Warhammer 40k JoyToy Action Figure Review: The Imperial Fist Heavy Intercessor Space Marine

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.

Contents show

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.

Warhammer 40k JoyToy Action Figure Review - What I think about collecting these action figures banner vertical feature image

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.

Warhammer 40k JoyToy Action Figure Review - Heavy Intercessor Primaris Space Marine Imperial Fist product photo

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.

Check Price for JoyToy Warhammer 40k Action Figures

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.

Warhammer 40k JoyToy Action Figure Review - Miniature photography of a space marine facing off against a tank, close up realistic imagery — Miniature action in epic spaces (This is on my kitchen table).

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.

Warhammer 40k game in progress, with an imperial knight in the mid ground — Dueling knights.

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!

Warhammer 40k JoyToy Action Figure Review - adeptus custodes miniatures with power weapons painted to high quality — Learn how to paint the power weapons in this tutorial.

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.

Warhammer 40k JoyToy Action Figure Review - Imperial fists on a tabletop miniature battlefield low angle photography with matte filter — Imperial Fist Space Marines hold the line.

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.

Warhammer 40k JoyToy Action Figure Review - action figure of imperial fist space marine close — Strike a pose!

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.

Warhammer 40k JoyToy Action Figure Review - imperial fist dreadnought 40k warhammer miniature close — The actual Primaris Dreadnought is a thing to behold, even at the 28mm scale.

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.

Warhammer 40k JoyToy Action Figure Review - box art front Heavy Intercessor Warhammer 40k action figure art — Box art.

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.

Warhammer 40k JoyToy Action Figure Review - back of box for the action figure showing parts and included acessories — Back box art.

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.

Warhammer 40k JoyToy Action Figure Review - clear plastic tray with action figure inside with parts — In cryo-plastic?

Warhammer 40k JoyToy Action Figure Review - top down view of clear plastic tray with model inside — Time to see what you’re made of!

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.

Warhammer 40k JoyToy Action Figure Review - Close up of action figure front chest and helmet visor — The blue eye visors clash with the yellow. I can touch this up later with some paint.

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.

Warhammer 40k JoyToy Action Figure Review - helmet focused while still in plastic tray from box opening — So many amazing details reproduced at the 1/18th scale.

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.

Warhammer 40k JoyToy Action Figure Review - backpack for space marine showing great detail and attention to proportions — Even the rivets look great!

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.

Warhammer 40k JoyToy Action Figure Review - Imperial fist icon decal on should of the action figure — A bit too clean for my taste. But it looks wonderfully similar to the wet slide decals I’m used to applying on the tabletop miniature version.

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).

Warhammer 40k JoyToy Action Figure Review - Hands accessories inside the plastic clear tray — Show me your hands!

Warhammer 40k JoyToy Action Figure Review - detailed look at the paint job on the action figure showing the pipes and tubes with handgun in the holster — The factory paint job is decent.

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.

Warhammer 40k JoyToy Action Figure Review - removable and posable parts close up of hands and bolt gun — Interchangeable parts with a lot of posable options.

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.

Warhammer 40k JoyToy Action Figure Review - posing the Action Figure and standing on two feet stable — A heavy bolter makes all things better.

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.

Warhammer 40k JoyToy Action Figure Review - wide angle show of the action figure with action heroic pose — I’m standing here!

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.

Warhammer 40k JoyToy Action Figure Review - box in background with imperial fist space marine in foreground — Reflecting on reflections.

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.

Warhammer 40k JoyToy Action Figure Review - close up of the utility belt on the figurine — A utility belt even Batman may be proud of.

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.

Warhammer 40k JoyToy Action Figure Review - side isometric view of the JoyToy Action figure with box art in the back — He’s a keeper. Let’s see where he’ll go.

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.

Warhammer 40k JoyToy Action Figure Review - Heroic pose frontal view — So, are you a toy or what?

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.

Warhammer 40k JoyToy Action Figure Review - 1/18th scale dreadnought 40k miniature action figure imperial fist in yellow iconic armor motif — JoyToy even has the larger, more imposing Warhammer 40k Dreadnought patterns for many of the popular space marine chapters.

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.

Warhammer 40k JoyToy Action Figure Review - space marine chapters for JoyToy 1/8th scale models - Imperial fist, blood angles, ultramines, and space wolves — There are many, many Warhammer 40k options to choose from in the JoyToy branded line of Action Figures.

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.

Check Price for JoyToy Warhammer 40k Action Figures

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!

Warhammer 40k JoyToy Action Figure Review - example of the variety of action figures from the Imperial Fist space marine chapter line - not all inclusive photo

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! 📝