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  I’ve been collecting superhero figures for two and a half years and in that time, I have managed to find my way into collecting a wide assortment of characters. These include Marvel, DC, Masters of the Universe, Power Rangers, GI Joe, Star Wars, Gargoyle’s, Thundercats, Silverhawks, Ninja Turtles, and most recently Mythic Legions. Being a participant in that many lines will eat a hole in your wallet quickly! It can be daunting trying to figure out what to collect. Prices and functionality can vary greatly. And character accuracy can be elusive. How many articulation points are needed? And will there be a better version coming sooner than I can say “Spider-Man”?! Fortunately, I’ve found an array of figure review channels on YouTube to help sort it all out (and they share my zeal for collecting!) It’s a fun community to be a part of, after all, the characters we collect have a rich history in print media and television and most definitely pluck at our nostalgia heartstrings! I’m drawn to presenters who know the source material; they’re honest and constructive with their criticisms; ideally, they cover several lines; and most importantly they make their presentations fun and engaging. They take into consideration the points of articulation, accurate paint application, the body mold used for the figure (is it outdated), the number and usefulness of accessories, and price. I don’t intend to rank them with the exception that my favorite five channels will be listed at the end. I want to promote the remainder of my favorites first so that you’ll make sure and give them all a visit! Hopefully you will find them as helpful as I do and have a few laughs along the way!-OGI Universe-DC Multiverse Collector -Pearlescent Toys-Asoka the Geek-Xmanny87-Dan Who? Reviews-Toy Bro-Analog Toys-Pixel Dan Top 51. 5POA Figure Reviews2. Toy Shiz3. Brad The DC Universe Geek4. MCUcollector245. ShartimusPrime

San Diego Comic-Con 2025 delivered a stacked lineup from Hasbro across all major lines — Marvel, Star Wars, Transformers, and G.I. Joe. From animated revivals to cross-brand collabs, collectors were hit with wave after wave of reveals, exclusives, and pre-order chaos. Here’s a full breakdown of the most talked-about drops, including some hidden gems you’ll want to track before they disappear. Marvel Legends – X-Men ’97 Takes Center Stage Hasbro leaned hard into the X-Men ’97 hype, revealing a full wave of figures featuring updated sculpts and animated styling. Standouts include: Logan, Jubilee, Morph, Sunspot, Emma Frost, and Cable Comic-style packaging and bright, retro color palettes Pre-orders went live during the con and are expected to ship this fall Collectors praised the wave for blending nostalgia with fresh articulation and show accuracy. Transformers x Hot Wheels – Unexpected & Awesome Mattel and Hasbro’s ongoing crossover gave us SDCC exclusives like: Bone Shaker Prime and Twin Mill Soundwave, turning classic Hot Wheels cars into fully poseable Transformers Limited quantities dropped on July 26 through Pulse These were sleeper hits — and sold out fast. G.I. Joe Classified – Deep Cuts & Fan Favorites The Classified Series expanded with new characters and troop-builder sets that scratched multiple collector itches: Sci-Fi, Mainframe, Wet-Suit, and Grim Viper Cobra Desert Scorpion with SKRP10N drone Steel Corps Sentry & Modular Defense Post (Hasbro Pulse exclusive) As always, Hasbro brought army-builder energy and ARAH nostalgia to the booth. Star Wars: The Black Series – Clone Wars, OT, and Disney+ Unite The Black Series had something for every corner of the galaxy. Highlights included: Asajj Ventress (Bounty Hunter) – Her post-Sith look from The Clone Wars, with dual red lightsabers and a new helmet sculpt. A long-awaited update for fans of the EU and animation canon. Jango Fett – New sculpt, removable helmet, and blaster accessories The Stranger (Qimir) from The Acolyte Darth Vader & Luke Skywalker 2-pack from Empire Strikes Back Anakin Skywalker & Clone Captain Rex – A Pulse exclusive deluxe set Qimir, in particular, generated major buzz as he's never made it to plastic form — making him one of SDCC’s most in-demand pre-orders. Final Thoughts Hasbro showed up strong across every fandom this year, but the Black Series and Marvel Legends waves arguably stole the spotlight. From long-requested characters like Ventress to modern reinventions like X-Men ’97, SDCC 2025 reminded us why this event still sets the tone for collectors the rest of the year. Want to grab what you missed? We’re tracking restocks, late drops, and post-con listings — follow New Meta for updates and exclusive availability alerts.

Today, we're featuring one of our newest partners, T3 Collects, whose YouTube channel specializes in toy hunting across Northern California. From Redding to Sacramento, T3 Collects has scoped out some of the best spots for tracking down Marvel Legends, Star Wars, Transformers, DC Multiverse, WWE, and TMNT figures. Here are some of his tips and local recommendations to level up your next toy hunt. Redding: Unleashing Your Inner Hunter Redding offers a few standout spots for collectors. H&B Sports Cards, established in 2020, is a great place to find sports cards and Pokémon cards. Something Old Something Nouveau is another must-visit, offering vintage toys, comic books, Magic cards, sports memorabilia, and Pokémon collectibles. If you're in Redding during August, check out Sundial Bridge Comic Con — a family-friendly event packed with comics, toys, cosplay, art, and celebrity guests, including voice actors from hits like The Regular Show and X-Men '97. Chico: Hidden Treasures and Comic Conventions Chico’s downtown is home to some fantastic shops for action figure hunting. BAT Comics & Games, a local favorite since 1993, stocks comics, games, anime and manga plushies, action figures, and posters. Collectors Ink, a family-owned shop, offers comics, games, trading cards, and other collectibles, with a knowledgeable staff ready to help you find that elusive figure. Be sure to check out the Chico Toy-Anime-Comic Con, held at the Chico Women’s Club. It’s a great place to browse vendor tables, join cosplay contests, and meet other collectors. Sacramento: A Vibrant Collector's Scene Sacramento’s comic and collectible scene is thriving, with plenty of stores to explore. World’s Best Comics and Toys has an impressive selection of comic books, action figures, posters, and collectibles. G. Willikers Toy Emporium, located in the Old Sacramento Waterfront district, features a wide range of classic and modern toys, though some may come at a premium price. Other popular stops include Big Brother Comics, Empire’s Comic Vault, and A-1 Comics, all offering unique selections for comic and figure collectors. Major events like SacAnime (held at the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center) and VerseCon are also must-attend gatherings for pop culture fans, featuring toys, games, and collectibles. Tips for a Successful Hunt Patience is key: Finding rare action figures often requires persistence and repeat visits to local stores. Explore beyond the obvious: Don’t limit yourself to just the toy aisle. Check clearance sections, or visit discount retailers like Ross, TJ Maxx, and Burlington Coat Factory for surprise finds. Network with fellow collectors: Online forums like Collector Freaks Collectibles Forum and Toyark Toy Forums can be invaluable for learning about new releases, restocks, and local events. Happy hunting! May your Northern California adventures be filled with exciting finds, unique collectibles, and new additions to your shelf.