Magic figures are character figurines, made of plastic or other materials, based upon characters from the Magic: The Gathering flavor or storyline. The items may be produced and designed on the assumption that they will be bought solely for display.
A distinction can be made between "action figures" which are posable (the term "action figure" was first coined by Hasbro in 1964, to market G.I. Joe), and "figurines" which are non-posable statuettes. "Miniatures" are the smallest figures.
Heartbreaker[ | ]
In 1994, Heartbreaker Hobbies & Games produced a series of 28mm pewter miniatures based on Magic characters and spells.
Wizards of the Coast[ | ]
7 inch paintable plaster figurines[ | ]
Unpainted plaster figurines, about seven inches high, were manufactured for the Japanese market around 1995. These included Baron Sengir, Serra Angel, Hurloon Minotaur and Prodigal Sorcerer. A second (?) series included Spirit Link.
13-22 inch statues[ | ]
Between September 1998 and April 1999 Wizards of the Coast released a limited edition of four cold cast porcelain statues. The statues (Serra Angel, Shivan Dragon, Spirit Link/Jolrael and Hurloon Minotaur were designed by Randy Bowen, and produced in 5,000 copies each by Dark Horse Comics. Each statue ($125 - $195) was fully painted and packaged in a full-color collector's box. They measured 13 inches and 22 inches (Shivan Dragon).
9 inch action figures[ | ]
In the Spring of 1999, Wizards of the Coast released a series of 9-inch action figures in a production run of 30,000. They included :
- Serra Angel (16 points of articulation). Included a Sword of Faith, shield, scabbard, and cloth shirt for dress.
- Talruum Minotaur (9 points of articulation). Included battle ax, battle blade, crystal sword, Grinning Totem and loincloth.
- Orgg (6 points of articulation). Included ball and chain, Hammer of Bogardan, loincloth, and Goblin Grenade).
A second series that released later that year included:[1]
- Dakkon Blackblade. Included Gauntlets of Chaos.
- Juzám Djinn. Included Dancing Scimitar.
- Soldevi Golem. Included key and Lab Rats.
- Cateran Overlord.
A Crovax, Ascendent Evincar was announced, but never released.
Hobby Japan[ | ]
Between 2002 and 2004, Hobby Japan produced a series of miniatures representing tokens that had not received cards.[2]
Hasbro[ | ]
On June 18, 2003, Hasbro released the Magic: The Gathering Figures Series 1. The six individually packaged figures announced for the first series included characters based on four 'time-honored cards' (Serra Angel, Lord of Atlantis, Sengir Vampire and Erhnam Djinn, and two from the Odyssey expansion (Kamahl, Pit Fighter and Shadowmage Infiltrator). Each Magic The Gathering action figure included a random Seventh Edition card.[3]
A second set was in the works but never released. Akroma, Angel of Wrath would have been one of that series.[4]
Hasbro released two base sets and one expansion set of Arena of the Planeswalkers, featuring a large number of 28 mm plastic miniatures.
First 4 Figures[ | ]
In 2005, First 4 Figures obtained a license to produce several statues featuring some notable cards from Champions of Kamigawa and Betrayers of Kamigawa.[5] A total of five different limited-edition (only 5,000 of each) resin figures were produced. These stood approximately 9 to 10 inches tall and were mounted on a base: Eight-and-a-Half-Tails , Meloku the Clouded Mirror, Kiki-Jiki, Mirror Breaker, Ink-Eyes, Servant of Oni and Kodama of the North Tree.
