Site Menu

July 20th, 2020 569 comments

We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.

Six new Doctor Who Collectors’ Sets + New Australia / USA Availability

Some sets are available now with more to follow from www.sanity.com.au

Customers in the USA will be able to order sets via www.amazon.com #ad

Character Options is pleased to announce the launch of six new Doctor Who action figure sets launching in late July 2020.

The range includes several action figure boxsets, including Friends and Foes of the Thirteenth Doctor set which completes the Thirteenth Doctors crew. All include highly detailed 5.5 inch scale figures featuring multiple points of articulation and come beautifully packaged.

The new collection will be available in the UK exclusively at B&M stores from late July and in the USA from www.amazon.com #ad and in Australia from www.sanity.com.au

Hotly anticipated is the Friends and Foes of the Thirteenth Doctor set. These are the first figures of companions Yasmin (Yaz) Khan, as seen in ‘Arachnids in the UK’, and Ryan Sinclair as seen in the story ‘Rosa’. The set also features a Judoon Trooper, one of the ruthless intergalactic security enforcers seen in the story ‘Fugitive of the Judoon’.

The new release of the Second Doctor and TARDIS Set features detailing from the last episode of 1969’s ten part epic ‘The War Games’, the final story of Season Six. The set comprises the Second Doctor with ripped trouser knee details and bedraggled appearance. The TARDIS comes in dark blue with iconic Second Doctor square top lamp, standard opening doors, ‘POLICE BOX’ signage and the newer low-profile base.

For Dalek aficionados there will be the two History of the Daleks Sets, which include specially created inserts as part of the heritage Doctor Who brand packaging.

‘The Daleks’ Collector Set comprises of a Twin Dalek Set and features the Daleks as seen fully in ‘The Daleks’, the second story of the very first season of Doctor Who in 1963. When seen in the early days of black and white television these Daleks were utterly alien in look and virtually identical in their livery of silver, mid grey and blue hemispheres. Their eyestalks became larger or smaller like the pupil of an eye and their guns comprised straight metal rails with inset plastic octagons. To identify each prop the casings had parallel black lines etched on, numbering them one to four. This has been replicated as accurately as possible in this new set.

The Dalek Invasion of Earth Collector Set features the Daleks as seen in the second serial of the second season, The Dalek Invasion of Earth, from 1964. Overwhelming demand and popularity meant the Daleks had to return, and this time they came to Earth. These revised Daleks were taller and more imposing with deep bases and revised colour schemes this stunning new set represents a silver eyed ‘Drone’ Dalek and the black ‘Saucer Command’ Dalek.

Hot on the heels of the Harry Sullivan figure release last year, Companions of the Fourth Doctor features a new figure of Sarah Jane Smith and two figures of Romana completing the Fourth Doctor’s companion list from 1975 to 1981. This set includes Sarah Jane Smith as seen in 1975’s ‘Genesis of the Daleks’ and ‘Revenge of the Cybermen’ stories, and Romana as seen in 1978’s ‘The Pirate Planet’ and 1979’s ‘Destiny of the Daleks’.

For some collectors, the arrival of the 1971 U.N.I.T Claws of Axos Set ends possibly the longest awaited figure release and completes the classic Third Doctor’s core U.N.I.T team of Brigadier Lethbridge Stuart, Captain Mike Yates and Sergeant John Benton. This new set features figures from Season 8’s 1971 story ‘The Claws of Axos’; the Brigadier wearing his less formal uniform with U.N.I.T beret, and Benton and Yates sporting their combat fatigues and webbing.

Al Dewar, Character Options, Creative Director, said. “This will be the first time in almost a decade where there will be parallel launches of the same product in the UK and the USA. Hopefully this new wave of toys will contain a few surprises for everyone. As always, the Character team has tried very hard to bring something new to delight, and hopefully exceed the expectations of fans and collectors alike. This time we are bringing even more to the table with six new products!”


