Top 10 Toys and Toy Lines of 2015
It’s that time of year again and we are ready to show you guys the top 10 toys and toys lines of 2015! As always you guys and gals had a voice in this list. This year was absolutely crazy and we saw some amazing releases. Just note that exclusives and kickstarter are not included in this list. These items had to be purchased via brick & mortar or speciality shops (online included). International is included due to most of it being imported.
We would like to thank companies such as Hasbro, Mattel, McFarlane, NECA, Funko, LEGO, Mezco, DST, DC Collectibles and many more for providing us with some amazing releases throughout 2015. This year will go down in the history books as one of the best years for collectibles. I know some lines took a nosedive but remember, we have options in the form of store exclusives (I’m looking at you GI Joe and Super articulated Star Wars figures). 2016 is going to rock and we will be there to help you all the way in news coverage, product reviews and much, much more. Now enough of the babble, lets get to the list!
Top 10 Toys of 2015
10- DC Collectibles Batman Animated Batmobile
DC Collectibles surprised fans worldwide with this reveal. Truth be told, this piece was even more fascinating once we got it in-hand. DC Collectibles delivered the ultimate Batmobile and one that fits in nicely with the new BTAS figures. Good job DC Collectibles! Now you have to top this release! Are you up to it? I sure hope so.
9- LEGO Helicarrier
The LEGO Helicarrier is a work of art. No, it’s a masterpiece in epic proportions. This my friends, is the cream of the crop of LEGO releases for 2015. The LEGO Avengers Helicarrier is a gargantuan 31 inches long by 17 inches wide by 11 inches tall! This beast is over 2 feet long!! Not only did it include some must have Minifigs, this set also introduced us to a new scale of figures. This was a truly awesome release and I look forward to LEGO topping this next year.
8- Alien Minimates (Power Loader & Queen)
Admittedly these are two different items, but you really can’t have one without the other. This is what everyone was hoping for when the Aliens Minimate line debuted last year and DST did not disappoint! Just the Power Loader and Alien Queen would have been enough, but we also get Ripley, regular Aliens and a Bishop that can be “impaled” on the Alien Queen’s tail! Add in the Alien Eggs, Chestbursters and Facehuggers and you have to super sized deluxe sets worthy of any top 10 list
7- The Dark Knight Joker (NECA)
NECA dropped three DVD promotional figures this year and the likeness for the Heath Ledger Joker one is dead on. This 7″ Joker has a new “authorized” likeness and character specific packaging that has made it a quick seller at retail. If you can find it, you should grab it!
6- Deadpool 1/6th Scale (Sideshow)
If you are a fan of Deadpool and you dig the comics version then this is for you! Sideshow takes the honor of producing one of the coolest Deadpool collectibles of the year. Hell, even the decade if you ask me. This release was loaded with accessories and it even included word balloons for your enjoyment. I personally love this release and even though Hot Toys is making the movie version, this one will still remain top dog in my book.
5- One: 12 Collective Judge Dredd
Mezco has delivered the perfect Judge Dredd figure for 2015. I hope you guys picked up the One: 12 Collective Judge Dredd release (I know several who did). This my friends is truly a work of art. If you have yet to experience a One: 12 figure think of them like this: You have a highly articulated figure (Legends scale) with cloth clothing that does not limit movement. The rang of motion for a figure like this is fantastic and Mezco delivers on the sculpts. You will not find a better high end 6″ collectible on the market. They are pricey but so well worth it. I’m looking forward to seeing what else Mezco has planned for this line.
4- GI Joe Skystriker with Sightline
This release is something special that all GI Joe fans need to be aware of. This past February the community lost a true gem and one that can never be replaced. Gary Goggles Head was not only a friend, he was a true champion for GI Joe. His passing was felt by many including the guys over at Hasbro. In his honor and with his loved ones permission, Hasbro created a figure to honor Gary. Sightline is that figure and he was included in this special vehicle pack. Just know that if you purchased this set, you were getting something special. Most are unaware of the significance of this release. Rest in peace brother, your family and friends still miss you.
*Image of Sightline comes from Generalsjoes.com
3- Star Wars 6″ Captain Phasma
Captain Phasma is the Boba Fett of Phase 3. I have never seen a modern figure that was in such demand as this. The secondary market blew up and this figure became incredibly hard to score at retail. While the character had little to no action in the Force Awakens, look for her to have a larger role in Episode 8. If you missed this figure at retail just know she is in a few upcoming waves as well. This figure even edged out Kylo Ren as the must have figure of the Black 6″ line.
2- Star Wars Black 6″ Tie Fighter
This bad boy almost landed at the number 1 spot. The Tie only lacked a few votes to take that spot. Still, even at number 2 fans should be pleased. This was a major risk item for Hasbro and I sure hope it was worth it. I know fans went nuts for this massive vehicle and I only saw it at a few retail locations. The price point was high but look at what you’re getting! I would have never imagined we would get a 6″ scale Tie Fighter. The only thing that could make this complete is if we got a 6″ X-Wing. This is a marvelous piece and will easily triple in price come next year.
