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McFarlane Toys’ run with the DC Multiverse line is coming to an end — but this isn’t the end of the road for Todd McFarlane’s iconic toy brand. In fact, it might be the start of something bigger. For years, McFarlane Toys has been synonymous with the DC Multiverse line — pushing out dozens of highly detailed, affordable 7-inch action figures that covered everything from obscure comic arcs to blockbuster films. From the stunning “Three Jokers” wave to ambitious Build-A-Figure experiments like The Darkfather, the line earned a strong collector following and helped McFarlane stake a claim in mainstream retail toy aisles. The End of an Era News that McFarlane would be losing the DC license shook the toy community. Whether the decision was driven by Warner Bros.' licensing pivot, pressure from competitors, or just the end of a contract cycle, one thing is clear: the DC Multiverse line, as we know it, is winding down. Final waves are rolling out, and with them, likely the last chance for collectors to grab new releases from this era. What It Means for Collectors Expect prices to rise on key figures — especially ones tied to milestone stories or characters we’re unlikely to see again anytime soon. Completionists may be in scramble mode. And if you’ve been on the fence about certain waves, now might be your last chance to pick them up at retail price before the secondary market spikes. Where Does McFarlane Go from Here? This isn't the first time McFarlane has faced a shift — and if Todd's history shows anything, it’s that he thrives on reinvention. So what’s next? Spawn Universe Expansion: With his own IP at his fingertips, Todd could double down on Spawn and its growing roster. We’ve already seen early moves here — expect more waves, new characters, and maybe cross-media tie-ins. Indie Comics & Creator-Owned Partnerships: Imagine McFarlane handling The Walking Dead in a more expansive way, or forging new deals with creators from Image, BOOM!, or Dark Horse to bring beloved characters to life. Horror & Gaming: This could be McFarlane’s golden opportunity to dominate in horror and gaming figures. Think more Five Nights at Freddy’s, Mortal Kombat, Doom, and maybe even new cult horror licenses. Original IPs or Crossovers: With fewer constraints, we might see new McFarlane Originals — or perhaps a multiverse of his own, mashing up aesthetics from decades of work. Final Thoughts Losing a major license is tough, but it’s far from a death knell. McFarlane Toys has always been about bold, stylized figures with a deep respect for collectors. The DC chapter may be closing, but a new one is beginning — and we’re excited to see what Todd does next.

10. Bucky Barnes (Marvel Legends – Winter Soldier/Cap Variant) He’s been the brainwashed villain, the conflicted anti-hero, and even a temporary stand-in for Captain America. Bucky represents the messier side of patriotism — loyalty tested through trauma and redemption. And let’s face it, when he carries the shield, there’s something raw and powerful about seeing a wounded soldier still step up to defend others. He’s a reminder that sometimes the most patriotic acts come from those who’ve been through the worst and still choose to fight for good. 9. Wonder Woman (McFarlane / DC Multiverse) She may hail from Themyscira, but Wonder Woman embodies the spirit of American ideals arguably more than most actual Americans. Truth, justice, compassion, and the willingness to fight tyranny wherever it hides — Diana is a living symbol of those values. With her sword, shield, and unbreakable will, she brings dignity to every battle and serves as a reminder that strength doesn’t have to come at the cost of mercy. 8. Optimus Prime (Transformers) No, he’s not American — but come on. He’s a semi-truck who delivers liberty-themed monologues and throws himself into danger every time his crew is threatened. Optimus doesn’t just lead; he inspires. His belief that “freedom is the right of all sentient beings” might as well be printed on a bumper sticker next to an eagle. He’s the kind of leader we all wish we had — brave, selfless, and entirely voice-acted by the American dream. 7. John Cena (WWE Elite Collection) You can’t see him, but you can definitely feel the patriotism. Cena enters arenas like a firework display wrapped in denim shorts, and his dedication to service — both in and out of the ring — makes him a true symbol of hustle, loyalty, and respect. He’s a walking Independence Day celebration. Plus, no one salutes mid-backflip quite like him. 6. Duke (G.I. Joe Classified) The quintessential G.I. Joe. Duke is the kind of guy who probably starts his day with a protein shake, an early-morning jog, and a flag raising. He leads by example, always ready to put himself on the line — whether that’s against Cobra or a poorly balanced bookshelf. From his buzzcut to his boots, Duke is the action figure embodiment of “serve and protect.” Every kid who played with him in the ‘80s knew exactly who the good guys were. 5. Guile (Jada Toys Street Fighter) Guile’s entire character design screams military pride. He’s got the camo pants, the attitude, and a haircut so flat it could land planes. And let’s not forget that Sonic Boom — a move so absurdly American it probably violates noise ordinances in 38 states. He’s part drill sergeant, part rock concert, and every bit the embodiment of hard-hitting, stars-and-stripes combat swagger. 4. The Fantastic Four (Marvel Legends) They’re not just superheroes — they’re America’s weirdest, most lovable science experiment. Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Johnny Storm, and Ben Grimm gave an entire generation their first taste of space-age family dysfunction and summer blockbuster energy. And let’s be honest — nothing says “4th of July” quite like catching one of their movies on a hot afternoon while drinking soda out of a plastic cup with a bendy straw. They’re bold, brilliant, and always willing to risk everything for Earth — the ultimate all-American superhero family. 3. Sgt. Slaughter (G.I. Joe Classified / Valaverse) He doesn’t just look like he came out of a recruitment poster — he is the recruitment poster. Sgt. Slaughter’s sheer presence demands respect. His figure is a boot camp in plastic form: all business, no nonsense, and probably capable of yelling even from the inside of the blister pack. If you ever needed a figure to lead your shelf into metaphorical battle, this is the guy. He’s a legend, both in the ring and on the battlefield, and his inclusion in any collection is practically patriotic duty. 2. Superman (McFarlane DC Multiverse) Clark Kent isn’t just America’s first superhero — he’s the immigrant success story baked right into the mythos of the country. Raised on a Kansas farm, instilled with old-school values, and gifted with the power to literally move planets, Superman is the idealized version of what America wants to be. Truth, justice, and hope wrapped in a red cape. His love for humanity — even with all its flaws — is what makes him a truly patriotic icon. He’s not here to dominate or rule; he’s here to uplift. That’s real heroism. 1. Captain America (Marvel Legends) There could only be one at the top. Steve Rogers is the embodiment of the American ideal — not the commercialized version, but the one that stands up for the underdog, questions authority when it fails people, and always fights for what’s right, no matter how hard it gets. He’s been frozen, betrayed, and beaten down, but he always gets back up. The shield, the suit, the sacrifice — it’s all part of a legacy that reminds us what freedom really means. And let’s face it: every collection needs a Captain. Final Thoughts This 4th of July, between the BBQs and the fireworks, take a moment to appreciate the plastic patriots holding the line on your shelves. Whether you grew up with them, discovered them as an adult, or simply admire their symbolism, these figures represent more than just characters — they’re snapshots of values, nostalgia, and a little piece of what makes collecting such a uniquely personal (and occasionally patriotic) passion.

Pre-orders are a major part of the collector world—but they can also be a source of confusion and frustration. Why does it take months to get a figure? Why do dates change? At New Meta, we wanted to pull back the curtain and explain what’s really going on behind the scenes when you place a pre-order. How the Pre-Order Process Actually Works Retailers like New Meta don’t stock everything the moment it’s announced. When a brand like Hasbro or McFarlane reveals a new wave of figures, they typically open up orders to distributors first. Retailers place their orders based on projected demand—months before any product actually ships. Then, manufacturers begin producing the inventory, which usually takes several months. This includes sculpting final tooling, painting, packaging, and shipping from overseas factories. Delays at any point in that process (from factory closures to port congestion) ripple downstream and push your pre-order further out. Why Pre-Order Windows Are Important From the retailer’s perspective, pre-orders are more than just reservations—they’re a way to predict how much product to bring in. Most specialty toy stores don’t have unlimited warehouse space or capital, so we rely on pre-orders to determine how many units we should commit to. If 30 people pre-order a figure, we might order 40 or 50. But if no one pre-orders it, we may skip it entirely or bring in just a few—meaning it may sell out quickly or never be restocked. Why Dates Change You’ve probably seen this before: a figure originally listed for May release gets bumped to July. Or it just says “TBD.” Here’s why: Manufacturing delays – Factory bottlenecks or component shortages. Licensing approvals – Artwork, paint apps, or likeness rights need sign-off. Shipping issues – Delays at ports, customs, or transit between countries. Distributor updates – Retailers get their ETAs from distributors, who get them from the brands. At New Meta, we update release windows regularly and try to reflect the most accurate date we can get from our sources. But in many cases, these are best estimates. How We Handle Pre-Orders at New Meta We believe communication is key. When you pre-order from us, we’ll: Clearly label all pre-order items Send updates if delays occur Allow for easy cancellation if your plans change Never overbook – we only take pre-orders for units we can fulfill And if we ever receive fewer units than expected (which does happen), we fulfill in the order they were placed—first come, first served. Final Thoughts Pre-orders are part of what makes this hobby exciting—you’re getting in early on something special. But they’re also part of a larger supply chain puzzle that includes manufacturers, distributors, and import logistics. We hope this look into our process helps explain why delays happen, and what we’re doing to keep things as smooth as possible. At New Meta, we’re collectors too. That’s why we do everything we can to make the pre-order experience transparent, fair, and reliable.