Search this site

NECA have revealed the next release in their Toony Terrors 6-inch cartoon stylized horror figures will be the Jigsaw Killer and Billy with Tricycle, as seen in the Saw movies. The box set will feature a pig mask for Jigsaw Killer, Billy the Puppet on a Tricycle, and a bear trap. The box will also come with a cutout cardboard backdrop as seen on all the Toony Terror releases to date. The set is planned for a September 2023 release. Bring the fun of Saturday morning cartoons to your horror collection with these adorable little creeps! Standing approximately 6 inches tall, this box set includes the Jigsaw Killer and Billy the Puppet with Tricycle from the SAW movies. The figures stand in 6-inch scale and come in window box packaging with a bonus cutout backdrop. If you are reading this via a 3rd party website that is importing our newsfeed, please come and visit us directly and give us a follow on Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube. Check out our direct news feed for more action figure news, reviews, and store reports About Me : As a child of the '70s and '80s I grew up in a golden age for action figures and in my youth bought and sold myself through collections of Star Wars, G.I. Joe (Action Force), and M.A.S.K. while also dabbling in He-Man, Transformers and Ghostbusters. Roll forward and I am now reliving that Youth with the action figures of today and am a collector and fan of the larger 6-8 inch figures from my favourite movie and TV licenses - including the ones mentioned above, but also the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Doctor Who, and the Aliens. I launched The Mephitsu Archives in 2015 with a view of creating a UK-focused site or these figures where fans can pick up the latest action figure news, read reviews and get information on where to buy their figures and what is currently on store shelves. I hope I am delivering that to you guys...

Coming in July 2023 as part of the Marvel Legends Avengers 60th Anniversary line, the Hawkeye and Sky-Cycle will feature an updated comic book Hawkeye who will come with his bow, quiver, and alternative pair of hands. The Sky-Cycle itself will feature a display stand. Bring the excitement and wonder of the Marvel Universe to your collection with Hawkeye and other action figures from the Hasbro Marvel Legends Series! (Additional products each sold separately. Subject to availability.) Ex-circus performer Clint Barton renounced a life of crime to join the Avengers as Hawkeye. Using his archery skills atop his Sky-Cycle he leads the fight against the foes no single hero could withstand. This collectible 6-inch -scale Marvel Legends Avengers 60th Anniversary action figure is detailed to look like Hawkeye character from Marvel Comics, featuring premium detail and multiple points of articulation. Comes with comics-inspired Sky-Cycle vehicle that the figure can sit on and 6 accessories. Ex-circus performer Clint Barton renounced a life of crime to join the Avengers as Hawkeye. Using his archery skills atop his Sky-Cycle he leads the fight against the foes no single hero could withstand This Hawkeye action figure is inspired by the character's appearance in Marvel comics and makes a great addition to any collection of Marvel Legends action figures This collectible Hasbro Marvel Legends action figure comes with 6-inch scale Sky-Cycle vehicle and 6 accessories, including vehicle stand, bow and arrow Marvel fans and collectors can display this fully articulated 6-inch scale action figure featuring poseable head, arms, and legs, as well as premium deco, in their collection Look for more entertainment-inspired Marvel Legends action figures to build your own Marvel Multiverse of 6 inch action figures (Each sold separately. Subject to availability) If you are reading this via a 3rd party website that is importing our newsfeed, please come and visit us directly and give us a follow on Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube. Check out our direct news feed for more action figure news, reviews, and store reports About Me : As a child of the '70s and '80s I grew up in a golden age for action figures and in my youth bought and sold myself through collections of Star Wars, G.I. Joe (Action Force), and M.A.S.K. while also dabbling in He-Man, Transformers and Ghostbusters. Roll forward and I am now reliving that Youth with the action figures of today and am a collector and fan of the larger 6-8 inch figures from my favourite movie and TV licenses - including the ones mentioned above, but also the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Doctor Who, and the Aliens. I launched The Mephitsu Archives in 2015 with a view of creating a UK-focused site or these figures where fans can pick up the latest action figure news, read reviews and get information on where to buy their figures and what is currently on store shelves. I hope I am delivering that to you guys...

