When I started preparing to write this, I didn’t spend much time thinking about what my top figure of 2025 was going to be. The moment the idea was brought up, I knew it was Savage Crucible’s Ball-and-Chain Warrior from Harvinger Studios. Every time I tried to challenge that initial reaction, I only came away surer that I was right.
If you asked me what was my favorite overall toy line of 2025? G.I. Joe Classified, hands down. Consistent, solid offerings that keep me excited about the future and enjoying the current collection. But my personal best figure of the year? That’s a different thing altogether. That's ignoring the impact of a line and just focusing in on what figures I've liked most this year and which one, I think, is just the best of them.
Why I like this figure so much isn’t just about the figure itself, although that is a big reason. I absolutely love fantasy and fantasy art, and Frazetta’s work forms part of the foundation for that love. I’m also incredibly fond of Conan, and let’s face it this is basically Conan in the ways that matter most – both the art and the figure. In fact, the reason I almost didn’t buy this figure is because I already own three Mezco Conans and I told myself ‘no more… at least for a while.’
Then I caved, as I often do with cool action figures. And I’m glad I did. Beyond my attachment to the source material and basically anything Conan-adjacent, this is just a terrific action figure. And I know it’s a terrific action figure even around my own bias because my runner up figure this year was Nashorn – also from Savage Crucible. These are just really fun toys to mess around with and to look at.
While lacking the detail and accessory count (and price tag) of the Mezco Conans, Warrior benefits from feeling a bit more solid and toy-like, which is something I actually do appreciate in a figure that I want to pick up and re-pose over and over. The hinge-out shoulders, something I think I’ve only seen before on some JoyToy Warhammer stuff, works so well to hit fantastic weapon poses. The articulation is solid but smooth. You’ve got all the weapons you could ask for based on the painting, plus the extra hands, and a wired fur cape with a really cool attachment method. That was finicky to get in place, but I really like how it holds the cape snug while allowing all the articulation to function, and doesn’t ever look intrusive. In fact... maybe my favorite attachment of a cape to an action figure ever?
There’s not a ton of paint, but what’s there is handled perfectly. I’m a sucker for metallics that really pop, as this figure has. Even the smoldering blue eyes peering from under the helmet brim is on point. I tend to not like real metal on action figures, as it’s usually a terrible contrast against the painted ‘metal’ of weapons and gear, but even in that the Harvinger guys managed to match up the colors really well so the real metal isn’t glaringly obvious. Everything just blends very well together.
And it’s fun. It’s a fun toy to look at. It’s a fun toy to pose. If I were in any way a talented photographer, I have to imagine it would be a fun toy to take pictures of. For my money a top figure of the year entry should also stand on its own. I can toss this figure by itself on any flat surface in the house and I’ll still love it just as much as I do when it’s surrounded by other Savage Crucible figures. It is elevated by other figures in the collection, not dependent on them.
If Elric is this good, there’s a really good chance we’ll be seeing Savage Crucible on my best figure of 2026 feature as well. Genuinely love this action figure and it leaves me with the impression that it’s Harvinger’s game to lose at this point – so if they're listening: keep cranking this stuff out.
If you asked me what was my favorite overall toy line of 2025? G.I. Joe Classified, hands down. Consistent, solid offerings that keep me excited about the future and enjoying the current collection. But my personal best figure of the year? That’s a different thing altogether. That's ignoring the impact of a line and just focusing in on what figures I've liked most this year and which one, I think, is just the best of them.
Why I like this figure so much isn’t just about the figure itself, although that is a big reason. I absolutely love fantasy and fantasy art, and Frazetta’s work forms part of the foundation for that love. I’m also incredibly fond of Conan, and let’s face it this is basically Conan in the ways that matter most – both the art and the figure. In fact, the reason I almost didn’t buy this figure is because I already own three Mezco Conans and I told myself ‘no more… at least for a while.’
Then I caved, as I often do with cool action figures. And I’m glad I did. Beyond my attachment to the source material and basically anything Conan-adjacent, this is just a terrific action figure. And I know it’s a terrific action figure even around my own bias because my runner up figure this year was Nashorn – also from Savage Crucible. These are just really fun toys to mess around with and to look at.
While lacking the detail and accessory count (and price tag) of the Mezco Conans, Warrior benefits from feeling a bit more solid and toy-like, which is something I actually do appreciate in a figure that I want to pick up and re-pose over and over. The hinge-out shoulders, something I think I’ve only seen before on some JoyToy Warhammer stuff, works so well to hit fantastic weapon poses. The articulation is solid but smooth. You’ve got all the weapons you could ask for based on the painting, plus the extra hands, and a wired fur cape with a really cool attachment method. That was finicky to get in place, but I really like how it holds the cape snug while allowing all the articulation to function, and doesn’t ever look intrusive. In fact... maybe my favorite attachment of a cape to an action figure ever?
There’s not a ton of paint, but what’s there is handled perfectly. I’m a sucker for metallics that really pop, as this figure has. Even the smoldering blue eyes peering from under the helmet brim is on point. I tend to not like real metal on action figures, as it’s usually a terrible contrast against the painted ‘metal’ of weapons and gear, but even in that the Harvinger guys managed to match up the colors really well so the real metal isn’t glaringly obvious. Everything just blends very well together.
And it’s fun. It’s a fun toy to look at. It’s a fun toy to pose. If I were in any way a talented photographer, I have to imagine it would be a fun toy to take pictures of. For my money a top figure of the year entry should also stand on its own. I can toss this figure by itself on any flat surface in the house and I’ll still love it just as much as I do when it’s surrounded by other Savage Crucible figures. It is elevated by other figures in the collection, not dependent on them.
If Elric is this good, there’s a really good chance we’ll be seeing Savage Crucible on my best figure of 2026 feature as well. Genuinely love this action figure and it leaves me with the impression that it’s Harvinger’s game to lose at this point – so if they're listening: keep cranking this stuff out.