Wednesday 14 December 2022

Top 5: Toys I'm Looking Forward to in 2023

Top 5: Toys I'm Looking Forward to in 2023

There's been a lot of fantastic toy releases this year (and as usual I'll be counting down my personal top ten at the end of the month), but as 2022 draws to a close many collectors will start looking forward to all the things they've got preordered for the coming year. So for my final top five feature of 2022 I'm looking forward to the five toys I'm looking forward to most next year. All the entries below have a confirmed release date so we're certain they're coming in 2023, and I'm pleased to say I've secured preorders on them all as well. Will any of them make the top ten toys of 2023 list? Only time will tell…

5. Power Rangers Lightning Collection Alien Rangers
Power Rangers Lightning Collection Alien Rangers

Between the overpriced releases and numerous quality control issues, it's fair to say that I'm slowly falling out of love with the Lightning Collection. Clearly Hasbro must have sensed this, because a Mighty Morphin Alien Rangers five-pack is exactly the sort of announcement that'll reel me back in instantly. While it might not be as all-encompassing accessory-wise as Bandai's forthcoming Super SHODO Kakuranger set, it's hard to deny how gorgeous these suits look at Lightning Collection scale. The pinless body used for the White Ranger should also prove to be quite a bit of fun. Providing it doesn't have any of the woeful QC issues that have plagued far too many figures, this might just end up being the best thing in the line.

4. S.H. Figuarts Windom (Ultraman Z)
S.H. Figuarts Windom

There are already a lot of great Ultraman S.H. Figuarts releases slated for next year, but Windom definitely stands out because it'll be great to see the full line-up of STORAGE robots finally completed. Although Windom is perhaps the least remarkable of the three Bandai have certainly compensated for this with a release that features all manner of cool effect parts. The fact we're still getting Ultraman Z years later is a testament to both how popular the series was and how loveable its characters are. Now how about an Ultroid Zero figure just to neatly finish everything off Bandai?

3. Revoltech Emperor Zurg (Toy Story 2)
Revoltech Emperor Zurg

Emperor Zurg has always been one of my favourite Toy Story characters, from first seeing his badass design in Toy Story 2 to Wayne Knight's hilarious portrayal in Buzz Lightyear of Star Command. While unfortunately Lightyear failed to deliver on the quality Zurg content this year, thankfully the Disney Mirrorverse mobile game more than made up for it – not only is his design there far better, but he's also one of the best characters in the game. But Revoltech's forthcoming figure is going old school, recreating that original design in what looks to be gorgeous quality. Revoltech might not be the powerhouse in Japanese collector toys they once were, but their Amazing Yamaguchi line proves they still know how to knock out a high-quality release. Their Stitch figure from 2016 was incredible, so there's no reason not to believe this won't be as well.

2. BUZZmod Kamina (Gurren Lagann)
BUZZmod Kamina

It's taken 15 years, but FINALLY a company is giving collectors what they want – poseable Gurren Lagann figures of human characters other than Yoko. While I don't personally have any prior experience with Aniplex's BUZZmod line, I've heard good things about their Demon Slayer releases. The price tag and exclusivity of this release I'm less of a fan of, but I'm willing to suck it up if it leads to more getting produced (Nia please). The figure itself looks fantastic, with that poseable fabric cape looking particularly great. If Tamashii Nations get their recently revealed Soul of Chogokin Gurren Lagann out next year too, it could be a pretty great year for piercing the heavens.

1. Haslab Deathsaurus (Transformers Victory)
Haslab Deathsaurus

While Transformers fans all over the world are currently receiving their Victory Sabers (full review coming soon!), Hasbro's next Haslab project has just drawn to a close and arguably it's something even better. Having a proper Generations Star Saber is nice, but what good is he without Victory's Decepticon Emperor of Destruction to face off against? Haslab Deathsaurus (or Deszaras if you prefer) looks absolutely stunning – highly cartoon-accurate in both modes and featuring not only both Breastmode partners, but also his personal weapons, effect parts, Living-Metal-Destroying-Cannon, display stand, Decepticon throne AND Pipo and Boater Micromaster figures. Deathsaurus has always been one of my favourite Decepticon leaders (how can you not love that giant space chicken kaiju alt mode?) and I didn't think I'd ever own an official version. To get a brand new one that looks this good is a dream come true.

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What toys are you looking forward to in 2023? As always let me know, as well as any ideas you have for future top give pieces, in the comment section below!

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