Storm Collectibles have released the full gallery of their next Mortal Kombat 6-inch scale release, Sheeva the master Jailer of Shao Kahn's dungeon. The figure is a Q3 release in 2023 and will come with two head options, a selection of alternative hands, and a fireball FX piece. SHEEVA is a member of the four-armed Shokan race. Her markings reveal that she is of the royal Draco lineage. Like all Shokan, she pledged her life to Shao Kahn, bringing honor to her race by serving him. During an attack by Edenian rebels on Shao Kahn's fortress, Sheva fiercely protected Queen Shindel and prevented her capture. She was subsequently appointed Sindel's personal bodyguard until the queen's mysterious death in Earthrealm. Sheeva is now the master jailer of Shao Kahn's oppressive dungeon. Features: 2 x Interchangeable Head Sculpt 10 x Pairs of Hand 1 x Fireball Release date Q3 2023 If you are reading this via a 3rd party website that is importing our newsfeed, please come and visit us directly and give us a follow on Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube. Check out our direct news feed for more action figure news, reviews, and store reports About Me : As a child of the '70s and '80s I grew up in a golden age for action figures and in my youth bought and sold myself through collections of Star Wars, G.I. Joe (Action Force), and M.A.S.K. while also dabbling in He-Man, Transformers and Ghostbusters. Roll forward and I am now reliving that Youth with the action figures of today and am a collector and fan of the larger 6-8 inch figures from my favourite movie and TV licenses - including the ones mentioned above, but also the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Doctor Who, and the Aliens. I launched The Mephitsu Archives in 2015 with a view of creating a UK-focused site or these figures where fans can pick up the latest action figure news, read reviews and get information on where to buy their figures and what is currently on store shelves. I hope I am delivering that to you guys...

McFarlane have shared this preview image for a new DC Multiverse Gold Label Exclusive Sinestro Corp Batman. The figure will be a Target exclusive in the US. If you are reading this via a 3rd party website that is importing our newsfeed, please come and visit us directly and give us a follow on Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube. Check out our direct news feed for more action figure news, reviews, and store reports About Me : As a child of the '70s and '80s I grew up in a golden age for action figures and in my youth bought and sold myself through collections of Star Wars, G.I. Joe (Action Force), and M.A.S.K. while also dabbling in He-Man, Transformers and Ghostbusters. Roll forward and I am now reliving that Youth with the action figures of today and am a collector and fan of the larger 6-8 inch figures from my favourite movie and TV licenses - including the ones mentioned above, but also the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Doctor Who, and the Aliens. I launched The Mephitsu Archives in 2015 with a view of creating a UK-focused site or these figures where fans can pick up the latest action figure news, read reviews and get information on where to buy their figures and what is currently on store shelves. I hope I am delivering that to you guys...

