First Look at Syndicate Collectibles’ Double Dragon Figures: Billy, Jimmy, and Willy Join the Fight!

Syndicate Collectibles has brought a serious punch to the action figure world with their new Double Dragon figures, featuring Billy, Jimmy, and their nemesis Willy. These 7-inch deluxe figures pay homage to the beloved arcade classic, and if you’re a fan of retro gaming or simply love a great action figure, you’ll want to keep reading.

With detailed sculpting, impressive articulation, and a bunch of game-inspired accessories, these Double Dragon toys are the ultimate throwback to an era where arcade games ruled. The figures are available for pre-order now and will be released in 2024, making them a highlight in the latest toy news.

Spotlight on Billy Lee: The Hero with a Fierce Look

Billy Lee’s figure brings the main man of Double Dragon to life. The sculpt features his classic blue jeans and tank top with an added modern twist on his iconic style. The face sculpt, though perhaps a bit more intense than his in-game sprite, gives Billy an appropriately fierce expression. The accessories, including his nunchaku and multiple handsets, offer tons of posing options, perfect for recreating fight scenes. The attention to detail here is seriously impressive!

While I haven’t held the figure myself yet (still waiting for that pre-order!), it’s clear that Syndicate Collectibles didn’t skimp on quality. Billy’s articulation includes multiple pivot points and dynamic poses that stay true to his character’s flexibility in the game. This is a figure that both collectors and Double Dragon fans will appreciate on the shelf.

For a look at how this figure might stack up against other detailed fight-ready toys, check out my recent reviews on the Ultra Street Fighter II Guile and Street Fighter II Cammy and Dee Jay figures.

Jimmy Lee: The Other Half of the Double Dragon Duo

Jimmy’s figure stands tall and intense, with the same high level of detail and articulation as his brother Billy. In classic Jimmy fashion, he rocks a red version of Billy’s outfit, and the sculpt emphasises his tougher, edgier personality. Syndicate Collectibles has done a great job capturing the differences between the Lee brothers, making them distinct but complementary figures. Jimmy’s accessories also include interchangeable hands and a pair of spiked knuckles, adding that extra punch (pun intended) to his moves.

In the Double Dragon universe, the dynamic between Billy and Jimmy has always been a favourite, and these figures capture that brotherly rivalry well. Displaying Billy and Jimmy together on the shelf is bound to bring a nostalgic grin to fans of the arcade classic.

Villain Alert: Willy, the Boss of Double Dragon

Willy’s figure has to be one of the standouts of the set. The head honcho of the Double Dragon game, he’s decked out in a trench coat, military boots, and – most importantly – is wielding his signature machine gun. Unlike many action figure villains who sometimes get less attention to detail, Willy is as detailed and articulated as the heroes. His rugged look is a brilliant contrast to the cleaner style of the Lee brothers, and that machine gun accessory is a great nod to the boss fights from the game.

In terms of design, Willy’s figure manages to capture the vibe of the game’s final showdown with an intimidating presence. He’s larger than the Lee brothers, making him the ideal baddie to face off against them on the shelf or in a collector’s display.

A Brief History of the Double Dragon Arcade Phenomenon

Back in 1987, Double Dragon revolutionised the beat-em-up genre with its co-op gameplay and urban street brawling theme. Created by Technōs Japan, it follows Billy and Jimmy Lee as they fight to save their mutual love interest, Marian, from a gang led by none other than Willy himself. The game was groundbreaking for its time, letting two players battle through waves of enemies, each armed with different weapons found in the streets – a novelty back then. Double Dragon went on to become an iconic franchise, spawning sequels, adaptations, and of course, action figures that honour its legacy.

Syndicate Collectibles’ new figures capture that spirit, letting fans bring a bit of that arcade magic home. If these figures spark the same love for Double Dragon that I felt when I first saw the arcade machine’s bright lights and bold graphics, I’d say Syndicate nailed it!

Are These Double Dragon Figures a Must-Have?

For fans of Double Dragon toys, this is a fantastic new line that blends nostalgia with modern craftsmanship. Syndicate Collectibles has done an incredible job in bringing the 8-bit heroes (and their villainous counterpart) into the world of high-quality action figures. With a release set for early 2024, these figures should definitely be on the radar for collectors.

So, what’s my verdict? If you’re a fan of retro arcade games or love highly-detailed figures that tell a story on their own, these Double Dragon figures are a must. Whether you’re staging battles between Billy and Jimmy or setting up a boss fight with Willy, these toys are sure to bring some classic arcade action to your collection.