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New York Comic Con is no longer the collectibles powerhouse of news and reveals that it was prior to the pandemic, but at least one company is still bringing it’s ‘A-Game’ to the event: Diamond Select Toys! And for NYCC 2023, DST brought along two new Marvel Select figures never before shown at public conventions: Marvel Select Archangel and Marvel Select Annihilus!
Diamond Select Toys has slowly been building the X-Men in 7” figure form over the course of two decades now, and now they’re ready to finally add the most iconic winged mutant ever to the team: Archangel!
Technically, the Archangel Select figure debuted at the industry-only 2023 New York Toy Fair earlier this month, but this is the first time he’s been shown at a public event where non-professional fans can view him.
There’s no pleasing every fan, but I think this Archangel may come close, as it captures three of the most memorable iterations of the character: the Horsemen of Apocalypse “Death” look, the original skullcap look and the 90s blonde-haired look.
I own a Bowen Designs Archangel Death mask mini bust (for some reason), and will be happy to have the option of that look in 7” figure form. I think the “bald” appearance will mesh well with the Marvel Select Iceman and retro Cyclops figures from that era as well.
For those worried Archangel would have statue-like static wings,take heart: Marvel Select Archangel’s wings are on ball joints and do in fact move! The first-ever 7” Warren Worthington III figure will open for pre-orders on October 20th.
And making its official world premiere at New York Comic Con 2023, it’s Marvel Select Annihilus! Concept sneak peeks of the design for this figure were previously shown, but this was the figure’s first time actually being present in toy form!
Annihilus seems pretty well-timed, showing up just as the final Marvel Select Fantastic Four member (Invisible Woman Sue Storm) is beginning to arrive in collectors’ hands.
With a Doctor Doom Select figure already released many years ago, Annihilus is probably the most marketable FF villain DST could have chosen to add at this point. The Hasbro Marvel Legends Annihilus is terribly out of date and in need of upgrading, so this is an ideal time for Diamond Select to strike with their own takes on the immensely powerful cosmic villain.
Marvel Select Annihilus will also include a pack-in figurine of himself in his weak insectoid creature form, clutching the Cosmic Control Rod menacingly. I can’t say he’s “cute” exactly, but it’s a neat inclusion nonetheless.
Marvel Select Annihilus is anticipated to go up for order around early 2024, while Archangel preorders are expected to open up on October 20th. Given past trends, I expect Archangel may sell out long before release, if not on the first day from some retailers.
What do you think of this pair of ‘A’-List Select figures, Marvel collectors? Will you be buying either of these for your collection?
(And big thanks to staff photographer Fermin S III for fighting the mobs and snapping such great photos of Archangel for me at the show, as well as to the DST Facebook page for the spectacular Annihilus photos from their social media!)