Categorised under: News, Retail

Adverts/Affiliates

569 comments

  • Lee Moone

    May 19th, 2020 - 11:36pm

    Because that’s how it was on the original. The front and the back were part of the Wardrobe prop for The Celestrial Toymaker story. These were used for the original prop when it had a re fit and stayed that way until it fell apart during Seeds of Doom story, so therefore it is THE most accurate box so far… that said it’s not 100% as there are other quirks missing, or not able to do with these releases.

    Hope that helps?

  • Anonymous

    May 19th, 2020 - 10:51pm

    Any idea why the TARDIS has two different police box signs at the top?

    • Lee Moone

      May 19th, 2020 - 11:29pm

      Because that’s how it was on the original. The front and the back were part of the Wardrobe prop for The Celestrial Toymaker story. These were used for the original prop when it had a re fit and stayed that way until it fell apart during Seeds of Doom story, so therefore it is THE most accurate box so far… that said it’s not 100% as there are other quirks missing, or not able to do with these releases.

      Hope that helps?

    • River Slaney-Sanchez

      May 19th, 2020 - 11:44pm

      Because in some stories, the prop was so badly damaged, and then patched up, it did have some mis-matched signage. So this is fairly accurate.

    • Bobby Davros

      May 20th, 2020 - 12:50am

      And by some stories we mean every story from 1966 to 1976.

  • JJ

    May 19th, 2020 - 7:45pm

    Any idea how much the Tardis and Dalek sets will be or are they all going to be £19.99 each?

    • Jamie D

      May 19th, 2020 - 8:14pm

      They are all 19.99.

  • Grant

    May 19th, 2020 - 7:43pm

    These look great! And six sets oh my poor bank balance! Just glad we are getting new 5” figures after all these years and new classic companions! My hopes for an unearthly child set could poss happen (please!!) only slight niggle is Romana 1’s outfit they could have painted the pink blouse all way around, but hey ho very grateful to character & B&M like I said that after all these years we are still getting new releases! Lovely!

  • Anonymous

    May 19th, 2020 - 4:02pm

    Oh my days!!! Lovely!!!

  • MajorMorgan

    May 19th, 2020 - 3:18pm

    I’m delighted that B&M are doing these and I shall buy them all if I get the chance.

    With the UNIT figures it is a shame that Yates and Benton have the same legs as the Brigadier and not be wearing boots with gaiters. I’ve also seen a picture of Benton’s gun and it’s a M4 carbine not a L1A1 SLR. I understand about using existing moulds but it’s a shame. Still I’ve waited so long for a Benton figure I’m happy to get anything.

  • Dalek z

    May 19th, 2020 - 2:13pm

    Lovely stuff, but B&M again! I’ve been hiding from shops for two months now.
    I’m gonna get Covid visiting all these B&M’s trying to find me these.
    Look at that Romana in pink…wow!!!

  • Dan Schmeichel

    May 19th, 2020 - 1:15pm

    So wait???
    So these are going be available to fans in America???
    I usually have to buy from Ebay. & who north America have been able on getting B&Ms but like a month later from the release date. I wonder if whona.com know about this so they can get them earlier.

    • Anonymous

      May 19th, 2020 - 1:17pm

      I think I’ll order from America too if it’s cost effective

    • booboo

      May 19th, 2020 - 1:22pm

      yes and it looks like the price is sensible as well $19.99 each in the USA also it seems

      Really depends on if Amazon USA will export under their global shipping but some how i doubt it

    • Bob James

      May 19th, 2020 - 3:14pm

      I’ve already contacted Keith Bradbury at http://www.whona.com about their getting some of these in stock and am awaiting a reply. I’d be very surprised if he didn’t make the effort to get these as these figures are going to make plenty of Classic Who fans quite happy.

    • booboo

      May 19th, 2020 - 3:27pm

      they didn’t seem to know about the press release but there is a dedicated North American official site yet to launch properly who will be selling all sets (and the last 13th Dr wave wave) via Amazon at $19.99 each. Unless they can get some at trade i cant see how they can compete.

