The holiday season means toys. I know, I know — there are also movies, specials, songs, rituals, food, etc. etc. that also goes along with Christmas and its cohort ... but the holidays mean toys. And sorry not sorry, but for an entire generation or two (looking at you Gen Xers and my fellow Millennials), holiday gatherings are inextricably tied to action figures. We can't help it if we grew up in the heyday of '80s and '90s toy mania! Those were formative years, and we still like toys. Blame capitalism!
Anyway — what holiday season would be complete without a gift guide highlighting a slew of posable pieces of plastic sculpted to look like pop culture icons? For the 2025 holiday season, Pop Heist is getting in on the action — and the truth is, we got a head start thanks to John DeQuadros' monthly Fantastic Plastic column.
Below you will find a list of the affordable (re: under $30) action figure standouts from John's year of columns, along with a few more special recommendations from me (EiC Brett White) and managing editor Ethan Kaye. These are the figures we couldn't live without — and maybe that special, 30-to-50-something in your life can't either.
Happy Heistmas, to you and yours!
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. — John
G.I. Joe Classified — Cobra Commander (Combat Armor)
Now this is more like it. Hasbro's Classified team spent 2025 really cranking up the weird [complimentary] and diving into the more outlandish parts of the classic toyline. Case in point: Cobra Commander's 1987 battle armor, a proud display of late '80s excess. I mean, my guy went from wearing essentially a dress uniform and helmet in '82 to a full-blown Robocop suit of armor. It's madness, yet the Classified team figured out how to sand off the ridiculous and leave this glorious leader looking sleeker than ever. But there's still plenty of weird in here, like the alternate head that rightfully acknowledges the truth that under his helmet, Cobra Commander is very much a snake person. And that iguana? That's the only Serpentor figure I can afford. — Brett
G.I. Joe Classified Series Retro Collection — Dr. Mindbender
Cobra's mad scientist is back and badder than ever before! The G.I. Joe Classified Series Retro Collection Dr. Mindbender brings sinister genius to the shelf — no Comic-Con badge required. While the original release was a San Diego Comic-Con exclusive back in the day, this latest release comes to collectors via mass retail and packing even more punch then before. Sure, he's got fewer gadgets, but the strong sculpt, improved colors and added Cobra logo on the back of his cape make this version a real MVP. Part silent movie villain, part '80s wrestler and 100% moustache magnificence, Mindbender is back and ready to cook up loads of trouble for G.I. Joe. Grab this diabolical doc before he hatches another scheme — or at least before Cobra Commander gets wise! — John
G.I. Joe Classified Series — Wet-Suit
Keeping things waterlogged, it was great to see Wet-Suit finally making a splash in the G.I. Joe Classified line this month! A fan-favorite character who made his animated debut in Season 2 of the classic cartoon, Hasbro’s daring diver takes to the depths with no less than eight character-inspired accessories and enough articulation to make even an octopus feel overawed. Whether grappling with a Great White, exploring the secrets of a sunken Sea Ray, or making a quick escape via speedy sea sled, Wet-Suit is another awesome addition to the G.I. Joe ranks that fans are sure to love. Fingers crossed Deep Six surfaces soon so we can finally complete the dynamic diving duo once and for all! — John
Marvel Legends - Cable
Look at this chonky, laser-totin' bad boy! There's something so right about having a figure of Cable, Marvel Comics' premier example of '90s extreme-ness, that feels like it could double as a weapon. The heft on this figure is real, and it makes his superior articulation even more of a marvel. Appropriate for a character who carries multiple firearms, this Cable is a blast, pure and simple. — Brett
Marvel Legends - Feral
The theme of 2025 was, "Brett getting all of the action figures he desired as a child but didn't get because early '90s toy execs thought boys wouldn't buy action figures of female characters." Feral has crouched at the top of that list, impatiently waiting to pounce, muttering expletives under her breath in a thick Bronx accent. Now, she's here — and she's spectacular. The X-Force member — the final one in the original lineup to be made! — comes with swappable hands and, more importantly, improved flexibility in her neck and ankles that allow for better posing. I couldn't have asked for a better version of Feral ... and now I'm impatiently waiting for Hasbro to make Feral v2, in her (superior) Greg Capullo uniform. — Brett
