The Ultimate Gift Guide | McFarlane Toys 2022

Todd McFarlane is one of the hardest-working individuals in the entertainment, comic, and toy industries bar none. So it is no surprise that his toy lines are so diverse, imaginative, and extensive. Let’s have a look at the best picks for 2022.

Number 10: Disney Mirrorverse

2022 brought a license to McFarlane Toys I was not expecting. Disney! But in true McFarlane fashion, this line was for the newly re-imagined Disney Mirrorverse mobile game. The RPG is based in an alternate universe where the Disney light characters band together to defeat the onslaught of dark Disney forces.

The game is visually stunning. With a number of well-known Disney Characters re-designed for combat readiness. What I dig about this line is the fact that every figure is a unique sculpt. The paint apps pop with saturated Disney colors. And being in McFarlane’s line of toys, the details are outstanding. This line would probably rank higher if it wasn’t for the fact that it was based on a mobile video game. For this reason, we find ourselves in the number 10 position.

Number 9: Batman ’66 Classic TV Series

Ooooh nostalgia. I am a sucker for any product that is pulled from my youth.

The ’66 Batman series was already in syndication by the time I was able to watch TV on my own. But I do remember catching it on our local tv station. It played Saturday afternoon, opposite Star Trek TOS. It was such a campy take on the caped crusader that you could not but enjoy the series. It was entertaining. It even predated my fascination with comics. Mr. Adam West and Christopher Reeves were the superheroes I remember growing up with.

When Mcfarlane toys announced this line, I didn’t know exactly what to think. But the moment I saw them at my local Walmart, I knew I had to have them. The Adam West unmasked batman hits the number 9 spot for the great likeness to Adam West. The figures aren’t as articulated as most standard figures today. But I feel it is part of the charm. It has a real nostalgic feel that fans of the old show would really enjoy!

Number 8: Page Punchers

There are times when I bend or break the rules with these top ten lists. This is one of those times. I saw these at my local GameStop and I had to have a closer look. The idea behind Page Punchers is to buy both a figure and a comic book all at once. These figures are all 3 3/4″, hence why I am breaking one of my rules. But they do offer these with 7″ inch figures as well.

This reminds me of a marketing initiative by Atari in the early 80s. They packed a mini-comic with several video games. When my parents purchased Defender for me, it contained Atari-Force #1.  What Atari did with these comics was to build a world around a number of characters connecting each game within this new universe. After reading the 1st comic, I enjoyed playing Defender so much more. I felt like I was part of the story, part of the universe. I feel like the Page Punchers would have a similar effect on kids of today. You read the comic and then act out the story with your very own action figure.  On top of that, these run you about the same cost as a decent stocking stuffer!

Number 7: Black Adam with Throne and Hawkman

I broke the rules on the last pick, I am bending the rules here too. In the number 7 position, we have Black Adam and Hawkman. Why you may ask? Well, Black Adam, The Rock has to be mentioned no questions asked. But that Hawkman figure is so damn good, you can’t pass up on it either. Based on this year’s DC Universe blockbuster, Black Adam. The lineup of figures McFarlane Toys is providing for this license is really outstanding.

The Black Adam and throne were a nice surprise. I am always a sucker for figures packaged with extra accessories. The golden throne is well-detailed and a great accessory to fill out a display. The Rock’s likeness comes across great too. A nice looking figure.

But like I mentioned above, I couldn’t ignore Hawkman! The sculpt on this, the wings, it just looks so damn good! And for McFarlane to still be selling this at $19.99 USD…Wow!

Great figures, great details, great price!

Number 6: The Witcher & Roach

The Witcher is a novel made into a video game and then a Netflix series. If you haven’t watched it yet, it’s surprisingly good. A cross between Lord of the Rings and Game of Thrones. The Witcher is about Geralt of Rivia, a Whitcher, a beast hunter for hire. The story is fantasy based and takes place in a medieval time period much like our own 1300s Europe. What differentiates Witchters from normal men? They have supernatural abilities brought on by a combination of medieval science and magic. I could tell you more but instead, I’ll recommend you go watch the entire show. It is very binge-worthy!

And here I go bending the rules once again. Our number 6 placement isn’t quite available as a package deal. You would need to buy them separately. But why wouldn’t you? You get both Geralt and his horse Roach. A black stallion all geared up and ready for battle! Being a fan of the show, this is a must-have for my display. Geralt of Rivia looks great. Some of the details are lost in his monochromatic garment but the sculpt does show it in the proper lighting. The paint apps are good too. Just enough to pull out some of that detail. I would repeat that with Roach as well. Subtle hints of brown bring out the black saddle against the horse’s black hide. The figures’ accessories are a little lacking. Which is why they are in the number 6 spot and not higher. Witcher comes with a stand and a sword. Roach comes with a second sword that fits snuggly in a sheath under the saddle. Together they make a great display for any Witcher fan.

