Welcome to the very first edition of Fantastic Plastic, a brand new monthly column here at Pop Heist where I spotlight my top five favorite action figure releases from the past month! I'm John DeQuadros, and with 25 years of experience in the toy industry — collaborating with everyone from Mattel to McFarlane — I've seen it all, from plastic perfection to less-than-popular peg warmers. But here, it's all about the standouts — the figures that bring the wow, the whoa and sometimes the what took so long?!
While a bit of a roller coaster, April 2025 managed to deliver some awesome collectibles across multiple lines — and narrowing them down wasn't easy. But, after a ton of posing, photographing and straight-up geeking out, I've locked in my picks. Be you a seasoned collector or someone who's just getting started, this list is all about celebrating the best of the best. So, let's crack open those clamshells and take a look at April's top-tier plastic.
5. Star Wars: The Black Series — Prince Xizor
You just had to be there. Before the prequels, sequels or even the Special Editions, Shadows of the Empire was one of Lucasfilm's most ambitious projects. Spanning a novel, comics, toys and even a video game, it bridged the gap between The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi while introducing fan-favorite characters along the way. Now, just in time for its 30th anniversary, Hasbro brings us a brand new 6-inch Prince Xizor! Draped in regal robes and wielding a golden staff, this Black Sun boss oozes '90s nostalgia and is a worthy update to the original Kenner classic.
4. Pikmin — Nendoroid Bulborb
As someone who grew up in an era when video game collectibles were almost non-existent — anyone else remember those original Super Mario Happy Meal toys? — it's amazing to see how far this hobby has come. Case in point: the adorable new Nendoroid Bulborb from Pikmin! Standing under four inches tall, he won't be the biggest figure on your shelf, but he more than makes up for that with charm, detail, and plenty of playability. Featuring interchangeable parts and no less than six snack-sized Pikmin, this set delivers value and plenty of fun for fans of Nintendo's weirdest and cutest franchise.
3. DC Comics One:12 Collective — Golden Age Joker
It's no secret I'm a sucker for all things DC, and Mezco Toyz has been delivering on that interest in a pretty big way. Their new Golden Age Joker looks like he just strolled straight out of the pulp pages, decked in a vibrant purple suit and packed with accessories perfect for gag-filled mayhem. Sure, the $90 price tag might make you pause — but if you're after something beyond your average mass retail rogue, this one's worth every penny. A stunning tribute to the Clown Prince Of Crime, this figure is guaranteed to make you grin again and again.
2. Marvel Legends Maximum Series — Spider-Man
It's the wall-crawler everyone has been waiting for — and he's more agile than ever! Kicking off the new Marvel Legends Maximum line, this Spider-Man is a dream come true for collectors thanks to an incredible 35+ points of articulation. From high-flying swings to aerobatic kicks, this figure brings Spidey's moves to life like never before. The comic-inspired design looks straight off the page and, with 20 swappable accessories and collector-friendly packaging, there's plenty here to get your spider sense tingling. Whether you're a longtime collector or new to the line, there is no denying that this one sticks the landing.
1. Ultra Street Fighter II: The Final Challengers — Blanka
Jada Toys continues to crush it with their Street Fighter lineup, and their new Blanka figure is an absolute beast! Towering over the rest of the roster, this figure perfectly captures the wild man from Brazil with an excellent sculpt that totally nails his feral expression, muscular build and signature orange hair. Blanka's larger size gives him real shelf presence, and with swappable heads and hands, you can easily switch between calm and chaos. Best of all, he comes packed with electric energy effects that let you recreate his iconic attack straight from the game. Seriously, this figure delivers in a big way. And with a price that still comes in well under most premium collector lines, it's hard to beat the bang for your buck. Simply put: Blanka is ready to charge up your collection, no quarters required.
