PLATINUM EDITION
McFarlane Toys' Platinum Edition is a specialized line of rare 'chase' variant action figures launched in August 2020. Packaged randomly in mass retail shipping cases or released in strictly capped production runs, these figures feature unique paint treatments, translucent materials, artist proofs, and distinct sculpts across major pop culture franchises.
Cronologia
Panoramica
The Platinum Edition is a premium chase variant program produced by McFarlane Toys, the collectibles company founded in 1994 by comic creator Todd McFarlane.
Launched to bring rare limited-run variants directly to retail cases and collector channels, Platinum Edition figures are primarily produced in 7-inch scale alongside select retro 6-inch lines.
Positioned as hard-to-find collectible variants, these figures are inserted randomly into standard shipping boxes at ratios like 1-in-20 to 1-in-30 (or 1-in-6 in Collector Edition cases) or capped at limited runs like 3,000 units worldwide. The product line covers an extensive range of media, including DC Comics, feature films, TV shows, and video games.
Storia
McFarlane Toys officially debuted the Platinum Edition program in August 2020. The line originally focused on solid bronze, gold, and silver metallic statue finishes paired with silver foil collectible trading cards during the Metallic Era (2020).
In 2021–2022, the line shifted to the 'Artist's Proof' era, introducing completely unpainted grey primer figures targeted at customizers and collectors who appreciated prototype aesthetics, accompanied by monochrome black-and-white art cards.
From 2023 to 2024, McFarlane abandoned grey primer in favor of full-color character variants, animated-inspired paint applications, translucent plastic sculpts, and alternate suits. By 2024–2026, the program introduced 'Red Platinum Edition' sticker branding and deep-cut unique character sculpts integrated into the McFarlane Collector Edition line.
I PEZZI DI PLATINUM EDITION
Caratteristiche
* Produced by McFarlane Toys, primarily in 7-inch scale with retro 6-inch additions. * Random chase insertion into retail cases (1-in-20 to 1-in-30 ratios, or 1-in-6 case chase for McFarlane Collector Edition). * Capped limited production runs, such as 3,000 units worldwide for initial releases. * Distinctive packaging markings, including specialized silver foil stickers and Red Platinum Edition stickers.
* Collectible trading cards included in packaging, ranging from silver foil cards to monochrome black-and-white art cards. * Diverse material and finish treatments: faux-metallic finishes (bronze, gold, silver), unpainted grey primer plastic, translucent sculpts, and full-color alternate decos. * Evolution to unique head sculpts and distinct deep-cut character builds rather than simple color repaints.
Wave & Serie
* 2020: Bronze & Gold Metallic Era (Debuted August 2020 featuring faux-metallic finishes and silver foil cards). * 2021–2022: Unpainted / 'Artist's Proof' Era (Grey primer figures with B&W art cards, including 13 distinct variants in 2022).
* 2023–2024: Colorway & Animated Eras (Full-color variants, animated decos, translucent sculpts, and alternate suits). * 2024–2026: Red Platinum & McFarlane Collector Edition Era (Unique character head sculpts, Red Platinum stickers, and 1-in-6 chase ratios). * Late 2025–September 2026: Expanded Waves (Includes Fallout TV Series figures, Mortal Kombat Klassic Red Platinum, DC Super Friends Red Platinum, and numbered McFarlane Collector Edition releases #61-#63).
Pezzi Iconici
* **Arkham Asylum Joker (Bronze Edition)**: Released at launch in 2020 with a faux-metallic bronze finish and silver foil card, strictly limited to 3,000 units worldwide. * **Arkham Asylum Batman (Bronze Edition)**: A key 2020 launch figure executed in a solid bronze statue-like finish. * **Arkham Knight Batman (Gold Edition)**: A metallic gold variant representing the Arkham video game series during the line's debut era. * **Arkham Origins Deathstroke (Gold Edition)**: A 2020 Gold Edition metallic chase figure from the video game lineup. * **Mr. Freeze (Animated Style)**: A 2023–2024 variant inspired by *Batman: The Animated Series* featuring red goggles and animated color scheme. * **Green Lantern Batman**: A striking 2023–2024 variant molded entirely in translucent green plastic. * **Bizarro Superman & Krypto**: A full-color chase variant featuring classic comic Bizarro skin tones. * **Shazam (Captain Thunder)**: A 2023–2024 colorway homage variant depicting the alternate hero. * **Damian Wayne (Robin)**: A variant featuring his first-appearance black-and-white outfit underneath his Robin gear.
* **Power Girl ('Dawn of DC')**: A 2024–2026 release with a Dawn of DC jacket and updated angry head sculpt. * **Captain Cold (Super Friends)**: A deep-cut variant featuring icy-blue skin tone inspired by the retro animated series. * **Guy Gardner (Yellow Lantern)**: A variant representing his 90s storyline wearing Sinestro's Yellow Lantern ring. * **Detective Comics #241 'Rainbow Batman'**: Red Platinum variants featuring suit colors in Orange, Green, Yellow, and Purple. * **Cooper Howard / The Ghoul (Pre-War Black Suit)**: A Fallout TV series Red Platinum deluxe 7-inch figure with Pip-Boy and swappable face plate. * **Kitana (Mortal Kombat Klassic)**: A Red Platinum Edition figure based on the classic fighting game franchise. * **The Riddler (DC Super Friends)**: A retro 6-inch Red Platinum Edition release with a Legion of Doom radio accessory. * **Wonder Woman (DC Classic #61)**: A McFarlane Collector Edition Platinum chase in a New 52 costume layout. * **Poison Ivy (DC Classic #62)**: A McFarlane Collector Edition Platinum variant featuring green-skinned mutant detailing. * **Hawkgirl (Kendra Saunders #63)**: A McFarlane Collector Edition Platinum Edition release.
Collezionismo
The Platinum Edition line is highly prized by action figure collectors due to its surprise chase distribution model and genuine rarity. Because figures are inserted randomly into standard cases at ratios between 1-in-20 and 1-in-30 (or 1-in-6 for Collector Edition cases), finding one at standard retail price presents a high payoff.
Early 2020 releases like the Bronze Joker were strictly limited to 3,000 units worldwide, establishing strong secondary market value. The line's evolution from metallic repaints to completely unique head sculpts, translucent plastics, and 'Red Platinum' variants ensures high collector interest across comic book, TV, and gaming fandoms.
Curiosità
* The earliest 2020 Platinum Edition releases included figures strictly limited to 3,000 units worldwide, such as the Bronze Arkham Asylum Joker.
* During 2021 and 2022, McFarlane Toys released 13 distinct completely unpainted grey primer 'Artist's Proof' figures for customizers. * The 'Rainbow Batman' Red Platinum variants homage Detective Comics #241 from 1957 in Orange, Green, Yellow, and Purple suits. * In DC Comics lore, Booster Gold villain Peter Platinum wore a suit made from stolen Booster Gold microcircuitry and Rip Hunter's Time Sphere.
