Welcome back to Fantastic Plastic, the collector-friendly column spotlighting some of the coolest collectibles from across the toy industry. Each month, professional toy photographer and noted pop culture journalist John DeQuadros – whose work has appeared everywhere from Toy Tales to ToyCollectr and even The Toy Book – introduces readers to his favorite new releases, spanning mega manufacturers and indie design houses alike. Did your favorite make the list? What was your standout release from October 2026? Sound off in the comments below and let’s talk toys...
5. LEGO — PlayStation
Anyone who knows me will tell you that I'm a huge PlayStation junkie – or at least, I used to be. I can't say I'm particularly thrilled with the direction Sony has recently decided to take the brand, but I digress. LEGO's new PlayStation building set is a 1,911-piece rush of nostalgia, guaranteed to transport you back to simpler times. With enough bits in the box to build both an original PlayStation console and a DualShock controller, this set brings two iconic pieces of gaming history to life. The build itself is an absolute blast, with thoughtful, tactile touches like an opening disc tray adding to the experience. Then there are the miniature dioramas inspired by legendary titles Gran Turismo and Ape Escape, each serving as comforting nods to a time when gaming felt a little more magical. For a brief moment, this set has healed my weariness with an increasingly digital world. It's the soothing balm I didn't know I needed, and the first LEGO model in a long time to get me genuinely excited about building something new one brick at a time.
4. G.I. Joe Classified Series — Deep-Six
While at first glance Hasbro's all-new Deep-Six figure looks like he'd be more at home joining Ed Harris on the ocean floor than taking the fight to Cobra Commander and his numerous aquatic abominations, this is one Deluxe G.I. Joe that dives in with both feet! The harpoon gun is an impressive piece of kit, while the inclusion of a backpack and two different helmets offers plenty of options for customizing his look on the shelf. Sure, the derelict skull accessory is a little weird, but as a professional toy photographer who's always looking to go the extra mile for his clients, I can't exactly say I hate it either. In fact, it's the kind of oddball extra that can make for some genuinely fun photographic opportunities. Bottom line, Deep-Six is another welcome addition to the line and, quite possibly, one of my favourite G.I. Joe Classified releases this year.
3. S.H.Figuarts Super Space Sheriff — Gavan Infinity
It's confession time: I know absolutely nothing about Super Space Sheriff, but a cool action figure is still a cool action figure! The sculpting on Gavan Infinity is impressive, while the metallic red and silver paintwork immediately catches the eye, whether admiring him in hand or displaying him on a shelf. The accessories are neat, and the articulation is plentiful, offering plenty of posing possibilities for collectors. I'll admit, I initially mistook the included Galactic Federation Police Notebook for some sort of futuristic communicator, which probably tells you everything you need to know about my familiarity with the franchise! Still, you don't need to know a thing about Gavan's universe to appreciate what Bandai has accomplished here. This is a figure that looks fantastic, feels great to handle, and reminds us that toys should, above all else, be fun – which is exactly what Gavan Infinity delivers!
2. G.I. Joe x Tomb Raider Classified Series — Lara Croft
This year marks the 30th anniversary of Tomb Raider, and to celebrate, Hasbro has decided to induct the globetrotting archaeologist into the ranks of G.I. Joe! Based on her modern look from Image’s new crossover comic, this 6 inch, fully articulated incarnation of Lara Croft comes ready for adventure with a loadout that includes everything from a pair of pickaxes to her signature dual pistols. There's also a swappable head and hands, a grappling hook, bow and arrow, a backpack, and even the legendary Dagger of Xian! Also tacked on is a “Tomb Raider tax”, making Lara one of the more expensive offerings in the Classified line at close to $50. But you know what? She's totally worth it! This is the definitive Tomb Raider action figure – proof that, even if it takes 30 years, good things really can come to those who wait.
1. Epic H.A.C.K.S. Roxy London
Landing in the top spot this month is Roxy London, an atom-punky piece of plastic that looks like she just pounced off the pages of some pulpy sci-fi rag! Another classic example of good things coming to those who wait, Roxy is a long-overdue (I had her on pre-order for over a year) addition to Boss Fight Studio’s Epic H.A.C.K.S. line that revels in retro-futurism with a striking purple spacesuit and an aesthetic that looks as though it were plucked straight from the mind of Don Marquez. If that weren't enough to get those vintage vibes a flowin’, the inclusion of an interchangeable robot head lets you transform this intergalactic peacekeeper into a Metropolis-style android, which is perfect for those occasions when you've got a Fritz Lang itch just begging to be scratched! If you haven’t figured it out, this one appeals to my love of '50s-era sci-fi in a pretty BIG way, delivering such a potent blast of Atomic Age theatricality that I half expect to see a flying saucer touch down before I've even finished taking her out of the box!