Marvel Legends — ROM
Easily one of the year's standout figures, ROM is retro done right! This bodacious bot boasts a slick retro-futuristic design, chunky proportions, and sculpted details that scream classic cool. It's a loving tribute to the original Parker Brothers toy, and honestly, it looks like he leapt straight off the comic page! Hasbro went all-in here — loading him up with articulation that includes a very cool layered chest design for added poseability, and packing him alongside some signature tech. Add to that sharp paint apps and a presence that demands shelf space and it won't take long to see why ROM isn't just a great Marvel Legends figure, but one of the best we've seen in years! — John
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! — John
Star Wars: The Black Series — Han Solo
They say good things come to those who wait — and Hasbro's new Black Series Han Solo proves it. This scruffy-looking nerf herder, straight out of A New Hope, has never looked better, rocking an import-worthy photo-real likeness that perfectly captures a young Harrison Ford's roguish good looks. The updated articulation is smooth and natural, letting you strike daring poses without breaking up the lines of the sculpt. Of course, Han's trusty blaster is included and, while the swappable gloved hands of the original are MIA this time around, the figure easily eclipses the 2013 version with sharper details, better proportions, and colors that more closely resembles what's seen on screen. Bottom line, this is the Han Solo we've been waiting for! — John
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. — John
Star Wars: The Black Series — Shaak Ti
A fan-favorite character from the prequel era, Jedi Master Shaak Ti gets a standout release in Hasbro's Star Wars: Black Series. The figure impresses with a strong facial sculpt that perfectly captures her serene yet powerful presence, complemented by her trademark blue-bladed lightsaber. The addition of a soft goods robe adds both depth and flexibility, letting her look great on a shelf while also aiding articulation. Despite her intricate design and headpiece, she's surprisingly posable and pulls off dynamic stances with ease. A welcome addition to any Star Wars collection, Shaak Ti shines bright as one of the best Black Series figures to date! Fingers crossed her Force Unleashed outfit isn't too far behind. — John
Corporate Mascots — Kellogg's Frosted Flakes Tony The Tiger
He's grrreat — and now fully articulated! Jada's all-new Tony the Tiger figure looks like he jumped straight off of a cereal box and into your collection. At an unbeatable $29.99 USD, he's a steal for fans craving a dose of Saturday morning nostalgia. Packed with fun accessories like a bowl of Frosted Flakes, a spoon, and a basketball, you can recreate some of Tony's most memorable TV moments with ease. While his bold, cartoony proportions can cause the occasional topple, he's still an absolute treat and scratches an itch I never knew was there. Sweet, stylized, and chock full of charm, Tony is a must-have for collectors and cereal lovers alike. — John
Scooby-Doo — Shaggy Rogers
Zoinks! Jada Toys has done it again, snagging the top spot this month with the release of their all-new Shaggy Rogers figure — and it's not hard to see why! Bursting with cartoon-accurate appeal, Hanna-Barbera's hungriest hippie looks like he just stepped straight out of the TV screen. He's packed with articulation, two swappable heads, interchangeable hands, and — of course — a box of Scooby Snacks to tide him over while he waits for his four-legged pal, the centerpiece of Series II. For fans of classic cartoons, Shaggy is sure to tick all the boxes, though I can't help but think a giant sandwich accessory and a dedicated "munching" head sculpt would have really sealed the deal. That said, Jada's attention to detail and fan-friendly extras make this one a win worthy of the name Mystery Inc. Here's hoping we see an accessory pack somewhere down the line — and maybe even an expansion into other Hanna-Barbera heavy-hitters like The Flintstones or The Jetsons. Hey, I can dream, can't I? — John
Ultra Street Fighter II: The Final Challengers — Vega
Knockout style is once again the name of the game with Jada's all-new Vega figure. This latest Street Fighter stalwart is as flashy as he is lethal, packed with plenty of 16-bit bravado that's impossible to resist. The sculpt is sleek, muscular, and full of character, while the wide range of articulation (including his ponytail) lets Vega pull off a wide range of jaw-dropping poses with effortless elegance. Accessories amp up the action, including masked and unmasked heads, two pairs of deadly claws, and some dynamic effects pieces that bring every strike to life. With Jada's unbeatable mix of quality and price, Vega is a no holds bared action extravaganza that's ready to decimate any challenger and steal the spotlight on any shelf. — John
