My 20 Favorite Figures of 2020

2020, you were an asshole of a year, but I have to give it to you, you did provide us with some great action figures.  

Toy collecting in 2020 was a different beast. With mandatory masks, the closing of non-essential businesses, and six feet of social distancing requirements, hitting those Wal-Mart’s and Target’s weren’t as appealing. Taking an “L” on the hunt is bad enough; getting Covid and possibly dying while taking it is just the bummer of all bummers. And that’s not even considering the logistical nightmare that came with the pandemic. For most of us, it meant staring at the same AJ Styles and Wasp figures all summer long. 

Some good came from it, though: Toy companies have gotten a bit more creative in their handling of exclusives by using their online stores. Going forward, as things begin to normalize, that’s hopefully something that sticks around. 

For me, 2020 was my biggest year since I got back into toy collecting. A year or two ago, I would have scoffed at the thought of spending $50 for a figure. Today, I spent $120 on a Jin Sakai figure that I probably won’t have in my possession until 2022. I stepped out of my comfort zone a bit, started to collect imports and higher-end lines, and, in doing so, grew a new appreciation for the hobby in general. So, with that said, I would like to share with you a list of my 20 favorite figures from 2020. These are all figures that I purchased this year, and I believe that all of them were released this year as well. For those that I’m not sure about, I will leave off just to avoid tainting the list. 

(Honorable Mention – Boss Fight Studio’s Bucky O’Hare and Deadeye)

(Honorable Mention – Storm Collectibles Jushin “Thunder” Liger) 

These are figures that I purchased in 2020 but that I don’t know exactly when they were released. I looked it up and couldn’t find an exact date, but I would rather be safe than sorry, so I’m keeping them off. They would be very high up the list if they were eligible. 

I also want to give a shout-out to the Diamond Selects Iron Giant and McFarlane 12-inch Geralt of Rivia. These have no articulation and are very much statues, so I’ll be keeping them off of the list as well. Those are really great though.

Marvel Legends Venom (2018 film version) – Hasbro

The Venom film from 2018 was…fine. I think that I probably liked it more than most, but I didn’t like it enough to defend it if you were to tell me it sucked. But there’s just something about this figure. I don’t even know what it is exactly. In the film, most of Venom’s scenes are at night or in other poorly lit areas. There are not many opportunities to appreciate how cool the character design is. In figure form, he’s incredible. 

Tokka and Rahzar  – NECA

The newest additions to the collection, and some of the best. My favorite figures of 2019 were the Bebop and Rocksteady from NECA, and I think that these guys are even better than those. The scale is perfect, the detailing in the attire and accessories is second to none, and the paint is wonderful. I’m also pretty sure that I could kill a man with the spikes on Tokka’s shell. Always a plus.

Marvel Legends Stan Lee – Hasbro

This offering from Hasbro was very classy. Around the time of his death in 2018, there had been plans to do a Stan Lee BAF–there were even online images of it that leaked out. With his passing, those plans were scrapped, and it was turned into this fitting tribute. You get Stan in his iconic look, a Cap shield with his name on it, and packaging that includes the word “Excelsior” going down the sides. One of my favorite pieces that I’ll keep in mint condition for the rest of my time on this rotating rock.

Gambit – Mezco

This guy was my very first Mezco figure. I was able to finally understand the appeal of Mezco figures within minutes of opening it. There’s a certain quality to it that emits from it. The head sculpt, the detailing in the chest plate, and that wired trench coat made this the best Gambit figure of 2020–and there were a lot of them to choose from.

Baxter Stockman – Super 7

Based on the old Playmates design from the early-90’s, this Baxter is a figure that you need to see with your own eyes to truly appreciate. The design of it is the same as the one that I had as a kid, but it’s massive in size. That extra size brings out the detailing and the great color palette.  

Marvel Legends Deadpool (movie version) – Hasbro

There has been no shortage of Deadpool figures over the years, but this movie version just hit a little different. The film-based suit and mask make all the difference. He also comes with several hands and weapons that allow you to pose him in some of his most popular moments from the film. He even comes with a stuffed unicorn, which is a bit risqué of Hasbro. The only downer was that this Deadpool was part of a two-pack with Negasonic Teenage Warhead (and not a great one at that) instead of Cable, which bumped the price up to $50.

Kenny Omega – Jazwares

The figure itself is okay, but the coolest part of this Kenny Omega figure is that we now actually have a Kenny Omega figure. Having left NJPW before their deal with Super 7, a decent Kenny Omega figure was hard to come by before this guy. He’s missing his highlights and his skin color is a little too bright, but it’s nice to own a plastic representation of the “Best Bout Machine.”

Batman (Arkham Knight) – McFarlane

There are so many jokes to be made about the excessive number of Batman figures that McFarlane rolled out this year. It’s practically a meme at this point that McFarlane himself is leaning into. Jokes aside, they’re good looking figures. The White Knight, The Grim Knight, The Batman That Laughs, and the Flashpoint Batman were all home runs. My personal favorite is the Arkham Knight-version that was released just recently. Having re-visited Arkham Knight on the PS4 just recently, I’m completely enamored with that version of Batman’s suit. This is probably the series that I’m most excited about for 2021. 

Lion-O – Super 7

Finding a decent Lion-O for my collection has been something that I’ve struggled with for years. Thanks to this Super 7 figure, I no longer have to settle for the iffy versions and re-releases. This is the essential Lion-O for me. Super 7 has had an absolute killer 2020 by releasing high-end versions of my childhood heroes. Now I just need them to get that Food Fighters and Silverhawks license.

Michael Jordan – Mafex

2020 was also a big year for MJ. There was ‘The Last Dance,’ there were Funko Pop’s that were in high demand, the Hornets started to turn that corner, and then there’s always those shoes of his. This Mafex figure might be the best of them all. Capturing Jordan’s likeness in his prime, this figure’s articulation works so well with posing basketball players. Whoever’s idea it was to include extra pairs of Jordan’s most iconic sneakers for swapping hopefully got themselves a nice raise.