McFarlane has revealed their latest wave of DC Super Powers retro figures, as well as the two previously teased vehicles of Wonder Woman's Invisible Jet and the Batmobile. This latest retro carded figures will feature four figures with variant versions of Batman and Wonderwoman as well as new figures of Aquaman and Robin. The Batmobile will come in a closed box and can seat two DC Super Powers figures. Similarly, the Invisible Jet is also closed-boxed and is cast in translucent plastic. It can seat a single figure. All these new releases are scheduled for a June 2023 release. These DC Super Powers releases are not exclusive and are available at select retailers as well as being available via the McFarlane store. In the UK the line should be available via specialists and possibly in Smyths Toys who have stocked the initial releases. As a child, Bruce Wayne watched as his parents were brutally killed in Gotham City's Crime Alley. Traumatized by their deaths, he devoted his life to becoming the world's greatest weapon against crime-the Batman! Continuing the legacy of the DC Super Powers line of the 80s, comes a brand new batch of your favorite heroes and villains in the classic nostalgia series we all love. Classic 4" scale Super Powers figure with articulation. Batman is featured in a soft fabric cape. Comes packaged in iconic Super Powers blister card packaging with updated artwork and logos reflecting your favorite characters. Collect all McFarlane Toys Super Powers Figures. Growing up in Gotham City can be...complicated. Especially when you're a kid who's obsessed with Batman and Robin. For Tim Drake, learning everything about his favorite superheroes eventually led him down the path of becoming one himself, after he deduced the identities of Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson. Continuing the legacy of the DC Super Powers line of the 80s, comes a brand new batch of your favorite heroes and villains in the classic nostalgia series we all love. Classic 4" scale Super Powers figure with articulation. Robin is featured in soft fabric cape. Comes packaged in iconic Super Powers blister card packaging with updated artwork and logos reflecting your favorite characters. Collect all McFarlane Toys Super Powers Figures. Half-Human and half-Atlantean, Arthur Curry is Aquaman, the King of Atlantis and defender of Earth's vast oceans. As a founding member of the Justice League, he also protects the surface world from the forces of evil. Continuing the legacy of the DC Super Powers line of the 80s, comes a brand new batch of your favorite heroes and villains in the classic nostalgia series we all love. Classic 4" scale Super Powers figure with articulation. Aquaman includes a trident. Comes packaged in iconic Super Powers blister card packaging with updated artwork and logos reflecting your favorite characters. Collect all McFarlane Toys Super Powers Figures. As Themyscira's emissary to Man's World, Diana has made it her duty to lead by example, even if the differences between her birthplace and new home sometimes present hurdles for her to jump. She has come to represent the possibility and potential of life without war, hate or violence, and she is a beacon of hope to all who find themselves in need. She stands as an equal among the most powerful Super Heroes, with a sense of purpose to protect the world from injustice in all forms. Continuing the legacy of the DC Super Powers line of the 80s, comes a brand new batch of your favorite heroes and villains in the classic nostalgia series we all love. Classic 4" scale Super Powers figure with articulation. Wonder Woman is featured in her classic DC Rebirth look. Comes packaged in iconic Super Powers blister card packaging with updated artwork and logos reflecting your favorite characters. Collect all McFarlane Toys Super Powers Figures. The wonders of the Batcave - Batman operates from the large caverns below Wayne Manor. He is constantly developing new technologies, vehicles, and weapons to aid in his never-ending crusade against crime in Gotham City. From the dozens of models of his Batmobile, Batplane, and Batboat to the simple gadgets in his utility belt, Batman is always ahead if the technological curve. Continuing the legacy of the DC Super Powers line of the 80s, comes a brand new batch of your favorite heroes and villains in the classic nostalgia series we all love. Compatible vehicles to go alongside the DC Super Powers Line, that fit both new and old figures. Batmobile includes button activation battering ram and fold out jet engine. Batmobile seats up to two figures. (Figures sold separately). Vehicle is showcased in DC Super Powers themed closed box packaging. Collect all McFarlane Toys Super Powers Figures and Vehicles. Wonder Woman sometimes employs an Invisible Jet, one that is undetectable by the naked eye and by most radar systems. This remarkable camouflage effect is achieved by the use of individual tiles that appear purple from the inside. Surprisingly, the Amazons can convert any aircraft to make it invisible using this technology. Continuing the legacy of the DC Super Powers line of the 80s, comes a brand new batch of your favorite heroes and villains in the classic nostalgia series we all love. Compatible vehicles to go alongside the DC Super Powers Line, that fit both new and old figures. Invisible Jet is featured in a translucent design and seats one figure. (Figures sold separately). Wonder Woman's invisible jet includes pop up canopy and lasso capture claw. Vehicle is showcased in DC Super Powers themed closed box packaging. Collect all McFarlane Toys Super Powers Figures and Vehicles. If you are reading this via a 3rd party website that is importing our newsfeed, please come and visit us directly and give us a follow on Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube. Check out our direct news feed for more action figure news, reviews, and store reports About Me : As a child of the '70s and '80s I grew up in a golden age for action figures and in my youth bought and sold myself through collections of Star Wars, G.I. Joe (Action Force), and M.A.S.K. while also dabbling in He-Man, Transformers and Ghostbusters. Roll forward and I am now reliving that Youth with the action figures of today and am a collector and fan of the larger 6-8 inch figures from my favourite movie and TV licenses - including the ones mentioned above, but also the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Doctor Who, and the Aliens. I launched The Mephitsu Archives in 2015 with a view of creating a UK-focused site or these figures where fans can pick up the latest action figure news, read reviews and get information on where to buy their figures and what is currently on store shelves. I hope I am delivering that to you guys...

