Riot Press officially announced a surprise drop of two new variants in their popular Johnny Phantasm action figure line. These latest releases, featuring bold new color schemes and the signature retro-aesthetic the brand is known for, are available now through the Riot Shop.
As with previous releases in this series, these figures are produced in limited quantities. Riot Press issued a statement via social media alongside the launch, warning fans that “when they’re gone, they’re gone,” signaling that these collectibles are expected to sell out quickly.
The New Johnny Phantasm Variants
The first of the two new releases is the “Black Skull / Orange Suit” Phantasm. This figure leans into a striking, high-contrast look that highlights the noir-inspired roots of the character. The second variant, the “Slime Green Skin / Red Suit” Johnny Phantasm, offers a more supernatural, “monster-movie” vibe that has become a favorite among fans of the series.
Both figures continue the Riot Press tradition of blending 1970s crime-noir tropes with supernatural elements. For those unfamiliar with the lore, Johnny Phantasm is the central anti-hero of the Riot Press indie comic universe, a character with mystical powers navigating a world of mobsters and monsters.
Built on the Glyos System
The Johnny Phantasm action figures are more than just static shelf pieces; they are built using the Glyos System. Developed by Onell Design and utilized by partners like Toy Pizza, the Glyos System features a series of interchangeable “plug-and-play” parts. This allows fans to pop apart the joints and swap limbs, heads, and accessories between different figures in the line, or even across different brands that use the same system.
This modularity has created a dedicated community of “customizers” within the indie toy world. By releasing these two new colorways, Riot Press is providing collectors with even more parts to mix and match, further expanding the “build-a-figure” potential of the Johnny Phantasm universe.
The Rise of Riot Press
Led by artist Patrick Thomas Parnell, Riot Press has carved out a unique niche in the independent market. While the company is well-regarded for its comic book titles like Ultra Star and Last of the Seekers, its foray into the world of plastic has seen significant growth. The Johnny Phantasm line, in particular, represents the “DIY spirit” of the company, moving from successful crowdfunding campaigns to a consistent schedule of “artisan” toy drops.
Availability and Collecting
The new “Black Skull” and “Slime Green” variants are priced at a point that reflects their limited-run nature. Given the history of Riot Press drops, where items like the “Ultimate Johnny Phantasm” and various “Henchmen” figures have sold out in record time, collectors are encouraged to act fast.
These figures are currently live on the Riot Press store for $20 each. For fans who miss out on this drop, Riot Press has hinted at future appearances at major conventions, though those exclusives often feature their own unique paint applications separate from the standard shop releases.
For those looking to dive deeper into the world of New Detroit and the supernatural underworld of Johnny Phantasm, these new figures offer the perfect entry point into one of the most creative corners of the independent toy industry.