      Also the last B&M sets to get to the USA via UT were considerably more expensive than the UK so this is good news for you.

    • davidhhh

      May 21st, 2020 - 7:23am

      Please keep us updated when that site will be selling via Amazon!
      I absolutely want at least three of these. But money’s tight right now, for obvious reasons!

  • pupbenny

    May 19th, 2020 - 1:10pm

    I LOVE THOSE DALEK SETS! And I’d certainly like Romana II. I still don’t have the Second Doctor after all these years so hm…. that could be a good one for me.

  • Doctor Stu

    May 19th, 2020 - 1:00pm

    Will these be released with standard variants for everyone else or are these the one and only versions and at b&m only? Because I hate how this works

    • booboo

      May 19th, 2020 - 1:10pm

      I doubt it very much

  • Anonymous

    May 19th, 2020 - 12:37pm

    I love these sets! I for one want all of them! Ryan and Yaz will be very much wanted in my house!
    What figure first reused parts from a Primeval figure?

    • masterdoctorten

      May 19th, 2020 - 4:12pm

      I think Count Scarlioni used one ages ago.

  • The Monitor

    May 19th, 2020 - 12:16pm

    You have really got to hand it to B&M to persevere after all these years. I have loved everything they have done, including 12 years ago when the rereleased 6 single figures in slimmer, better packaging. I was so excited when I finally got a full set.

    Then B&M expanded their shops everywhere with more coming.

  • Martino

    May 19th, 2020 - 12:12pm

    Stunning likeness on the UNIT figures, and Romana 2. I will be buying all the Classic figures … on eBay sadly. I’m a ten minute bus journey from a B&M (Willesden), but they never have any Dr Who figures. :O(

    • David

      May 23rd, 2020 - 2:40pm

      Are you part of the Doctor Who Collectors Club on Facebook? I know many members there help each other out in finding the sets.

  • AT

    May 19th, 2020 - 11:56am

    These sets arent that exciting. The Romana 1 figure is really poor, the Unit set is boring and do we really need another Judoon figure?

    • Anonymous

      May 19th, 2020 - 12:04pm

      just be happy that we’re getting figures at all.

    • booboo

      May 19th, 2020 - 12:10pm

      Vast majority are over the moon with these, that’s all that matters figures here collectors thought they would never get.

    • James17

      May 19th, 2020 - 12:17pm

      To you, they may not be exciting.
      I’ve wanted Unit for years, Mike and Benton are my childhood favourite characters. Romana 1 doesn’t look that bad, and anyway, you can customise it, which is something lots of people love doing.

    • Fitz

      May 19th, 2020 - 12:37pm

      I don’t think I’ve ever been this excited about pieces of plastic. Romana II is a dream come true.

    • SJF

      May 19th, 2020 - 3:38pm

      We’re getting 7 brand new companions, how is that not exciting?

      If you don’t like them, you don’t have to buy them. Last year’s sets weren’t hugely of interest to me bar a few specific figures like Harry and Dark Eyes Eight but I can still see that they were good sets for people that were interested in Sontarans and Cybermen. Year after year CO have been delivering almost everything we ask for within reason, along with a load more goodies we’d have never expected.

  • Judy McFoody

    May 19th, 2020 - 10:30am

    I only wish that the 2nd doctors eyebrows were bright ginger…. ngl

  • John

    May 19th, 2020 - 10:19am

    These are just a dream come true. If new heads are affordable, I wonder if Dalek appendiges are? ie perceptor, cutter, electrode unit etc.
    Whilst its not a convnient time for some for these to be released, I suspect they will be around for a while for that very reason. Don’t forget these would be planned probably a year ago when none of this Covid crisis could even be imagined so you can’t blame them for putting stock on the shelves – they need room and return from investment. All thats going to happen with an army of Who fans demanding mail order and delays is that someone will say oh this range is too high maintenance lets not bother! I do share your concerns, especially those without easy to reach stores but give B&M a break eh? Their business isn’t built round us – I’m just eternally grateful they have the faith to invest in what is essentially a dead range to everyone else.

