Welcome to the latest edition of Fantastic Plastic — the monthly rigmarole here at Pop Heist where I run down my top five favorite action figures from the past month! I'm John DeQuadros, and with 25 years experience in the industry as both a photographer and writer, I've seen it all, from dynamite display pieces to figural flops and everything in between. But here? We celebrate the best of the best — figures that bring the jeepers, the jinkies and often the just shut up and take my money!
July was a full-blown pop culture rollercoaster. Whether you caught Superman on the big screen or braved the Hall H gauntlet for a sneak peek at Coyote vs. Acme, geekdom was thriving. And while the world buzzed with trailers and teases aplenty, it was the latest figure drops that had my heart a-swoonin'. Narrowing this list down to five was no easy feat — especially during the wildest month of the year — but after locking myself in the studio to snap, study, and scream at the sky, the results are finally in. Thus, whether you've been collecting since the '70s or just picked up your first figure last week, consider this your ultimate pass to the month's best. Let's dive in and see who made the cut ...
5. S.H.MonsterArts — Final Wars Godzilla
Sculpted and colored by the legendary Yuji Sakai, this reissue perfectly captures the sleek, savage energy of Godzilla's 2004 design. From the finely sculpted scales to the jagged dorsal fins, every attribute screams premium. The articulation is outstanding — tight, smooth and ready for loads of classic poses straight out of the box. Plus, the updated paintwork gives him a cleaner, more screen-accurate finish compared to the original release, with richer tones and sharper highlights. If you missed him the first time, don't sleep on this reissue. It's a high-impact return for a fan-favorite design, and an essential addition to any kaiju collection.
4. Transformers MDLX Articulated Figure Series — Bumblebee
This officially licensed Transformer is a pint-sized powerhouse stacked with enhanced features! Standing at just under 5-inches tall, this G1-inspired figure combines high-quality construction with slick mechanical detailing and a weathered paint finish that really pops. With 36 points of articulation, Bumblebee is built for dynamic posing, from action-packed stances to subtle, expressive gestures. Accessories include interchangeable hands, masked and unmasked head sculpts, and a laser pistol — everything you need to bring this brave little Autobot to life. The joints are smooth, sturdy, and endlessly fun to work with, giving the figure a high-end feel that defies its compact size. Designed by Kelvin Sau, this MDLX release fuses '80s nostalgia with a modern, battle-hardened twist that fans are sure to love.
3. G.I. Joe Classified Series Legacy Collection — Search & Rescue Firefighter
A heroic tribute to both the iconic Joe legacy and real-world first responders, the Search & Rescue Firefighter is ready to turn up the heat on your Classified collection. Clad in detailed bunker gear, this 6-inch figure features plenty of articulation and comes with a load out of 14 incredible accessories, including a helmet, air tank, goggles, pry tools, axes, and even a soft goods emergency blanket. Every piece feels purposeful and adds a nice sense of realism to display or play. The sculpting and paintwork is top notch, highlighting Hasbro's dedication to honoring true-life heroes who still feel right at home alongside Cobra-fighting legends like Sgt. Slaughter and Snake Eyes. Designed as both a collectible and a salute to search and rescue professionals, this figure goes beyond action — it's inspiration in plastic form. Joe fans and frontline warriors alike — this one's for you!
2. Sesame Street — Ultimate Count Von Count
Equal parts nostalgia and top-tier presentation, the Sesame Street Ultimate Count Von Count is a collector's dream. Standing 7-inches tall with 27 points of articulation, this stylish arithmophile is fully posable and ready for all your number-loving needs While the sculpt perfectly captures the character's signature features, the show-inspired accessories — including interchangeable hands, a beautifully tailored cape, candelabra, rotary phone and a number "2" figurine — are perfect down to the last detail. The paintwork is also clean and vibrant, honoring the classic Muppet design while adding shelf presence in abundance. Count Von Count is a fang-tastic celebration of one of Sesame Street's most iconic residence. For those who grew up watching PBS and now collect with pride, this figure truly counts where it matters most of all.
1. Star Wars: The Black Series — Anakin Skywalker
The Force-wielding winner this month is Black Series Anakin Skywalker, who brings a heaping helping of classic Clone Wars charm to the table. Inspired by his appearance in Ahsoka, this 6-inch figure captures Hayden Christensen's likeness with uncanny accuracy, and features soft goods tabards and an excellent range of motion for plenty of poses worthy of the Chosen One! Sure, his accessory game is minimal — just a blue-bladed lightsaber and detachable hilt — but what he lacks in extras, he makes up for with loads of screen-accurate presence and style. This is Ani at his peak: confident, commanding and just reckless enough to keep things fun. Whether you're a devoted Prequel fan or strong Skywalker stalwart, this heroic Jedi checks all the boxes. It's a clean, streamlined take on an iconic character guaranteed to bring balance back to your Black Series shelf!
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