Hey everyone, it's that time of year again! The annual Top 15 Action Figure countdown from Dan's ToyBox! As with all lists, this is purely subjective based on my reviews and my own opinion of each figure. I thought about putting together my top favorite figures of the year but decided to mix them in because let's face it this is my list! Anyhow, I hope you all have enjoyed our reviews this year and I hope you enjoy this year's Top 15 Action Figures of 2024!
HONORABLE MENTIONS
I went with three honorable mentions this year. These were good figures, in my opinion, but for me just fell a bit short of making the top of the list.
Hasbro Marvel Legends: Superior Spider-Man
Hasbro Marvel Legends: Marvel's Angel
Hasbro G.I. Joe Classified: Quick Kick
Now, let's get on with the countdown!!!
15: Hasbro G.I. Joe Classified Series: Torch
Torch has always been one of my favorite characters in G.I. Joe lore. It was kind of difficult having to wait for this one, given that Buzzer and Ripper were released so close together. However, once Torch hit the shelves, I was happy to complete the original three Dreadnoks and the amount of detail that went into this figure makes it a lot of fun to have on display.
14: Hasbro G.I. Joe 60th Anniversary: Infantry Soldier
Hasbro took this year to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the original 12 inch G.I. Joe figures by creating special editions of the Army Infantryman, Navy Diver, Marine Sniper, and Airborne paratrooper. I found the Infantry Soldier and couldn't pass it up and I'm glad I snagged it. Packed with an astounding arsenal of accessories, this is one of the cooler figures in my collection. I'm glad to add it to the top 15 this year.
13: Hasbro Marvel Legends VHS Retro Two Pack: Daredevil
I missed out on the Daredevil/Elektra/Bullseye Three Pack, which most collectors agreed held one of the best Daredevil Legends yet. When this version was released, I jumped on it, not only to have an updated DD, but because I really like the animated/comic book style shading. The cross hatching is so reminiscent of comic art and really gives this a terrific comic book style appearance.
12: SHFiguarts: Spider-Man No Way Home: Final Swing Action Figure
With the Mafex release just announced, this figure will have some competition next year. For now though, this is easily the best representation of the final swing red/blue Spidey suit out there. I have the Marvel Legends version and was very disappointed with it. SHF did a great job representing this version of the character!
11: Diamond/Marvel Select Classic Captain America
I'm not generally a fan of Select, because of the scaling issues. However, after seeing several reviews on this Cap, I was pleased to accidentally stumble across one while on a trip. He'd probably be a bit higher on the list but for so many paint issues my figure had. Regardless though, from a distance, on the display, Cap stands out and looks right at home!
10: Hasbro G.I. Joe Retro Series: Cobra Commander
The retro card series has quickly leapt into my favorite line of Joe figures. Sure, I do like the Classified series, but the style of the retro figures just brings back so many great childhood memories. This Cobra Commander really stands out though, especially with the chrome style faceplate on his mask. This is easily a must have figure for Joe fans.
9: Medicom Mafex #216 Bane (Batman: Knightfall)
Seeing two more Knightfall inspired characters released from Mafex this year gets me really excited to see who else they'll release! Mafex is absolutely crushing it with their comic story themed lines and this Bane is one of the best. To date, this is the most comic accurate Bane figure I've seen and the fact that his articulation is as smooth and easy to manipulate for such a bulky figure is testament to the quality Mafex is producing!
8: Hasbro Marvel Legends Walmart Exclusive Retro Venom
Hasbro drops these store specific exclusives, which can make it difficult for collectors to land. Thankfully, I was able to get an order in and when Venom did finally arrive, I was thrilled. The scale is excellent and I'm really happy with how he looks in my display.
7: Medicom Mafex #217 Captain America
At first I hadn't planned on getting this figure. The more I looked at it though, the more I decided it needed to be part of the collection. The initial product shots didn't do the figure much justice, but in hand... wow. The only real issue I had was that one of the legs was extremely tight but thankfully, once I loosened it up, the figure poses like a dream.
6: Medicom Mafex #219 Eradicator (Return of Superman)
This is the most recent release on my list and I'm glad he came in when he did. I'm really impressed with the Eradicator and how awesome it looks next to the Cyborg Superman and Steel. I know that I'll end up getting Superboy because, once again, Mafex absolutely knocks a specific comic series of figures right out of the park.
5: Hasbro Marvel Legends: Scarlet Spider
For as much as I enjoy the Mafex version, I'll admit that Hasbro really stepped up to the plate. I think, giving this figure soft goods for the hoodie would have really hit a home run. While it lacks the versatility of articulation that Mafex has, the Marvel Legends Scarlet Spider stands toe to toe for appearance. Even with a sculpted hoodie, this figure is one of the sharpest looking and easily my favorite Legends Spider-Man release for 2024.
4: Hasbro Marvel Legends: Ghost Rider (Danny Ketch) and Motorcycle
Danny Ketch rides into the top spot for Marvel Legends on my list this year. I never did get a Johnny Blaze Ghost Rider/Motorcycle combo so this was a must have. Even though I grew up with Blaze, I will admit that I always liked the Danny Ketch version better and thought his bike was absolutely sick. This figure/vehicle combo really does it for me and is, easily, my favorite Marvel Legend for 2024.
3: Medicom Mafex #223 Daredevil
By rights, this should have easily been number one on my list. However, the fact that two of the three ball pegs on his billy club holsters broke absolutely sucks. I've glued them back on but haven't dared try to put them on the figure. This really disappoints me because otherwise, this is the Daredevil figure that we've all been waiting for. Incredibly poseable, great head sculpts, bendy wired billy club options and multiple hands allow for an impressive array of display options. Even with the faulty holsters, this figure makes my top 3 for 2024.
2: Mezco One:12 Collective: The Amazing Spider-Man
Based on the Steve Ditko designs, this Spider-Man is one of my favorite figures of the past year. Yes, there are some articulation issues due to the soft goods, but having a figure so evocative of Spidey's early adventures is a great addition to any figure collection. With an incredible array of accessories, including some very neat web creations, spider-sense effects, and even light up eyes, the Mezco Amazing Spider-Man is one figure you'll want to grab for your own!
I'm fairly certain that my #1 choice will cause some discussion and perhaps consternation. I'm ok with that though because this is my absolute favorite figure for 2024 and as such, leaps into the number one spot!!!
1: Medicom Mafex #215 Knight Crusader Batman (Knightfall storyline)
I have a lot of Batman figures and for me, this is the definitive comic book accurate Batman. Mixing elements of Neal Adams, Jim Aparo, Graham Nolan, Norm Breyfogle, and Kelley Jones, Mafex has created a Batman that jumps right out of the Knightfall Comic Books. The head sculpts allow for variation in appearance, the head sculpt with rebreather allows for recreation of poses from one specific portion of the story and the overall look is faithful to the Batman designs of the 80's and 90's. All this figure needs is the Tim Drake Robin to create an incredible Batman display. While others may disagree, the Mafex #215 Knight Crusader Batman is my personal favorite figure for 2024!
Well, that's it for 2024! I hope you all have had an amazing year and are excited for what 2025 will bring! I look forward to the coming year and the fun it will bring!
Until 2025... GEEK OUT!!!