Last month, we asked you for 2010 toy of the year nominations. We’ve had some interesting responses. While some toys won overwhelmingly, some were pretty even.
GI Joe
Pursuit Of Cobra Alley Viper– The only single carded version of the venerable 25th Anniversary Alley Viper, this popular Cobra troop builder featured more swappable helmets, and fixed the issue with one of the guns not attaching to the backpack. All this in a more sinister color scheme!
DC
SDCC DCUC Plastic Man– Arguably one of the best DC items offered at SDCC in recent years, this figure by the 4H & Mattel was a popular and welcome addition to the fan-favorite DC Universe Classics line.
Star Wars
AT AT– Hasbro marked the 30th Anniversary of Empire Strikes Back with an all new version of the venerable AT AT. Significantly bigger than the original by Kenner, this toy manages to be a vehicle and playset, with much more features than the original, yet no compromise to aesthetic. The fans have spoken Hasbro, this is a vehicle done right! Make more like this and we will buy.
Transformers
Hasbro Masterpiece Grimlock– If you held back from importing the Japanese version which costed significantly more, wanted the crown from the even more expensive comic version, but didn’t want to pay up for it, Hasbro came to the rescue with the Toys R Us exclusive, Masterpiece Grimlock. One of the more unique releases in the Masterpiece Transformers line, this figure replicates many of the features seen on the original G1/Diaclone mold, and combines it with full articulation in an even bigger figure! Add in neat color-changing gimmicks for the visor/eyes(paying homage to both the cartoon and original toys), and you have a Masterpiece release that was highly anticipated, and proved to be a hot seller in 2010.
Marvel
Marvel Universe Galactus– The world devourer was devoured by fans both at retail, and online stores! The 1st release in the Marvel Universe Masterworks line, Galactus even turned out significantly bigger than its Marvel Legends Build A Figure(BAF) predecessor, and arguably better! Aside from big shelf presence, the figure features full articulation. This figure raised the bar for the line in 2010, will the Sentinel surpass it next year?
Movie
Iron Man 2 Walmart Exclusive 6″ War Machine– This figure came and went at Walmart this year, and is planned for re-release as part of Iron Man Legends Wave 1 later this year. It’s a cheaper alternative to the Marvel Select version, and features much more articulation. Arguably the best figure of its respective series, fans were already looking forward to this figure even before the premiere of the movie. The only notable drawback was the lack of ankle hinges, but otherwise the figure was highly sought after and with good reason!
Sports/Wrestling
Jakks UFC 10 Pack TRU Exclusive– This 3-3/4″ set came with 10 popular MMA/UFC fighters, giving fans plenty to play with all in 1 set.
Video Games
NECA Assassin’s Creed II Ezio– NECA ups the ante with their Player Select line with the latest protagonist from Assassin’s Creed!
Mecha
Super Robot Chogokin Alteisen– The 1st release in the SRC line from the popular game series, Super Robot War, this figure impressed fans with its build quality and make a good impression for the SRC line. Sure there are SRW plamo kits out there, but sometimes you want something to play with too, and for that, SRC is for you!
MOTUC
Battle Cat proved to be a big release this year for MOTUC, not only in size but in expectations! This feline companion to He Man is a must have, plus, who is Panthor going to fight in 2011?
2010 brought us some great toys, may 2011 be even better!