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! — John
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! — John
DC Multiverse Collector Edition — Adam Strange
McFarlane Toys // $29.99 // BBTS
One of my favorite DC characters, Adam Strange, first rocketed onto the scene in 1958 courtesy of creators Julius Schwartz and Murphy Anderson. Now, McFarlane Toys brings him to life as part of the DC Multiverse Collector Edition line based on his look from Tom King's excellent Strange Adventures series. The figure features an updated costume and comes complete with a charmingly retro jetpack, '50s-style ray gun, and no less than three swappable face plates for plenty of display options. While a few odd design choices and missing paint applications kept him from ranking higher, this is still a really fantastic release for fans of the cosmic adventurer! I just wish the line was sticking around a little longer. — John
DC Multiverse — Azrael Batman (Knightquest)
McFarlane Toys // $26.99 // BBTS
Based on the original Kenner classic, McFarlane's latest release brings Jean-Paul Valley's armored alter ego roaring back to life with loads of unfiltered '90s attitude. The bold blues of the comic are swapped for a fiery red and gold getup that perfectly captures the brazen, over-the-top tempo of the era — when Bane broke the Bat and Gotham fell under the watchful eye of a more cruel Caped Crusader. Sure, it may just be a repaint, and the spring-loaded missile launcher didn't make the final cut, but what's left is a retro-flavored homage to one of Kenner's coolest. From the menacing, angular cowl to those gloriously impractical battle wings, this figure is a full-throttle celebration of the excess that was Legends of the Dark Knight! — John
The New Batman Adventures — Firefly
McFarlane Toys // $9.99 // BBTS
Bless McFarlane Toys for shining a bat-shaped spotlight on the Batman and Robin Adventures TV show by giving us some amazing figures. The Demon, the Creeper, the creepy version of Scarecrow, all of them got toys, and Firefly is one of those rare birds who doesn't get much representation elsewhere. In fact, Warner Brothers canned the whole movie where he was played by Brendan Fraser and fought Batgirl! Unless you were a fan of the The Batman or the Arkham Origins designs, you were out of luck until this screen-accurate version came along. — Ethan
G.I. Joe Reaction+ — Pythona
Dreams can come true! Finally, after nearly four decades of waiting, Super7 gave G.I. Joe fans the figure they've been dying for: Pythona, badass emissary/assassin of/from Cobra-La. She's fierce, she's mysterious, she pays people in oversized gems — she's essentially the closest thing this franchise has to a true drag queen diva. I live for her. This figure is near and dear to me not only because I've wanted a Pythona toy for literally as long as I can remember, but also because Super7 mastermind Brian Flynn revealed her to me for the first time during our chat a few months ago. Not only a favorite toy of the year, but a favorite memory, etched into my soul. — Brett
Universal Monsters ReAction+ — Creature From The Black Lagoon
While not for everyone, I see Super7’s ReAction+ line as a nifty little nod to playthings past. This month, Brian Flynn and the folks at that San Francisco design house grabbed my attention with a gloriously green-and-yellow Gill-man boasting classic O-ring construction and loads of retro charm. Inspired by Milicent Patrick’s iconic movie monster, this 3.75 inch figure features 12 points of articulation (including disk joint shoulders) and is the perfect size to tangle with a company of ‘80s-era Cobra Vipers as they trek tirelessly across the living room rug. Small in size but big in bravado, this ancient amphibian is sure to make a splash in any display! — John
ReAction — Vincent Price (Ascot) Master of Mayhem
Super7 // $20 // BBTS // Toynado
2025 finally saw NECA's super deluxe version of the master of ghoulish horror, but he's on the price-y end (get it?). Ta-da, Super7's done right by the star of The Abominable Dr. Phibes with this 3.75" dapper version, complete with ascot and raven. Funny enough, in the movie The Raven he doesn't get turned into a raven; that's Peter Lorre. Anyway, you can have the king of fear interact with your classic Star Wars figures, inviting Chewbacca and Yak-Face into his parlor for fun, food, and ghooooosts! — Ethan
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