The superheroics were in no short supply at Toy Fair 2016 last Saturday as Hasbro and LEGO showed off the licensed toys we’ll be seeing on the way from Marvel over the course of the next year. Obviously, the toy companies get to play with a massive universe of characters for their product lines, but what was the big Marvel news to come out of the industry event? What appeared to be the biggest news involved a little guy. Last December, a LEGO catalogue revealed a Captain America Civil War playset with a “giant” Ant-Man figure. The assumption was that Scott Lang would learn how to transform in Giant Man in the spring sequel – but that has not been shown in any movie trailers. Certainly, toy playsets like these can include characters and scenes that aren’t actually in the movie (such as last year’s “Ant-Man Final Battle,” which featured Hank Pym suited up and fighting Yellow Jacket alongside Lang). But what was especially intriguing is that LEGO obscured the packaging featuring giant Ant-Man – literally hiding something we’ve already seen -- so it might lend credence to the idea that we’ll see a very large Paul Rudd on movie screens.
While it didn’t reveal much, the LEGO Crossbones Hazard Heist from Civil War, with Falcon, Black Widow (on her bike with energy sticks) and Crossbones mini-figs was just a cool little action set. I also dug seeing Carol Danvers Captain Marvel in the Avenjet Space Mission, also featuring a larger Thanos fig, Hyperion, and space suit Iron Man and Captain America. This is not tied to the MCU, but is a fun standalone adventure set. Beyond that, in a presentation, Hasbro unveiled a glimpse at a Dr. Strange Legends toy based on Benedict Cumberbatch’s movie costume. Sadly, press was not allowed to take a photo of it, but it appears to be a less glam and gold look for the Sorcerer Supreme, even though it’s very true to the comics. It looks like what we’ve already seen in Entertainment Weekly, but even more in line with what a wizard might wear, in my opinion. The Dr. Strange tie-in line will additionally feature 6-inch figs of Iron Fist, a Dormammu build-a-figure and The Runaways’ Nico!
The toy company also announced it was breaking into the cosplay market with widely available to-scale movie replicas of Captain America’s shield – made of a plastic but with a believable metallic-looking finish – and Iron Man’s mask, which include light up eyes, some sound effects, and a face plate that can be taken off or fixed in an open position. Those will run about $100 each, and mark a very interesting direction. It makes it a lot easier for those who can’t afford, or don’t have the skill, to make their own items to jump into the world of cosplay. Hasbro also showed off a lot of Captain America Civil War Black Panther toys, confirming what we’ve all been kind of expecting: T’Challa is going to be fan favorite from the movie. The six-inch Marvel Legends line included movie versions of him, Cap, Iron Man, and Scarlet Witch (as well as comics-based Nick Fury, Nuke – with a swappable mangled head -- Red Guardian, and Secret Wars Cap). Other cool six-inch figures on the way are Kitty Pryde with Lockheed, Havok, ‘90s Rogue, and Silk.
Speaking of the Legends line, Hasbro announced “Marvel Legends” applies to all its toys in that line, not just the six-inch figures. And it would be heading into a 12-inch line, beginning with Spider-Man, Iron Man, and Cap. A ton of Marvel exclusives are on the way as well. Keep an eye out this year for 6-inch versions of a Jim Lee-inspired Punisher and Namor at Walgreens; Vision, Sam Wilson Captain America and Kate Bishop Hawkeye at Toys "R" Us; Captain America and Winter Soldier at Walmart; and War Machine and Disco Armor Iron Man at Target. Check out the gallery below to catch a glimpse at all the Marvel goodies Hasbro and LEGO paraded out at Toy Fair 2016.Update: Guys, I got this totally wrong. Not about the figure being giant and awesome, but it was made by Comicave, not Hot Toys, and it is totally not for sale at this point. My apologies to Comicave for misattributing this stunning achievement (I still think black magic was somehow involved). Original Wrong Article: I have long suspected that the employees of Hot Toys have sold their souls to the devil in order to have gained their almost terrifying abilities to turn living, breathing people into picture- 12-inch figures.