  • Trip of a Lifetime

    May 19th, 2020 - 9:26am

    these look amazing!

  • Anonymous

    May 19th, 2020 - 9:02am

    Booboo, do you know what the base figures for the Yaz and Romana 1 figures and the Benton and Yates figures?

    • TIMELORDTC

      May 19th, 2020 - 9:24am

      Romana and Yaz are from a Primeval figure

    • SJF

      May 19th, 2020 - 11:39am

      Sarah Jane – Martha (combat gear)
      Romana I – Claudia Brown (Primeval)
      Romana 2 – Sarah Jane (Kudlak two pack)
      Benton – The Brigadier (The Three Doctors)
      Yates – The Brigadier (The Three Doctors)
      Yaz – Claudia Brown (Primeval)
      Ryan – Nick Cutter (Primeval)

    • lister

      May 19th, 2020 - 1:15pm

      I don’t think Benton and Yates are based on the Brigadier from the Three Doctors set. That figure is wearing more of a dress uniform. I’m not sure where these figures come from.

    • SJF

      May 19th, 2020 - 3:40pm

      It is the Brigadier from The Three Doctors, it’s just a new body wrap because the Brigadier’s uniform was a plastic wrap rather than sculpted on the torso.

      Presumably it was only possible because they did both Benton and Yates, so they could justify the new piece.

      Romana’s scarf is new as well.

    • Bryan Of Morbius

      May 19th, 2020 - 10:39pm

      For my money the Yates and Benton torso sections are based on Primeval figures Stephen (looking at pocket angles) or Nick but reworked with the addition of the webbing pouches etc, I was looking at doing something along those lines myself. The head sculpts are new but the beret is probably from the Brig.

      What I’d like to know is if they come with any accessories, even the modern Primeval ones like the guns and walkie talkies? The original Brig had a pistol but also swagger stick and binoculars with other versions.

      There’s room for army building if you want to do some customisation head wise etc.

  • darkbill

    May 19th, 2020 - 8:49am

    I just picked up the Pertwee Tardis and Dalek sets a couple of weeks ago. B&M weren’t exactly strictly enforcing social distancing, but checkouts etc. were adhering to the rules and they were stewarding customers in and out. It was the other customers who were the issue – most didn’t seem to be aware that social distancing was even a thing. People were basically self-regulating, so some were giving you distance, waiting to let you move on etc, but others were just breezing around without a care in the world.

    I’m a key worker and this is a large B&M next to where I work, so I go past it most days. I can probably go first thing in the morning when things are quiet. I’m in Scotland and by June the lockdown restrictions are likely to be eased a little further – although sensibly social distancing will still be expected. And knowing B&M it will be closer to the start of July before they start showing up around here.

    This should make it easier for people to pick these up, so long as everyone stays sensible.

    On a more positive note, I love all these sets. When CO starting producing these figures I remember thinking that if they did all the classic doctors, a Genesis Dalek and an Earthshock Cyberman I could treat anything else as a bonus. With the UNIT set I’m getting close to finishing off my original wishlist. 🙂

    I wonder if the Dalek sets will pave the way for other monster sets, like Cybermen, which might mean we could get the more recent Cyber versions?

    Looks like the focus is on Companions for these sets rather than Monsters, which makes a refreshing change. It’s always interesting how they manage to eke out so many characters from so few moulds.

    Hopefully these sets will fly off the shelf and they might even be tempted to try some more original characters – an Ogron and a Yeti would be decent army builders.

