Can you believe that another year has come and gone already?  Each year at this time, I like to take a look back and be thankful for all of the great toys I’ve added to my collection. I especially enjoy picking out my top ten favorites!  It’s harder than you’d think to narrow down.  I debate and argue with myself, cross some off the list, add others; it’s definitely an iterative process.  You all know by now, I love the import toys, so you’ll always see some of that flavor here.  That said, here’s my list of favorite toys of 2015!

Honorable Mention:

Man Bat (DC Collectibles)

I’ve always love the Batman Animated Series, and Man Bat in particular was a personal favorite.  DCC made a great attempt at Man Bat, and he comes so close to the mark.  My biggest gripe with this toy stems from the early quality control issues that plagued the line, and Man Bat did not escape unscathed.  Instead of the earlier breakage problem, the mushrooms on the swappable shoulders did not bite into the socket enough,and the arms were very loose, and even practically fall out without some modification.  Still a fun, good looking toy, and little issues keep Dr. Langstrom out of the top ten.

Number 10

Ebirah (Y-MSF)

Ebirah sneaks in to the top ten for two very specific reasons; the first is that he’s the very first “realistic” version of the 1965 Godzilla foe ever made.  The second is that it’s wonderfully done.  He’s currently very limited, but I’ve been assured more will be coming in 2016, along with variant versions.  Godzilla sold separately.

Number 9

The Rocketeer (Funko Legacy Edition)

This one’s on the list for the same reasons as number ten; He’s awesome, and we’ve waited FOREVER for a figure from this movie.  As with all of the Legacy line, Mr. Secord sports lots of excellent articulation, swappable heads, and his trademark pistol.  If you missed out, find this one before his price skyrockets, it’s a very fun toy.

Number 8

Christopher Reeve Superman 7” (NECA)

This one came out just this past month, and while it’s a beautiful figure that we’ve waited decades for (see a pattern here?), he fell to number eight due to the fact that this figure (along with the Adam West Batman) are about as fragile as spun glass.  We’ve received multiple reports of the dreaded “clear plastic” used in the joints, and it’s not uncommon to read a report of these figures breaking right out of the package.  I used the boiling water trick, and I’ve been lucky (my Adam West, not so much).  That said, at the end of the day, it’s a beautifully done toy of a character we’ve asked for repeatedly.

Number 7

Power Loader (NECA)

This one is a fantastic follow up to last year’s toy of the year, the Alien Queen.  Not only does it have some great detailing and paint work, but it also includes every single hose as seen in the film, and a spare set of gripping hands for Ripley.  For the MSRP it cost, had it included functioning lights, as shown on the box art, it would have been much higher on the list.

Number 6

S.H. Monsterarts Gamera (Bandai)

I love this line, and this might be the best release yet.  There’s not much more I can say that hasn’t previously been said, but the incredible sculpt, paint, and articulation make this one a real winner.  The optional “flying turtle” parts and fire effects are just icing on the giant monster cake.

Number 5

Star Wars: The Force Awakens (Hasbro)

This was as much an event as it is a toy line.  I had so much fun going shopping on “Force Friday”.  That said, Hasbro did a bang up job with these five point of articulation figures, and have offered a huge variety of great figures in a short time, and the movie isn’t even out yet!

Number 4

Combiner Wars Ultra Magnus (Hasbro)

This was my favorite regular Transformers release of 2015 (Devastator isn’t what I’d call a regular release).  Even though he closely follows the IDW incarnation of Ultra Magnus, he’s exactly what I wanted in a classic G1-styled release.  It’s a nice touch that the cab swivels, even without removing it from the trailer, something more expensive imports have only been able to do.  He includes an arsenal of weapons and a bonus minicon Minimus Ambus, who pilots ultra Magnus like his own personal armor mech.

Number 3

Special Forces Imperial TIE Fighter (Hasbro, Black series)

This toy is so big, it didn’t even fit in my photo booth!  To go with all that size, the detailing is there to go with it too. It carries a hefty price tag, but is worth every red cent, and includes the 6” Special Forces TIE pilot.  The interior comfortably sits two pilots back to back, as in the film, and the interior looks like a movie prop!  Holiday shopping should clear these out, be sure not to miss out!

Number 2

Jaws (Funko ReAction)

Forty years.  Forty years I’ve waited for these toys.  Not only did Funko deliver big time, making them look as if they stepped off of toy shelves circa 1975, but they even offered a Comic-Con exclusive bloody version of the Shark ingesting Quint, complete with variant bandanna-wearing head.  Feel free to check out my original review of these treasures.

Fans & collectors must agree with me, as these flew off shelves and are now long gone.

Number 1

Transformers Combiner Wars Devastator (Hasbro)

This was the big one, and he did not disappoint.  Hasbro finally delivered on the promise of the Big Green Machine, including all six Constructicons who can individually transform AND combine into the ruthless Devastator.  He’s got his signature rifle and all the articulation to boot.  This monster is over 20” tall.  Whether you go with the regular release at TRU or the Comic-Con exclusive edition (shown here, with his alternate head and blinged-out chest piece), you just can’t go wrong.  The import Unite Warrior version, coming soon, includes a few additional points of articulation, swappable visor for both head looks, and the small Constructicon guns.  Remember Metroplex?  He’s super expensive now.  Don’t sleep on this one.

And that’s it!  I hope you had a great year collecting toys, I know I did.  As always, all toys shown were purchased by the reviewer, and Happy holidays to everyone, and I’ll see you in the toy isles in 2016!!!