Number 5: Batman Last Knight on Earth / The Suicide Squad multipacks

These were released late last year. I have them hitting the number 5 position because Todd is offering the whole lot at a damn good discount! You get all 10 figures including the 2 build-a-figures for $149 USD. That is $100 off and comes out to under $15 a figure! On top of that, you get a nice display case with all the cards as well. Included in the Batman Last Knight on Earth bundle are  Batman, Omega, Scarecrow, Wonder Woman, and Bane. Included with the Suicide Squad bundle you get Harley Quinn, Peacemaker, Bloodsport, Polka-Dot Man, and King Shark. They also include extra accessories. These are really great-looking figures. Both sets are a must for DC fans.

Number 4: DC Multiverse Killer Croc

The number 4 and 3 spots are being filled by figures that McFarlane toys does well. The big monstrous 9-inch plus figures. Number 4 is DC’s Killer Croc! One of Batman’s most fierce villains. Waylon Jones aka Killer Croc suffers from a rare genetic condition that mutates his skin to have a crocodile-type appearance. Driven insane from his condition, he turned to a life of crime.

The action figure is really well done. The sculpted crocodile scales look great. He is an intimidating figure. Paint apps do enough to bring out the crevices within his skin. the head sculpt is beyond scary. A formidable foe for the Dark Knight. I like the addition of the collar as well. That was a nice touch. This rendition is based on the Arham Asylum video game. If you’ve played the game you’ll remember one of the highlights of that game was the Killer Croc sewer battle.

If you need a Big baddie for your Batman Display, this one has to be at the top of the list.

Number 3: Spawn Cygor

When I first saw this figure I’ll have to admit I had no idea who he was. All I knew is I had to pick him up. He was just that impressive! Looking into his story, Cygor was formerly Michael Konieczni. A friend of Al Simmons (Spawn). He was about to blow the whistle on Al’s murder but instead, found himself subjected to a super soldier experiment known as project Sim. Project Sim included brain transferences between humans and primates. The experiments were supposed to leave the majority of the human intellect intact after transference but through a mistake by Dr. Frederick Willheim, Cygor was left with little reminisce of Mr. Konieczni.

The figure itself is impressive. It’s big. About 9 inches tall. The details are really nice too. Cybernetic mechanical details with just enough paint apps to make it pop. If I were to describe it I would say Frankenstein meets Robocop meets Planet of the Apes. It looks fierce! This is the type of figure that can be displayed with any line. A monstrous behemoth on your toy shelf.

Number 2: Mortal Kombat Scorpion

McFarlane Toys has had the license for Mortal Kombat for quite a long time. So to see them offering new figures of old favorites like Scorpion is a welcome sight. A running theme in this top ten list is how I gush over the details they add to these figures. It’s outstanding!

Based on the look we see in Mortal Kombat XI. Every detail is captured. Including his golden mask and Kunai spear. The articulation with this line is really rock-solid. The accessories are really well done too. Included are 2 swords, one long and one short, sword sheaths that connect to his waist, a base, and his trademark Kunai spear. The mask is also removable!

I have been a big fan of this line since its inception. Figures like Scorpion keep fans like myself coming back for more. Check out the other offerings too. I mean if Scorpion is not your thing, you must be a Sub Zero fan right?

Honorable Mentions

• Spawn – Sam & Twitch
• Avatar – Amp Suit
• Justice League – Darkseid
• Avatar the Last Airbender Lineup
• Dune Lineup

Number 1: Gunslinger Spawn and Horse

Gunslinger Spawn is a great figure on its own. Add an amazing articulated horse to the package and you got the makings of our number one spot! One of the great things about the Spawn character and the way Todd has written him is that he has been around in some form or another for hundreds of years. This leaves it wide open for all sorts of interpretations of the character. Gunslinger spawn is such an interpretation. Jeremy Winston is a hell spawn from the American West nearly 200 years ago. He was introduced in Spawn # 174 and has since been featured in his own title which launched in October of 2021.

This package comes with Spawn, a rifle, 2 six-shooters, a Gatling gun, and his horse. The details are exactly what we are used to when It comes to McFarlane Toys. Really great! Gunslinger Spawn has a number of detailed accessories on his form as well. An ammo belt, a sachel, gauntlets, and his gunslinging top hat. The paint apps are great with subtle details painted throughout. They did not cheap out on the horse either. The saddle details really stand out. Some nice paint apps too. But the horse articulation hits a real home run here. This package is one to look out for!

Let me know your thoughts on the list. Do you agree or disagree? I’d love to know your thoughts.

If you are interested in getting these  figures, they are available at the following:

BigBadToyStore
McFarlane Toys