Apparently, they also received the ability to make miracles.Because check the “action feature” of their upcoming Avengers: Age of Ultron Iron Man Hulkbuster figure—the cockpit automatically opens in phenomenal detail, revealing a figure of Tony Stark in his normal armor inside! And his mask opens too! And the eyes of both armors manages to light up! We also have some incredible footage of some of Hot Toys other amazing Iron Man toys, too. Right now, you can pre-order this bad boy at Sideshow Toys for $825 (you can also see a wide variety of heartbreakingly gorgeous photos of the figure at the link as well). Whether you have a loved one who is 65 and totally obsessed with DC Comics or are shopping for a kindergartner who can't get enough of Guardians of the Galaxy, there's a gift on this list that will be sure to make this year their best Christmas ever. More: Kim Kardashian West's holiday gift guide is outrageous The Marvel Cinematic Universe: Phase Two DVD collection on Blu-ray includes Iron Man 3, Thor: The Dark World, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Guardians of the Galaxy, Avengers: Age of Ultron and Ant-Man. Perfect for the Marvel fans on your list.
Get your super drinks on with this Batman and Robin glassware and ice cube set. DC Comics: A Visual History is sure to be a hit with the DC fans on your list. (Barnes & Noble, $36) And if the DC Visual History book doesn't satisfy, these Batman DC bombshells posters should do the trick. The vintage-inspired superheroine pinups are sure to get any fan's attention. Perfect for Avengers fans, this Avengers sunshield will keep dashboards cool in style. This dark and brooding Batman print is affordable and will look good on any wall. This adorable supper hero apron pulls double duty as a gift for him and her — just imagine how cute you'll look wearing this as you mind the stove or tend the grill. Add a splash of superhero whimsy to your living room with this adorable Captain America throw pillow. This adorable supernova T-shirt is available in sizes for both men and women. These fun nesting dolls will be a conversation piece for sure. Who watches the Watchmen?
Superhero fans, of course. This Watchmen collector's edition includes both the graphic novel and the film on Blu-ray. Perfect for the winter soldier in your life, this Captain America watch tells time and shields them from their foes. Help the superhero fan in your life take their obsession with them to meetings with these fantastic Marvel socks. The Marvel Super Heroes video game will be fun for the whole family. (Amazon, starts at $12 depending on the gaming system) This Manga starter kit is perfect for the budding artist on your shopping list! Everyone wants to feel a little more like Wonder Woman sometimes and this cute robe will help your favorite heroine do just that. (Bed Bath & Beyond, $20) Add a splash of flair to your secret lair with this superhero skyline wall cling. A caped Supergirl sleep tank will have them soaring through their dreams. Because if the Caped Crusader can't protect their info, who can? Now, you can get up close and personal with your favorite Marvel superheroes at Madame Tussauds in Hollywood.
This superhero diaper cover is super cute! Super Hero Chutes and Ladders will tickle the little super fan in your house. Lunchtime will be an adventure with a Guardians of the Galaxy lunch bag. This fun Super Heroes: My First Dictionary will make learning fun for your super preschooler. (Barnes & Noble, $12) We dare you to look dancing baby Groot in the eyes and not melt. (Toys 'R Us, $5) Spice up any party with these superhero mylar balloons. (Oriental Trading Co., $8 for a set of three) This Robin dress is perfect for the little superhero ballerina in your life! Does someone you know love Iron Man? Do they think Mr. Potato Head is the bomb? Then they need this Iron Man Mr. Potato Head! This collection of short stories is great for busy parents with little superhero fans. Each of the 5-Minute Marvel Stories can actually be read in five minutes, perfect for adventure-filled days when time is tight. Run, don't walk, to your computer and buy this awesome Batman Flipeez hat for the little Batman fan in your life.