Welcome back to Fantastic Plastic — the recurring column here at Pop Heist that tasks me with counting down my top five favorite toy and figural releases from the past month. I'm John DeQuadros — writer, photographer, lifelong collector. With 25 years of experience working within the wonderfully wacky worlds of play and popular culture, I'd like to think I've gotten pretty good at spotting the standouts: the sculpts that sing, the designs that dazzle, and the releases that make collectors everywhere beg their bank accounts to hold out just a little bit longer.
October arrived to drop us headlong into the season of falling leaves and football, with the toy scene keeping things fiery amidst a backdrop of cool-weather conventions and one too many livestreams to count. While the world turned to thoughts of tailgate cookouts and cozy sweaters, the industry continued on a roller coaster ride of tantalizing teases, rad reveals, and even a few surprises along the way. Narrowing it all down took a lot of careful scrolling, countless comparisons, and a healthy dose of obsessive articulating, but the end result is a lineup that I feel is worth its weight in polymer. Thus, whether you're a casual collector or a hardcore hunter, consider this your paywall-free peek at October's best. So, tear off the tape, crack the seal, and let's take a look inside…
5. The Simpsons — Krusty The Clown Show Multipack
Hey, hey! Shrinking all the after-school shenanigans of Springfield's favorite variety show down to a compact 2.5 inches, the brand-new Krusty The Clown Show Multipack delivers a tux-clad Krusty, Sideshow Mel, Mr. Teeny, and the dynamic duo of Itchy and Scratchy in one perfectly pint-sized package. Don't let the small scale fool you though – this slapstick squad packs more punch per inch than Krusty's entire comedy career, serving up big laughs in a bite-sized format that goes easy on both your shelf and your wallet. Rounding out the set is Krusty's free-rolling clown car, which adds a nice extra dash of playability – I just wish Jakks Pacific had also included a prop cannon for a little extra set dressing!
4. Jurassic World Hammond Collection — Stygimoloch
Do you remember the first time you saw a dinosaur? There's no denying Mattel is working wonders with their Jurassic World license – especially when it comes to the Hammond Collection! This month saw the park expand with the arrival of Fallen Kingdom's Stygimoloch, a dome-headed dino packing a serious attitude and loads of personality. At just seven inches long, she's slightly smaller than most of her prehistoric pals, but thanks to screen-accurate sculpting, some stellar paintwork, and those piercing glass eyes, this tiny tank is big on presence and ready to stand toe-to-toe with even the largest lab-grown gargantuans InGen can cook up. Stiggy stomps in as another knockout addition to Mattel's ever-evolving lineup, balancing just the right amount of museum-grade realism with play-ready ruckus. Just don't make her mad!
3. G.I. Joe Classified Series Legacy Collection — Action Joe: Police Emergency Services Unit (ESU)
Law and order just got Classified (again)! As the latest recruit in the ever-expanding G.I. Joe Legacy line, Hasbro's highly anticipated ESU Police Officer comes to the game outfitted with an impressive arsenal of add-ons that includes a nightstick, handcuffs, taser, flair gun, soft-goods poncho, two-way radio, and even an all-important cup of coffee. While swappable parts let you change up his look with alternate heads, hats, helmets, and more, sharp sculpting and premium articulation keep every pose feeling dynamic and mission-ready. Packed with style, spark, and plenty of the signature swagger collectors love, the Police Emergency Service Unit stands ready to answer the call – locked, loaded and eager to bring Cobra Commander and his nest of cantankerous cronies to justice!
2. Collegiate Legends
With North America now in the thick football season, I knew there was no better time to spotlight one of my most anticipated releases of the year – Collegiate Legends from Harvinger Studios. When Hasbro's attempt at a revamped Starting Lineup dropped the ball a few years back, I thought the days of high-quality sports figures were gone for good. But, oh how wrong I was! These 6-inch athletes, brandishing a wide range of colors from across the NCAA, deliver razor-sharp sculpting, premium articulation, and full team-licensed detail that lets you rep your school with pride. From Alabama's Crimson Tide to gridiron giants like the Florida Gators, [EDITOR'S NOTE: I'm from Tennessee, so I had to rep the Vols above. It's what my dad would've wanted! — BW] every last figure brims with personality and collector-ready craftsmanship that proves this game is far from over! Get ready to score big, because Collegiate Legends just may be the touchdown we've been waiting for.
1. Icon Cars — Ferrari 250 GTO
Start your engines and get ready to shift into a world of miniature motoring magic, because this month's spotlight belongs to the showroom-fresh Icon Cars 250 GTO from Playmobil. While the cramped, almost cartoony, proportions may seem deceptively simple at first glance, this fun-sized Ferrari brings a whole lot of Italian flair to the table. Every curve, every contour, and every carefully applied detail screams classic ‘60s sports car, from its rolling wheels and race-ready driver to the gleaming coat of Rosso Corsa peppered with just the right amount of officially licensed badging. As a lifelong gearhead with a serious soft spot for Enzo Ferrari's finest machines, I can't help but admire how well this compact coupe captures the thrill of the open road, beckoning you behind the wheel for a high-octane adventure straight out of the box!
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