Comic book fans don’t just read the stories — we collect them, pose them, and bring them to life on our shelves. The best action figures aren’t just toys — they’re 3D tributes to iconic characters and the comic eras that defined them.
In this edition of From Page to Plastic, I’m spotlighting 10 action figures — 5 heroes and 5 villains — that don’t just capture the character, they embody their comic book roots. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just getting into the hobby, these are the figures that deserve a place of honor on your shelf. For this post, I kept with figures that you can find in store, so no MAFEX or MEZCO or HOT TOYS.
(And of course, this is my list today. Ask me tomorrow and you’ll have a completely different list)
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Top 5 Comic Book Heroes Who Made the Jump from Page to Plastic
1. Spider-Man (Retro Marvel Legends)
Comic Inspiration: Amazing Spider-Man (90s Bagley/Romita Jr. era)
With expressive eyes, bold colors, and articulation that brings Spidey’s agility to life, this figure is pure wall-crawling perfection. The retro packaging doesn’t hurt either — this one’s a nostalgia bomb and a top-shelf piece. (Although, the Tom Holland from Spider-Man: No Way Home might actually be better as a Spider-Man 616 figure than a MCU figure.)
2. Spawn (McFarlane 2021 Classic Kickstarter Version)
Comic Inspiration: Spawn #1 and early Image Comics
This is the figure Todd McFarlane always wanted to make. The sculpt is ridiculously detailed, the paintwork is gritty and shadowed, and that flowing, oversized cape? Iconic. This one feels like holding the comic cover in 3D.
3. Batman: Hush (McFarlane)
Comic Inspiration: Batman: Hush by Jeph Loeb & Jim Lee
This version of the Dark Knight captures Jim Lee’s art in plastic form — from the classic blue-and-grey suit to the broad chest and intense stare. A definitive Batman figure that looks like it leapt straight out of Gotham’s darkest pages. The only draw back? The cape isn’t as billowy as the cover.
4. Cyclops (X-Factor – Hasbro Marvel Legends)
Comic Inspiration: X-Factor #1
Sleek and sharply colored, this figure represents a visually underrated era for Scott Summers. The white “X” pops perfectly against the navy-blue suit, and the lean sculpt makes him look like the team leader he was born to be. The optic blast that comes along with this figure is stunning and honestly, he is a lock for Top 5 figure of 2025. He’ll looks great next to the Target Exclusive Jean Grey.
5. Daredevil (Zdarsky Run – Marvel Legends)
Comic Inspiration: Daredevil by Chip Zdarsky
This modern Daredevil balances classic design with gritty realism. The red suit is clean and muted, perfect for street-level action, a nod to one of the best DD runs in years. And yes, it was tough not putting his Daredevil-Elektra on this list. The posability of this figure is insane and it’s why it got the nod over the equally amazing Blade figure from this same line.
Top 5 Comic Book Villains Who Made the Jump from Page to Plastic
1. Red Skull (Marvel Legends – Hydra)
Comic Inspiration: Captain America by Jack Kirby & Ed Brubaker
Red Skull gets the deluxe treatment here, and it shows — from his wicked grin to the tailored Hydra uniform. This figure oozes classic pulp villainy and makes any Cap figure look 10x cooler standing across from it.
2. Joker (Silver Age – McFarlane Super Powers)
Comic Inspiration: Batman (1950s–1970s Silver Age)
This Joker is pure chaotic energy in figure form — long coattails, bright colors, and a giant, exaggerated smile. He’s not brooding or edgy — he’s gleefully unhinged. A pitch-perfect tribute to the Joker’s more mischievous roots.
3. Apocalypse (Marvel Legends – Deluxe)
Comic Inspiration: X-Factor & Age of Apocalypse
Larger than life and heavy with Kirby-esque design, this Apocalypse figure is the definitive version. It’s both a villain and a display centerpiece — from the grim faceplate to the techno-organic tubing, every inch screams mutant supremacy.
4. Darkseid (McFarlane Super Powers)
Comic Inspiration: The New Gods by Jack Kirby
Darkseid Is… McFarlane’s Super Powers Darkseid channels pure Fourth World energy. The color scheme is bold, the sculpt is retro-perfect, and the scale — while smaller — fits beautifully with a shelf full of classic DC villains. A must for any old-school fan. This was either my #1 or #2 figure of 2024. (See my review HERE)
5. Sabretooth (Marvel Legends – Logan Two-Pack)
Comic Inspiration: X-Men (Classic Claremont, plus Logan aesthetics)
This version of Victor Creed blends his comic brutality with a grounded, almost cinematic feel. The face sculpt is feral and furious, the build is powerful, and it pairs perfectly with any Wolverine figure for an instant grudge match. Pure, snarling menace.
Final Thoughts
From the bright capes of the Silver Age to the shadows of modern Marvel, these action figures aren’t just cool — they’re history in hand. They’re the kind of collectibles that make you want to re-read a favorite arc or recreate an iconic battle.
If you’re a comic book fan looking to start (or grow) your action figure collection, these 10 figures are where story, style, and sculpt come together perfectly.
Want more figure breakdowns, collection tips, or comic-to-toy deep dives? Hit that follow button and stay tuned for the next From Page to Plastic!