NECA have announced the release of a new 7-inch scale Freddie Mercury figure from Queen, depicted in his iconic yellow jacket from the 1986 'Magic Tour', This is not a fully articulated NECA release and is limited to just shoulder and neck articulation. The figure includes two head options, microphone and handle, and a display base and will be a September 2023 release. Celebrate Freddie Mercury, one of the most distinctive and powerful voices in rock music, with this 7" scale action figure! The legendary Queen vocalist wears his iconic yellow jacket from 1986's "Magic" tour, which closed with a show in front of 120,000 fans that would be Mercury's final performance. The figure has a ball-jointed neck and articulated shoulders and includes microphone, mic handle, alternate interchangeable head and display base. If you are reading this via a 3rd party website that is importing our newsfeed, please come and visit us directly and give us a follow on Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube. Check out our direct news feed for more action figure news, reviews, and store reports About Me : As a child of the '70s and '80s I grew up in a golden age for action figures and in my youth bought and sold myself through collections of Star Wars, G.I. Joe (Action Force), and M.A.S.K. while also dabbling in He-Man, Transformers and Ghostbusters. Roll forward and I am now reliving that Youth with the action figures of today and am a collector and fan of the larger 6-8 inch figures from my favourite movie and TV licenses - including the ones mentioned above, but also the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Doctor Who, and the Aliens. I launched The Mephitsu Archives in 2015 with a view of creating a UK-focused site or these figures where fans can pick up the latest action figure news, read reviews and get information on where to buy their figures and what is currently on store shelves. I hope I am delivering that to you guys...

NECA has announced a new Iron Maiden figure is on its way to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of their album, The Number of the Beast. The 7-inch figure of Eddie, the band's mascot, is sculpted as he appears on both the album and single covers. He features a devil's head accessory, flame effects, and a Devil static puppet on a flaming base that itself is working an even smaller Eddie puppet. The 40th Anniversary Ultimate Iron Maiden Eddie will come in a closed box with an opening front cover and is an August 2023 release. It's Eddie, Iron Maiden's legendary mascot, as he appears on The Number of the Beast album and single covers! Celebrate the 40th anniversary of this metal masterpiece with this 7" scale figure set that lets you recreate Derek Riggs' art for both the iconic 1982 album and title track single. Eddie features stunning detail in paint and sculpt that really recreates the illustrations, and is puppeteering the devil himself, who has his own even smaller Eddie puppet. The set also includes a Satan's head accessory to recreate the cover art for "The Number of the Beast" single cover. Comes in special 40th anniversary 5-panel packaging with opening front flap. If you are reading this via a 3rd party website that is importing our newsfeed, please come and visit us directly and give us a follow on Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube. Check out our direct news feed for more action figure news, reviews, and store reports About Me : As a child of the '70s and '80s I grew up in a golden age for action figures and in my youth bought and sold myself through collections of Star Wars, G.I. Joe (Action Force), and M.A.S.K. while also dabbling in He-Man, Transformers and Ghostbusters. Roll forward and I am now reliving that Youth with the action figures of today and am a collector and fan of the larger 6-8 inch figures from my favourite movie and TV licenses - including the ones mentioned above, but also the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Doctor Who, and the Aliens. I launched The Mephitsu Archives in 2015 with a view of creating a UK-focused site or these figures where fans can pick up the latest action figure news, read reviews and get information on where to buy their figures and what is currently on store shelves. I hope I am delivering that to you guys...

