Junkies, the time has come, as it does with any big superhero tentpole release, to look back (and forward) at the action figures of said film’s hero. Today, we are tackling the Black Panther. Now there have been a lot of Black Panther renditions over the years. Not nearly as many as Spider-Man or Wolverine, but still quite a few. AFJ wanted to keep this list to what is already out there, but a few new announcements have found their ways into the list. Fear not, pre-order links have been provided! #AFJ4LIFE.
10. BLACK PANTHER - MARVEL LEGENDS - WAL-MART EXCLUSIVE (PINK PANTHER)
Company: Hasbro
Year of Release: 2017-2018
Style: Black Panther Film
The Why: Obviously, we are starting with a lighter figure. However, the "Pink Panther" Wal-Mart exclusive has really grown on us. It is that no-holds-barred action stance and pink fists of rage that just make this figure awesome. Oh, and it is easy to get and will be around for a long time (as Wal-Mart always over orders).
9. BLACK PANTHER - DISNEY STORE - MARVEL SELECT
Company: Disney Store
Year of Release: 2017
Style: Comic Book
The Why: We love that Marvel Select figures always come with a character based display. The figures are also highly articulate. This one is only a few months old, however, it has skyrocketed on the secondary market. Is there a buzz for the new movie? Certainly, and this figure is proof.
8. BLACK PANTHER - MARVEL LEGENDS - ROCKET RACCOON (BAF)
Company: Hasbro
Year of Release: 2013
Style: Comic Book
The Why: There is something to be said for this modern classic Marvel Legend. Simplicity. It is a straight rendition of the comic book hero with a simple and unique BAF, Rocket Raccoon before the old Rocket became the Pop Culture icon. Besides, call us nostalgic, but we love the old carded Marvel Legends line. A pain to store, but it reminds us of easier days of collecting when we were the only ones hunting legends.
7. BLACK PANTHER - MARVEL LEGENDS - SENTINEL SERIES (BAF)
Company: ToyBiz
Year of Release: 2005
Style: Comic Book
The Why: The oldest figure on the list and one that comes with an arm of the BAF Sentinel! The comic beneath may be Avengers #87 (circa 1971), yet the figure is closer in likeness to the Panther's comic book garb of the late 90's and early 2000's. It's insanely articulated (42 points) and on a blister card. Opening this bad boy is now considered a crime at AFJ HQ.
6. BLACK PANTHER - MARVEL LEGENDS - CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR - ANT-MAN (BAF)
Company: Hasbro
Year of Release: 2016
Style: Captain America: Civil War Film
The Why: The very first movie Black Panther action figure is reason enough to make our Top 10. There had been numerous Marvel Legend Black Panthers up to this point, but none were as cutting edge as this.
5. BLACK PANTHER - S.H. FIGUARTS
Company: S.H. Figuarts
Year of Release: 2016
Style: Captain America: Civil War Film
The Why: Tamashii Web Shop-limited item caught our eye while we were researching our latest S.H. Figuarts Ant-Man. The size is a tad smaller than we like, but it is hard though to ignore the sculpt and articulation. The Black Panther is a very physical character, and having the ability to pose him however we like earns him our number 5 spot.
4. BLACK PANTHER - MARVEL LEGENDS - WAL-MART EXCLUSIVE
Company: Hasbro
Year of Release: 2017
Style: Comic Book
The Why: The Wal-Mart Exclusive (one of two on this list) is that perfect comic book likeness if the fan of the comic is not a fan of the film. Complete with the spear, cape, and necklace, this is the best rendition of the comic book Black Panther to date in the Legends line.
3. BLACK PANTER - LEGENDS SERIES (12-INCH)
Company: Hasbro
Year of Release: 2017-2018
Style: Black Panther Film
The Why: The Legend Series is quickly becoming our favorite. Our only gripe is that the price point is initially high, but we eventually find them discounted at the big box chains. You cannot say that Hasbro is putting out a bad product, it is just that $49.99 is a bit steep for the average collector or a parent looking to buy their child a toy. Order the Black Panther Legend Series HERE.
2. BLACK PANTHER - SIXTH SCALE FIGURE
Company: Hot Toys/ Sideshow Collectibles
Year of Release: 2019 (First Quarter)
Style: Black Panther Film
The Why: It is hard to argue against that likeness of Chadwick Boseman in this Hot Toys Black Panther. The articulation (32 points) looks incredible, however, it is the two specialized LED light units (battery operated) that set this apart from any other figure on our list! Pre-Order the Black Panther Sixth Scale Figure HERE.
1. BLACK PANTHER - MEZCO TOYZ ONE:12 COLLECTIVE
Company: Mezco Toyz
Year of Release: 2018 (Fall)
Style: Black Panther Film
The Why: There is something to be said about price point, articulation, likeness, and awe factor. For AFJ, Mezco Toyz nails it on all those points. When this ONE:12 was announced, all of AFJ HQ stopped and huddled around the computer to see what Mezco was going to release. The AFJ collective all said the same thing, "I need that ONE:12". 'Nuff said! Pre-Order the Black Panther ONE:12 HERE!
