I love miniatures because they simplify a complex world. You can hold a piece of your imagination in your hand. You can interact with it. I’m not surprised that Warhammer 40k takes center stage whenever it comes to popular wargame culture. The lore and property has endeared itself to a community who find the grimdark dystopian vision intriguing, vaguely attractive, and thrilling to self-immerse. Enter JoyToy Warhammer 40k, a range of models that take the gaming scale we all love to a new dimension.
When I first learned that Games Workshop partnered with JoyToy to create these action figures, I hesitated because of their cost. Wondering if I was missing out on why these became so popular, I checked out other reviews. They were glowing! So, I decided I needed to find out for myself if these toys were worth it.
Read on to see my review!
Summary (TL;DR): Are JoyToy Warhammer Action Figures Worth it?
JoyToy’s Warhammer 40k figure is packed with cool details, can be posed in many ways, e.g., arms, legs, knees, and more. And it’s built to last, though it might be a bit pricey. I love that it comes with few extra parts.
Because it is the same scale as other JoyToy products (1/18th scale), many of the accessories are interchangeable. Of course, it’s inspired by the vast and epic Warhammer 40k universe. My copy, the iconic yellow-armored Imperial Fists Space Marine, scratched that collectable itch and I proudly display it on my office desk.
Pros
- Intricate designs rooted in Warhammer 40k lore.
- Flexibly poses with movable arms, legs, and knees.
- Sturdy and built to last.
- Mix and match with other 1/18th scale JoyToy products.
- A centerpiece as the yellow-armored Imperial Fists Space Marine.
- Eye-catching for desks or display shelves.
Cons
- Few extra parts for customization.
- High quality, but might be pricey for some.
- Best appreciated by Warhammer 40k enthusiasts.
The Warhammer 40k Universe: A Brief Overview
I’ve followed Warhammer 40k and it’s development since the late 90’s. Back then, tabletop miniature wargames fell into that same niche category as Dungeons & Dragons. You either buried yourself in the hobby, or you eschewed it, keeping some distance.
Today, Warhammer 40k stands as a colossal entity in the world of miniature gaming, unfolding an expansive universe that has captivated even mainstream audiences. Now featured in video games, a huge library of books, and popular movie culture, Warhammer is embedded into the minds of millions the world over.
Spanning across millennia, the Warhammer 40k universe is a grimdark cosmos, plagued by war, politics, and the eternal struggle of races–alien and human. From the might of the Imperium of Man to the eldritch horrors of the Chaos Gods, the lore serves as a backdrop so much…hobby!
I’m not surprised that what started as a 28-35mm scale miniatures game has burgeoned into such a huge franchise. The advent of action figures in the form of the JoyToy brand is a new milestone in my view in the miniature wargaming industry.
Who makes action figures of things, if “that thing” isn’t popular?
Warhammer 40k is incredibly popular….Enter JoyToy Action Figures.
Here’s my review!
My JoyToy Warhammer Action Figure Review
JoyToy’s venture into the 40k realm was met with anticipation. By translating game miniatures to larger, articulate figures, they bridged the gap between collectors and players.
While I’m at the point in my Life where I collect miniatures, painting them up, a tad more than I play nowadays, memories of game nights still bring a smile years later.
If anything, I now proudly display my miniature armies in glass enclosed cabinets, awaiting the day they may see a battlefield again. Odd, isn’t it? As many of us get older, we have less free time, but more disposable income. We can afford those extras that we only dreamed up when we were children.
And, perhaps this is the marketing ploy of these action figures. Companies know our need to experience nostalgia, and what better way to remind us of those game days than to produce display quality, detailed figurines.
take my money!
When Games Workshop and JoyToy announced their partnership, I was intrigued (and cynical). I though to myself, “Oh, another money grab”. Let’s watch what happens.
And, there in my head, a little voice whispered: Save your hobby pennies. You’re going to need them.
Whomever that advice came from. They were right.
When I saw a deal for JoyToy versions of my Imperial Fist Space Marine army on Amazon, I jumped in.
Look, I know the lore. The Imperial Fists are legends. Under Primarch Rogal Dorn, they’ve faced challenges head-on, epitomizing loyalty to the Imperium. Their courage and steadfastness have earned them the admiration of their allies and the respect of their enemies.
From Palatine Blades to Thunderstrike, every unit in this proud Chapter stands ready to face whatever fate awaits them. It’s time we recognize this battle-hardened Legion for all they’ve achieved. Hail the Imperial Fists!
For Dorn and His Emperor….
And, I digress. Let’s get to the review of these cool, amazingly detailed Action Figures!
Unboxing the Imperial Fist Heavy Intercessor Space Marine
All JoyToy Warhammer Action Figures arrive in a cardboard box housing a plastic molded tray that holds the figure and accessories. My package arrived well, as expected.
As with any collectable toy action figure, you’ll be able to see the model through the clear plastic tray without opening anything. If you’re looking to collect these toy action figures, as I expect they will hold value over time, then this is perfect for displays.
The box art immediately drew my attention to the Warhammer 40k franchise, with its bright colors and detailed artwork. I was already a fan and peeking through the box, my Imperial Fist Heavy Intercessor greeted me in its brilliant yellow armor.
I opened the box and removed the Space Marine in it 1/18th scale glory.
Design and Aesthetics
Even here still in the plastic clear trays, I could glean the details, the painted weathering, and even appreciated the color-matched paint job. Yriel Yellow would be proud, with hints of Averland Sunset I could not help but see.