    • Anonymous

      May 19th, 2020 - 10:27am

      I can’t find the newer pertwee box, went into lockdown before I got it but I do have the 2018 variant so I might just skip it…

  • Anonymous

    May 19th, 2020 - 8:44am

    I only really want the 13th doctor companion sets. The rest I can live without

    • Nick r

      May 19th, 2020 - 10:34am

      Well i can live wi5h out the 13th doctor set.

    • Anonymous

      May 19th, 2020 - 11:21am

      Good for you. My opinion is mine and so is yours.

  • Anonymous

    May 19th, 2020 - 8:40am

    During a pandemic? I’m not trapsing around unnecessarily to get these. Please reconsider.

    • Dalek Command

      May 19th, 2020 - 8:57am

      Agree. I think these should go onto the Web Site. I don’t think anyone should be trapsing around stores to find these or anything else not necessary at the moment. Just got to be sensible.
      Maybe we should all contact B and M’s Managing Director to express our concerns.
      I also fear a lot of these will go onto EBay at the usual inflated prices.

  • Lee Moone

    May 19th, 2020 - 8:17am

    Heres hoping we get more companion sets in the future a Ben, Polly and Jamie set then a Jamie, Victoria & Zoe set. Jamie could be with polo neck in one set and then in his shirt, neckachief and sleeveless jacket in another!

    I’d also like to see Inferno figures with The Brigade Leader & the two Liz Shaws in one set, plus a 3rd Dr in his Season 7 clothes, which could also be used for 12th Dr from Mummy on the Orient Express!

    • Anonymous

      May 19th, 2020 - 10:53am

      Some 3 packs I think character could find some way of doing would be:
      Susan, Ian and Barbara
      Vicki, Steven and Meddling Monk or Celestial Toymaker
      Bradley 1st doctor, normal Ben and Polly
      Jamie, Zoe and Victoria
      Liz, shop window auton with wig and primord using a doctor Constantine or bracewell body
      Adric, 4th doctor in time lord robes, meglos 4th doctor or horns of nimon romana using same body sculpt of her destiny costume (inaccurate obviously but these are budget sets)
      Nyssa, Tegan and Turlough
      Solemn hatred 7, ace and mel
      Attack cybercontroller, valeyard and varl for an enemies of the sixth doctor set, if they can’t do a 6th doctor himself
      Clara, Bill and Nardole
      Martha, Donna and Wilf
      Whisperman, Dr Simeon and Vastra
      2017 mondasian cybermen, half face man, ghost prentis/doctor

    • Anonymous

      May 21st, 2020 - 7:32am

      *solemn hatted*

    • Anonymous

      May 22nd, 2020 - 8:19pm

      Whoops, damn autocorrect

  • Anonymous

    May 19th, 2020 - 7:27am

    This might be the first year that I actually want all of them!

  • Doctor…Who?

    May 19th, 2020 - 7:24am

    The UNIT family is complete!!!!!!!!!!!!

    • Anonymous

      May 19th, 2020 - 8:12am

      Apart from Liz Shaw

    • Doctor…Who?

      May 19th, 2020 - 8:26am

      Oh yeah… come on B&M! Do your stuff next year!

    • Bob James

      May 19th, 2020 - 3:24pm

      Yes, let’s not forget Liz!

  • Lee Moone

    May 19th, 2020 - 6:56am

    Wow, great new. Have to say that the head sculps are very good. Shame they didnt do a new smiley varient for Pat though!

    Talking of the 2and Dr… if Character had nipped to my blog page the zeroroom they could have seen all my research on the 2nd Dr and added the correct Sonic and Hankie pattern for the figure too! No excuse now for not having a 2nd Dr Sonic Toy

  • Anonymous

    May 19th, 2020 - 3:38am

    Booboo / Anyone, Do you know where we can write to (email or physical address) to let B&M and/or CO know that we are not happy with the decision to release these in June? I know they need to make money, but they are simply acting irresponsibly releasing these at a time when surely we will still be in a Pandemic. How can we ask them to postpone the release by atleast a few months, to see if the situation is any better/ more appropriate to allow vulnerable people a fair chance at getting these sets, at the reasonable RRP. If they go ahead with this planned month, they clearly do not take ‘Doctor Who’ fans/ their customers health seriously…

    • Dalek Command

      May 19th, 2020 - 9:02am

      Just posted similar message. I did not see your post originally. I agree. It is very simple B and M put them on the web site. We should somehow contact B and M’s Managing Director.

