Top 13 action figures of 2013 – Uncanny Figure Review

Posted on 7 January 2014
By Day Johnson
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There were loads of great figures released last year, but with the new year’s festivities out of the way we’ve tasked Uncanny Figure’s Day Johnson to narrow it down to just 13.

Here’s what he picked:

13) Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Snakeweed

The turtles are back and sneaking into the number 13 spot in true ninja style. Combing an impressive sculpt with nice plant details like protruding vines, Snakeweed is a refreshingly different figure with equally impressive articulation to match. Plus, it’s always good to see the bad guy get a share of the lime light.

12) Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Classics Rocksteady

Sticking with the Ninja Turtles classics, Rocksteady claims the number 12 spot. With a classic Playmates paint scheme, Rocksteady stands slightly shorter than the previously released Classic Turtles figures, but he makes up for it with an impressive array of accessories including a gun, knife, helmet and a sewer styled display base that finishes the figure off nicely.

11) Masters of the Universe Classics Galactic Protector He-man

Anything to do with the ‘New Adventures of He-man’ is a controversial choice, especially when its stacked up against the original. But, He-man plus space is always a winner. The New Adventures He-man has earned a place in the top figures of last year because of his fully interchangeable armour and heads which allows him to pose as classic or galactic He-man. This improved version also comes with all new wrist joints, allowing him to properly wield his sword of power – which is a fantastic addition.

10) Marvel Legends Wrecker

This year saw the release of Wrecker, the leader of Marvel’s Wrecking Crew. An extremely photogenic figure, Wrecker has brilliant articulation and paint work making him a favourite of ACBA artists. The third addition, but most impressive member of the Wrecking Crew, Hasbro have some work to do to top this with Bulldozer.

9) DC Collectibles New 52 Swamp Thing

Scott Snyder’s re-imagining of the Swamp Thing translates perfectly into action figure form, with perfectly blended paintwork and an impressive 23 points of articulation. Swamp Thing comes with interchangeable forearms allowing him to wield his make-shift sword and shield which makes tis a very adaptable figure. But, A fearsome sculpt alone could secure Swamp Thing’s place in my top toys.

8) SH Figuarts Dragonball Z Saiyan Saga Vegeta

The Japanese figure market is more prevalent than ever, so it is only right that Saiyan Saga Vegeta helps fly the import flag in the top figures of last year. Import figures are responsible for revolutionising the interchangeability of action figures and Vagetta wouldn’t be complete without interchangeable tails and scouter.

7) Arkham Origins Batman

The Dark Knight’s most impressive appearance in figure form last year has to be Arkham Origins Batman. With a fantastically sculpted suit and impressive articulation, this could mark a new era for Batman figures, something DC have failed to execute well in the past.

6) Marvel Legends Archangel

The Marvel Legends line has been on form this year. Archangel has been awarded the number six spot thanks to his impressive wing span and near perfect face sculpt. Add into the mix a sublime paint job and Archangel becomes the most impressive X-men character in the whole line.

5) Masters of the Universe Classics Horde Trooper

The most anticipated Masters of the Universe figure this year, the Horde Trooper, was released in a twin pack featuring both a classic and battle damaged sculpt. Selling out in impressive time, their scarcity is the only thing preventing me from amassing an entire army of Horde Troopers.

4) Mafex Amazing Spider-man

Another toy that was hard to come by this year was the Mafex Amazing Spider-man. This import toy comes loaded with extras including 4 additional sets of interchangeable hands, 3 different strands of webbing and a flight stand. Naturally Spider-man is super articulated and it has an amazingly detailed sculpt to match. This is the go to Amazing Spider-man movie figure for any web head.

3) SH Figuarts Dragonball Z Frieza

This is the Frieza figure I always wanted as a kid. Equipped with an impressive range of extras and features, Frieza includes interchangeable faces, removable tail tip, energy effects and full articulation. Bandai continue to push the action figure market forward and Frieza is no exception, which is why he has been awarded the number three spot.

2) Marvel Select Venom

In the number two spot is Venom, but not as we know him. In the style of the Japanese import market, this Marvel Selects figure comes complete with a whole range of interchangeable parts to create the many faces of Venom. It might just miss out on the number one spot, but for me this could take the title of the best Marvel Select figure of all time.

1) Star Wars Black Series Boba Fett

In at the number one spot had to be something special and no line has impressed this year as much as Star wars Black Series. Boba Fett is my stand out figure of the line. With a perfect sculpt a whole host of accessories and nicely detailed battle worn paint work, no other figure could take the number one spot.

Make sure you check out my full review of the Star Wars Black Series wave 2 on the Heroes for Sale TV show.

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