Funko[ | ]
On February 16, 2014, Funko (a company that manufactures and produces a wide array of licensed pop culture toys) announced a new licensing agreement with Wizards of the Coast to produce Planeswalker figures for their popular Pop! Vinyl Figures and new Legacy Collection Action Figures lines.[6][7]
Pop! Vinyl figures[ | ]
Funko Pop! Vinyl figures are 3.75-inch tall super stylized vinyl figures, modeled in a Japanese chibi style. The first series features Jace Beleren, Garruk Wildspeaker, Chandra Nalaar, Liliana Vess, Ajani Goldmane and Nissa Revane (as featured in Magic 2015). The second series features Nicol Bolas, Sarkhan Vol, Tezzeret, Elspeth Tirel, Gideon Jura and Kiora Atua.[8][9] Special editions include Chandra "Glow in the Dark",[10] all-black Garruk [11] and all-black Bolas.[12]
Legacy Collection[ | ]
Funko teamed up with talented sculptors at Gentle Giant to create Funko's Legacy Collection line of deluxe action figures featuring 20+ points of articulation and removable accessories for ages 14+. Released in August 2014, the Magic: The Gathering Planeswalkers were the first Legacy Collection figures to be released. The line features the same iconic Planeswalkers as those released in the first series of Pop! Vinyl.[13]
Prime 1 Studio[ | ]
In 2017, the Japanese Prime 1 Studio releases expansive painted Nicol Bolas and Ajani Goldmane statues. Size approximately 28 inches tall [(H)72 cm (W)66 cm (D)60 cm] - One (1) alternate exclusive portrait (In the Exclusive version only) Retail Price: - Regular version: $799 US - Exclusive version: $849 US[14][15][16]
WizKids[ | ]
Miniatures[ | ]
In September 2018, WizKids started to produce Magic mini figures.
Date | Series | Main article | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
2018-09 | Creature Forge | Overwhelming Swarm | Token creature card favorites. |
2018-11 | D&D Icons of the Realms | Guildmasters' Guide to Ravnica | D&D crossover, focusing on the Ravnican guilds. |
2018-12 | Board games | Heroes of Dominaria | The Premium Edition included pre-painted miniatures of Jhoira, Karn, Teferi, and Chandra. |
2020-08 | D&D Icons of the Realms | Mythic Odysseys of Theros | D&D crossover, focusing on Theros. |
2020-12 | Magic Unpainted Miniatures Wave 1 | Magic Unpainted Miniatures | Ravnica and Zendikar |
2021-05 | Magic Unpainted Miniatures Wave 2 | Magic Unpainted Miniatures | Kaldheim |
2021-07 | Magic Unpainted Miniatures Wave 3 | Magic Unpainted Miniatures | Strixhaven: School of Mages |
2021-12 | Magic Unpainted Miniatures Wave 4 | Magic Unpainted Miniatures | Innistrad |
2022-02 | Magic: The Gathering Miniatures | Adventures in the Forgotten Realms | D&D crossover, focusing on Adventures in the Forgotten Realms. |
2022-02 | Magic: The Gathering Premium Figures | Magic: The Gathering Premium Figures | Six pre-painted planeswalkers. |
2022-04 | Magic Unpainted Miniatures Wave 5 | Magic Unpainted Miniatures | Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty |
Full-size foam figures[ | ]
December 2020 saw the release of a full-size foam figure of Chandra Nalaar.[17] The statue is a 1:1 recreation of the iconic Planeswalker and stands a full 5 feet 6 inches (167cm) tall. Wearing her trademark goggles and holding a ball of flame in hand, the pyromancer was advertised to be the perfect statue to bring some Magic to your store or home. The statue is hand-painted on molded foam and rubber and costs $1200 US.
Bioworld[ | ]
In 2019, Bioworld produced custom-designed acrylic die-cut MTG keychains with printed Magic: The Gathering characters. This Magic: The Gathering merchandise was officially licensed. There were two sets of 6 planeswalkers. Size: 140x72 mm acrylic sheets, 52x52 mm die-cut base.
Nendoroids[ | ]
In February 2020, a Jace and Chandra Nendoroids were announced to be released by Phat! and the Japanese Good Smile Company.[18]
XM Studios Premium Collectibles[ | ]
In October 2020, XM Studios announced that they had acquired the license to produce 1/4 scale statues of Magic: The Gathering and Dungeons & Dragons in cold cast porcelain. These are distributed by Gatherers' Tavern.
In December 2020, the first in the line-up was revealed to be a Chandra Nalaar, after a design by Magali Villeneuve, in a Limited edition run of 399 pieces only. Costing $960.00, she has two head-sculpts: 1 in her natural auburn hair a determined expression, ready to cast her spell, and 1 in her fiery luminescent hair as she launches havoc with her pyromancy powers. Intricate and dynamic details include textures and creases on her leathery amour and chainmail and rousing fire spells on her hands in an ardent and defiant position. The product was in stock and ready to be shipped as of 28 February 2022. Product size (Length x Breadth x Height): 40*38*58cm. Estimated product weight: 9kg.