Previewed on the McFarlane Social Media Channels is this new DC Super Powers Retro 4-inch Black Manta figure - coming soon to Walmart in the US. If you are reading this via a 3rd party website that is importing our newsfeed, please come and visit us directly and give us a follow on Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube. Check out our direct news feed for more action figure news, reviews, and store reports About Me : As a child of the '70s and '80s I grew up in a golden age for action figures and in my youth bought and sold myself through collections of Star Wars, G.I. Joe (Action Force), and M.A.S.K. while also dabbling in He-Man, Transformers and Ghostbusters. Roll forward and I am now reliving that Youth with the action figures of today and am a collector and fan of the larger 6-8 inch figures from my favourite movie and TV licenses - including the ones mentioned above, but also the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Doctor Who, and the Aliens. I launched The Mephitsu Archives in 2015 with a view of creating a UK-focused site or these figures where fans can pick up the latest action figure news, read reviews and get information on where to buy their figures and what is currently on store shelves. I hope I am delivering that to you guys...

As part of our Star War Day 'May the 4th' celebrations, I put together this A-Z image for the Star Wars Black Series line to date. I must admit that U and X were a sight stretch, but all these figures and more can be tracked in our comprehensive Star Wars Black Series Database If you are reading this via a 3rd party website that is importing our newsfeed, please come and visit us directly and give us a follow on Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube. Check out our direct news feed for more action figure news, reviews, and store reports About Me : As a child of the '70s and '80s I grew up in a golden age for action figures and in my youth bought and sold myself through collections of Star Wars, G.I. Joe (Action Force), and M.A.S.K. while also dabbling in He-Man, Transformers and Ghostbusters. Roll forward and I am now reliving that Youth with the action figures of today and am a collector and fan of the larger 6-8 inch figures from my favourite movie and TV licenses - including the ones mentioned above, but also the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Doctor Who, and the Aliens. I launched The Mephitsu Archives in 2015 with a view of creating a UK-focused site or these figures where fans can pick up the latest action figure news, read reviews and get information on where to buy their figures and what is currently on store shelves. I hope I am delivering that to you guys...

The Mezco Silver Centurion Iron-Man One:12 Collective 6-inch figure has been unveiled, with the figure incorporating metal components into the Iron-Man suit and a light-up Arc reactor. The set will also include an unmasked Tony Stark head, alternative hands, and a large selection of FX pieces. The Siver Centurion is listed as an early 2024 release, landing between January and March. The Silver Centurion soars into the One:12 Collective! The One:12 Collective Iron Man: Silver Centurion Edition wears an energy-enhanced suit inspired by the 80s comics with a light-up arc reactor. The Armored Avenger features a masked and unmasked head portrait as well as matching interchangeable necks. Iron Man is prepped and ready to lead the Armor Wars, equipped with a range of energy FX including a unibeam, pulse blast, and repulsion ray FX. The Silver Centurion armor was the most advanced for its time – featuring enhanced strength, improved flight, and upgraded repulsors. Designed by Tony Stark for energy amplification and redirection, the Silver Centurion armor was used to defeat Iron Man’s long-time nemesis, Iron Monger. If you are reading this via a 3rd party website that is importing our newsfeed, please come and visit us directly and give us a follow on Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube. Check out our direct news feed for more action figure news, reviews, and store reports About Me : As a child of the '70s and '80s I grew up in a golden age for action figures and in my youth bought and sold myself through collections of Star Wars, G.I. Joe (Action Force), and M.A.S.K. while also dabbling in He-Man, Transformers and Ghostbusters. Roll forward and I am now reliving that Youth with the action figures of today and am a collector and fan of the larger 6-8 inch figures from my favourite movie and TV licenses - including the ones mentioned above, but also the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Doctor Who, and the Aliens. I launched The Mephitsu Archives in 2015 with a view of creating a UK-focused site or these figures where fans can pick up the latest action figure news, read reviews and get information on where to buy their figures and what is currently on store shelves. I hope I am delivering that to you guys...