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Even the Bolt Gun metallic paint appeared the same on all the parts you’d expect, including on the Heavy Bolter, and within the piping and tubes.
Every proportion of the model looked wonderfully close to its miniature scale version from the wargame. The hands, the helmet, and even the armored boots exuded a sense of realism that made the model come alive.
I was amazed by the attention to detail, as each piece was crafted perfectly according to its in-game counterpart.
A close look at the pauldron shoulder armored plates, you’ll see how neatly the Imperial Fist insignia looked–a black armored fist on a white background, encircled in black to signify the never ending, steadfastness of these Siege Battle Specialists.
It’s almost as if someone applied extra-large wet slide decals onto the model, straight from the Primaris unit blister pack.
The action figure even came with perfectly proportioned accessory parts, including the power armored fists and hands, which you can use depending on how you want to pose the model (more about this below).
While I didn’t expect it, the model also stood upright without much effort. The balance of the entire action figure made it easy to stabilize it without so much as a few strategic moves to get the center of gravity right.
Articulation and Posability
Beyond aesthetics, the figure’s functionality is awesome. In contrast to its 28mm heroic miniature counter-part, my JoyToy Action Figure Space Marine had fully articulating joints.
With a full degree of movement (almost unrealistically so), I was able to strike all kinds of poses with my Heavy Intercessor Marine. From a kneeling position to an attacking stance I could easily get into the action of my display game.
The body’s joints has a dampened feel and stiffness that made me confident of what I was doing with the model. If I put an arm in such a position, it stayed there. Most importantly, I was in control of this figure and somehow, I did not expect this to be so…pleasurable.
Quality and Durability
This isn’t a cheap toy. It’s fairly pricey in fact, and I know many hobbyists would struggle to justify buying more than a few (myself included) unless they specifically budgeted for it.
And, these aren’t necessarily useful for any tabletop game that I know of. Sure, you can use them for making wonderfully cinematic photos (check these out!), but even then, they may be of niche interest.
This makes it even more important in my opinion that the action figure last for the ages. It’s gotta hold its value and that comes from its durability to appear as it does from when you first open the box from the factory.
Here, I’m not worried. This is a premium product.
My JoyToy Action Figure feels sturdy and dense, with a resilient semi-hard plastic that reminded me of the same polymer material you find car interior dashboards are made of. The paint did not scratch off, even after I dropped the model on my tiled kitchen floor.
I’m confident in the ability of this model to endure almost any type of normal day to day handling. Although I may not want a very young child to play with this “toy”, I wouldn’t fret over a few bumps, knocks, or drops. It can easily be wiped down or washed and will hold up to most environments for extended periods of time.
If my model is indicative of the entire JoyToy Warhammer (and other action figure lines), then I would say the design and build of these figures is fantastic.
Who Are The JoyToy Action Figures For?
JoyToy action figures are primarily targeted at collectors, hobbyists, and enthusiasts. If you look at the JoyToy line of action figures, you’ll find a huge range of models across all kinds of genres. The anime-styled mechs (i.e., Titanfall video game inspired ) and military-themed models also caught my attention.
People who love Thematic action figures from Popular Culture:
- Collectors: JoyToy action figures are highly detailed and well-crafted, making them attractive to collectors who appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship of action figures. These collectors often seek to build comprehensive collections and display them with pride. Prepare your wallets!
- Hobbyists: Many individuals enjoy the process of assembling and customizing action figures, which JoyToy offers in a limited sense. Some of JoyToy offerings or similar action figure brands may have models that come unpainted or unassembled. For the hobbyist, these are great opportunities to truly making the piece yours through customization and unique design.
- Toy Photographers: I love miniature and scale modeling photography! With their intricate details and posability, JoyToy action figures are a favorite subject for toy photographers. Check out Gregory Culley’s work. These photographers use the figures to create captivating scenes and compositions for social media and art projects.
It’s worth noting that JoyToy has a broad range of products, including 1/18 scale figures, 1/24 scale model kits, and larger collectible pieces.
This diversity in scale and subject matter allows them to cater to a wide audience of enthusiasts, ensuring there’s something for everyone interested in high-quality action figures and models.
They make great conversation pieces, and I’m excited to show mine off.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a captivating and engaging way to bring your tabletop Warhammer 40k fandom into other realms of your life, then JoyToy miniatures may be the ticket.
My initial hesitation to buying the Heavy Intercessor JoyToy figure rested on my suspicion that a plastic “toy” is more for the younger crowd. But I soon realized that JoyToy and Games Workshop have touched upon a nostalgia and a love of genre that extends far beyond toy gameplay.
These action figures are an incredible piece of art–yes, mass produced I’m sure. But, the quality of these pieces and possibility of using them within the creativity aspects of the hobby, e.g., miniature toy photography, customization, or as a office desk ornaments, makes them a great buy for any type of collector. Plus, for what you’re getting, I think they are very reasonably priced!
I definitely recommend these figures… Now the hard part is deciding which model to get next!
Until next time, I hope you enjoyed this article. I would love to hear your thoughts on whether JoyToy Action Figures are worth it. Leave a comment below! 📝
Tangible Day on YouTube (Miniatures and More!)
Now THIS is an expensive Rabbit Hole to fall into – though funnily enough the value proposition when compared to an unpainted, unassembled 40k model in many cases…. hm….
Haha yeah I held back. But I admit I have a few other models in my wishlist. Oh wait, I did pick up a Necron figure lol … I’m painting that one up now. Will probably do a post on that soon.