On the same shipping date, Liliana Vess became available in a similar Limited Run for $1,006.00. Bringing to life the elegance and power that Liliana Vess exudes, the statue depicts the powerful master necromancer in her element. Powers unleashed, she reanimates the dead as they crawl and clamor at her feet. Intricate and dynamic details: Textures and creases on her luxurious dress and coat, the beautiful lines on her skin, a graveyard-inspired themed base 2 Head-sculpt: 1 of Liliana in chain veil, 1 unmasked, in her element, powers activated. Product size (Length x Breadth x Height): 50*40*54cm. Estimated product weight: 15 Kg.
Jace Beleren became available for preorder on July 20, 2023. Bringing to life the telepathic powers of Jace, the statue depicts the master illusionist in his most iconic Card Pose - Jace, the Mind Sculptor. It features two interchangeable heads (with and without cloak), two pairs of arm switch-outs, LED-light features, and a Zendikar hedron-inspired themed base. Product size (Length x Breadth x Height): 50*40*54cm. Estimated product weight: 15 Kg. Each purchase of a Jace Beleren Statue includes a free official Jace the Mind Sculptor Relief Display.
Ultra•PRO From the Vault[ | ]
In 2022 en 2023, Ultra•PRO released the From the Vault line of Magic figures, that capture the most adorable side of some iconic creatures. The vinyl figures stand nearly 4 in. tall and feature a matte finish. Available: Myr, Perilous Myr (Variant), Sliver, Harmonic Sliver (Variant) and Elesh Norn. The same designs were used for a line of gamer pouches.[19]
Secret Lair Li'l'est Walkers Mystery Box[ | ]
In 2023, Hasbro and Gatherers' Tavern released a five-pack Secret Lair Lil'est Walkers Mystery Box for $149.99. This set showcases five fan-favourite planeswalkers: Chandra, Daretti, Karn, Venser, and Aminatou, each meticulously crafted into enchanting mini-forms in Chibi style. Each box includes a lenticular card that animates the Secret Lair Drop series which inspired the figures. The 4-inch figures are tailor-made for display. Within every box lies a 1 in 20 chance to discover a gold-plated figure.
Gallery[ | ]
XM Studios 1/4 Liliana Vess (wearing the Chain Veil)
References[ | ]
- ↑ www.hisstank.com
- ↑ Hobby Japan Tokens. Magic Librarities.
- ↑ Magic Arcana (February 07, 2002). "Action figures". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ Mark Rosewater (June 12, 2006). "Angels Among Us". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ Magic Arcana (February 07, 2005). "Kamigawa Figures". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ Wizards of the Coast (February 18, 2014). "Announcing Funko Planeswalkers". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ Funko Press release
- ↑ TJ Norris (August 7, 2014). "1st Glimpse + Pre-Order: Magic the Gathering Series II". Funkorific. Tumblr.
- ↑ Mike McArtor (February 4, 2015). "Funko Pop! Planeswalkers, Part Deux". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ Blake Rasmussen (July 11, 2014). "Hot Topic Chandra". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ Blake Rasmussen (August 26, 2014). "Magic at PAX Prime 2014!". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ Mike Rosenberg (March 27, 2015). "The OP Round-Up". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ Magic: The Gathering Jumps Off Cards, Lands On Your Desk/Shelf
- ↑ Nicol Bolas Figure from Prime 1 Studio Announced
- ↑ Ajani Goldmane fully painted statue from Prime 1 Studios
- ↑ Facebook prime 1 Studio
- ↑ Gareth (September 3, 2020). "Chandra Foam Figures Announced For Magic: The Gathering Fans". Sknr.net.
- ↑ AmiAmi English (February 9, 2020). "Nendoroid Chandra Nalaar & Jace Beleren Planeswalker edition from Magic: The Gathering by Phat!!". Twitter.
- ↑ UltraPro From the Vault