If you go to comic cons for the scantily clad indie comics superheroines, then you're in luck, because comic cons have been catering to you for roughly 35 years. But if you go to comic cons to see sweet toys, then NYCC 2026 delivered for you, if not in quantity, then in quality. Sure, most of the big companies didn't have a floor presence, settling for a few panels, and some of the exhibiting companies didn't even seem to have any toys on display (*cough*funko*cough*), but there were a few companies there that brought real winners. Here are some of the standouts.
10. Five Points Thundercats (Mezco Toyz)
Sure, the Thundercats have had toy lines in a variety of scales and formats over the last 40 years, from the action-feature-happy LJN line to the highly accurate Ultimates line by Super 7, but the 5 POA, 3-inch scale is new for them, and these look great. Sure, they're small and can't do too much, but they look like the cartoon, they'll probably get a bunch of interchangeable parts for the perfect display, and they're making Ma-Mutt. They're also doing Nightmare Before Christmas Five Points, but those seem less necessary, given the sheer volume of NBX merch out there.
9. Ultimate Frazzle from Sesame Street (NECA)
If there was one monster from Sesame Street NECA needed to make, it was Frazzle. One of the most demonic-looking monsters from the show's early days, Frazzle was a no-brainer when it came down to who the show would phase out in exchange for kids-friendly characters like Elmo and Abby Cadabby. He comes with various necktie accessories, plus hat and cane so he can do a song and dance routine with Harry Monster, also on display.
8. Ben Cooper Sgt. Slaughter (NECA)
The Ben Cooper figures, Mego-style kids in costumes inspired by 1970s and 1980s Halloween wear, are a constant delight, and the upcoming all-Hasbro wave is no disappointment. Sure, Optimus Prime, Megatron, Matt Trakker and Grunt from G.I. Joe are great, but the Sgt. Slaughter figure takes the cake. Not only WAS there a real Ben Cooper Sgt. Slaughter costume in 1985, but this captures it exactly, in 1/8 scale, so you can live vicariously through a toy on your desk, remembering what it was like or wishing you had been there.
7. Looney Tunes (Takatoku Toys)
While there were no actual Looney Tunes figures on display at the Takatoku booth, there were accessories, and as long any hypothetical figures are poseable enough to hold said accessories, they will be instant purchases. Past Looney Tunes lines have not quote lived up to fan expectations, but hope springs eternal, and hopefully the surprisingly positive reception for Coyote vs. Acme will lead to some surprisingly great toys.
6. Clash of the Titans Vinyls (Star Ace)
While I love vinyl figures, they are hard on the wallet, so I need to be choosy. But I definitely choo-choo-choose these glossy, retro-styled figures of classic Ray Harryhausen monsters, specifically Bubo and Medusa. Sure, the Sinbad monsters are nice, but i'm a sucker for a nice Greek myth, and the Bubo might as well be a prop replica, it looks so nice.
5. Liberty (My Retro Pop)
Not an action figure, but an amazing resin statue that was exclusive to the show. Lady Liberty in Wonder Woman garb, holding a sword and a manhole cover may be the coolest thing I've seen. Plus, it was only $35, quite the deal. A poseable toy would be the bee's knees, but would probably end up somehow costing more, because toys are ridiculously expensive now.
4. Gizmoduck (NECA)
While it's great that NECA is making more Darkwing Duck and Ducktales figures, Gizmoduck is easily the most exciting. I have been wondering how they would make a Gizmoduck stand up, with his unicycle wheel, for YEARS, and NECA pretty much did it how I thought someone would, with a little cloud of smoke by his wheel. I assume the wheel does not turn because then the support would not work, but it would be nice if the smoke was removable.
3. Godzilla Minus Zero (Bandai Namco)
I know, it's another Godzilla figure — but it's possibly the coolest looking Godzilla figure ever! It's as if they've been perfecting the monster over the past 70 years and finally figured out what he's supposed to look like. Sorry, all, but he looked goofy in the pre-1990 years, kinda cool in the '90s and '00s, misshapen in the Legendary films, and let's not discuss Shin Godzilla. All the positive word about the new movie helps make this guy a must-have.
2. Batman (Mattel)
Mattel has been making us wait to see the new collector-targeted DC Universe toys, and expectations kept getting higher, especially after their kids' line came out and was almost passable as a collector line. Now, the first one is revealed, and it's pretty great. It's hard to get too excited about another DC line and another Batman figure, but great articulation, wire-posable capes and diorama bases promise to make Marvel Legends up their game, and maybe give the One:12 Collective a run for their money, too.
1. Thunder Machine (Hasbro)
Who would have thought that the G.I. Joe Classified line would get so far with absolutely zero current media? (Outside of the Energon Universe comics from Skybound, which they haven't really dipped into, toy-wise.) With over 200 figures and several 1:12 scale vehicles, it's a shining example of what a collector toy line can be. The Thunder Machine has been shown before, but the fact that the Dreadnok vehicle even exists is astounding. Measuring over 20 inches long with rear flame attachments, the vehicle features removable and interchangeable parts. And while it doesn't come with a driver (where art thou, Thrasher?), Hasbro has created a new Dreadnok medic named Flatline who used to be a veterinarian, pictured, who can ride shotgun.
