Originally published August 28, 2017. This article preserves One Sixth Society’s original reporting and images; product availability, pricing, and opinions reflect the original publication period.
This is a 2017 opinion piece about the Netflix-era Defenders, not a current release forecast. For later figure coverage, see Daredevil: Born Again TMS186 and The Punisher MMS904. Our original Daredevil review covers the earlier Netflix-era figure.
After watching The Defenders in 2017, I wondered whether Hot Toys would make the rest of the team. Daredevil already had a figure, but Jessica Jones, Luke Cage and Iron Fist had not received Hot Toys figures.
The Television Masterpiece Series
First and foremost, I have to say I am exceedingly happy that Hot Toys is finally getting back to their Television Masterpiece Series (TMS). There are so many amazing television shows on now, not to mention ones in recent years. Since Daredevil was announced, he was followed by The Punisher from the Daredevil show, as well as Ghost Rider from Agents of Shield. Now most would think that this would be indicative that more Netflix/Television Marvel characters are on the way, but I don’t think so. For now, I would say there is a very slim chance that we’ll see Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, or Iron Fist from Hot Toys.
Why Not?
Daredevil, Punisher and Ghost Rider each have a distinctive costume. Jessica Jones, Luke Cage and Danny Rand spend much of their screen time in everyday clothes. I find those looks less visually striking as figures, although that preference does not tell us which characters Hot Toys would choose.
Obviously Daredevil has his iconic red suit, but what do the other three have? A sweatshirt, a leather jacket, and a suit. Not the most interesting looks to say the least. However, I think there is hope for the future.
Spoiler warning for the ending of The Defenders. At the end of The Defenders, we get a peek at Iron Fist looking over the city. While he has not yet donned his yellow mask, he is wearing a tracksuit that is reminiscent of his comic book costume albeit in a more modernized style. That is what is needed for the other two heroes as well: a merger between their comic styles and something that works alongside the shows’ realistic aesthetic. Maybe once Iron Fist gets his full suit we can see a Defenders figure of him!
Closing Thoughts
My hesitation was about the costumes I wanted on the shelf, not access to Hot Toys’ sales or licensing plans. A collector’s prediction cannot establish why a company has not announced a character.
So Will Hot Toys Make Defenders Figures? I would say if anything, we will be getting figures of the rest of the team when we get new seasons of the shows. Personally, I would rather have an Elektra figure from Daredevil Season 2 to round out Daredevil and Punisher.
Everyday Clothes Put More Pressure on the Portrait
A leather jacket or sweatshirt can still make a worthwhile figure when the face, fit and posture capture the character. The tradeoff is that there is less armor or bright costume detail to distract from a weak likeness. That is a collecting preference behind this discussion, rather than evidence about a manufacturer’s plans. An ordinary outfit can be exactly what a fan of these shows wants.
