Walking into the San Diego Convention Center on July 23 2025, it was impossible to miss the electric pull of the Mezco Toyz booth, a beacon for collectors and pop culture devotees alike. Founded in 2000 by Michael “Mez” Markowitz, the company has built its reputation on an unwavering commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and originality, and SDCC 2025 proved once again why Mezco continues to hold a special place in the hearts of serious collectors. Booth #3145 wasn’t simply a vendor space—it was a fully immersive experience, combining theatrical presentation with tangible artistry. The moment you stepped into Mezco’s carefully curated display area, the noise of the convention seemed to dull, replaced by the quiet hum of admiration as visitors examined glass cases filled with miniature works of art. This was not a booth meant to be rushed through; every shelf, every figure was deliberately positioned to reward patience and close observation, a true reflection of Mezco’s philosophy that action figures are not just merchandise but storytelling vessels in miniature form.
Front and center was the undisputed star of Mezco’s SDCC 2025 presentation—the deluxe One:12 Collective Nightwing figure. Drawing inspiration from the New 52 era of DC Comics, this piece epitomized the level of detail and innovation that has made the One:12 Collective line the jewel of Mezco’s crown. Nightwing stood poised in his display, a sculpt that balanced athletic grace with battle-ready intensity. His cloth costume was stitched with precision, accentuating the intricate paneling familiar to fans of the character’s modern comic appearances. Collectors marveled at the sheer range of possibilities offered by his over 30 points of articulation, allowing for action poses limited only by the imagination. Alongside the figure were an impressive array of accessories: four unique head sculpts, eighteen interchangeable hands, escrima sticks with dynamic FX pieces, grappling hooks, and “wing-dings” ready to be flung mid-pose. Offered as both a San Diego Comic-Con exclusive and a limited online pre-order, the figure instantly became the subject of whispered negotiations among attendees trying to secure one before they inevitably sold out.
The One:12 Collective line has always been Mezco’s statement of intent—a showcase of what’s possible when artistry and engineering work in harmony—and the Nightwing reveal sat alongside a lineup that spanned genres and generations. In one corner, fans gathered around the TMNT Movie-inspired figures, grinning at the realistic textures of turtle skin and the film-accurate detailing on their weapons and shells. In another, the spectral charm of Beetlejuice emerged from Mezco’s glass cases, with figures that perfectly captured the mischievous, slightly menacing grin of the infamous ghost. Comic book enthusiasts found themselves speculating about the teased “Year One Batman,” an as-yet-unreleased figure hinted at in the booth’s display materials, which already had social media buzzing thanks to convention-floor photos shared by The Toyark team. The diversity of licenses on display—spanning Marvel, DC Comics, Star Trek, and cult horror like The Conjuring—ensured that there was something to spark nostalgia or curiosity in every visitor, whether their entry point to collecting came through superhero comics, blockbuster movies, or cult classics.
Among the exclusives that captured the attention of seasoned Mezco followers was the One:12 Collective Doc Nocturnal: Dark Shadow Edition. This wasn’t a piece for casual passersby—it was for those who appreciate Mezco’s darker, more atmospheric side. Draped in a shadowy palette with haunting accessory work, Doc Nocturnal stood as a reminder that the company is unafraid to delve into pulp noir and gothic tones, even amid the bright, explosive spectacle of a convention dominated by superheroes and cinematic universes. Conversations between fans often drifted to the ways Mezco’s designs invite personal storytelling. Many attendees shared anecdotes of home display setups, from carefully lit glass cabinets to sprawling dioramas, explaining how a figure like Doc Nocturnal could be the brooding centerpiece of an entire shelf narrative.
But the magic of the Mezco booth wasn’t just in the products—it was in the experience of being there. The display itself was a masterclass in how to captivate an audience, with lighting that highlighted the smallest costume seam and pose angles designed to evoke scenes frozen mid-motion. It encouraged visitors to linger, to take in the stitching on Nightwing’s gloves or the subtle paintwork on a TMNT shell. The staff, clearly passionate about their craft, engaged with collectors in meaningful conversations about production processes, upcoming releases, and the company’s evolving approach to licensing. This created a space that felt less like a retail pitch and more like a shared celebration of fandom. Attendees described the booth as a “collector’s sanctuary,” a rare place at a convention this size where one could pause, admire, and connect with others over the artistry of the hobby.
By the time the day wound down, it was clear that Mezco Toyz had once again reinforced its place as a cornerstone of the high-end collectibles market. Their SDCC 2025 booth was not only a testament to their technical mastery but also to their understanding of the emotional connection between fans and their favorite characters. Mezco’s genius lies in bridging that gap—offering pieces that satisfy the tactile pleasure of a well-made object while igniting the imagination with the worlds they represent. In a convention brimming with spectacle, Mezco’s booth stood out for its sincerity, its craft, and its ability to turn fleeting moments on the show floor into lasting memories for collectors who know that in the right hands, a six-inch figure can hold an entire universe.
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Photos and video : Boris Colletier / Mulderville