Yes you are reading that right. 2018. I had a desire to do a year-end review for 2020, but I'm pretty obsessive-compulsive and my last annual post like that was for 2017 (so unfortunately I have some catching-up to do). But looking back on a recent yesteryear is pretty fun. It's so easy in this collecting life to get caught up in what's coming next on the horizon, but we are living through some amazing times and it's nice to slow down and celebrate the hobby. Action figures are getting better and better every year and the nostalgia game in the toy aisles is stronger than ever. I find myself holding a new toy every few months that surprises me with it's very existence. So looking back on 2018 is very humbling. I remember opening all these toys like it was yesterday. But even I can admit that they are already overshadowed by newer shinier purchases. I'm looking forward to posting a similar 2019 review in the coming months. It will be nice to be all current by this time next year. Let's check out 2018 below!
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As usual, I'll start it off with
Hasbro's Marvel Legends
Every year this line impresses me more and more with good mix of obscure and staple characters.
Marvel Titan Hero Series from Hasbro
Movie years are always a good indication of an influx of new Titan figures, and 2018 did not disappoint.
Marvel Basic Figures
Marvel Basic Figures (MCU)
Disney Toy Box
This line finally added some female characters to the Marvel assortment in 2018.
Marvel Gallery from DST
I typically avoid statues, but this All-Star Wolverine release from DST is too stunning to ignore.
Marvel Mini-Mates from DST
Mini-Mates have slowed down a bit in recent years, but there is still a steady flow of both classic and obscure characters hitting the shelves.
Star Wars
Transformers
To me, 2018 marked the beginning of a new era for female Transformers. We started to see numerous original molds produced and many classic characters made for the first time.
3rd Party Transformers
Masters of the Universe
2018 saw the return of MOTUC from Super7 after no figures (for me at least) since November 2016.
Miraculous from Bandai
Big Hero 6 from Bandai
Imaginext from Fisher-Price
To say it was a productive year for Imaginext ladies is an understatement. I was completely overwhelmed by all the interesting characters in this unassuming preschool line.
Jurassic World / Jurassic Park
2018 brought back Jurassic product in a big way. Not only the Imaginext figures above, but a whole line of 3.75" action figures based on both the original and new movies.
DC Comics
Some of my very favorite Mattel DC Multiverse figures were released in 2018 and the introduction of the Batman Missions evergreen line was a lot of fun. But on the flipside, there were no good DC Collectibles additions.
DC Vinimates from DST
DC Funko Product
We all know there are tons of Funko releases each year.
I skip most purchases, but here are a couple that caught my eye.
Mythic Legions from Four Horsemen
There were so many great figures released in the Advent of Decay series of Mythic Legions in 2018. Unfortunately I am slow to review them. These are the only 5 I've opened so far.
Video Games
Fortnite from Jazwares and McFarlane
Robotech from Toynami
Stranger Things from McFarlane Toys
Ralph Breaks the Internet from Bandai
WWE Superstars from Mattel
Unfortunately 2018 saw the end of the WWE Superstars line. The final figure (Asuka) was never released.
Power Rangers Legacy Collection from Bandai
Other
Cheers!
Wow. Just wow. What a fun trip down memory lane from just a few years ago. Very cool.
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