Back in 2022, Fresh Monkey Fiction & ToyOtter Toys in collaboration with BigBadToyS launched The Longbox Heroes Collection crowdfunding campaign to produce retro 4.5” action actions based on some of the most popular creator-owned comic book characters including Madman, The Tick, Grendel, The Rocketeer, and others. Needless to say, the collection was a favorite among fans and collectors.
Earlier this week, Longbox Heroes Collection launched a Kickstarter campaign to produce a second wave brand new selection of action figures based on characters from some of the most acclaimed creator-owned comic books.
The campaign has only been live for a few days and is already near 25% of its $150,000 goal. Here’s hoping it’s successfully funded.
Official details below:
That’s right the The Longbox Heroes Collection™ is back! This new wave features a brand new selection of action figures based on some of the biggest names in creator-owned comic books heroes (and villains) including: The Tick™, Arthur™ and Hedge Ninja™ created by Ben Edlund. Kevin Matchstick™, Christine Spar Grendel™ and Grendel Prime™ created by Matt Wagner. The Rocketeer™ and Betty created by Dave Stevens. Savage Dragon™ and Malcolm Dragon™ created by Erik Larsen. Hallow Fire™ created by Tim Seeley.
Each figure has been designed and sculpted by toy industry veteran and historian Jason Geyer aka ToyOtter Toys with production overseen by Fresh Monkey Fiction. These retro styled action figures have been uniquely created to have the look and feel of the classic action figures of the 1980’s, along with playable articulation fans expect and deserve.
All the figures from the Longbox Heroes Wave 2 Collection will fit seamlessly alongside all the figures from your Longbox Heroes Wave 1 Collection, along with many other lines in this form-factor of super powered heroes, both past and present. Some figures from wave 1 are still available at BigBadToyStore. Check out this review on Wave 1 from Super Powers Reviews on YouTube.
If we reach our funding goal during the campaign we have some awesome stretch goals planned. You can see many of them listed below. Check out these amazing rewards so you can complete your Longbox Heroes Collection today!
All unlocked Rewards are listed below. If you want more than 1 figure, just pick the reward for the 1st figure you want and then you can add on the rest of the figures you want via Kickstarter’s ADD ON feature before you finalize your commitment to backing this project.
RADIOACTIVE TICK ($25)
The Tick, created by Ben Edlund, is a hilariously absurd superhero clad in a blue suit with antennae. Invincible yet comically naïve, he battles bizarre villains in The City alongside Arthur, his moth-costumed sidekick. Known for his battle cry, “Spoon!” This version of the Tick is radioactive in translucent green.
ARTHUR ($25)
Arthur, from Ben Edlund’s The Tick, is a mild-mannered former accountant who becomes a reluctant hero in a moth-inspired costume. As The Tick’s loyal sidekick, he brings intelligence and practicality to their chaotic adventures. Though unsure of himself, Arthur’s determination and heart make him an essential partner in battling absurd villains.
THE ROCKETEER ($25)
The Rocketeer, created by Dave Stevens, is Cliff Secord, a daring stunt pilot who discovers a jetpack granting him the power of flight. Set in 1930s Los Angeles, Cliff battles gangsters, spies, and conspiracies while protecting his girlfriend, Betty. With a sleek helmet and retro charm, he’s a pulp-era hero soaring to greatness.
BETTY ($25)
Betty, from Dave Stevens’ Rocketeer, is a glamorous model inspired by 1930s pin-up icon Bettie Page. As Cliff Secord’s girlfriend, she’s strong-willed, intelligent, and fiercely independent, often finding herself swept into his daring adventures. Betty’s charm, wit, and loyalty make her a captivating and essential part of the Rocketeer’s world.
KEVIN MATCHSTICK ($25)
Kevin Matchstick, the protagonist of Matt Wagner’s Mage, is an ordinary man who discovers he’s a modern-day incarnation of a legendary hero, armed with a mystical baseball bat as his weapon. Reluctant but courageous, Kevin battles dark forces, guided by mysterious allies, in a journey of self-discovery, destiny, and mythic adventure.
Grendel Prime ($25)
Grendel Prime, created by Matt Wagner, is a cybernetic warrior and the most formidable incarnation of the Grendel legacy. A near-immortal enforcer clad in black armor, he wields a deadly energy sword. Stoic and relentless, Grendel Prime traverses dystopian landscapes, carrying out missions of vengeance, survival, and brutal justice in a dark future.
Grendel Christine Spar ($25)
Christine Spar, created by Matt Wagner, is the second Grendel, driven by vengeance after her son’s murder. A fierce journalist-turned-vigilante, she takes up Hunter Rose’s mantle, wielding his iconic forked blade. Consumed by rage, she battles crime in a brutal quest for justice, ultimately succumbing to the violent legacy of Grendel.
