If you or your kids are fans of Stranger Things, you’re probably already caught up on Season 4 of the Netflix series, but you can take a trip back to the very beginning with the Stranger Things 4-Inch Figures from Bandai Namco Toys & Collectibles America.
This action figures line features the five core friends from Stranger Things Season 1 wearing their signature outfits from when the series first aired. The aesthetic will take you back to when we first got to know Eleven in her pink dress, blue jacket, and cropped hair; Dustin with his trucker hat and backpack; Lucas with his rust-orange jacket and camo-print bandana; Will with his red-and-yellow vest; and Mike with his striped shirt and beige jacket.Â
The figures have basic articulation in their arms and legs, as well as semi-curled hands so that you can make them hold objects. Lucas is the only character that comes with an accessory, but that wrist rocket might be handy enough to take out a Demogorgon or two.
What makes these action figures special is that they each have a surprise movement that recreates an iconic or funny Stranger Things moment, although some are more impressive than others. Squeezing Eleven’s legs will trigger a nosebleed, pushing Dustin’s backpack will cause his hat to raise up to to give you a peek at Dart hiding underneath, Will can cough up a slug-like creature, Mike’s eyes can pop forward like he’s in shock, and Lucas’ mouth can open into an extra-wide scream.
Each action figure comes with one or two pieces of a Demogorgon so if you collect them all, you can then build the monster that makes the Upside Down so terrifying. All of the figures are Target exclusives, but only Mike, Will, and Lucas are available to purchase online at the moment, so you may need to go on the hunt to complete your collection with Dustin and Eleven.
The figures are recommended for kids ages 8 and up, but older Stranger Things fans and collectors will want to get in on the action, too, especially when they see the dark and moody packaging featuring retro-style illustrations of the characters. Preteens can role play with the figures, while adults can keep them on display to show off their fandom. Bandai has an even wider range of Stranger Things action figures in larger sizes that depict the characters from later seasons.
Just remember, once you get sucked into the Upside Down, you may never come back.