Following his appearance at the end of The Mandalorian Season 2, and the subsequent scenes during the Book of Boba Fett, Hasbro have brought us a new updated Luke Skywalker in his New Republic-era Jedi Master robes. The figure was released in early 2023 as part of the Galaxy Collection Wave 10. The figure is number 30 in the Mandalorian Series with the side artwork lining up to figures on either side as is now the norm. Wave 10 was the first general wave to come in plastic-free packaging so the box uses a relief artwork of the figure on the front and some additional content detail on the left-hand spine to show what is included. Luke is a fulyl new figure and is based on his appearance on the Imperial Light Cruiser in the Mandalorian Season 2 finale. Luke is wearing an outer soft goods robe that is hooded and this is one of the better soft goods cloaks we have seen in recent times in terms of how natural it does sit on the figure and over the head as a hood. It appears to be similar, if not the same, as the one included in Jabba’s Palace Luke from 2019 although now coloured black rather than brown. There is still a bit too much fabric in the hood and it takes a bit of time to get it positioned how you would want it to look. The robe is also different to the one shown in the promo image with a stitch at the collar for a closed robe look, not the open version seen in the first images. What we get is accurate to his appearance and the only downside is it takes a bit more work when posing in any dynamic stances with arms coming outside of the robes. Under the cloak is a Luke that has a very similar look to the one from Endor/Jabba’s Palace with a black tunic over black trousers and knee-high gloss black boots. The parts are all cast in the base colour with decor added minimally around the belt section. The tunic piece is a rubberised sleeve that fits over a plain torso and executing it this way allows some variation in the black finish without adding paint - also providing a neater finish between the differing shades. The head is also new and represents the de-aged Mark Hammill while also looking slightly older than the existing heads from Empire or Return of the Jedi. The photo-real face application furthers the likeness and adds the usual realism to the eyes in particular and the skin tones and shades. The hair too is accurate to the scenes and is a darker brown than seen previously on Luke with what looks to be a very subtle wash to add definition. Luke comes with his lightsaber, the green one he builds for Return of the Jedi. This comes in two parts as usual and I am pleased to see the design has been updated and no longer has a terribly weak point just beneath where the blade connects. The hilt has a built-in hook that works with a small hook on Luke’s belt to allow the saber to be slung. It will then fit into either or both hands for a number of saber-wielding poses ready to take apart a few Dark Troopers. The hands for Luke do look to be reused and Hasbro are still including a trigger finger on figures that use saber rather than blasters, while not as pronounced as some others we have seen - the right gloved hand does see the finger stick out a little when holding the saber. Articulation is set at 21 points at the higher end of the Black Series for moving pieces. Luke benefits from a boot cut swivel, butterfly joints at the shoulders, and a two-part neck joint as well as the usual line-up of torso, arm, and leg articulation. The body is pinless and the joints are designed to look like part of the outfit adding much more to the look of the figure while allowing a considerable range of motion for Luke allowing collectors to use anything from a neutral stance to very dynamic levels of combat - particularly if you were to employ an aftermarket stand. The release is a step up from the previous Luke Skywalker iterations we have seen and while it is accurate specifically to The Mandalorian scenes, it would work well enough as a Jedi Luke from Return of the Jedi, or indeed for a Jedi Academy Luke from The Book of Boba Fett until the revised version arrives later this year packed with Grogu. The figure ticks most of the boxes including looks, articulation, and accessories with just a minor question still over the soft goods execution and why Hasbro still don't seem to get this quite right. The packaging being plastic-free will be disappointing to in-box collectors, and not being able to see the figure does run the risk of damages, poor paintwork, or even theft/swap-outs. Despite this, Luke is still a recommended purchase for collectors of the Black Series and certainly exceeds all the previous versions of the character, even if this iteration is not taken directly from the Original Trilogy. For more News, Reviews and a Checklist of Releases - visit our Star Wars Database If you are reading this via a 3rd party website that is importing our newsfeed, please come and visit us directly and give us a follow on Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube. Check out our direct news feed for more action figure news, reviews, and store reports About Me : As a child of the 70's and 80's I grew up in a golden age for action figures and in my youth bought and sold myself through collections of Star Wars, G.I. Joe (Action Force) and M.A.S.K. while also dabbling in He-Man, Transformers and Ghostbusters. Roll forward and I am now reliving that Youth with the action figures of today and am a collector and fan of the larger 6-8 inch figures from my favourite movie and TV licences - including the ones mentioned above, but also the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Doctor Who and the Aliens. I launched The Mephitsu Archives in 2015 with a view of creating a UK focused site or these figures where fans can pick up the latest action figure news, read reviews and get information on where to buy their figures and what is currently on store shelves. I hope I am delivering that to you guys...