1- Transformers Combiner Wars Devastator
This my friends is one bad ass Transformers. This one was a no brainer as Hasbro went above and beyond with this release. Hasbro answered the call of the fans and delivered us an amazing toy. This figure, once combined stands close to 2 feet tall. He is a true masterpiece and while he is not perfect, one would truly be happy with this release. Congrats you big green monster, you hit the number one spot for the year!
Top 10 Toy Lines of 2015
We had some many line to choose from and honestly, this is a tough job to have. A huge thanks goes out to the readers who supplied their input for this years list. Now let’s start with number 1o…….
10- Star Wars (Hot Toys)
Star Wars, Star Wars, Star Wars, what can we say about Star Wars that has not been said already? How about Hot Toys. Hot Toys has been heating the market up with these releases and we still have plenty more to come. They are a tad shorter than the Sideshow but they make up for that with details and a killer base body. These figure are chock full of accessories and the sculpts are damn near perfect. We all look forward to more release from Hot Toys in 2016.
9- Funko ReAction- Jaws
The Jaws ReAction line was a perfect combination of retro appearance and source material to give us a toyline that actually looks like it should have existed in the late 70’s/early 80’s Add in a small line up that still covers ALL of the main characters along with decent availability at Toys R US and specialty stores and you can see why it’s in our top 10.
8- Imaginext
Sure, Fisher-Price’s Imaginext toy line is aimed at young children and is found in the preschool section of most stores. But with it’s wide range of themes and licensed properties including Power Rangers, Spongebob Squarepants and DC Super Friends along with items inspired by multiple 80’s toylines like Dino Riders, Ghost Busters and MOTU, it’s no wonder parents are collecting the line for their children AND themselves
7- POP’s (Funko)
Funko ruled the convention circuit in 2015 as more and more dealers are carrying this line. Not to be outdone, POPs are invading traditional retail outlets faster than anyone could have imagined. POPs are everywhere and that is not a bad thing. Unlike other past trends (we are looking at you Beanie Babies), POPs have a rabid fan base and a huge catalogue of properties. These little guys will not die and when they do, they will become even more popular on the secondary market. It’s all about the characters folks and Funko has them all!
6- Bishoujo (Kotobukiya)
Kotobukiya continues to impress with their sexualized offerings of the Bishoujo line. The statues are beautifully crafted and they are highly popular with both the male and female collectors alike. We literally cannot say anything bad about the line and I know 2016 will bring even more fan favs to the market.
5- Minimates (DST)
This was a huge year for Minimates! The addition of many new movie properties that have dedicated and large fan bases like Aliens, Predator and Nightmare Before Christmas means these little block figures are winding up in more and more households. It’s also amazing that after over 10 years of Marvel Minimates, we’re still getting fan favorites like the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants and newer storylines like Axis and Secret Wars.
4- Dragon Ball Z (Bandai Japan)
This is a first for us, a true import of magnificence importance. Bluefin Tamashii Nations is the main distributor for this amazing line and Anime fans love some Dragon Ball. These figures are highly articulated and feature some of the best sculpts in this size. Seriously, do yourself a favor and go pick one up….you will not be disappointed.
3- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle (Playmates)
TMNT dropped a few notches due to a few powerhouses but the Turtles are still a major force in the toy aisles. This line continues to shine and fans still love their Turtles. I see great things ahead for TMNT and just because it dropped does not mean interest is waning. I still see empty pegs in the stores and that my friends is a good thing. Look for more Turtle power next year and I am sure Toy Fair will bring us some new releases.
2- Transformers (Hasbro)
The Transformers line is on fire. This was the year for the Combiner Wars and HASBRO went all in on the line. We have seen full blown GI Joe collectors jump ship to this line due to the classic appeal. Plus this is some of the best Transformers HASBRO has ever produced. The main line was a constant sell out in both toy sections and comic book conventions. Demand has finally been met as I am starting to see more figures on the shelves. I know this line is in great hands and the main designer will continue to impress us as we head into the next phase. Good job HASBRO, keep it up!
1- Star Wars Episode 7 (Hasbro)
This should come as no surprise but just like the movie, the toys are ruling the aisles. A quick trip to both Walmart and Toys “R” Us will yield you very little in the form of a Star Wars action figure. Why is this you ask? The toys have been selling briskly at retail and once the movie hit it became clear that this line went from filling the shelves to WOW, there is nothing left! The basic figures was already a tough score but the movie release sent a flood of consumers into the stores looking for more. It seems anything Episode 7 was disappearing faster than it could be replenished. Even with the figures sporting 5 POA fans and parents were embracing the Force. The Black series was also starting to disappear. Just a few weeks ago Finn’s and Rey’s could be found but not so much now. Overall, the line has done fantastic at retail and with the movie launch, sealed the deal for toy line of the year!
There you have it! This is the top 10 toys and toy lines picked by our readers and us. Did we miss something? If so let us know and remember you have a voice in this as well. Of course you will have to wait till next year as this one is in the can. Also this will be the last year for the top 10 list in this format. Next year look for an official awards category and exclusives will be included! Let us know what you think in the talk back section as we do love to hear from our readers.