tom Holland version, on screen. As much as I love the look of this figure, it has fallen into second place for favorite on-screen versions, but on this list, holds a solid place as a collector's "must have" piece.
13) HASBRO MARVEL LEGENDS '97 X-MEN: WOLVERINE
Our first "new" entry on the list is the recently released '97 X-Men Wolverine. In spite of the flaws I discussed in my review, I feel this is the best Legends iteration of Wolverine we've received to date. The new mask with the flared "wings" and the unmasked head sculpt are absolutely terrific. Best of all, though, are the claws. This figure doesn't come with those spindly, warped toothpicks we've seen previously. Instead, Hasbro gave the claws a gentle curvature and a design more in line with the animated series appearance. This Wolverine stands proudly in my X-Men display right alongside Cyclops and Jean Grey.
12) MEDICOM MAFEX #171 WOLVERINE (X-FORCE VERSION)
After missing out on both the yellow and brown suit Mafex Wolverines, I decided that this was a must have for me. I never read much of the books with this version of the costume, but I knew how much I liked the Marvel Legends version, so adding this was an easy choice. The thought of a "stealth/black ops" Wolverine should scare anybody and this menacing look helps! Unfortunately, there were some QC issues with the shoulders that kept him from appearing higher on the list.
11) McFARLANE TOYS DC MULTIVERSE: KNIGHTFALL BATMAN
Wow... until Mafex drops their Knightfall Batman next year, this will be my absolute favorite Batman figure. Though I'm not a big fan of McFarlane, I can acknowledge solid work and this is one of their best. Capturing the iconic look of the World's Greatest Detective from arguably one of the best storylines ever, McFarlane really nails the essence of Batman. Even if you aren't a fan of that story, this is such an iconic look for the Caped Crusader. Engineering limitations on the articulation keep this from being higher on my list as well.
10) SENTINEL SV-ACTION "INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE" SPIDER-GWEN
I think what surprised me most here was how few reviews I saw on this figure. There were quite a few on the SHF versions and even the Marvel Legends. To me, though, it seemed like a lot of people passed on this figure. I'm surprised because she is a fantastic addition to the other two Sentinel Spider-Verse figures. The sheer amount of accessories, and articulation make her a lot of fun. Admittedly, Spider-Ham is frustrating due to his inability to stand by himself, but still, this is a solid piece.
9) BANDAI/TAMASHII NATIONS SHFIGUARTS: FRIENDLY NEIGHBORHOOD SPIDER-MAN
The last Tobey Maguire inspired Spider-Man figure I bought was from ToyBiz back when Spider-Man 3 was released. With Spider-Man: No Way Home bringing this beloved version of Spidey back to the silver screen, fans jumped at the chance to get the Raimi version in plastic form again. When SHF announced this was coming, fans went wild. Aside from some QC concerns with the left hip joint (very loose) this is still a remarkable figure. The unmasked head sculpts do justice to Tobey and the figure is a blast to have in my display.
8) HASBRO G.I. JOE CLASSIFIED SERIES #73: TORPEDO
I think that I was as surprised with this figure's placement on the list as you will be. Torpedo has been a favorite of mine and I admit I think he's vastly underused in the comics. I happened upon him in a local GameStop and was surprised it was still there. The number of accessories, design, paint, and sculpt of this figure is top notch and just really brings a lot of fun to my shelves. I regret not getting any Cobra Eels for him to battle, but there's still time. The Joe team's resident Navy SEAL is a great addition to your G.I. Joe collection and looks fantastic alongside his teammates.
7) NECA TMNT THE LAST RONIN (ARMORED AND UNARMORED)
This might be a "cop out" but I couldn't decide with of these two I liked better. Then it occurred to me, that it's my list and I can put them both in. So, here they are, both armored and unarmored versions of The Last Ronin. What an incredible story and what incredible figures. Neca really goes above and beyond when it comes to their figure designs. What they've done with these figures, though, is an absolute delight. The articulation, in itself, is simply outstanding, especially for a figure with such a challenging design.
The accessories are incredible, allowing for an astounding array of display options. Regardless of your status as a TMNT fan or not, you can't go wrong by adding either or both versions to your own collections.