Foreword: Some of you may have read some of this last year in May 2022 as part of my 'This is the May' celebration. I never actually made it to the 2nd part as I was stuck down with a very serious illness and ended up in hospital for much of the 2nd half of 2023. As I approach the one year anniversary of that life changing event I was determined to finish this article - not so much for those who read it, but thank you if you are, but for myself to finish a project I started before everything changes so massively and to prove to myself I still have a role to play in the wider collecting community through my site - something I thought I had lost after nearly a full 6-months of inactivity Like many Star Wars Action Figure Collectors, I was born in the 1970's and had just turned 1 when A New Hope reached the UK. And yet like many kids of my era I never actually saw the movies in any of their original cinema runs - and instead, it was the toys and the novels and annuals that brought me into the Star Wars Galaxy and from where I learned all about the story of all three films. It was in fact rare TV screenings where I first saw the original films, having seen Empire and Jedi numerous times before I caught a showing of A New Hope. My first Star Wars collection stems from this era as I hoovered up the Kenner figures released by Palitoy in the UK. My parents were not well off by any stretch, but there was always a few pence pocket money to save up and the Kenner figures were so cheap and widespread I managed to build up a fairly full collection over the early 80s. And then I did what many in my position did, I sold it all to earn some cash for the next 'big thing' to hit UK toy stores - in my case I was seduced over to Action Force (G.I. Joe) for some time - sacrificing Star Wars to do so. I soon regretted that decision and sold a lot of G.I. Joe to go back and fill up my Star Wars collection for a 2nd time, this time picking up every figure apart from - for some reason - Hammerhead. The General Madine and Wicket figures pictured here are part of my modest Vintage Collection and are the only two figures I have left from my childhood. While Wicket is a bit worn and missing his hood, and while Madine is very badly worn and has been repainted on the arms at some point, I do connect with these two figures the most. Both in terms of a joy in terms of the memories they return, but also tinged with sadness at all the other figures I did let go for a second time when video games hit the UK in a big way and Star Wars was sacrificed for a second time to raise funds. As I headed into adulthood and had some disposable income I did begin a quest to repurchase a full set of original Vintage figures. That quest did not go too far as I was rather naive in terms of how costly certain Vintage figures were and the complexity around the various global manufacturers, variants, and weapons. Of the Vintage figures I do own, I do have a focus on those seen in Return of the Jedi and Jabba's Palace with the likes of Bib Fortuna and Squidhead (Tessek) who were favourite characters growing up and who went on plenty of expanded universe adventures. I do remember Squidhead coming to school on many occasions and sitting in my desk - and I hope that like Bib he gets a Black Series released in due course. Another favourite character was Chewbacca who is perhaps one of the nicest examples in my Vintage series with a cleanish paint job and weapon. Both Nien Nunb and Admiral Ackbar are figures I remember saving for and sending off as mail-away offerings in the UK and I have both of these in the modest Vintage setup although Nien is pretty beat up. He is another character who had plenty of fan-fiction adventures when I was a child, often taking the Falcon himself to do work for Jabba or even go Bounty Hunting with Boba Fett. While Ackbar has got a Black Series figure already, Nien Nunb is another one who very much sits on my wanted list for the six-inch format. Droids were also a big feature of the original Kenner run and while IG-88 was the cool bounty hunter droid perhaps my favourites, until I understood their role anyway, were 2-1B and FX-7. They both look so cool with FX-7' multiple arms - all of which were weapons when I was 10 - and 2-1B's skull-like mask and clear chest section. This pairing are also figures that would work so well in the Black Series, although I think that opportunity may have been lost now the Empire Strikes Back 40th Anniversary has passed. I can now sit here in my 40s knowing I collected the Vintage figures twice in full when I was a kid, and let both of them go without any knowledge of what would happen in the future. And while it is sad, I don't regret it as