    • booboo

      May 19th, 2020 - 9:13am

      Cant see them setting up a mail order department just for a few Doctor Who sets, click and collect with minimal contact is probably the best option but still goes against their business model (ie getting people in stores)

      They could use Amazon or Ebay as ready made stores but they take a fair % in costs so may reduce the sets viability. (although i’m guessing most would be prepared to pay a small premium to cover those costs)

      I doubt they will do anything put would love to proved wrong.

    • JJ

      May 19th, 2020 - 7:30pm

      It is irresponsible, they should wait until until this virus is more manageable and lockdown is eased which is when people will be flocking to the shops. Otherwise it’ll just be scalpers going and then £20 a set which was already unaffordable to many will be quadruple the price. It’s the kids wanting these sets I feel most sorry for tbh.

    • Steven bird

      May 22nd, 2020 - 6:59pm

      But then there are people who do their shopping at B&M bargains who will think that it’s brilliant that they can pick up a TOY while they are out doing their shopping. If you wanted them that desperately, you’d go and get them straight away or hope that everyone avoids B&M like you will and you’ll be able to pick them up easily once lockdown and social distancing officially ends…

  • Bob James

    May 19th, 2020 - 2:48am

    Please the moment anyone gets any word on US availability (like an actual link, maybe?) on these, post it here.

    • Fitz

      May 19th, 2020 - 3:09am

      Yes please! (Or Australian availability, come to that.)

    • Bob James

      May 19th, 2020 - 3:11pm

      And despite my past ire with Character over other issues, I could not be more grateful that these are coming. These are the figures of the characters I was hoping all along we would have seen back in the Character action figure heyday. In this day and age when I really feel “my” Doctor Who has been lost, this is just the right kind kind of celebration and spot on nostalgia. Now, on to Tegan! Nyssa! Turlough! And yes, even Adric!

    • Bob James

      May 19th, 2020 - 3:18pm

      And not forget Susan, Barbara, and Ian! And Zoe, Jaime, Victoria, Polly and Ben! But now I AM dreaming.

    • Anonymous

      May 19th, 2020 - 5:34pm

      Why does everyone always forget Mel, Steven, Vicki, Dodo and Liz Shaw?

  • Anonymous

    May 19th, 2020 - 12:50am

    Do the invasion Dale’s have the dish on the backs?

    And do the unit soldiers have weapons?

    • Anonymous

      May 19th, 2020 - 2:22am

      Yes and yes

  • Andrew Lewis

    May 18th, 2020 - 11:27pm

    Do we have any idea of numbers, is it a limited run or can we expect a flood of them so availability will be fine? If they turn up on amazon I don’t want to be extortionate. Also here’s hoping that the proceeds from these goes to a bigger budget next year, dare I say we could something bigger like Bessie? Or even a TARDIS console? That would be icing in the cake.

    • john hogg

      May 19th, 2020 - 12:35am

      1) they only use older bodies form older Dr who figures and some form torch-wood, only thing new is the heads,
      2) they do not make new Dr who merchandise from scratch to costly

      3) usual run is about 5000, per set on the first run followed up by another 5-7,000 sets

    • Anonymous

      May 19th, 2020 - 10:38am

      They have never used Torchwood bodies as they were made by a different company. They use Primeval bodies. I think that is what you mean?

  • Tom

    May 18th, 2020 - 11:26pm

    Any chance we could get a distributor for Australia and New Zealand? Or will Amazon AU be carrying these?

Twitter

Facebook