6) MEDICOM MAFEX #164 CYBORG SUPERMAN
Based on the Dan Jurgens art from the "Reign of the Supermen" story arc, this figure absolutely nails the menace of Hank Henshaw... the Cyborg Superman. In fact, you know you're doing something right when Jurgens, himself, praises the design.
With that said... as much as I love the Hush (Jim Lee) Superman, if Mafex drops a "Death of Superman" version of Superman based on Jurgens' art, I'll grab that faster than a speeding bullet!
5) HASBRO G.I. JOE CLASSIFIED SERIES # 52 SNAKE EYES/TIMBER (V.2)
Hasbro just keeps the hits coming in the G.I. Joe line. The commando version is incredible, but this newer version of our favorite ninja and his pet wolf just takes the cake. At first I was a bit put off with the brown/olive paint applications, because I'm so used to seeing Snake Eyes clad entirely in black. However, it didn't take long for this figure to grow on me. The articulation, design, sculpt, and paint on both Snakes and Timber are top rate in my opinion. Best of all, you can still find them on store shelves!!!
4) MEDICOM MAFEX # 175 NIGHTWING (HUSH VERSION)
Ok, I'll admit it... I didn't want to go down another rabbit hole by adding too many of the Batman: Hush figures to my collection because of the cost. But then, Nightwing went on sale for a ridiculously reduced price and so, I snapped one up. WOW... I know the type of figures that Mafex produces as I have several, but this one just blew me away. I'm so impressed with not only the design, but the solid heft to the figure. I'm really hoping that the new Daredevil will be on this body mold because it is exceptional. The accessories, weapons, and alternate head sculpts are fantastic, making this a no-brainer for Batman fans.
3) HASBRO MARVEL LEGENDS TARGET EXCLUSIVE: BLACK WIDOW
For me, this has to be far and away the best Marvel Legend offered this year. The articulation and design make this Black Widow the top female figure they've released this year. The number of accessories, including alternate head sculpts, multiple weapons and weapon effects, and alternate hands gives this a "Deluxe" figure feel at base figure pricing. I was very, very fortunate that a buddy of mine found several at his local Target and picked one up for me. Grab one, she's definitely worth it!
2) AMAZING YAMAGUCHI/REVOLTECH: SPIDER-MAN (V 2.0)
This was a tough call for me to put at number 2. This version of Spider-Man is one of the best action figures I've got this year. Amazing Yamaguchi has done an incredible job with their figure designs, managing to find better ways to hide the awkward joints, while still maintaining some of the most phenomenal articulation anybody could ask for. Couple this with an insanely detailed appearance, remarkable paint applications, and a fantastic number of accessories and you have the makings of one of the best ever Spider-Man figures available. Truth be told, this could easily be my top figure for 2023, it's that good.
I am very excited to share Dan's ToyBox top figure for 2023. This figure just barely edged the Amazing Yamaguchi Spider-Man for the top slot but earns the position by virtue of just what an incredible piece this is.
Without further ado the number one figure for 2023 is:
MEZCO ONE:12 COLLECTIVE: SUPERMAN, THE MAN OF STEEL
Clinging doggedly to the top spot from my mid-year countdown is the Mezco One:12 Collective Superman figure. This is the first Mezco I've ever purchased and is well worth it. The costume is absolutely amazing and surprisingly durable for being cloth goods. The articulation is on point, though care should be taken so as to not damage the costume. This figure captures the Man of Steel at his best, with multiple head sculpts (including a SMILING SUPERMAN, a look that collectors have wanted for a long, long time), heat vision effects and light up eyes, multiple hands and so many other accessories, the display options are endless. Add to this a well-built flight stand and the incomparable tin box packaging and you have one of the best, all around figures of 2023. Though pricey, the amount is worth spending to add this Superman to your own collection. I may not buy another Mezco, just because of cost, but if I don't, I'll still be more than happy with having this one by itself.
As 2023 comes to a close, I want to thank everyone for your awesome support. This year may be ending, but I've got a lot more to come ahead! Hope you had an amazing Christmas and an upcoming safe and Happy New Year! See you in 2024 and remember, until next time... GEEK OUT!!!