such as the other toys and video games bought in their place are also a huge part of my childhood. While my 3rd attempt at a Vintage Collection run has stalled permanently I do look back with fondness often at the figures I have collected and as per the suggestions I have made during this article - I hope that Hasbro will eventually give us a version of every Kenner figure in their 6-inch format, the same commitment they have made to the 3.75-inch Vintage Collection fans. The next phase of my collecting kicked off in the mid-90s at a time in my life when I had disposable income that coincided with Kenner's relaunch of the Star Wars POTF2 3.75-inch line. Back then everything was shopped physically with what felt like full aisles in Toys R Us, and plentiful displays elsewhere including Woolworths and Toymaster stores. My POTF2 collection kicked off with Han Solo and Jabba the Hutt from the A New Hope Special Edition, followed closely by an EV-9D9, Rancor Keeper and a Gammorrean Guard - again the Jabba's Palace theme was very prevalent. The collection of POTF2 figures continued and when eBay launched int the UK in 1999 the collection exploded as I had access to other rarer figures, vehicles, and playsets. This was also the year Episode 1 arrived and we moved into the Phantom Menace figure line including another Mail Away - Mace Windu - and the early release Battle Droid with STAP that I bought at a Cinema of all places (remember when they used to have merchandise stands?) Eventually, the 3.75 inch line became too expansive, and space and cash became a problem and in a fit of trying to be a grown-up the whole lot was dumped for one big cash sum, although very much less than it would have been worth if I'd have had the patience to split it down and sell off in parts. POTF2 figures and ships still hold a special place in my collecting heart with my Son - now aged 13 - having many of the original muscular Kenner figures as well as a selection of ships, creatures, and playsets that spanned POTF, the prequels, and into the newer lines like Rebels and the sequel figures. And that was me done.... and then in 2013, the Black Series launched. At that time I had a small curated collection of 'iconic' movie figures in 7-inch scale (NECA, McFarlane etc), and seeing the likes of Boba Fett and R2-D2 on pegs in a similar scale was very hard to ignore. Even back then I told myself the price was too much - everything I had bought to that point was always 'pocket money' pricing and here were now £20 figures, the same price (at the time) as a night out or a couple of decent takeaways. Eventually, I did cave and the collection kicked off with Boba Fett, soon followed by all of Wave 1 and 2. My Jabba's Palace focus continued too with the SDCC Jabba the Hutt set and a scratch-built throne that to this day remains a centrepiece in my collection. While I am not a completist, I do have the majority of the releases across the last 10 years - half on display and half boxed up patiently waiting on a long-running project to create a collection space. In those 45 or so years I would say that I have probably spent too much, and I do suffer a little from compulsive collecting - what we now refer to as FOMO. I don't have any major regrets as such other than not keeping my original Kenner figures (who doesn't think that nowadays) but I would offer a couple of pieces of advice knowing what I know now. Always collect within your means, collect what makes you happy, and always remember your friends and family - they are the most important pieces in your life! If you are reading this via a 3rd party website that is importing our newsfeed, please come and visit us directly and give us a follow on Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube. Check out our direct news feed for more action figure news, reviews, and store reports About Me : As a child of the '70s and '80s I grew up in a golden age for action figures and in my youth bought and sold myself through collections of Star Wars, G.I. Joe (Action Force), and M.A.S.K. while also dabbling in He-Man, Transformers and Ghostbusters. Roll forward and I am now reliving that Youth with the action figures of today and am a collector and fan of the larger 6-8 inch figures from my favourite movie and TV licenses - including the ones mentioned above, but also the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Doctor Who, and the Aliens. I launched The Mephitsu Archives in 2015 with a view of creating a UK-focused site or these figures where fans can pick up the latest action figure news, read reviews and get information on where to buy their figures and what is currently on store shelves. I hope I am delivering that to you guys...