As the year comes to an end, I reflect on the top 10 favorite action figures I’ve purchased these last 365 days. I’ve cut down over the last few years, purchasing only the stuff that I really want. Still, I was able to get enough stuff to make a top 10 list, with a few honorable mentions.
The honorable mentions are: 3rd party Verokron, Ricsan Custom Toys Gaira, Final Wars Anguirus, GMK Baragon and Storyboard Godzilla, Ultra Action Kanegon and S.H. Figuarts Ultraman Arc. These figures all had nice sculpts, decent articulation, and several were reasonably priced.
And now, onto the countdown.
10. S.H. MonsterArts Godzilla Evolved
I ended up liking this figure more than I anticipated. The articulation, despite not being able to look fully up, is still very nice. You’re able to get him into quite a few nice poses. The sculpt is great and the paint is good. The movie was pretty meh, but at least Godzilla’s upgraded look was rad. Due to lack of heat beam and the price, this figure didn’t score higher.
9. S.H. MonsterArts Mechagodzilla, Garuda and Fire Rodan set
This figure was released at the very end of December 2023, but I didn’t receive it until after January, so I count it for this year. This set is great, giving you 2 kaiju figures and an aircraft (the Garuda). You have everything you need to own the ultimate version of Mechagodzilla 93, plus the newly painted Fire Rodan looks great. This set was a great way to get all these figures in one package.
8. S.H. Figuarts Father of Ultra
It was only a matter of time before the Father of Ultra got a release in the S.H. Figuarts line. He came packed with a ton of accessories, a great sculpt and articulation. This now leaves only a few more characters to release to complete the SHF Ultra Showa series. Mother of Ultra was revealed at the recent Tamashii Nations 2024 Event, so I’m hoping she gets released next year, so father can have his bride.
7. Ricsan Custom Toys Varan the Unbelievable
This was my first purchase from Ricsan Custom Toys, and I liked it so much that I went and purchased more. Varan looks great, and the string articulation wasn’t as cumbersome as I had expected. I highly doubt that S.H. MonsterArts will ever give us a Varan, so I’m glad that we have 3rd party figure makers to fill the void.
6. S.H. Figuarts Earth Garon
Another late December 2023 release that I got in 2024, this cool mecha from Ultraman Blazar looks great (I love the blue and orange color scheme), the articulation is good, and he comes with lots of accessories. Paired with the accessory pack that came recently, Earth Garon is ready to rumble.
5. S.H. Figuarts Red King
One of the most wanted Ultra kaiju figures finally got a release in the S.H. Figuarts line, the popular monster Red King. He resembles a giant, mutated corn cob, and has appeared in multiple Ultra series since his debut in 1966. He looks great, moves well, and came with an extra pair of hands and a large rock, helping to give him character.
4. S.H. Figuarts Ace Killer
This set was fantastic. He’s the first official Ultraman Ace foe released in the SHF line, and Bandai made sure he came packed with lots of extras, including multiple hands, beams, crosses for the Ultra brothers, and option parts to turn the regular Ace figure into robot Ace. The main figure himself looks great and sports very nice articulation. All in all, a fantastic set worth owning.
3. Ricsan Custom Toys Titanosaurus
Out of all the 7 Ricsan Custom Toys figures I purchased, Titanosaurus is by far the one I dig the most. I’ve always wanted an articulated version of this fan favorite kaiju from 1975’s Terror of Mechagodzilla, and Ricsan delivered. The sculpt is accurate, the paint is nice, and he can be posed quite well. This figure is simply outstanding.
2. S.H. MonsterArts Godzilla 1972
When this guy was first revealed, it was an instant preorder. I grew up watching the Showa Godzilla films on TV, and this is one of my favorite suits. He looks great, has expressive articulation, and he pairs nicely with the 72 Gigan released last year (as well as the upcoming Anguirus due next May). Out of all the SHMA Godzilla figures I own, this is one of my favorites.
1. S.H. MonsterArts Jet Jaguar 1973
After SHMA gave us a Jet Jaguar based on the Singular Point series, I honestly didn’t think they would bother making an original 1973 version. Well to my surprise they did, and when I finally had him in hand, I instantly fell in love. OG Jet Jaguar was always one of my favorites, and having a highly articulated version of him was a dream come true. His articulation isn’t the greatest, but he’s still pretty damn good, and paired with an accurate sculpt, bright colors, and a few extras, he ended up being quite the standout. Out of all the kaiju and mecha figures I purchased this year, SHMA Jet Jaguar is the one I reach for the most to pose and take photos with, so for that reason, he’s my number 1 of 2024.
And there ya have it, my ten favorite action figures of the year. I still have three late December releases coming, but those will be listed as 2025 figures, and possible future favorites, if they so make the list. Happy New Year, sayonara 2024!
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