There were literally a ton of action figures on display at Toy Fair, so picking just one favorite booth was a losing proposition. However, despite the big guns (Mattel, Hasbro, Lego, et cetera) rolling out some truly impressive new licensed goodies you’ll be snapping up like hotcakes, there were a number of smaller studios that had more interesting and in some cases, more impressive licensed items coming your way in 2012 and beyond. Here’s a peek at a few of my show favorites…

Mezco Toyz had some killer vinyl DC stuff including a DC Universe Mez-itz lineup that’s going to make collectors happy with a nice selection of figures ranging from 2″ to 6″ plus a few that were even larger. After seeing the great stylized Batmobile and Batwing from the DCU collection, I kind of wished they’d also add Wonder Woman’s “invisible” jet at some point because the SD styling put a grin on my face that lasted a while. Speaking of Batman, There were also some awesome Batman figures and vehicles from the Dark Knight that were must-haves (I’d imagine these will sell out quickly once they’re added to the site).  And yes, they’re working on some Dark Knight Rises stuff, but I believe The Joker will come after me if I reveal anything more.

Mezco also had some great licensed figures from the classic Thundercats cartoon (that 20″ Lion-O was pretty impressive), a ton of fun Domo, Little Big Planet Sackboys and Sackgirls on the way, more SpongeBob Squarepants and South Park stuff than you could shake a Deluxe Talking Mr. Hankey at (eww), two cool Earthworm Jim figures and way too much other good stuff to lighten your wallet significantly. Next to the DC vinyls, I absolutely loved the upcoming Universal Monsters lineup of three nicely stylized figures (Frankenstein, The Mummy and The Creature From The Black Lagoon) and the giant Mega Deluxe Frankenstein that begs for a Bride figure at some point in the same funky style.

As for more “scary” stuff, worth dropping a paycheck on when you end up buying so much of it,  the Creepy Cuddlers are coming back with a second series. This time out it’s huggy versions of Freddy Kreuger, Jason, Chucky and that creepy SAW doll as plushies to die for. Also, expect to see some Zombie plush pets arriving as part of the Creepy Cuddlers II line. I loved the dead kitty the most (aww!), but you’ve got a pretty wrecked up bunny and monkey if you’re allergic to dead cat hair. The popular Living Dead Dolls line is getting a bunch of new figures that range from original creations to “cute” versions of Universal’s Dracula and Frankenstein. Oh, Chucky is part of that line as well and yes, he looks like he’ll probably stab you in your sleep if you put him in the same room with you.