Malcolm Dragon ($25)
Malcolm Dragon, created by Erik Larsen, is the son of Savage Dragon, inheriting his father’s superhuman strength, durability, and regenerative abilities. Growing up under immense expectations, Malcolm takes on the mantle of hero, battling powerful foes in Chicago. Determined and resilient, he forges his own legacy while honoring his father’s heroic path.
Savage Dragon ($25)
Savage Dragon, created by Erik Larsen, is a super powered, green-skinned amnesiac with incredible strength and regeneration. Found in a burning field, he becomes a Chicago police officer, battling villains, mutants, and corruption. With his unwavering sense of justice and relentless fighting spirit, he remains a cornerstone of Image Comics’ superhero universe.
Hedge Ninja ($25)
Those pesky Hedge Ninjas in The Tick, created by Ben Edlund, are a bumbling, overly dramatic clan obsessed with stealth and honor—despite often failing miserably. Led by the enigmatic Tuun-La, they lurk in The City’s shadows, engaging in absurd schemes.
Hallow Fire ($25)
Hallowfire, created by Tim Seeley, follows Chicago alderwoman Eve Byrnes, who loses her son in a botched political hit. Now, she sees his spirit, guiding her toward the wicked. Wearing the Halloween mask meant for their last trick-or-treat, she burns the corrupt—risking her soul and an eternity as a vengeful wraith.
LongBox Heroes Wave 2 Full Assortment + Mystery Figure ($275)
Get the full assortment of LongBox Heroes Wave, including the following figures: Radioactive Tick, Arthur, Pesky Ninjas, Kevin Matchstick,Christine Spar Grendel, Grendel Prime, The Rocketeer, Betty, Savage Dragon, Malcolm Dragon, Hallow Fire and a Kickstarter Exclusive Mystery Figure only available from this Kickstarter and will not be revealed until the figures ship to backers.
Each Longbox Heroes Collection Action Figure will come with unique packaging displaying artwork from each character.
In addition, the campaign teased on exciting stretch goals to further entice backers. Check them out below.
If we are able to exceed our original funding goal we will unlock the option to purchase the following figures. Once each stretch goal is reached the figures will be unlocked and you will be able to Add-on the figure to your existing reward.
LongBox Heroes The Blank Slate – $15 (Unlocks at $150K)
Woot! We funded! We can unleash The Blank Slate. He can be used as an evil villain or a blank body for customizing figures for those folks who want to make some cool custom heroes to add to you LongBox Heroes Collection. As soon as we hit our funding goal you’ll be able to ADD ON The Blank Slate figure to an existing reward.
Figure Revealed at Toylanta on 3/29 – $TBD (Unlocks at $160K)
That’s right our 2nd stretch goal figure will be revealed at Toylanta. (this is not the same mystery figure that comes with the set) If you are attending the show please come to the Indy Toy Spotlight Panel on Sat 3/29 at 3PM for the reveal.
Get ready for an inside look at the world of independent action figures at the “Indy Toy Spotlight Panel” at 3Pm on 3/29! Join the creative minds behind BigBadWorkShop, Fresh Monkey Fiction, Spero, ManOrMonster? Studios and Grindhouse Toys as they unveil their latest toy lines, share behind-the-scenes insights, and make exciting new announcements. Whether you’re a dedicated collector or just love discovering fresh, innovative toys, this panel is your chance to see what’s next from some of the most passionate creators in the industry. Expect surprises, reveals, and maybe even a first look at figures you won’t want to miss!
The Death Defier – $25 (Unlocks at $165K)
The Death Defier, the public domain superhero created by Jack Binder in 1940, is Bart Hill, a masked crimefighter wielding a boomerang. Originally mute, he later gained speech while maintaining his acrobatic prowess and expert combat skills. Donning a red-and-blue costume, he battled injustice with relentless determination, becoming a Golden Age icon.
The Henchmen 2 pack – $40 (Unlocks at $170K)
Charlie Knuckles and Lucas Hutch are brute-force enforcers, known for their relentless aggression and raw power. Charlie, a towering brawler with fists like sledgehammers, loves breaking bones, while Lucas, a tough street bruiser, specializes in sheer intimidation. Together, they crush anyone foolish enough to cross their bosses.
Fantomah – $25 (Unlocks at $175K)
Fantomah, one of the first female superheroes, is a mysterious, skull-faced guardian of the jungle. With supernatural powers, she punishes evildoers who threaten nature, transforming into a fearsome wraith with glowing eyes. Created by Fletcher Hanks in 1940, she remains a striking, enigmatic figure in early comic book history.
Ready for Safety Madman – $25 (Unlocks at $185K)
Madman, created by Mike Allred, is Frank Einstein, a resurrected amnesiac with enhanced reflexes and a quirky, free-spirited personality. Clad in a white suit with a lightning bolt, he navigates surreal adventures, battling bizarre villains while searching for his past. With a mix of retro pop-art style and existential heart, he’s a true indie comics icon.
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